Spring Break
Alternative places to fill out your wardrobe
Alyssa Carroll
Issue date: 2/24/09 Section: Focus
On a campus overrun by UGGs, North Face jackets and polo T-shirts, it may seem as though diversity in shopping outlets is nonexistent. However, there are many alternatives to the major retailers found at the mall, making finding a new look on a student budget easy. So, though Storrs may seemingly have more cows than apparel vendors, be sure to look for these retail gems.
Salvation Army
With a constant turnover of merchandise, it's impossible to tell what treasures a Salvation Army will hold. With infinite amounts of styles, shoulder-pads, accessories and miscellaneous knickknacks, this store is a very inexpensive way to pick up some unique pieces. Sure, the clothes may sometimes smell a little funny at first, but after a wash your friends will all be wondering where you found all your new vintage clothes. The closest franchise, located down Route 195 near the Eastbrook Mall, offers half-off prices on Wednesdays and student discounts every day with a valid ID. Also, be sure to check out the Vernon location off of Interstate 84.
Goodwill
Similar to the Salvation Army, Good Will provides a great and inexpensive way to update your wardrobe. Though perhaps not as thrifty as the Salvation Army, these stores provide distinctive items at costs lower than any you'd find at the mall. Located off of the Tolland turnpike in Manchester near the Buckland Hills mall, the Goodwill is a good way to stand out.
Thrift and Consignment Stores
With mid-range prices and clothes that are typically a little nicer than those at Salvation Army or Goodwill, thrift stores house loads of interesting clothing and accessories. With enough hunting, it is even possible to find some designer cast-offs to wear or re sell online. Look for local thrift stores such as Thrift & Gift and Worn Yesterday Shops in Coventry, Church Mouse in Manchester and Just Like New Consignment in Vernon.
Mansfield Marketplace
Just down the road from campus is a Mecca of unique shopping known as the Mansfield Drive-in Theatre & Marketplace. The marketplace is Eastern Connecticut's largest flea market, and is open every Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. indoors and outdoors, rain or shine, starting Mar. 22. With vendors selling anything and everything you can think of, this is a great way to find one-of-a-kind items.
Salvation Army
With a constant turnover of merchandise, it's impossible to tell what treasures a Salvation Army will hold. With infinite amounts of styles, shoulder-pads, accessories and miscellaneous knickknacks, this store is a very inexpensive way to pick up some unique pieces. Sure, the clothes may sometimes smell a little funny at first, but after a wash your friends will all be wondering where you found all your new vintage clothes. The closest franchise, located down Route 195 near the Eastbrook Mall, offers half-off prices on Wednesdays and student discounts every day with a valid ID. Also, be sure to check out the Vernon location off of Interstate 84.
Goodwill
Similar to the Salvation Army, Good Will provides a great and inexpensive way to update your wardrobe. Though perhaps not as thrifty as the Salvation Army, these stores provide distinctive items at costs lower than any you'd find at the mall. Located off of the Tolland turnpike in Manchester near the Buckland Hills mall, the Goodwill is a good way to stand out.
Thrift and Consignment Stores
With mid-range prices and clothes that are typically a little nicer than those at Salvation Army or Goodwill, thrift stores house loads of interesting clothing and accessories. With enough hunting, it is even possible to find some designer cast-offs to wear or re sell online. Look for local thrift stores such as Thrift & Gift and Worn Yesterday Shops in Coventry, Church Mouse in Manchester and Just Like New Consignment in Vernon.
Mansfield Marketplace
Just down the road from campus is a Mecca of unique shopping known as the Mansfield Drive-in Theatre & Marketplace. The marketplace is Eastern Connecticut's largest flea market, and is open every Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. indoors and outdoors, rain or shine, starting Mar. 22. With vendors selling anything and everything you can think of, this is a great way to find one-of-a-kind items.
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