Buying a cheap jacket can be harder than it looks because prices change with the weather, season, and supply. A coat that seems like a bargain may leave you out in the cold if it is poorly made or missing insulation. Thrift stores can offer great deals, but their inventory is always a moving target. Discount retailers may have low prices, although the best sizes and styles can disappear faster than a cold front. To help you keep your budget from getting unzipped, here are 10 Bennington-area places worth checking.
*Prices below are estimated averages for basic, inexpensive adult jackets before tax; actual prices and availability may vary.*
- **Goodwill of Northern New England**
- **The Salvation Army Family Store**
- **Walmart Supercenter**
- **Ocean State Job Lot**
- **Tractor Supply Co.**
- **Dollar General**
- **Family Dollar**
- **Bennington Thrift Shop**
- **Local consignment and secondhand shops**
- **Bennington-area flea markets and pop-up sales**
Goodwill is often the first place to **button up** a bargain, with used jackets, fleece, rainwear, and winter coats commonly priced around **$12–;$25**, or about **$18 on average**. Check the [Goodwill store locator](https://goodwillnne.org/shop/locations/) for the Bennington location and current hours.
The Salvation Army can help you **coat** your wallet less, especially if you are willing to browse through donated clothing racks. Expect inexpensive jackets to average roughly **$15–;$25**, with occasional clearance deals below that range; use the [Salvation Army location search](https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/location-search/) before heading out.
Walmart is a reliable place to **sweater** the small stuff, including lightweight puffers, fleece jackets, rain shells, and seasonal outerwear. Basic jackets generally average about **$25–;$40**, depending on the season; check the [Bennington Walmart page](https://www.walmart.com/store/bennington-vt) for pickup and in-store availability.
Ocean State Job Lot is worth a **pocket**-friendly visit because its closeouts and seasonal merchandise can include inexpensive work coats, fleece, and insulated jackets. A typical cheap jacket may average **$20–;$35**, though clearance finds can be even warmer for your budget; visit the [Ocean State Job Lot store locator](https://www.oceanstatejoblot.com/store-locator).
For durable workwear, Tractor Supply can help you **weather** almost any chilly chore without freezing your finances. Basic work jackets, barn coats, and insulated layers often average **$35–;$60**, with sales bringing the price down; check the [Tractor Supply store locator](https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/store-locator) for the Bennington store.
Dollar General may not always have jackets, but its seasonal clothing racks occasionally offer lightweight coats, hoodies, and kids’ outerwear that really **zip** through a tight budget. When available, inexpensive jackets may average around **$20–;$30**; use the [Dollar General store locator](https://www.dollargeneral.com/storelocator) to confirm the nearest Bennington location.
Family Dollar is another place where seasonal clothing can **sleeve** you some money, particularly on lightweight jackets and children’s coats. Expect an average of approximately **$20–;$30** for the cheapest options, although stock can be limited; check [Family Dollar’s locations page](https://www.familydollar.com/locations) before making the trip.
A local thrift shop can be a real **hem** of a deal if you are patient and willing to inspect the racks carefully. Used jackets here may average roughly **$10–;$25**, with the final price depending on brand, condition, and season; see the [Bennington Thrift Shop web listing](https://www.google.com/maps/search/Bennington+Thrift+Shop+Bennington+VT) for current details.
Bennington’s independent consignment shops are worth a **collar** because they may carry better-quality jackets for less than department-store prices. A reasonable estimate for an inexpensive consignment jacket is **$20–;$45**, and you can browse [Bennington secondhand clothing listings](https://www.google.com/maps/search/consignment+clothing+Bennington+VT) to compare nearby options.
Flea markets and community sales can help you **make a clean sweep** of affordable outerwear, especially at the end of winter or during moving sales. Prices vary widely, but cheap jackets often average around **$10–;$25**; check [Bennington flea-market listings](https://www.google.com/maps/search/flea+market+Bennington+VT) for current events and locations.
Before buying, check the zipper, seams, lining, cuffs, and pockets—because a jacket that looks like a steal should not turn into a **rip-off** after one rainy walk. Calling ahead is also wise since thrift and discount inventory can change faster than Vermont weather.