Over the past couple of years, thrift stores, donation drop-offs and consignment stores have popped up in the downtown area and have become so popular because quality clothing items are being sold at a fraction of the retail price.

There are people who are turned off by used clothing, but when jeans are priced at $10 down from $55, look brand new and fit into a college budget, who wouldn’t want to buy them?

Daily deals are usually given at local thrift stores, so when trying to stock a cabinet of cups, bowls and dishes – thrifting is the way to go.

With the recession affecting many Sacramentans, business owners took this as an opportunity to offer their neighborhoods less expensive goods and the popularity just keeps rising.

A bad reputation perpetuated the idea of thrifts stores only being a place to shop if you were poor. Now, blogging fashionista’s show us how to shop smart at the thrift store for staple outfits that every closet needs.

Consignment stores, such as Renaissance Consignment on 2362 Fair Oaks Blvd., are particular about the items they consign. If I were to consign an item, Renaissance would give me the value of the item in either store credit or cash and they in turn will sell my item in their store.

For first time consignors, articles of clothing must be in great repair and currently in fashion. The idea behind this service is to stay on top of trending fashion items in order to keep your wardrobe up-to-date without having to pay full price.  

“We have been in business for twenty years and only take upper-end clothing to consign,” said manager Jenny Outland. “ Consignment is a green business and you can get Paris quality clothing just here in Sacramento.”

Similarly, Freestyle Clothing Exchange on 2101 L St., is a popular location for downtown Sacramentans to bring in clothes to be bought outright, cash or trade on the spot.  

“Freestyle has become popular through word-of-mouth and the demographic is 16-35 year olds,” said store manager Meg Campoy.

The best part of thrift store shopping is the excitement of finding something unexpected.

Students on campus take advantage of the offerings at local stores, but some unmentioned thus far are Goodwill, Salvation Army and Crossroads.  

“I go [to thrift stores] about three times a month on average,” said sophomore civil engineering major Abraham Coyne. “I occasionally volunteer up some shirts and go [to the thrift store] because its cheap.”

So, when your wardrobe is out of date or you are tight on cash and need a new interview outfit do not pass up the possibilities thrifting offers.