Only got $20 in your pocket?

by Kate Beaudoin

Face it: as much as you may want to strut around in Patagonia and Orvis, your budget demands something a little more… college. Which is where Bozeman’s local discount stores come in—with a little patience, you can score sweet deals on stylish, lightly used apparel and hard goods. Gear isn’t the only thing with huge post-purchase depreciation—many of these stores also have great buys on used furniture, dorm-room décor, and more.

Second Wind Sports
Imagine rack upon rack of top-of-the-line brands, all at significant discount—at Second Wind, this fantasy is reality. Pick up a new touring setup or a classic Coleman campstove, and everything in between, all without breaking the bank. Got a bunch of climbing gear but decided you’d rather fish? This place operates on consignment, so work with them on prices and you’ll be getting an even bigger discount on that almost-new Winston rod.

Sack’s Thrift Store
This local favorite is a nonprofit that helps support the Help Center & the Sexual Assault Counseling Center. With locations in Bozeman and Belgrade, you’ll find a wide selection of clothes, books, jewelry, antiques, and housewares at Sack’s. They’re also an off-campus employer for work-study and volunteer programs at MSU, so you can get credits to help them out. Hone your scavenging skills during half-price Saturday, which is every Saturday in Belgrade and the first Saturday of the month in Bozeman.

Head West
A western resale-clothing store in the heart of Main Street, Head West carries vintage boots, bags, buckles, jackets, dresses, and more. Everything is in good condition (you really can’t tell that most of it was pre-loved), organized, and easy to find. They also carry new inventory, so you get the best of both worlds.

Catwalk
This store is a local Plato’s Closet—sell your gently used clothes (when they’re accepting; in a college town, they’re nearly always full to the brim with kids seeking extra cash), and pick up great finds on the neatly organized racks. The Cat Walk’s brand-name clothes, shoes, and accessories are always in good condition, and they have a special section with some particularly kooky costumes, so keep your eyes open around Halloween.

Nu2u Thrift
A self-proclaimed “thrift superstore,” Nu2u is more than just catchy text-message shorthand. It’s enormous—full of furniture, décor, and a whole upstairs section dedicated to vintage clothing. It’s the go-to store for new and used costumes with tons of accessories and a wide selection of outfits. If you know what you’re looking for and you have some time on your hands, you’re almost certain to find it here. They also have a huge selection of hunting, camping, and fishing gear.

ReCouture & UFS
For higher-quality items at prices well below retail, head out W. Main, just past 19th. The Used Furniture Store (UFS) has great deals on home furnishings, while ReCouture sells lightly-used clothing, furniture, and more.

Habit for Humanity / Restore
Outfitting your nice rental? This is your spot, with household items, beds, couches, cabinets, blenders, toasters etc.