With the “Binghamton” weather approaching, you may find yourself in need of warmer apparel. Perhaps you’re in need of the sweaters, jackets and coats that you may have forgotten to bring along (hey, it was 90 degrees when we got here), or perhaps you just want to update your wardrobe. Between Oakdale Mall’s slim pickings and Walmart’s “Duck Dynasty” merchandise room, quality and decently priced items are somewhat hard to come by. Fortunately, this guide to thrift stores in the Binghamton/Vestal area is here to help you out: Why spend a ton of money when you can get “pumped about some sh** from the thrift shop” instead?
Plato’s Closet
Location: 1708 Vestal Parkway East
Accessible by bus? No, but sharing a cab with a few friends is worth it. Or you can walk from Town Square Mall. It’s been done.
Best find: A black wool French Connection coat for $7.
Plato’s is great for name brands, running sales frequently. They have an extensive guy’s section (sizes 28-42), and they’ll also pay cash for your old clothing, shoes and accessories. But be warned — they can be picky, so don’t feel bummed if they pass over your awesome fuchsia fur vest from Forever 21.
Bonus: Plato’s also buys unused cosmetics and body products, so it’s a great place to pick up brand name lotions like Bath & Body Works for a fraction of the retail price.
Rating: ****
www.platosclosetvestal.com
Goodwill in Campus Plaza
Location: Campus Plaza (3701 Vestal Parkway East)
Accessible by bus? Yes. Take the 57 Shoppers Special to Campus Plaza.
Best find: New and used Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 games for $5-$10.
This Goodwill is tricky because it contains mostly closeouts and overstock from the nearby mall and Target. Stay away from these brands, since the prices are heavily marked up. Take some time to sift through for the real donations, and be sure to check out the book section in the back.
Bonus: Sign up for the free rewards card.
Rating: ***
www.goodwill.org
Salvation Army
Location: 3-5 Griswold St. (Do NOT confuse with the soup kitchen on Washington Street)
Accessible by bus: No, you’re going to want a friend to drive you to this rather colorful part of town.
Best find: A black waterproof anorak jacket for $4; Halloween costume materials; adequately-working electronic junk, the list goes on…
This is the thrift store of all thrift stores. It’s huge and brightly lit, with racks beyond racks of dirt-cheap clothing. Here you will find your perfect grunge army jacket with some cool sewn patches that are nearly falling off. The Salvation Armani, as I like to call it, never lets down those who are willing to spend several hours of their life in a trove that doesn’t necessarily present its treasures immediately. Be warned.
Bonus: They have a working bathroom that customers are allowed to used!
Rating: ****
Goodwill in Downtown Binghamton
Location: 12 Glenwood Ave.
Accessible by bus? An 11-minute walk from the Floral and Main stop on the Westside Shuttle.
Best find: A green J. Crew jacket for $6.
The Glenwood Goodwill has a great variety of fur and leather jackets and coats. The store itself is fairly new (and very clean). There’s also a large shoe section.
Bonus: It’s in a really useful plaza — Price Chopper, Big Lots and Dollar Tree are all there.
Rating: ***
So there you have it, thrifty shoppers. Good luck with your fashion choices, and might we also recommend Stephen’s Vintage, though don’t call it a costume shop, and Boscov’s. Not a thrift store. Just a wonderful place.