I've been going to the Assistance League for YEARS. I used to go in there and find such amazing deals on vintage housewares and decor and the staff was always very sweet. This was once my favorite place to shop in CLT.
Things are a bit different now I'd say. Let's start with their selection. It's not rotated or freshened up enough - it's the same stuff almost every time. They have a HUGE room in the back filled with donated stuff so bring it out! And why so expensive?! It's a thrift store not an antique shop or vintage boutique! 9, 18 even 65 dollars for a bag of beat up paper doll parts? 5.00 dollars for salt and pepper shakers? Oh they're "vintage". And the furniture?! Might as well go to the Sleepy Poet! They had a big event not to long ago and what that was, was a room filled with vintage items and antiques with price tags that made me shake my head. Sure that wind up Santa toy was made in Japan in the 1950's BUT IT WAS BEAT TO HELL AND IT DID NOT WORK and once again you're supposed to be a thrift store! It just seems...greedy?
Now let me speak on the fact the ladies that work there are not as friendly and sweet as they were years ago. Some are downright rude. Especially if you either don't spend a lot or ask them to come down on a price. I think they're just a bunch of ol' snooty snoots. I've also heard them make comments about customers and I've seen them watch certain shoppers. Profile much, ladies?
All the thrift stores in Charlotte pretty much in a word: suck. Including this one which is sad because like I said, it was once my favorite place to get super deals on nice vintage stuff.