Finding Great Deals at Amazon Bin Stores and Thrift Shops in Alaska. For the uninitiated, bin stores are warehouses where retailers liquidate unsold or returned stock by selling it to the public at a deep discount. Shoppers sift through bins and carts to find hidden treasures. Major bin store chains like Goodwill Outlets don’t exist in Alaska due to the high freight costs and small population spread out over a vast area.
But don’t dismay – with the right knowledge Alaskans can still uncover fantastic deals rivaling those found in the lower 48! This blog will uncover the various options for mimicking the thrill of the bin store hunt through thrift shops, garage sales, online sourcing, and more.
Reasons for Popularity of Bin Stores
Part of the appeal of bin stores is the treasure hunt atmosphere. Shoppers get a rush from sifting through piles to uncover rare gems overlooked by others. Bin stores also provide inventory liquidation opportunities for major retailers, allowing them to recover losses from unsold merchandise and customer returns.
Of course, the main draw is the unbelievable prices – often 90% or more off retail value! By skipping the middlemen, bin stores can pass huge savings directly on to customers. People flock to bin stores to stock up on everything from clothes to housewares at a fraction of normal cost.
Challenges of Operating Bin Stores in Alaska
Despite their advantages, traditional bin stores face major logistical challenges operating in Alaska:
- High shipping costs to transport liquidated goods
- Small population spread thinly across the state
- Not cost effective for retailers to operate dedicated outlet sites
Large bin store chains have deemed opening Alaska locations not feasible given these hurdles. But where there’s a will there’s a way for deal-seeking Alaskans!
Alternatives for Finding Deals in Alaska
While they may lack the scale and selection of major bin stores, Alaskans can still uncover great discounts if they know where to look:
1. Check Thrift Store Chains
Major chains like Value Village, Salvation Army, and Goodwill all operate stores in Alaska. While every location differs, persistence pays off in finding ones with the best deals. Be sure to check out outlets in major hubs like Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau.
2. Tap into the Garage Sale Scene
From May to September, garage and yard sales boom in Alaska. Check sites like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace for listings, and don’t be afraid to negotiate! Expect great deals on used clothing, furniture, toys, tools, and household goods.
3. Utilize Reseller Networks
Join Facebook groups like Alaska Resellers, Anchorage Resell, and Fairbanks Online Garage Sale to tap into the local reseller scene. Networking leads to opportunities like warehouse sales and private pickups.
4. Shop Smart Online
Check Craigslist and Facebook for Alaskans reselling inventory from bin stores in the lower 48. Also use reshipping services to place orders from major liquidators online.
How Alaskans Can Access Lower 48 Bin Stores
Don’t lose hope if you’re itching for a true blue bin store experience! Consider these options:
- When traveling through Canada, hop across the border to hit bin stores in places like British Columbia.
- Make a trip out of visiting major liquidators in Seattle or the Portland area. Stock up on inventory or place large online orders for reshipping.
- Time business trips and vacations out of state around hitting up your favorite bin stores. Pack empty luggage and bring a reselling mindset.
Conclusion
While typical bin stores may be scarce in Alaska, savvy shoppers can still locate unbelievable deals. With an adventurous mindset and persistence, you can uncover hidden gem products priced at bargain bin levels. Use this blog as your guide to sourcing, reselling, and saving money across The Last Frontier. Happy treasure hunting!