Thrifting is a special kind of joy. Shopping in the second-hand market reduces waste in landfills, allows one to live large on less, and is a great way to support the community. And then there is the thrill of finding something rare or unexpected. There isn’t anything quite like it.
The Morgantown region has many thrift stores, all with their own unique flavor. Some shine when it comes to clothing selection, while others stand out for their furniture and home goods. A few excel at vintage and antique items.
Wear and Ware It Again on Fairmont Road in Westover has enough square footage to house the best of all thrifting worlds in its former health club location.
The entry level features an extensive selection of pre-owned men’s and women’s clothing, shoes, jewelry and handbags, which are attractively arranged in an upscale-boutique style.
Down a spiral staircase is nirvana for those seeking to curate their living space with unique furniture or decor. No one could ever accuse Wear and Ware It Again of being in the “junk shop” category of thrift store. Like the clothing section, the items on this level (new, old and everything in between) are expertly merchandised and shown to their best effect.
There are some unique and luxury items at Wear and Ware It Again, and they have been priced accordingly. Luckily, there is no shortage of affordable items. On a recent trip, I was happy to find a J. Crew top for $3.50 after an end-of-season discount on summer clothing. For those seeking the ultimate good deal, there is a clear ance room where apparel and other merchandise are offered at up to 75% off. Overall, I found the prices comparable to slightly higher than some chain thrift stores, but the shopping experience was far superior.
On Saturday, the store will celebrate its second anniversary. Owner Andrea Haney is marking the day by offering shoppers deep discounts and serving light refreshments from 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
EVA MURPHY is a freelance business writer for The Dominion Post. She writes a column on businesses, churches and other entities in the city. To suggest a topic, email her at Newsroom@DominionPost.com.
