Value Village Thrift Store

User Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

I have been shopping at Value Village on New Hampshire Avenue since they opened. I go there on an average of 2-3 times a week. In the beginning, the prices were low. Not anymore. It is not uncommon to see dollar store merchandise that has been donated marked up to $4-$8 dollars. They also think that if something is old, it must automatically be worth a lot of money no matter what condition it is in. Still, there are bargains to be found.

This store is huge, and has its sister store, Unique, right in the same building. So there are immense amounts of items to peruse. Because of its location in Montgomery County, they seem to have more higher end items that have been donated. I have bought brand new Coach handbags (NOT knockoffs) for $10.00 to $30.00. Timing is everything. Get there just as items are being put out and you will find some real treasures. Clothing is usually reasonably priced, except that they seem to over price some plus size items. The same exact pair of jeans in a size 14 that go for $4-$5, cost $14-$15 if they are in a size 24.

On most holidays, they offer 50% off everything. If you decide to go, be in line no later than 8:30 (they open at 9:00 AM on holidays). If you are not in line when they open their doors, you risk not getting a cart or netting the best bargains they have. Also, as a courtesy to those who got there early and stood in an organized line, do not try to force your way ahead of those who waited once the doors open. Most of those who get there early would also have loved to sleep in later, and just force their way through the doors but they made the time to wait along time in line. Respect that.

PLEASE leave your small children at home. This thrift store, especially on holidays, is mobbed, and children run around unattended. Especially if you are a senior with limited mobility, these kids running around, and the toys they inevitably leave in the middle of the aisle, are outright hazards. Their parents seem oblivious to the chaos they create and Value Village management does absolutely nothing to enforce the signs requiring parents to keep their children under control.

Virtually every employee there is Hispanic and they seem to speak no English. I have been told by one of the senior employees that they all do speak English but I have seen no evidence of that.

Getting through the checkout is generally fast and easy. The store is generally well organized and stocked.

Every Monday, they have 25% off everything; and if you have a Unique card (free, just register for it) you also get 25% off on Thursdays.

In spite of the several CONS I have discussed, in general, there are a lot of PROS to shopping at Value Village. Although it happens less frequently now than when they first opened, there is still the thrill of finding something very special at a great price.

If you visit them and find nothing the first time, it is worth going a few more times. If you persist, you will find it a great place to shop, especially when you find that special item you have always wanted for just a few bucks.

I give this thrift store a five star rating because I have not found any other one as well stocked, as clean and and as good as this one.

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User Rating: 2 out of 5 stars

Value Village (& probably the sister store 'Unique') are for-profit enterprises. It is true that they donate a percentage of their profits to an affiliated charity (by nice if they clearly displayed which charity each store was affiliated with!), BUT they do not clearly state how much profit they keep and what percentage goes to the charity.

Their prices have been creeping up and up so that for many items (electronics, computers, appliances) it is so close to the retail price that it would be madness to shop there with no guarantee or ability to return items.

Occasionally I do still find a bargain - and clothes are still cheap - but by and large its buyer beware: the item may not work. It may not last. You may find you could have got it near the same price at Walmart or Target. These days I use my web-enabled cellphone to google any item to find the real current price and reviews before buying it. Increasingly I find the item is no bargain at all!

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User Rating: 2 out of 5 stars

It was my favorite place for bargains when they first opened. If you shop there now, the prices have gone way out of control. Believe me! I live across the street. I was a regular at least every week. Also almost all the cashiers can't speak English.

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