Thrift store provides students on a tight budget with a pound of clothing, without breaking the bank
February 2, 2017
For many teenagers money can be difficult to earn because we are still dependent on our parents for financial support, or we are held accountable for our own bills, such as phone, car, or insurance. Just like everyone else we also try to save as much money as much as possible by going to places with sales, or thrift stores.
Thrift stores are popular among our school. We’re always trying to find the best place with the best brands or reusable clothing that’s trendy as well. Found by the Pound, “hip thrift with a twist” is one of those great thrift stores we’re constantly searching for. Found by the Pound is a thrift store in Berkeley on the Northside; that charges you $3 with tax for a pound of clothing.
When I first went to FBTP, I was amazed by the amount of clothes and the size of the store. It’s in half of a warehouse but could possibly fill the whole warehouse with the amount of items, if that were the case. It took my mom and I almost three hours to find, try things on, and purchase our items. We spent $26 for seven items. That may seem like a lot for only seven items at a thrift store, but you have to take into consideration the material that the clothes are made of; mostly heavy denim.
When you first go you might be hesitant because it’s location might seem sketchy especially for newcomers. FBTP is located in the middle of a business that recycles clothing and sheets.
The inside doesn’t have that typical thrift store vibe. They have colorful art work, music, and lively workers. Entering the store, outfits bought from other vintage thrift stores are hanging up comparing prices of each store. You will be amazed at the difference of prices. The organization of the store is very helpful if you’re looking for a specific piece of clothing,
shoe,hat,or bag. Although, the fitting room is the only fault I could find. It is a large wooden cubicle with a curtain. It can be a little uncomfortable if it’s windy and people are walking by. As I changed in the fitting room there was a large fan that kept moving the curtain. Other than that, this does not take away from the overall vivid experience.
FBTP is a non-profit organization. They found a way to give back to the community with “three free sweaters”. You walk in and simply say, “I’m here to get my three free sweaters”. They also donate some of their items to runaway youth.
I would highly recommend FBTP because of the quality and variety of vintage clothing is amazing; there’s always many unique items to find. The staff is helpful. The vibes of the store aren’t the same as a typical thrift store. Also paying $3 per pound is helpful when you’re a teenager or adult on a budget.
If you would like to get a feel for the store before going; they have a website, foundbythepound.com, as well as an Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter all @FoundByThePound. Phone number is (314) 524-4593, location 6740 Romiss Ct, Berkeley, MO 63134. Open Tuesday through Saturday 10am-6pm.
Jason Granda • Oct 14, 2018 at 7:13 pm
This place is absolutely fantastic. I buy for my family business and depend on thrift stores to earn a living, and fbtp is the greatest thrift store I’ve ever discovered considering the price/quality of merchandise they sell. It’s basically like an inventory of items carefully selected by those in the know of the world of vintage clothing, but at the price of $3 a pound. I still haven’t really figured out exactly how they pull this fear off.
Megan • Jul 18, 2018 at 12:13 pm
Anyone reading this article needs to keep in mind that it was written in 2017 and things constantly change in retail. The rate has changed to $3.50 per pound with tax included but right now there is a sale going on where clothing is $0.99 per pound.
There is no longer a fan blowing in the direction of the dressing room but yes there are fans going because the building does not have air conditioning.
Store hours listed in the article are no longer accurate.
Found by the Pound is a for-profit not a non-profit (charity). Because they are not a charity they partner with organizations like Healing Action in order to give back to the community. The free sweater giveaway is no longer going on.