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| - Having worked in the arts and not-for-profits all of my life, 'Thrift Stores' have really been my 'Macy's' all of that poverty level life. From Goodwill's to local 'cause' resale stores, like opera resale shops, have become my necessary shopping destinations.
When I lost my best friend to cancer, and she left me an inheritance, I bought my house...and needed 'stuff' for both renovation purposes, and just 'stocking'. So I made the rounds from Goodwill, Salvation Army, Red, White and Blue, etc, and found a lot of good things that I needed, but then someone told me about ReStore. How had I never heard of it?
Well, the main reason would be that the Eedgewood Towne Center had kind of suffered that Strip Mall slow death over a decade ago, and it just wasn't anywhere in my travel route. Well, having heard of ReStore through word of mouth...it certainly is now.
Like any resale shop, it certainly is hit-or-miss, but that's to be expected.
Now, many of our resale and 'Thrift' stores have frankly gotten a little out of control with their pricing. Frankly, some of the stuff they price could be bought brand new in other stores for pretty much the same price. So, taking into consideration, old and used with no guarantee for long-term working condition for $25 or brand new for $25, which one would I be going for?
Then there come the individual business politics and 'causes'. Goodwill is not a non-profit. They just get free stuff donated, and make profit from it. Salvation army discriminates left and right, being a religion based program. Even Construction Junction claims 'non profit' status...but what is their 'cause' (that has never been made clear) and what justifies having an old organ donated and selling it for $1300? They're terrific if you need architecturally specific items, but where does their money go?
ReStore has a very eclectic and ever changing inventory, ranging in quality levels, from Antique bonanza finds, to a bin of free 'crap'. I have found winner rugs, light fixtures, an antique dresser, an entire patio set, framed prints and other various items, all for VERY reasonable prices. The antique dresser was in very good condition...for $9. Two large framed prints of New York City scenes which would have been at LEAST $20 at Goodwill, were $5 each at ReStore.
So not only is their inventory priced to sell, but the money goes to Habitat For Humanity...building homes for people without requiring them to convert their souls, or other socio-political 'requirements' for services. An actual 'good cause'.
The store itself is huge, and the staff has always been very nice. They'll help you to the front of the store, or to the back door loading dock without grunts or sneers. They will even deliver something too big for your vehicle to your home for $50. But this really is only justifiable if we're talking 'refrigerator'. Somehow paying $20 for a glass topped patio table doesn't really justify a $50 delivery fee. Call a friend with a truck.
Their hours are odd, open only Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm. but they are a much better 'worth the trip' kind of resale store, with the proceeds going to really help people.
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