Austin, TX — Tax-Free Weekend is here, and while many families are heading to the mall, some are finding even bigger savings by shopping secondhand.
We stopped by Heartening, an Austin nonprofit thrift store where every adult clothing item costs just $3, kids’ clothing is $2, and when you buy 10 or more children’s items, they’re just $1.50 each.
To put those prices to the test, Heartening founder Kelley Rytlewski and I challenged ourselves to build five complete back-to-school outfits for a middle or high school student.
The total?
Just $60 for 20 pieces of clothing.
Comparable outfits from major retailers could easily cost several hundred dollars more, depending on the brands and items you choose.
But for Kelley, the mission goes beyond helping families save money.
Heartening is committed to keeping clothing in circulation and reducing waste. Clothing that isn’t sold in the store is redistributed through its free clothing stand or donated to local nonprofit organizations, ensuring every donation stays in the community.
“We are committed to being zero waste and 100% of what we receive goes back to the local community,” Kelley said.
As more families look for ways to stretch their budgets, secondhand shopping is becoming an increasingly popular option—not only because of the savings, but because it gives quality clothing a second life.
Texas Tax-Free Weekend
Texas’ Tax-Free Weekend runs Friday through Sunday, allowing shoppers to save the sales tax on many back-to-school essentials.
Eligible items include:
Clothing priced under $100
Shoes priced under $100
Backpacks priced under $100
Many school supplies
While the tax savings certainly help, shopping secondhand can often stretch your budget even further.
Back-to-School Thrift Stores Around Central Texas
Heartening (Austin)
Adult clothing: $3
Kids’ clothing: $2
Buy 10+ kids’ items for $1.50 each
Mission-focused nonprofit committed to keeping clothing in circulation
Goodwill Central Texas
Goodwill locations throughout Central Texas offer affordable clothing, shoes, backpacks, and accessories for the entire family. Inventory changes daily, so frequent visits often lead to the best finds.
Impact Apparel (Austin)
Impact Apparel creates a special Burnt Orange rack every year for football season, making it a great stop for students and fans looking for affordable game-day gear.
Every purchase supports Dress for Success Austin, helping empower women across Central Texas through workforce development programs.
Hours:
Thursday: 12 p.m.–6 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Bring a friend and receive 20% off your purchase.
Texas Thrift
Texas Thrift is known for its large selection and rotating inventory. This Saturday they will have 50% OFF storewide.