From record stores to flea markets to the average thrift store, Hattiesburg gives students an abundant amount of unique places for them to “shop til they drop.”
First on the list is The Lucky Rabbit. Located in downtown Hattiesburg, The Lucky Rabbit serves as a market for local vendors and is only open the first full weekend of every month. Senior public relations major Ashley Doubleday loves shopping at The Lucky Rabbit.
“It is a unique and affordable place to buy those Pinterest crafts that college students just don’t have time to make,” Doubleday said. “I also love the idea of supporting local vendors.”
The market offers everything from handmade furniture to clothes from designer labels such as Black Swan and Free People.
Another place many students may not have heard of is T-Bones Records and Café. Located off Hardy Street, roughly five minutes away from Southern Miss’ campus, the café works as an eatery, record store and music venue.
“T-Bones offers a very laid back atmosphere where you can hang out, eat a good meal or even get a little homework done,” said Hunter Freeman, a junior entrepreneurship major and a native of Hattiesburg.
For those Southern Miss students on a budget, Hattiesburg offers several thrift store locations.
Hudson’s Treasure Hunt and Dirt Cheap are two stores owned by the same company and offer affordable goods. Treasure Hunt got its start in Hattiesburg just 25 years ago.
According to the company’s website, “at Treasure Hunt you can stretch your dollar further and still go home with the same high-quality merchandise you can find at the mall or with other famous retailers.”
Joseph Logue, senior exercise science major, prefers to shop at the Goodwill located off of Hardy Street.
“I usually score vintage threads at the Goodwill by my house,” he said. “You can’t beat some $2 flare.”
According to the company’s website, the Goodwill Easter Seals opened stores in order to raise funds and give employment to those people with “disabilities and other barriers.”
United Apparel Liquidators is another clothing store near to campus that originated in Hattiesburg. Since its founding in the Pine Belt, UAL now reaches across four states with five different locations.
According to the store’s website, United Apparel Liquidators was built on the concept of obtaining high-fashion brands at affordable pricing.
UAL is also located on Hardy Street, next door to The Tavern.
Lastly, the Farmer’s Market located in Town’s Square Park is a spot some students enjoy buying fresh and local produce from.
“The Farmer’s Market is lovely,” said Katherine Perry, a senior geography and Spanish double major. “The goat’s milk ice cream makes my heart melt with joy.”
The Farmer’s Market has anything from candles to fresh salsas to handmade toys. Like the Lucky Rabbit, the vendors are all from Hattiesburg and the surrounding area.
As one can see, there are some really neat and eclectic places for students to shop in the Hattiesburg area. Some are even within walking distance of the university.
So, students, save some of that refund, put aside some of that paycheck or call mom and dad to lend you some change because the rare finds found in the stores of Hattiesburg are ready to be bought.
