topic Re: Goodwill and Thrift Stores in General in Community Chat

Goodwill and Thrift Stores in General

homedecor1 — Fri, 03 Jul 2020 03:00:34 GMT

This was on the local news tonight:

As other brick & mortar stores are struggling and closing: thrift stores like Goodwill, Hospice Shops and consignment clothing/decor stores business is booming.

I believe it although I rarely go to them except furniture consignment store. I like to see on Tuesday or Wednesday what new things they have.

I heard the Goodwill store (which also has furniture outlet) and

Salvation Army stores are having to refuse customers. People are standing in line for hours in the over 90 degree (100+ heat index) to get in and are becoming sick with heat exhaustion (or other symptoms).

The ladies at water aerobics today were saying they have been finding wonderful clothes (some w/tags) and more. The estate and yard sales are everywhere everyday.

Very interesting.

Re: Goodwill and Thrift Stores in General

on the bay — Fri, 03 Jul 2020 03:37:15 GMT

I haven't gone into our Goodwill lately. I don't even go into the grocery store.

But I have donated things lately and I have to give it to the workers there.

They let any donations sit for 36 hours before they open from what they said.

That is reassuring for anyone going into the store and buying things.

Re: Goodwill and Thrift Stores in General

lovesrecess — Fri, 03 Jul 2020 03:07:07 GMT

A thrift store of any kind is the last place I want to go right now. I used to go once or twice a month, but there is no way I would put my hands on stuff that other people are also touching with no way to clean my hands after every touch. Can't think of a more risky place to go. Maybe I am missing something. I know most of these places weren't that pristine even before the virus. Doubt it is any better now because none of the clothing is washed once it is donated. Ewww

Re: Goodwill and Thrift Stores in General

Mominohio — Fri, 03 Jul 2020 03:32:30 GMT

I worked for Goodwill Industries for many years in retail, production and transportation management, So I might have a different view than many.

I still shop thrifts, although not since February. Some of our thrifts never closed during the Covid stuff, but Goodwills did.

I wouldn't hesitate in the least to go to a thrift store right now, if I wanted or needed to. In my opinion the merchandise being infected or contaminated is no more an issue today than it was in January. Bed bugs, roaches, etc are more likely than Covid on things.

I'd be concerned about other shoppers, the density of people, and masks, being an issue, but not the goods.

In my opinion, it's no more 'dangerous' than going into the grocery store. If I'm comfortable in Lowes or the grocery or Costco right now, I don't see most thrifts as any different. It's more about the people than the merchandise.

Re: Goodwill and Thrift Stores in General

homedecor1 — Fri, 03 Jul 2020 03:35:46 GMT

As always a "general topic" somehow is turned into a "negative" with reference to COVID.

I'm not speaking for others but maybe in these unprecedented times where many are still unemployed, have children to cloth, limited incomes or waiting for unemployment this is their only option.

Maybe you wouldn't shop there there that's your option. I was just stating what was reported on the local news vs COVID 24/7

@lovesrecess

Re: Goodwill and Thrift Stores in General

SandySparkles — Fri, 03 Jul 2020 03:39:55 GMT

I love bargain hunting, but have not been in a while. I wouldn't stand in line in 90 degree heat for it though. The treasures would have to be Prince memorabilia, or have belonged to someone dear to me, for me to endure that kind of tortue.😁

~~~All we need is LOVE💖

Re: Goodwill and Thrift Stores in General

Twins Mom — Fri, 03 Jul 2020 03:44:23 GMT

Lines outside my favorite thrift store long. That deters me from going. Not so much the merchandise. I really miss getting stuff for grandkids. During last few months I was so thankful I "overbought" early in year so we have had new stuff to bring out for them.

neighbor advised that the store had widened aisles and workers masked but I am uneasy.

Re: Goodwill and Thrift Stores in General

Carmie — Fri, 03 Jul 2020 03:48:47 GMT

I think thrift stores have been " loaded for bear" since the purging trend started. There are millions of women downsizing everything in their home including clothing.

Even family heirlooms are being donated. Now is a good time to search for bargains. A lot of purging was done while everyone was home bored looking for something to do.

Re: Goodwill and Thrift Stores in General

Pearlee — Fri, 03 Jul 2020 03:52:56 GMT

@Mominohio I cannot imagine any of our thrift stores being even half as clean as Costco which has been doing a superb job of keeping carts, surfaces, and other things sanitized. The egift stores near me look as if surfaces haven't been cleaned in years.

Re: Goodwill and Thrift Stores in General

NantaOf3 — Fri, 03 Jul 2020 04:01:45 GMT

I had a favorite thrift shop near my job. I used to go almost every day on my lunch hour. It was like therapy just looking at things. I bought a lot of new looking children’s books for the grandkids, which they always looked forward to. I also bought clothing brands that were featured on QVC, including a Dennis Basso faux fur coat for $50. Ironically when I retired they closed just a few days later. I guess I was their best customer.

Re: Goodwill and Thrift Stores in General

homedecor1 — Fri, 03 Jul 2020 04:05:12 GMT

@Pearlee wrote:
@MominohioI cannot imagine any of our thrift stores being even half as clean as Costco which has been doing a superb job of keeping carts, surfaces, and other things sanitized. The egift stores near me look as if surfaces haven't been cleaned in years.

@Pearlee

There is no way these stores are or ever will be as clean as Costco, IMO.

The employees and place was a shambles (at least the one near us) long before the concerns of COVID. And Salvation Army is maybe 1 step better😉.

Re: Goodwill and Thrift Stores in General

Kachina624 — Fri, 03 Jul 2020 04:35:48 GMT

I think Goodwill is booming because, at least in my area, it's the only used clothing store taking donations. People have cleaned out closets and have no where to get rid of their cast-offs.

I've never donated Goodwill. Years ago I heard they pay their executives exoribent salaries and take advantage of workers by paying them very little. They had sheltered workshops where they got away with paying handicapped people practically nothing.

Re: Goodwill and Thrift Stores in General

Gorgf — Fri, 03 Jul 2020 05:03:11 GMT

Our small town has three Thrift Shops. One is Salvation Army,Humane Society, and Disabled Persons. The Salvation Army for the past month of June when reopened was refusing clothing and linens as had too much and no more room. They all seem busy. The closest Goodwill is an hour away.

The Humane Society ran a garage sale last weekend as their Thrift Store was closed for three months. They made over $4,000 in the two days. They held it outside of the shelter. Donations were collected at the shelter since March. They always take donations and do not refuse anything except electronics and exercise equipment. It provides a nice sum of money to keep the shelter running. We get dogs from other States and even Korea, so rescued, instead of uthanized.

Re: Goodwill and Thrift Stores in General

Jk9 — Fri, 03 Jul 2020 05:13:17 GMT

Thrift stores near me reopened recently as they were closed for several months. I visited one recently and they requested customers wear masks and had hand sanitizer at the entrance for you to use before you touched any merchandise. They were busy but not overcrowded. Haven't seen lines outside the ones here.

Re: Goodwill and Thrift Stores in General

FancyPhillyshopper — Fri, 03 Jul 2020 05:43:45 GMT

DH and I just donated a bunch of items to a local (church-run) thrift. I am one of those who gives away clothes with tags on them, usually gifts from family members that are not to my taste.

I have more of everything than I need and no longer shop in the thrifts, but when we were first married it was a great place to pick up cast-off antique furniture or pretty glassware or china.

I know a lot of younger people love searching for designer clothes pieces at bargain prices. They are also good for families with children who are changing sizes constantly.

Re: Goodwill and Thrift Stores in General

daisyk — Fri, 03 Jul 2020 05:46:10 GMT

@lovesrecess wrote:
A thrift store of any kind is the last place I want to go right now. I used to go once or twice a month, but there is no way I would put my hands on stuff that other people are also touching with no way to clean my hands after every touch. Can't think of a more risky place to go. Maybe I am missing something. I know most of these places weren't that pristine even before the virus. Doubt it is any better now because none of the clothing is washed once it is donated. Ewww

Wow, I thought Goodwill cleaned stuff before going on the floor. I thought they did some sort of dry cleaning with it. There was a nice thrift store once upon a time where the proceeds went to Lupus. They cleaned things before selling them. That store has since gone downhill though and is pretty dirty now.

Re: Goodwill and Thrift Stores in General

AngelPuppy1 — Fri, 03 Jul 2020 12:53:25 GMT

I always used to shop at GW and other second hand places. I don't have an issue with places of this type and know that you can find many great bargains. I may have a mistaken opinon right now and if I am wrong, then I stand corrected, but with the virus, I just can't make myself go to these places. I barely go out of the house at all and haven't for months. I only go out when absoluely necessary and that is for medicine, a medical reason which won't wait and food that I can't get delivered occasionally. I just can't think that getting used clothing and other items from another home right now would be safe.

Re: Goodwill and Thrift Stores in General

Peaches McPhee — Fri, 03 Jul 2020 13:55:31 GMT

I think thrifting in general has become more popular, especially among the younger generation. Yes, those with low incomes still shop, but others as well, just because everyone wants a bargain, and it is good to "re-use" something that otherwise might have been tossed.

As for me, I know that 5 years ago, I would not have gone thrifting, but I do so occasionally now. I've never noticed any problem with cleanliness. (Except for shoes! I just cannot wear someone else's shoes! )

Re: Goodwill and Thrift Stores in General

Imaoldhippie — Fri, 03 Jul 2020 13:57:12 GMT

(Excluding the covid).

If anyone thinks because a store looks clean that the merchandise is clean you are sadly mistaken. Germs are everywhere and on everything. Hundreds of people have handled the item from the day of manufactoring. I dont care what store clothing or material items I buy from they all get laundered before use.

Most other things get clean per item instructions.

A "cleaning looking" store can and will give you a sense of false security.

Re: Goodwill and Thrift Stores in General

scatcat — Fri, 03 Jul 2020 14:02:59 GMT

Our Goodwill is booming. There is always a line of cars dropping off stuff, especially during lock down when people were probably cleaning. The store wasn't even open and people were leaving boxes by the drop off door.

Our store cleans the carts and there is hand antibacterial by the door. They are not taking returns, which is odd, because everything in the store is used. Haha.

I've gotten some great deals there over the years. The thrill of the hunt is fun for me.