A Local Shopping Guide

Whether you’re concerned about the environmental impact of shipping or simply prefer to know where your money is going, shopping locally can make a difference. Here are some tips to help you start.

One way to do this is to set aside a budget for local shopping. Another is to participate in events such as Plaid Friday, Small Business Saturday and more.

Buffalo Exchange

Founded in Tucson, Arizona in 1974 by Kerstin and Spencer Block, the resale clothing chain is a leader in secondhand fashion. It has 41 stores nationwide and grossed $103 million in 2022.

The company offers competitive benefits for full and part-time employees, including flexible schedules and discounts on merchandise. It also contributes to local community efforts, such as a decline-a-bag program that gives customers five-cent tokens for donating their single-use bags to charity. The tokens are donated to local organizations like the Southern Arizona Center Against Sexual Assault (SACASA) and the Tucson Audubon Society.

Employees get a bonus when the company makes a profit. The firm practices open book financials and encourages business literacy for its staff. It also provides top-notch medical coverage for employees who average more than 20 hours a week. In addition, it helps workers save for their futures through a 401(k). Employees also enjoy paid time off. In addition to kicking back on a beach or trekking up Kilimanjaro, they can take a road trip and visit their favorite national parks.

Goodwill

Goodwill’s revenue streams are broad and diversified. From its roots as a retail operation, Goodwill has expanded to offer a wide array of services that support its mission to transform generations through education, job training and work.

Shoppers scour the shelves of Goodwill stores for vintage clothing, eclectic books and unique home accessories, all at great prices. But the real treasures are in the bins. Look for items with labels from Target and other big-name stores that were returned to those outlets, allowing them to be sold at Goodwill.

Goodwill outlet locations add and remove bins during a mid-day break, so it’s possible to arrive right before the store closes and have a shot at finding something new. Be sure to bring a laundry basket, storage tote or large bag so you can quickly grab the best finds before they’re gone. And don’t forget to ask about military and senior discounts. They vary by location, but can be as much as 25% off.

Thrift Stores

Whether you’re looking to make a fashion statement and buy an entire new outfit, or simply find some cool vintage clothes, thrift stores are the place for you. They offer a wide range of clothes, shoes and accessories in various sizes. Plus, they are often cheaper than the same items at the mall or even online.

Thrift shops also have a charitable vibe to them, which means that they usually support people or groups in the community. For example, Goodwill supports programs to help people with barriers to employment and provides job training and resume building.

Another popular choice for thrift shoppers is Cure Thrift Shop in East Village. The proceeds from this thrift store go toward Type 1 diabetes research and advocacy organizations. The store is known for their selection of unique vintage clothing, but they also carry new designer items. It’s also a great place to stock up on cheap supplies for DIY projects, like making a costume or getting paint splattered.

Brookfield Place

The Brookfield Place complex is home to many of the world’s most iconic brands. It’s the epitome of luxury shopping, dining and cultural experiences. It’s one of the most coveted destination and meeting places in downtown Manhattan.

Originally known as the World Financial Center, this beautiful commercial space is a great place to go for lunch and shop. There are restaurants for all budgets and a beautiful outdoor promenade to walk and relax.

It has a beautiful waterfront, and the Winter Garden is gorgeous as well. The best part is that it’s open all year! So if you’re looking for a spot to visit in the cold, you can enjoy all that it has to offer. There are many stores that you can shop at, including Burberry, J Crew and Lululemon. In addition, there are a lot of delicious restaurants that you can dine at like Del Frisco’s Grille and Le District. Brookfield also has an Institute of Culinary Education that offers cooking and cocktail classes for adults.