For students, thrift stores supply a lot of costumes, outfits and wardrobes for various clubs, organizations, theatre events and everyday wear. There are many thrift stores in Searcy, but in a personally conducted Twitter survey, participants voted between four businesses: Goodwill at 3707 E. Race, Dirt Cheap at 2702 E. Race, Hope Restored at 509 E. Race and Tonya’s Consignment at 2701 E. Race.
The survey was open for 12 hours and available to students on Twitter and Facebook. The results showed that 75 percent of participants prefer Goodwill, 13 percent prefer Dirt Cheap, 8 percent prefer Hope Restored and 4 percent prefer Tonya’s Consignment.
The club recruitment process begins during the fall semester, during which there are several activities that call for dressing up as different characters or to fit a specific theme. Students often shop at thrift stores to purchase pieces for their desired costumes. Freshman Daniel Stepginger has not attended an event that needed the assistance of a thrift store, but says he would go if he needed to.
“One of my friends bought a flannel and turned it into a kilt for one of his mixers,” Stepginger said.
Senior Allie Cook has been in women’s socisl club Pi Theta Phi during her four years at Harding. When it comes to club activities, functions and mixers, Cook actively thrifts and encourages thrifting to find appropriate outfits and costumes for specific events. Outside of club purposes, Cook said that at least 80 percent of her wardrobe is from various thrift stores. She explains that it is extremely convenient to have access in Searcy to several shops that allow students to update their wardrobe without spending a lot of money.
“Honestly, without thrift shops, people would have to be a lot more creative, that’s for sure,” Cook said. “It is always amusing to see what everyone comes up with and getting to appreciate awesome thrift finds. I am appreciative for the opportunities to look fly on a budget.”
This semester, mixer themes include “Pi Theta Phairyland,” Delta Nu’s “Alter Ego,” Iota Chi’s “Merry Little First Round Mixer,” Ju Go Ju’s “Out of this World” and Phi Kappa Delta’s “Come Dressed as Something that Begins with the First Letter of Your Name.” With such a wide variety of thrifting options available, students should have no trouble showcasing the highest creativity for the lowest price.
