Photos by Cameron McPhail/ Staff Photographer
Clearance Couture Close to Home
Birmingham stores with discounted rates
Emma Owen
Blazer News Reporter
emmaowen@uab.edu
Balling on a budget but need a fresh fit? Whether it be for a job interview, date night or greek event, there are inexpensive clothing options located just a few miles from campus.
With several thrift stores in the Birmingham area, Hannah Butler, sophomore in English Literature and Secondary Education, said there are a number of positives that result from a thrift store visit.
“I shop at the thrift store of course because it is cheaper,” Butler said. “But more importantly because it recycles clothing items that need a new home. Purchasing local from thrift stores often gives back to some organization or charity as well. Recycling clothing saves money, but also puts use into a piece of clothing that otherwise may have been in the trash or cluttered up somewhere.”
Butler said her favorite thrift store in Birmingham is Sozo Trading Company.
“It expands my style,” Butler said. “My favorite part is that fact that when thrifting, I often go for more bold pieces or things I might not pick up from a name brand store.”
Butler said she encourages other students to shop at thrift stores to save money and find unique items.
“[Thrifting] is fun,” Butler said. “Going and finding new pieces is a blast, especially with friends.”
With the nearest location being five miles from campus, students and community members also frequent Ross for new clothing items.
Kayla Bridgmon, Junior in nursing, said Ross’s low prices are a big selling point for her.
“I shop at Ross because they have cute clothes and it is cost efficient,” Bridgmon said. “They also have a good quality of clothes.”
Bridgmon said the selection of clothing items at Ross provides a nice variety.
“They are cheaper than a lot of places with name brand clothes,” Bridgmon said. “What draws me to Ross is that I can get more clothes for a better price than spending a lot of money on one thing.”
Annabelle Beasley, frequent Ross customer said she appreciates the deals on trendy clothing items.
“I’m a clearance shopper so I love the prices they have on Adidas, Michael Kors and other [brands],” Beasley said. “The selection of dresses and active wear [brings me to Ross].”
Beasley said she encourages other students and community members to check out their local Ross.
“We are all broke college students trying to juggle school, work and extracurricularactivities,” Beasley said. “Sometimes you need to treat yourself with a shopping trip and Ross is a cheap place to do so!”
Zoe’s in Forest Park is another secondhand shop located close to campus.
AlayaManzella, frequent Zoe’s customer, said there are many perks to shopping at Zoe’s.
“I think that Zoe’s is different from other stores,” Manzella said. “When you shop at their store you feel so welcome, and what other store has cute cats and dogs you can play with while you shop?”
Manzella said the price range at Zoe’s also appeals to her.
“It’s second hand clothing but still trendy and affordable,” Manzella said. “The prices aren’t marked up like crazy like most chain retail stores.”
Manzella said she recommends this shop to other members of the community.
“I think others should shop there because the atmosphere is great,” Manzella said. “The owners are the sweetest and they have the most fashionable clothes at great prices.”
