In the halls of thrift stores, there lies an aroma particular to almost all thrift stores. Most of us know what it is, it's that musty smell. I don't actually know where it comes from.
When you first walk in, it's the first thing you notice, a wall of odor that smacks you in the face to remind you, "You are in a thrift store."
The smell is usually so strong, the clothes you buy from thrift stores usually have it lingering on it. If you end up going to ten thrift stores in a day, (I've done it) then you end up carrying it around with you.
I actually like the smell. I don't find it pleasing. It's not an aromic smell or anything, it's just reassuring. If it's there then there is a good chance that you are in a quality thrift store with a good selection of clothing. If not, well, you may be in a vintage clothing store.
There are exceptions to the rule. If the thrift store is relatively new, then the smell may not have settled in. Ohio Thrift Stores, (it's a chain) tend to not carry the thrift store smell. They bend the rules but still end up being good thrift stores. An interesting part about that particular chain is that they get so much business that most of them have a couple check-out lanes, complete with candy on the sides. The first time I saw this, I was blown away. Almost every Ohio Thrift Store I went to had no thrift store smell. At first it was disconcerting. Later it was pleasant. I would probably recommend any of these chain stores. Most of them are in Columbus. One store I went to even had two floors.
Anyway, if you believe you know the source of the thrift store smell, please comment.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
I know exactly what you're talking about. Last year I went to the Goodwill in Athens to look for my Halloween costume. One dress in particular stood out to me, and that's what I eventually got to wear to be Shirley Temple. But, at first, I was afraid to try it on because the musty smell was so overpowering. Finally, I just held my breath and did it. The sad part is that even after washing the dress several times, I still smelled like a thrift store.
ReplyDeleteI would also have to agree that thrift stores have a slightly different smell than vintage stores, though I can't really pinpoint what it is. Do you have any idea?
I love the thrift store smell. It's close to that of second-hand book stores, or even chain book stores. There's something decidedly antique about it. You can almost paint an entire scene in your head based on that smell alone.
ReplyDeleteI don't know the source of smell, but I do know the smell. It's unique. However, I don't necessarily like it. I'm glad that after washing whatever the clothing item is, the smell generally goes away.
ReplyDelete