Scout: Dry Goods and Trade

If you're as into thrift shopping as I am and happen to be in the Omaha area, you should absolutely check out Scout. This is easily one of the best stores I've ever encountered and I'll be sorry to leave it behind when I head back to the West Coast in a few weeks. A local business started to offer an alternative option to the pricey stores found at Westroads or Oak View, or any other mall across the country for that matter, Scout offers classic, quirky, vintage, and always interesting pieces.

This store is perfect for anyone trying to find their individual style, and more importantly, at a reasonable price. Within the last few years I've found myself turning down beautiful pieces of clothing because they seemed just too overpriced for me justify the purchase. I must admit I'm a little jaded when it comes to the cost of clothing because I am constantly digging through the racks at Goodwill in search for gems that cost just a few dollars, and although Scout is a little bit more expensive, it is still very reasonable and requires little to no digging in order to find an amazing item, or even an entire outfit.

Another great aspect about Scout is that you can sell your old clothes there as well. They are always looking for both unique and classic items, although they are only interested in things in excellent condition, why not bring anything you think you can sell and take what's left over to the Goodwill. Make yourself a little money, or maybe some store credit, and send some good karma while you're at it.

Scout is a store you can feel good about shopping at. It is a store that is built on community support, provides a sales opportunity for local jewelry artists and not only recycles clothes, but paper as well. They promote the use of reusing bags, and make their sales tags out of interesting images from what I believe are old posters.

What I love most about Scout, and thrift shopping in general, is that no one else owns the same stuff as you. Nothing is a bigger drag than picking up a cute hat or scarf at Target, only to see another girl wearing the same thing two days later. I suggest everyone make an effort to shop second-hand, it's better on the environment (you're basically recycling) and your wallet, and nothing is more satisfying than to have someone ask you where you got a sweater and be able to say you paid just a fraction of what they would have expected you to have paid.


If you're don't live in the Omaha area and aren't lucky enough to make a visit, I suggest looking for other opportunities to sell your old stuff and update your wardrobe with a couple new things. Some of my favorites are Buffalo Exchange and Redlight, but I'm always looking for new ones in any city if anyone has any to suggest!