## Goodwill of Orange County ##

The Orange County Examiner Article:
Classic Closet offers high-end thrift store finds
Link to article

Although it is easy to miss, set back off Beach Blvd. at Ellis and Main Streets in Huntington Beach, Classic Closet is not a place to overlook if you are looking for thrift store deals.

Although a Goodwill operation, you can tell this store is different from the moment you walk in the door. And according to one of the pleasant staff, the difference is that only the high-end donations come here. It's like the thrift store jackpot!

The store is neatly arranged and easy to navigate. Seasonal clothing is up front, children's clothing and toys in the right corner, household items in the left corner.

A couple of months ago, to refrain from turning up the heat at home, I went to Classic Closet in search of a sweater. When I found a beautiful blue Ralph Lauren sweater, I knew I'd got a certified bargain. Following a little research after a friend asked me what color the label was, I discovered the real extent of my deal. The purple-labeled sweater made in Italy is worth more money than I have ever spent on a piece of clothing. According to several eBay advertisements, sweaters like mine retail for up to $1,200 and are reselling for over $149.00.

I paid $9.99. Seriously, I'm now nervous about wearing it!

Today, I was looking for a book to keep me company as I fight a cold. The former bestseller was priced at $1.49. Although not library size, the selection was respectable with a variety of books, from self-help, to biographies, how-to's, fiction and a fair amount of titled that will help children learn or soothe them to sleep.

But finding a deal, even when the odds are better, takes patience and some luck. Sometimes I leave with nothing, and sometimes I've returned to get something I saw the previous day and it's gone.

When buying clothing, be sure to try things on first. Since proceeds from the stores' sales go to charity, they do not accept returns, provide refunds or store credit. Ask about policies for housewares in case they do not work.

Classic Closet is open seven days a week, until early evening.

For more info: Find Classic Closet on the map, with phone numbers here.

Author: Laurie Morrison
Laurie Morrison is an Examiner from Los Angeles. You can see Laurie's articles on Laurie's Home Page.

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About Goodwill of Orange County

Goodwill of Orange County is a nonprofit organization with its Main Campus located at 410 North Fairview in Santa Ana. Now in its 85th year, Goodwill of Orange County has provided thousands of people with disabilities and other barriers the opportunity to achieve their highest levels of personal and economic independence through competitive employment. Goodwill of Orange County has consistently received a four-star rating, based on organizational efficiency and organizational capacity from Charity Navigator, America's premier independent charity evaluator. For more information on Goodwill of Orange County and its education, training and employment programs and services, please contact Katherine Ransom, Communications Manager at (714) 547-6308 ext. 308 or katheriner@ocgoodwill.org. Information can also be found at www.ocgoodwill.org

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