The Family Thrift Center Outlets have prices that start at $1. 75 for everything on Thursday and six days later on Wednesday, prices drop to 25 cents each on everything. We decided to see what 25 cents can really buy.
The Family Thrift Center Outlet on the Gulf Freeway near Almeda Genoa is where the savvy shoppers come to save. It's where you can leave with bags and bags of clothing for $20. It's also where mom bloggers Pippa Williams and Jen Meneely, the authors of TooCheapBlondes.com, search for those coveted name brands.
"This skirt, we looked it up online and this retails for $700 to $800 and today it is a quarter," Meneely said.
That's right -- just a quarter! The quarter deals happen every Wednesday. At three area Family Thrift Center Outlets, the stores work like this. Every Thursday, new inventory comes in and everything is priced at a $1.75, then Friday, the price drops a quarter to $1.50, then each day after that, it's a 25 cents price drop until Wednesday, when you get to just 25 cents each for everything in the store.
"I brag about it to everyone -- you see this, you see this, 25 cents, can't beat it," said another shopper.
A whole rack of clothes is just $12.50. We found brands like Jos. A Banks, Ann Taylor and Ralph Lauren linen shirts.
Everything is 25 cents each -- suits, work clothes and purses. But there are some things to keep in mind if you are shopping at the outlet. There are no dressing rooms or mirrors.
"Make sure you wear something comfortable or you can try a jacket or blouse on something over what you are wearing," said Meneely.
Once you purchase the item, there is no return policy. So make sure to inspect each item carefully.
"Make sure there are no holes, stains, tears," said Meneely.
On the flip side, if a high end item has a small tear, stain or slightly too big, Too Cheap Blondes say it could be worth it to get it fixed.
"It might be worth your investment to take it to a tailor and get it to fit you perfectly," Meneely said.
Finally, be prepared to shop with some highly competitive shoppers. There are regulars who treat thrift shopping like a sport.
Here is a map of the Family Thrift Center Outlet stores.
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