The discovery of a unique wallet resulted in an unexpected bonus for a thrift store shopper in Milwaukee. Thrift shopping has gained substantial popularity. In 2024, a report from Savers Value Village, Inc., revealed that nearly 90 percent of North American consumers interacted with thrift stores, through shopping, donating, or both. This marked an increase from 83 percent recorded in 2022.
While many retail trends have shifted online, thrift shopping in person remains strong. Shoppers spend 4.5 times more in physical thrift stores compared to online resale platforms. Statistics show 77 cents of every dollar spent on pre-owned apparel is in-store. Bonnie Mata, a 41-year-old mother of seven, knows the value of in-person thrifting firsthand. Having already raised five children, she currently takes care of 18-month-old twins.
While browsing a Milwaukee thrift store, she stumbled upon a snakeskin wallet. Initially hesitant, she decided to purchase it. “I thought it was pretty cool,” she shared. Returning home, she set it aside, only to later discover a surprise inside. While considering listing it on eBay, she checked the wallet’s compartments more thoroughly.
“I pulled out this 1985 hundred-dollar bill,” Mata said.
The find was especially meaningful as 1985 was the year Mata was born. Despite wanting to keep the bill as a memento, financial circumstances prevented her from doing so. “It’s not every day people find a $100 bill from 1985,” she noted.
Mata has since changed her approach to secondhand shopping, ensuring to check all pockets and compartments. This experience marked her best find. Reyne Hirsch, a former auction gallery owner, and antiques appraiser, stated that discovering money in secondhand items is relatively common. She explained that older generations often hid money in such places.
According to Hirsch, valuable items might be accidentally donated when estates are cleared out. While obvious valuables are prioritized, smaller hidden items might be overlooked.
“If a large sum of cash, you might contact the store to track where the belongings came from,” Hirsch said.
For Mata, the experience highlights the potential of thrift shopping, encouraging others to keep an attentive eye out for unexpected finds during their visits.