Goodwill, Thrifting, and Hidden Treasures 🌻🛍️✨

On my way home from work, I heard on NPR News that Seattle has the largest Goodwill in the world. And yes—it’s true! The huge Goodwill on Dearborn Street has definitely upgraded since the days I first remember it as a child, all the way to now as a senior citizen.

One topic discussed was pricing. Many people have noticed that prices keep going up—and I agree. NPR quoted a study that said because retail prices are coming down, thrift store prices appear high. I can’t buy into that explanation.

I believe the Dearborn Goodwill (and maybe others) are factoring in the additional services they provide: training schools and educational programs that help people build employable skills. If higher prices help support that mission, maybe that’s part of the trade-off.

For me, thrifting has always been part of my life.

As a child, I went to Goodwill with my parents. As a single mother, I shopped there to make ends meet. When I relocated to Vegas with little in my pocket, Goodwill helped me piece together outfits and furnishings for my home.

Now, back home in Seattle as a senior citizen, I still love to wander the aisles—whether it’s the huge Goodwill or smaller neighborhood stores.

Yes, I pay attention to prices, but to me it’s about the find. When something catches my attention, feels like it has good energy, and the price is right, it feels like I’ve struck gold. ✨

Thrifting isn’t just about saving money—it’s about discovery.

Sometimes it’s finding what you need without paying brand new prices. Sometimes it’s stumbling on something unique and eclectic—a hidden treasure you didn’t even know you wanted.

One of my favorite parts of thrifting now is sharing the experience. I was thrilled to find out several of my coworkers are thrifters too—we share our finds proudly, like little trophies of discovery.

As for me? Two of my favorite treasures are a crushed velvet black leopard print jacket (so Flava!) and a beautiful Japanese wall art piece.

🌻 Now I want to ask you: Are you a thrifter? And if you are, what’s your favorite thrift shop find?

Flava is a Taste, a Style, a Feeling… What’s Your Flava?