Top Spots For Cheap Stuff
There's nothing we like more than a bargain - or, at least the perception of one. And we do cling to the belief that one person's junk is another's treasure. That's how flea markets, thrift shops and bargain stores were born. The Delaware Valley is awash in them. So let's hit the road in suburbs and exurbs to find a few favorites beyond the city borders. -- Jay Lloyd
GOODWILL STORES
Numerous Locations
yourgoodwill.org/shop/stores-donation-centers
I have a friend who travels to Florida, flying with nothing but a toilet kit, completely avoiding baggage fees. On arrival he heads straight to the nearest Goodwill store, buys shorts, Hawaiian shirts and flip-flops for less than the cost of the fees. He's set. On the way home, he donates it all back and takes a small tax deduction. Goodwill stores stock everything from used sporting goods to tuxedos. Although valuables at bargain prices are getting harder to find, everyday items for home and leisure at rock bottom prices are plentiful.
OLLIES
203 Shoemaker Rd.
Pottstown, PA 19464
www.ollies.us/locations
So, you want it brand, spanking new with factory labels, but don't want to pay the price of "new"? Got you covered at Ollies. They have a few stores in the region, but I usually wind up in Pottstown. But, does everything from books to kitchenware and plastic Christmas Trees fall off a truck? Not exactly. when manufacturers want to get rid of things, because they made too many or they need room for a new line, Ollies buys the remainders at ridiculous prices. My scores here were one golf club for 5 bucks and a big bag of golf balls for 10. Go browse.
FUN FLEA MARKETS
Various LocationsEstablished suburban flea markets are homes to a permanent array of vendors along with the yard sale sellers who show up whenever they clean out the attic. Some are specialists, others offer a hodge podge. Either way, it's an American version of a Moroccan bazaar. You can bargain for anything, and everything is negotiable. Among my favorites are ZERNS in Gilbertsville which operates Friday evenings and Saturdays, featuring flea market tables and fixed stalls with everything from memorabilia to electronics, Pennsylvania Dutch meats and produce. Get directions at: zerns.com
For something completely different, head for South Jersey and combine a day of shopping at an indoor-outdoor flea market with the excitement of a nighttime wild west rodeo. COWTOWN FLEA MARKET operates every Tuesday and Saturday and the rodeo hooves are flying on Saturday night. Saddle up at: cowtownfarmmarket.com
How about putting together a weekend at New Hope with its boutique shopping, unique eateries, a scenic train ride and a visit to nearby RICE'S FLEA MARKET? Open air and under cover, Rice's operates on Tuesdays and Saturdays and features hundreds of vendors, peddling new and used household treasures, crafts, clothing, old stuff and tchotchkes at negotiable prices. Bring a big bag. Get a map and details at: ricesmarket.com
THE POWERHOUSE in Collegeville is just that, an old power house converted to a giant indoor flea market that opens its doors every Sunday. My acquisitions here over the years have been a $2 fishing rod and reel that stayed on the boat, some hard-to-find books and a pair of unique ash trays that probably have some value, but are just used for outdoor ashes when single malt and cigars mingle in the back yard. Get directions and more right here:
LIBERTY THRIFT
65 E. Bridge Street
Spring City, PA 19475
www.libertythriftstores.com/locations/spring-city
LIBERTY THRIFT with several suburban locations helps bankroll a ministry that works behind the walls of Graterford prison to prepare inmates for eventual release and then actively guides them into housing and jobs. Donations of goods and clothing just pour in. They go out at incredible prices. Big items here are kitchenware, furniture, clothing, sporting goods and books. But there's a bit of everything including a few rare gems that yield a memory or two. Check the locations at: libertythriftstores.com/locations/spring-city
