For Halloween party-goers – or for those who still go trick-or-treating – area thrift stores are the perfect hunting grounds to find an outrageous outfit.
Buffalo Exchange, located at 151 E. Fifth Ave. in Eugene, is the best bet for finding an outfit without much searching.
The Buffalo Exchange is a trendy boutique that specializes in new and recycled clothing. It features men’s and women’s name-brand clothing like American Eagle, Abercrombie and Fitch and The Gap.
Now in stock is a collection of Halloween outfits.
The store buys most of its clothes from customers who bring in their old clothes. Customers recycling their clothing receive 35 percent of the selling price or 50 percent in-store credit.
“We look for popular styles that our customers are looking for,” manager Mary Kolego said.
Staffers only buy back what’s in style. They look for what people are wearing on the street, what’s sold at the mall and what is featured on television and in magazines.
Kolego said designer denim and velvet are currently selling well. What else is in? “Good, yummy fall colors: rich brown, burgundy, yellows,” she said.
Most who sell clothes to the store are just looking to clean out their closet.
“We buy directly from the public. The majority of our merchandise comes from the public,” said Kolego.
The Buffalo Exchange started in 1974 in Arizona, and has expanded to 11 states, with three stores in the Willamette Valley.
The Eugene location offers a fresh selection. “Even for me, every day I come in here there’s a certain level of excitement. That’s definitely not something you’re going to find at the mall. We have new stuff everyday,” said Kolego, who has worked at the store since its opening in 1999.
The store has clothes for reasonable prices – Kolego estimates the average price range for clothes is $10 to $25.
“The initial sticker shock is gone and people can get fashionable items for a reasonable price,” she said.
The store has plenty of accessories including belts, shoes, jewelry, scarves, backpacks and hats, along with a huge variety of clothing articles.
“We have some of everything. We have the brands that you can find at the mall, but we have that fun and unexpected item you can’t find anywhere else,” Kolego said.
Many of these unexpected items can be found on the Halloween rack. “We just got in a killer tutu,” Kolego said.
The Buffalo Exchange has a rack full of themed outfits including ’70s, Little Red Riding Hood, farmer, French maid, cheerleader, prom king and queen and many more.
Value Village, at 555 W. Centennial Blvd. in Springfield, is another good spot to find Halloween outfits for a modest price. Although Value Village has a wide selection of outfits and clothing items, finding fashionable pieces is hit-or-miss. Most used items start at $1while new items start at $15. The selection provides an opportunity to mix and match.
The warehouse store has a wide array of Halloween accessories including masks.
Other thrift stores in the Eugene area that offer more adventure and surprise include Goodwill stores.
The thrift store operates three Eugene-Springfield Goodwill stores, including one at 15 Coburg Road in Eugene. The local stores are at 1015 River Road, 855 Seneca Road and 102 30th St. in Springfield.
Those searching for an inexpensive alternative may want to check out The Salvation Army at 2065 W. 7th Ave. in Eugene or St. Vincent De Paul, with locations throughout Eugene.
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