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| - I should explain my rubric when it comes to thrift stores. The criteria include:
Ease of Shopping or, if you're in a "glass is half empty" type of mood, "Level of Annoyance"
If you've ever been to a store and had to dodge customers pouring through stacks of china or bins of accessories, only to finally find what you want and see it has no price sticker, you know what I'm talking about. Thrift stores shouldn't be the next Running of the Brides at Filene's Basement . I don't want to feel like I have to join the frenzy in order to find anything of value.
Cleanliness
After leaving a store I don't want to leave feeling like I'm going to fail every TB test I take from now on. Smells? Stinks? Oozy floors? These will bring down the Cleanliness rating.
Desirability of Items
I realize this is highly subjective, but so is shopping. When I thrift, I'm looking for unique items that might be vintage, items that don't lose their usefulness just because they've had more than one owner, and things I'd only buy if I could find cheap, like Halloween costume pieces. If I'm going to dig through someone's trash, the goods had better be worth it.
Price
I'll add another clause to that last statement: If I'm going to dig through someone's trash, the goods had better be worth it, and cheaper than I could buy it new, or from a prettier shopping environment.
This Goodwill in Fairview Park has a huge parking lot, offering the ability to pop in and out so you can make a quick check for whatever you're looking for. This is really nice for thrift shopping novices around Halloween time. The store itself is very large, offering a decent selection of housewares and a huge selection of clothing. The dressing room is in the front of the store. When you enter the store, make sure you check out the board announcing the sale colors. The non-sale prices on most of the merchandise is outrageous for a Cleveland area thrift store. Every time I stop in I think "world's most expensive Goodwill." Seriously, absolute crap will be labeled $5.
Ease of Shopping 1.5 star!
Cleanliness .5 star! Visibly, this store is clean. However, it has a musty odor and I'm always sneezing and my nose gets stuffy when I'm in there.
Desirability of Items 1 star!
Price 0 star! I would take away a star if I could.
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