Sorting through tons of crapola to find a few rewards is part of the fun of thrift shopping, but it wears on the spirit of intrepid thrifters when store after store has been picked dry. Next to New, tended by the Ladies' Ministry of St. David's Episcopal, always has such great stock that we feel like we're the first people ever to walk over their welcome mat. Their strong suit is furniture, housewares, and costume jewelry, most of the grandma-retro aesthete. They're a little pricier than "almost free," but still way more affordable than vintage and antique stores with a good deal of comparable merchandise. Plus, their price tags tell you when the item goes through its next markdown, so if you can't spring for that tea cozy yet, maybe you can next week. When you can spring for the first price, you'll know that your money is going to a slew of good local causes. When you go, bring them your paper grocery bags!
