As students return from Winter Break, they often set their sights on thrift shop doors.
Daimion Roberts, a Salvation Army administrator, said students need to fill their new homes at the start of each semester.
“A lot of them have changed apartments and are looking for bargain pieces,” he said.
The Salvation Army thrift store, located at 55 NW 23rd Ave., will sell everything for less than $100 until the end of next week.
Brandon Steriti, an 18-year-old civil engineering freshman, started shopping at thrift stores on his lunch breaks.
“Some of the clothing is better than what you would buy in a store,” he said.
While he usually hopes to uncover vintage hats and jackets, Steriti said his sights are changing.
“Next year, when I get an apartment, I will go (to thrift stores) to look for furniture,” he said.
Thomas Fasulo, the book man at Haven Hospice Attic Resale, said his store has more floor space than any other nonprofit organization in Gainesville.
He said the store, located at 300 NW Eighth Ave., offers more than 3,000 books, along with $1 shirts and furniture that ranges from about $9 up to $300.
He said the store benefits Haven Hospice, which treats people with advanced illnesses, and he hopes students will give it a chance.
“We sometimes talk about how Haven is the best-kept secret,” he said.
