That dreaded time of year is approaching fast—it’s almost time to go back to school. The back to school sales around the malls and department stores throughout the county are an inescapable and constant reminder.

But are these sales really worth it? The best way to save money when it comes to back-to-school clothes shopping, hands down, is hitting the thrift stores. You can find gently worn jeans for anywhere from $4 to $10 and tops for around $3. You can’t beat that with the current economy.

Thrift stores get a bad rep sometimes, and people tend to think the clothes will have holes or other damages. The clothes are actually in really good shape, and some still have their original price tags on them.

It’s also better for the environment—recycling isn’t just for bottles.

To find the best deals, you should go back often. Clothes and other goods are constantly coming and going out of the stores, so if you can’t find what you’re looking for this week, check back next week.

Also, before you go, think about what you want to buy before you go there, especially when the kids are with you. Some of the thrift stores are pretty big and can be a little overwhelming if you don’t know what you want.

For kids that might not like shopping, a lot of the thrift stores have toys, books and movies on sale for less than a dollar. It can be easier to get your kids to focus on shopping when they know they can pick out a toy at the end of the trip.

And just like in any other clothing shop, you should be able to try the clothes on at thrift stores. Just because it’s $3 doesn’t mean you should settle for a shirt that doesn’t fit well.

Thrift stores are also perfect if you have children heading off to college or moving into their first apartments. A lot have couches and bigger pieces of furniture like drawers and desks. You can also find lamps, dishes and glasses. It’s a cheap way to make any dorm room look more unique and cozy.

If you think thrifting is embarrassing, think again. Celebrities always talk about the great clothes they found at thrift stores. And what’s more “green” than reusing clothes?

Thrift stores can be fun and exciting if you’re ready to dig. There is always a lot to look through, but I guarantee that you will find something you love if you give it a try.

Here’s a list of thrift stores around the county to get you started, and to look for more near you, check out www.thethriftshopper.com.

---

2^nd Avenue Value Store

Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday

Address: 1200 Welsh Road, North Wales

Website: www.2ndavevaluestores.com

Impact in Montgomeryville

Hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday

Address: 979 Bethlehem Pike (Route 309)

Website: impactthrift.org

Impact in Norristown

Hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday

Address: 1798 Markley St.

Website: impactthrift.org

New Life Thrift

Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday

Address: 800 N. Easton Road, Glenside

Website: newlifethriftinc.org

Goodwill Store and Donation Center

Hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday

Address: 70 Buckwalter Road, Royersford

Website: www.goodwill.org

Care and Share

Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Saturday

Address: 783 Route 113, Souderton

Website: www.careandshareshoppes.org

Crossroad Gift and Thrift

Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday

Address: 139 W. Main St., Norristown

Website: thrift.mcc.org/shops/norristown-thrift-shop

Liberty Thrift and Home Furnishings

Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday

Address: 3841 Ridge Pike, Collegeville

Website: www.libertythriftstores.com/index.aspx