Many people have a hard time fighting the urge to shop, especially when their pockets and wallets are empty. But there is a solution; it still costs some money, but for $10, shoppers can make out like bandits.
Just a 20-minute drive away, Bellefonte has three promising stores where students can shop until they drop -- the American Rescue Workers Thrift Store, Goodwill Industries Store and A Closer Look.
Stephanie Shearer (senior-art history) and Susan Concord (senior-graphic design) said they try to visit Bellefonte because they can find unique clothing such as dresses.
"Anything but The Gap," Shearer said.
Different seems to be the key for thrift shoppers, and different is definitely available.
The question is where to go first. Shoppers might try the American Rescue Workers Thrift Store, 118 N. Allegheny St.
After walking in, shoppers approach a table featuring coffee and cookies. Volunteers at the table tell patrons what the sale of the day is.
Sales vary from week to week. The "Bag Day" sale -- on the first Thursday of every month -- is probably most profitable for shoppers. Patrons can fill a bag with as much as they want for $8, Manager Amy Snook said.
Directly above the cookie table is a Victorian cape for $75 said to be more than 100 years old. It may sound pricey, but for the most part, everything else in the store costs much less.
Items in Rescue Workers vary from coats, hats, shirts, sweaters, pants and lingerie to books, furniture, mattresses and linens. College students with their identification cards can get a 20 percent discount.
Shoppers Adam Beers (sophomore-architecture) and Sandra Granthon (sophomore-architecture) were looking for some furniture -- namely a couch to add comfort to their architecture studio in the Engineering Units on campus.
The pair said a few architecture students will chip in the money to buy the couch. But the students said they don't limit their shopping simply to furniture.
"I like to raid (the stores) for birthday presents, like bowling trophies," Beers said.
Both agreed that they like to "find really old stuff."
Granthon added, "It may be old or out of date, but it's fun."
The next stop is right across the street at the Goodwill Industries Store, 115 N. Allegheny St. Although the store is smaller than the Rescue Workers, it does have an extensive collection.
There are rows upon rows of clothing -- all color-coordinated, and the store has a lot of knick-knacks in the back. Products such as old vinyl records and popcorn-makers jump out at shoppers.
Just up the block is A Second Look, 141 S. Allegheny St.
The consignment shop is full of unique items, but is somewhat more expensive in comparison to the other stores. Small as it may be, it does house some old, yet interesting dresses, hats and costume jewelry.
In celebration of all the purchases, shoppers might try getting an ice cream soda at Plumb's Rexall Drugs, 105 N. Allegheny St. There is a soda counter in the middle of the drugstore.
