There’s something about a thrift shop that quickens the heart. Who wouldn’t appreciate the chance to find something unique and save money? People shop at thrift shops because they are watching what they spend, but for others, it’s the thrill of the hunt. Check out these shops to find out what came out of someone else’s closet. You might want to put it in your own.

Sobe Thrifty 1435 Alton Rd

Miami Beach, FL 33139

(305) 672-7251

www.careresource.org/sobethrifty.html If you want a wide selection of designer goods for a fraction of retail, this is the place to check. Just a mile away from the trendiest part of Miami Beach, this shop gets clothing and more from people who know style, meaning the goods on display are stylish and up-to-date. Along with both clothing and bling, Sobe Thrifty also offers a book and CD section. The thrift shop is operated as part of Care Resource, which provides medical care and HIV testing for the LGBT community.

Douglas Gardens Thrift Stores 5713 NW 27th Ave

Miami, FL 33142

(305) 638-1900

No Website This may well be the grand-daddy of all thrift stores. Literally, they have everything, in a store so huge you almost need a map to get around. Clothing of every kind and style, furniture, and household goods are the main items, but you can find accessories, artwork, and more. Plan a lot of time to look around, as some of the bets buys take a little sleuthing to find. The profits from sales benefit a nursing center and other programs for older members of the jewish community, and donations are brisk. You can make some real finds here.

Goodwill Industries Multiple locations, including

6842 SW 40th Street Miami, FL 33155

(305) 325-9114

www.goodwillsouthflorida.org/ Goodwill has been engaged in a program to expand it’s thrift shops, and many, like this one, are huge. The offer a wide selection of used clothing, housewares, books and CD’s, and while in the past some of the stores seemed a bit run-down, most now look and feel like much like a traditional big box retailer, with bright lighting and a wide-ranging selection. Goodwill gets a lot of donations, but only the best end up in the stores. Purchases in the stores help fund Good Will’s programs to train and employed disabled adults. If you want to clean out your closet to make room for new purchases, the also take donations which may be tax-deductible.

The Recycled Closet 13843 S Dixie Highway (US1)

Miami, FL 33176

(305) 233-6744

www.therecycledcloset.com/ Who cares more about fashion, and has less money, than teens? This is the store for them. The Recycled Closet is a consignment store that displays that carries used clothing for teens and young adults. The styles are a bit fresher, and the prices are a bit lighter. This is a family owned business, run by a mom and daughter who take a person interest in everything offered. You can find a host of brand names on the shelves, and the store claims it sells clothing and accessories at 70% off of retail. This is a great shop for the young (or the young at heart).

Faith Farm Ministries Multiple locations, including

1980 NW 9th Ave

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311

(954) 763-7787

www.faithfarm.org/ Faith Farm Gift Ships are a fixture in Broward and Palm Beach county. You can find clothing galore, but these shops also offer furniture, household goods, and some even offer supplies you can use to improve your home. They even sell cars in special sales. You can sign up to be notified when this happens. In a unique twist, the stores also sell new furniture, and they will deliver any of your purchases for a fee. The profits from the sales fund the Ministries’ programs, including a drug and alcohol rehabilitation program.

The Salvation Army Thrift Store Multiple locations, including

1791 W. Broward Blvd.

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312

(954) 467-5816

http://www.salvationarmy.org Looking for kids clothing and toys? Try one of the Salvation Army thrift shops. The large numbers of donations to the Salvation Army provide a steady stream of new things, and occasionally the stores will offer a special sale of the best items. You can find used clothing and household goods, and in Broward County, the Salvation Army also holds auctions of boats and cars donated to the organization. Proceeds from the thrift shops help adult rehabilitation programs, so you can save money and do good at the same time.