Shopping for secondhand clothes is a "trip fantastic" for the imagination, a journey of infinite treasure possibilities. Each person has his/her own favourite haunt, special technique, and rules to shop by. There are those who change their look every season, I call them the "pop shoppers"- never to wear the same clothes for longer than four months. I've met "era specific" types who prefer to wear clothes from any decade, save the current one. There are also the "die hard bargain shoppers" who seem to derive pleasure in being able to purchase anything in this day and age for less than a full days wage.

I personally fall into the category of "Village Junkie", as my personal favourite place to secondhand shop is Value Village. I shop there at least once or twice a week. Upon consultation with what I affectionately call "Village regulars", we came up with our own tried, tested, and true rules for shopping in what can seem like a neon lit, over-stocked nightmare upon first glance. To the Village curious and first timers out there, we serve up these ten secret shopping tips.

1. Never pay more than at least half of what it would retail for. (The store pays for the clothing per pound, not by brand name.)
2. Have an idea, even if a vague one, of what you are looking for.
3. Shop by colour. Value Village sorts clothing by colour, regardless of style or make. You can skip entire sections using this rule since you are not likely to wear something that is in a colour you don't like.
4. Be open-minded about possibilities. Everything from GAP to Versace has been known to turn up.
5. Shop around. Certain stores are better stocked with kid's clothes while others are better with designer labels; it all depends on where the store is located.
6. Track the sales. Value Village has half price sales throughout the year. It can be a stampede in there during the sales, but if you get there early it is fully worth your while. A good tip for these sales days is to put everything you like in your shopping cart as you go, you can narrow it down later. Otherwise certain items may not be there when you go back.
7. Visit all sections. Value Village is more than about clothes. I've found current hard covers that would retail at the bookstores for $40, selling here for $4.00.
8. Always check the original label for size. It may vary from the store tag as mistakes can happen.
9. Be sure to try clothing on and check for any tears or worn areas. There is a no money back return policy; you will only get store credit.
10. To get the best of the Village, remember that it takes time. Count on spending at least 1-2 hours, and by going at least once a week you too can become a Village Junkie.

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