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Meaning & use

thrift stores

noun·Everyday

Last updated

UK/ˈθrɪft stɔːz/
US/ˈθrɪft stɔːrz/

“thrift stores” is a form of “thrift store”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.

Meanings

  1. nounplural

    Shops that sell used clothes and household goods cheaply, often to raise money for charity.

    Grammar: Plural of thrift store; use a singular verb only with the singular form: 'The thrift store is open.'

    Patterns

    • shop at thrift stores
    • find something at a thrift store
    • donate to a thrift store

    She buys most of her clothes at thrift stores.

    Thrift stores in this city support local shelters.

    We dropped off old books at the thrift store.

  2. nounpluralinformal

    The idea or activity of buying second-hand goods in such shops.

    Grammar: Used in general statements about the habit or trend, without 'the'.

    Patterns

    • thrift stores are popular
    • the rise of thrift stores

    Thrift stores are popular with students on a budget.

    The rise of thrift stores has changed how people shop for clothes.

Word forms

singularthrift store

Common combinations

shop at a thrift store
They shop at a thrift store near the campus.
a local thrift store
A local thrift store sells donated furniture.
donate to a thrift store
You can donate to a thrift store instead of throwing things away.
second-hand clothes from a thrift store
He wore second-hand clothes from a thrift store.
thrift store prices
Thrift store prices make fashion affordable.

Synonyms and how they differ

charity shop
The common British term; it stresses that the shop raises money for a good cause.
second-hand shop
A broader term for any shop selling used goods, not necessarily for charity.
vintage store
Sells old but stylish items, usually at higher prices than a thrift store.
consignment shop
Sells used goods for their owners, who receive part of the sale price.

Opposites

department stores

Word family

thrift noun
Careful use of money; the quality of not wasting it.
thrifty adjective
Careful with money and good at saving.
thriftily adverb
In a careful, money-saving way.

Commonly confused: thrift stores or thrift shop? thrift stores or gift shop?

thrift stores vs thrift shop

The same thing; 'thrift shop' is just a shorter, equally common form.

thrift stores vs gift shop

Sells new items as presents, not used goods for charity.

Practice

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