BRATTLEBORO — “I think there's a misconception that people who shop in thrift stores are not discerning,” Experienced Goods Thrift Shop's Assistant Manager Ellen Graham told The Commons.
“But, to successfully shop in a thrift store, you must be discerning,” she said. “You're shopping for used clothing in weird lighting,”
Graham says used clothing is “only a good deal if it's wearable."
Part of Graham's job is sorting through every piece of clothing and pair of shoes - well, they hope the shoes come in pairs - the public donates to Experienced Goods.
She sees things even one's hairdresser never knows about.
When The Commons asked Graham for some of the ickiest items she has received, without missing a beat she ran down the list:
“Poopy underpants. Stained socks. Clothing that looks like it was mashed on someone's dirty floor and smells like dog and cheese sandwiches,” she said.
To potential donors, Graham offers this gentle reminder: “You may be okay with wearing your own stained shirt,” she said, “but not with paying $4 for someone else's stain.”