Bruktbutikk (Secondhand Store)
Compared to the United States, food and clothing are more expensive in Norway. However, it must be stressed that healthcare and university costs are part of Norwegians’ taxes, so they do not pay additional fees (albeit minimal). One way to save money and be kinder to the environment is to shop at a bruktbutikk or secondhand store. Many secondhand stores are run by charitable organizations, so not only does shopping at secondhand stores promote environmental stewardship, but it also supports community initiatives.
Secondhand store in Tønsberg.
Most cities and small towns have multiple secondhand stores with their own varying flare. Some only sell clothing while others have vintage clothing, glassware and dishes, books, home décor, and sports equipment. All of them, though, are clean and well-organized and filled with customers.
Secondhand store in a shopping center in Norway.
Clothing offerings change with the seasons. In the cold months, one can find heavy coats, snow pants, and knitted hats and mittens. Prior to Syttende Mai, there are bunader (national costumes), festdrakter (party dresses), and bunad shirts available. Dresses and swimsuits are available in the summer months, but knitted mittens are always on display. One can never be too prepared for colder temperatures in Norway!
Vibrant shoe display in a secondhand store.
I initially started visiting secondhand stores to see if they carried any Dale of Norway sweaters, sweaters known for their high-quality construction and durability. I quickly found a vintage one for my brother, who wore our grandfather’s Dale of Norway sweater to threads. The $80 price tag was a steal for the limited-edition sweater with a velvet neckline and special zipper fob. A new sweater can cost from $350-$450.
Clothes are organized by item and color.
When one of my friends was visiting in March, she found a fun brukbutikk in Tønsberg that had a bag of Dale of Norway yarn for $12. Normally a skein of yarn costs $12, but there were 12 skeins in the bag, enough to knit a sweater! I found a cashmere sweater for $80 that is now my favorite sweater for both work and casual wear.
A handbag display at a secondhand store.
Donating to and patronizing brukbutikker in Norway is viewed positively and stores are centrally located next to name-brand stores and shops. There are also drop boxes scattered throughout cities that are marked in Google maps. Shopping the treasure troves of secondhand stores in Norway is a cultural adventure, one that should be on everyone’s to-do list!
Eclectic selection of items for sale at a secondhand store.
