Lisa Wharton - The Donator and Mall Shopper

"Thrift stores aren't really for me."

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  • 49 years old
  • Married for 25 years to Jeff, mother of Amber (21) and Michelle (18)
  • Works as an agent at an insurance company
  • Earns $54,000/year
  • Enjoys shopping for name-brand clothing with her daughters and for herself

Goals & Outlook

Lisa's shopping habits are guided most of all by quality. When making a purchase like the new recliner she just bought for the family room, Lisa wanted to make sure she bought one that could be used for many years to come. For clothes, Lisa likes to stay current with the latest fashions, and spends a fair amount of money on buying clothes every year.

To make room in her closet for the new clothes she buys, Lisa donates the old fashions to the Salvation Army near her house. However, Lisa has never bought any items from there, or ever really thought to shop there. She has always held a negative impression of thrift stores as dirty places and only for the poor.

However, recent events in Lisa's life are starting to change her mind. First, in the fall, Lisa will have both daughters in college, creating more of a strain on the family's budget to help pay for part of both girls' tuition. Then, there are the rumors of layoffs at Lisa's company due to the country's economic situation.

With her family's financial future uncertain, Lisa is finding herself trying to cut her expenses in any way she can, but most of all in her non-essential discretionary spending.

Another formative experience for Lisa was when Lisa's oldest daughter came home from college for a visit and dragged Lisa with her to a thrift store to go shopping. Her daughter had discovered 'thrifting' at college, and was eager to show her mom the bargains and selection that were available. Lisa was surprised and delighted to find a pair of designer shoes for only $10. This definitely improved her opinion of thrift stores, and may even cause her to shop there again. She would be even more likely to shop there, though, if there were more high-quality used goods, or an easier way to know what hot-ticket items they have in stock that week so she knows if it's worth the trip.

Although she's not concern about the environment, the price of gasoline is making her consider replacing her SUV with a more fuel-efficient car.

Recent Purchases

What: EZ-Boy Recliner

Where: Holt's Furniture Mart

Why: Replacing an old recliner that they threw out. She bought this one new so that it would be in good condition and be sure to last

What: Marc Jacobs black heels

Where: Local thrift store

Why: She didn't need them, but they were only $10, so she couldn't resist!