‘Goodwill Huntress’ helps boost savings
Allie Corey reports
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – At any local Goodwill, you can find Esther Bemah setting up her camera and posing with an outfit she made from the thrift giant. The blogger is known as the “Goodwill Hunter”.
“Goodwill is a place to find brand name deals for super cheap and affordable,” Bemah said. “I found a Ralph Lauren long sleeve dress. The price was $100 and I got it for I think $30 or less.”
Bemah is a blogger for Goodwill Suncoast and through her Goodwill blog and Instagram, she has shown shoppers that high fashion can come at a low cost.
“I’ve always saved, but I didn’t start blogging about it until 2018,” Bemah said. “Eventually Goodwill caught my eye, I’ve been blogging for them ever since.”
Before buying Bemah, she said she sets a spending limit. She said she usually puts it at no more than $35 each time she shops at Goodwill.
She comes up with ideas on how to put together different outfits.
“I’m just saying that this is how I styled it and that’s why I got it,” said Bemah. “What I usually tell people is don’t come with an expectation because then you’re disappointed.”
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Bemah said she can get quite a few items for her money. Usually she can get seven or eight items, but when there are coupons in the Goodwill newsletters, they can lead to even more items.
She also said she usually avoids shopping on weekends and added that the best days for her are usually Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. She tries to go in the morning when Goodwill opens with full shelves and lots of variety and options.
Young consumers like Bemah are driving increased savings. Many prefer the thrift market to department stores for low cost, durability and unique fashion finds.
“Especially for high school girls, usually at that stage you go through phases of changing your style,” Bemah said.
This bargain hunt comes with a greater purpose.
“Every time you shop, you’re investing in the lives of others, so we’re excited for you to come shop,” Bemah said.
Bemah’s Goodwill Blog can be found here. She also has tips on her Instagram account (@estherbee_) and Goodwill Suncoast (@goodwillsuncoast).
