Although I haven't been to a thrift store in over a year, I bargain shop (clearance racks, on-sale).
when I do go to the mall, I almost never intend to get something for myself - usually it's a b-day present for someone, accompanying friends/wife to the mall. I will go to the stores (Banana Republic, Gap, etc) and focus on the clearance racks. If I find a good deal, i'll pick it up. If I don't, it's not a big deal since I wasn't expecting anything anyway.
I've been able to get durable, comfortable clothes quite reasonably that way (ex. Gap wool cargo dress pants for $15)
As far as bike components, I've used on-line and ebay to get the better deals on higher priced items.
Cycling clothes --> dont' have many, just a few cycling jerseys (loose fitting) that I was able to get from Rei.com using gift cards I got for free from the My Points program.