Thrift stores offer back-to-school values

    YATES COUNTY—The first day of school for Dundee and Penn Yan is Wednesday, Sept. 7, so the time to do back to school shopping is drawing to a close.
    However, there are some thrifty options in the area with various new and used clothing stores in the area. Parents can find clothing and other school supplies at stores within the community.
    “It’s a big thing right now,” said Barbara Pringle, manager of the Once Again Shoppe in Penn Yan.
    She added that after 12 years at the store, she knows that thrift shopping is a great way to get supplies in an affordable way. Pringle said most families shopping at Once Again are happy with the selection and choice. She explained that all items in the shop are donated by people, so “you don’t know what you’ll get.” The thrift store has also had other school related items for sale, like sports equipment.
    Once Again has also provided Keuka College students with furniture needed in apartments. Pringle explained new students don’t necessarily know about them, but other college students do buy items from the thrift store.
    Sarah Nielsen, owner of Too Good To be Threw, said people are not just shopping for school clothes, but the fall season in general. She added that parents started coming in two weeks ago looking for school clothes. She explained that the big thing parents are looking for are jeans.
    “Why pay $15, $20, $40 for a pair of jeans when you can get them for less than $5?” Nielsen said. “As a parent of five kids I’m doing the same.”
    In addition to new clothes for the start of the new school year, Nielsen added she has sold a few formula calculators she had in stock. She explained items like that go quickly.
    The Closet, owned by Stephanie Sampos, said her store also carries clothes and shoes for girls and boys. She explained that The Closet has many items below $3 when it comes to kids’ clothing. However, she added that her store hasn’t gotten much back to school business.
    Other stores in the area also offer other items needed by students. Barb Mullins said The Books Landing has the classics required by English classes. She added it’s not common for students to come to her store for the books needed for school, because she doesn’t carry textbooks. Mullins added that during the summer elementary teachers buy books from her to use in the classroom, pre-kindergarten to second grade.