Save With Consignment, Thrift Shops

One of my favorite frugal tips is "buy it used." I love this tip because not only does it save you money, but also follows the three R's: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.

Thrift shops are a great place to look for gently used items that are in good condition with little wear.

Sometimes you may even find things that are new in the box, or with the tags still on for a fraction of the retail price. The key is to only buy what you need.

Most thrift shops take donations, but a few take trade-ins for store credit or cash.

Just in time for back-to-school shopping, here are a few local places to get you started on your hunt for some "needed" items.

Where:  carries vintage clothing for men including a selection of sports and college logo gear. 1409 Hermosa Ave., Hermosa Beach, 310-379-2700
 
Where:  carries just about everything and the selection changes regularly. They accept donations. 2406 Artesia Blvd., Redondo Beach, 310-376-1385
 
Where:  is next door to Salvation Army and also has a large selection that changes regularly. They accept donations. 2318 Artesia Blvd., Redondo Beach, 310-376-8122
 
Where:  has a large selection of kids clothing and baby essentials. Store credit trade-in hours vary, check with the store. 715 Torrance Blvd., Redondo Beach, 310-542-4407
 
Where:  carries a variety of items. They accept donations. 1418 Aviation Blvd., Redondo Beach, 310-376-3991
 
Where: Dave's Olde Bookshop carries a large selection of used and rare books. They accept trade-ins for store credit. 2123 Artesia Blvd., Redondo Beach, 310-793-1300
 
Where:  has a large selection of kids clothing and baby essentials. Trade-in hours vary. You can choose cash or store credit for your trade-ins, but you receive 30 percent more with store credit. 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Manhattan Beach, 310-546-8823