EUROPE

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These days, you don’t need a metal detector and hand drawn maps to hunt treasure. People are discovering that thrift shops prove the saying, “one mans junk is another man’s treasure,” couldn't be more true. It’s no surprise that the popularity in second-hand shopping has enhanced over the years. Second-hand stores offer a unique blend of bargain shopping not found in malls and department stores.

Local thrift shops in Baumholder, Landstuhl, and Ramstein are no exception, with packed floor space, racks, and shelves offering everything from old to new antiques, collectibles, shoes, clothes, furniture, household appliances, plants, books, sports gear, toys, electronics, transformers and more - all at rock-bottom prices. Operated by local spouse associations, the shops give all proceeds back to their communities by supporting others organizations with grants, scholarships and donations.

Baumholder

The Baumholder Community Spouses Club (BCSC) Thrift Shop is located on Smith Barracks building 8667. It’s opened Tuesday and Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It also opens the third Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Landstuhl

The Kaiserslautern Landstuhl Spouses Association (KLSA) Thrift Shop is located at Landstuhl, Building 3818. It’s opened Wednesday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It also opens the second Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Ramstein

The Ramstein Enlisted Spouses Association (RESA) Thrift Shop is located in building 2494 across the street from the AAFES gas station and shopette on Ramstein Air Base. It’s opened Monday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. It also opens the third Saturday of the month from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

A fourth store located on Pulaski Barracks, building 2923, closes its doors for business on Oct. 26. It’s running a 50 percent clearance sale on all items until its closure. Hours are Tuesday and Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Thursday, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

All shops take U.S. dollars and checks only and run special sales throughout the month. You can find out more about local thrift shops and special sales by visiting their Facebook pages. Happy thrift shopping!

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