Even among the slew of second hand shops lining South Street, being thrifty is difficult. To cheaply satisfy any and all of your purchasing needs, save on cab fare and look no further than S. 45th St. to the Second Mile Center.
Upon entering the Second Mile, one is greeted by employees sporting glaringly neon greenish yellow sweatshirts (available for purchase at $5). R&B music, paintings of what appear to be urban, or even homeless, nativity scenes and $4.50 walkers shelved overhead, combine to create a relaxed, though slightly confusing atmosphere -- a slight contradiction.
Perhaps the most striking thing about Second Mile is its extensive selection. Casual and dressy attire, $10-20 suits and jackets, shoes and 75 cent ties are all available. A fabulous "special occasions" section features weddings dresses, gold jumpsuits, prom dresses and other essentials to complete the true fashionista's wardrobe for under $20. A fair share of bathrobes and one sexy red teddy hang on a rack flatteringly labeled "intimates," and, for the less discriminating parent, plenty of Spiderman underwear are in the children's section. Although useful for shopping, the "hole" and "stain" warnings on clothing tags take on a whole new meaning when applied to undergarments.
Fit to rival with "Special Occasions" is the "Uniforms and Aprons" section. Featuring a variety of nurse coats, including a Penn Nursing uniform on sale for $1.95, this rack gives you a head start on the search for the best, or sluttiest, (which may in fact equal best) Halloween costume. Also on sale in the back of the room are a variety of bed and table linens, comforters, blankets and curtains.
Clothing is not all that is available. Head next door or across the street to the variety of other Second Mile Thrift shops, including The Second Mile Center Across the Street Furniture, The Second Mile Center Too and The Second Mile Center Also to pick up cheap furniture, houseware, books, greeting cards, electronics, sporting goods and most other conceivable products. There is nothing more convenient and invigorating than the ability to go into a store with under $100 and leave with a wetsuit, bowling ball, National Geographic collection, and computer.
The Second Mile Center and its counterparts are real thrift stores, selling anything you could possibly conjure up and then some, for next to nothing prices. Getting used has never felt so good.
