8 Unique Places To Shop For Clothes

I shop just about anywhere, and I like to make a buffalo on a nickel scream when I can. I'm not your traditional mall shopper. So I have scouted out and conquered some unusual places to purchase certain clothing. I like my casual wear and when I tell people where I purchase certain items they look at me real crazy, and say, "I haven't thought to shop there." So here are some places to consider to purchase clothing.

1. Drug Stores - They carry more than drugs these days. If you have a certain drug store chain in your state, I'm sure you've seen the tall sign with big red flashing letters displaying their sale items - must I say the name of the store begins with a "W" and has the word "green" in it. I have purchased t-shirts, sweat pants, socks, long sleeve shirts, and more from this drug store chain, and everything I purchased was a steal. My t-shirts, that I like to wear in the Summer were 5 for $10. Check out this drug store chain, and some items are unadvertised.

2. Grocery Stores - I purchased several pair of pajama pants at a discount grocery store. They were cotton flannel and quite warm. I paid $5 a pair. There is also a grocery chain where I purchase organic cotton clothing along with my organic fruits and vegetables.

3. Dollar Stores - Most of you should know that dollar stores have some good sales and even name brand clothing. I purchased 100% cotton turtlenecks for $2 each during a Blue Dot Special. Also, when you walk into some dollar stores there are racks that have items with torn packaging that can't be sold at full price so additional markdowns are taken off at the register. You may have to dig a little more through these racks but it's worth the dig.

4. Your Local Dry Cleaners - Yes. Do you know that some cleaners sell clothes that have been left over 30 days? I have purchased some designer suits and dresses. You can get jackets, coats, blouses, and slacks. Visit several dry cleaners in your area and ask what they do with clothes that have been left over 30 days. Get on their mailing list, if they have one. They will send you dollar off coupons too. If you really want to score on some very nice and very expensive clothes go to upscale areas and those areas surrounding dry cleaners.

5. Home Grown Closet Sale - You and your girlfriends or guy friends can get together and assemble a clothes sale at some one's home. Like me, I'm sure you have some clothing that you don't wear anymore. Someone can wear them. Sticker them with prices or if you want, barter, which never goes out of style.

6. Street Clothing Vendors - Why wait for street fairs to patronize these tents or booths you see on the sidewalks? A lot of times you can get really good deals, especially if you negotiate. I like getting 30 pairs of socks for $5. A great time to hit street clothing vendors is when it's raining. Not many people are out and most vendors are more than willing to negotiate, because of little foot traffic.

7. Hotel and Hospital Gift Shops - These places have sales too. You can purchase baby rompers and tees, swim trunks, scarves, bathing suits, hoodies, and very plush bath robes and slippers.

8. Restaurants - Yes, two things I like to do and that's eating and shopping. There is a Mexican restaurant I enjoy that has a retail shop as well. Retailing at restaurants is a trend that is slowly taking shape. The lunch crowd can turn into a retailer's dream, when after patrons eat they can peruse the clothing racks. This idea of retailing at restaurants can save retailers from renting expensive store fronts, and all they would have to do is rent a small space from a restaurant. Lunch patrons would save time, if they wanted to shop during their lunch hour, they would not have to go far. I have purchased jewelry and soap from this one particular Mexican restaurant I like. A person that I took to this Mexican restaurant purchased a gently used outdoor furniture set. He was so amazed at the restaurant's store.