The Best Time To Visit The Thrift Store To Find Kitchen Items Worth Your While

From iconic Sears Merry Mushroom jars to vintage Pyrex and technicolor O.G. Fiestaware, the kitchen section of the thrift store can be a foodie's affordable dream come true. For aesthetically-minded home cooks, shopping secondhand is a fantastic way to add character and charm to the kitchen without breaking the bank or depleting the grocery budget. Just like there's a "correct" time to hit the grocery store for the freshest produce, there's a "correct" time to hit the thrift shop to score the most sought-after kitchenware. The early bird gets the worm — especially if they avoid Saturdays and Sundays.

Shoppers are most likely to skim the cream of the crop first thing in the morning, specifically on weekdays. During the store's earliest opening hours, other shoppers won't have had a chance to snag your dream vintage kitchen brand finds. In fact, the absence of those other shoppers means that customers can browse in peace, dodging any crowds. At many antique stores and flea market stalls, sellers tend to put their highest-quality or highest-demand items out as soon as they open. By arriving first, shoppers get their pick of the litter and a greater likelihood of finding high-value vintage kitchen tools. Here's lookin' at you, early birds. Pro tip: Don't feel shy about asking an employee whether that particular store has a regular inventory restock day, or scheduled discount days. Be sure to swing by the textile section during your thrift trip, too (you can thank us later).

If at first you don't succeed, try, try, again. Seasoned thrifters know well that not every trip to bins is as fruitful as the least. If you're on the hunt specifically for stand-out kitchen pieces, swing by the thrift shop as often as you can. Restocks happen frequently, high-demand pieces move fast, and there's no need to browse the entire store. If you don't have an afternoon to spend, that kitchenware aisle can be thoroughly inspected in 10 minutes with a little dedicated focus. Duck into the shop whenever you drive by for a quick shelf-scan, if you're looking to lock down something in particular.

No matter what hour you arrive ready to hit a thrift, there's something to be gained. Most larger secondhand shops like Goodwill, Value World, and more regularly restock their shelves throughout the day, transferring newly-priced items from the back onto shoppable shelves. So, you're bound to find a replenished crop at any time of day. Also, visiting antique markets an hour or two before close might yield a pretty picked-over crop, but sellers are often more willing to strike up a deal, which can be a plus for higher-ticket items like a vintage Dutch oven. But, for the greatest likelihood of browsing a fully-replenished kitchen aisle offering its best wares, aim to get to the thrift store as soon as the doors open. Set your alarm clock and it's off to the (really leisurely) races.