I love thrifting, finding that hard treasure to come across or that one awesome deal. Until about six months ago, my top store to thrift at was Value Village. Then the prices started raising, and now unless it’s a 50% off sale, you will not find me in there.
When Value Village moved to my city 2 years ago, I was so excited. I had fallen in love with thrifting when I was attending school in London. So for Value Village to come to my small city, I was so happy. When they opened the prices were reasonable for second handed items. I could go in there, and find great deals on shoes, clothes, handbags, etc… Now I am lucky if I can find one item in a good price range.
Just before Christmas I went shopping at Value Village for sweaters, and leggings. I was shocked to find the sweaters with brand names on them were $14.99 or higher. Leggings were priced any where from $9.99 and up. On this trip I also checked out the shoes, and for a used pair of shoes $29,99. I am not paying those prices for used items.
Now if you are thinking, but those are good prices for name brands, since you will pay more somewhere else. Let me tell you it’s not good prices. I got sweaters from The Bay for $14.00 each, and they had been $79.00. Plus items bought at The Bay are new. I also manged to find leggings for $7 each, that had been $49 at The Bay. So I am not sure why Value Village has decided to raise their prices so high.
Sure I understand they have to pay their staff and the cost to rent the building, but they are getting the items donated to them. I really do not consider Value Village to be a thrift store any more, because the prices are close to department store pricing. I believe the only things that have remained reasonably priced are toys and books.
I am not sure about other Value Villages, but I know the one in my city is selling knock off handbags at high prices. I found a knock off Coach handbag priced at $39.99. Some of the knock off’s can go as high as $49.99. I am not sure whether they realize it is knock off or not.
Needless to say, you will only find me shopping at Value Village on 50% off days. There is one coming up on January 11, 2016 – so I will be there, hoping to find a good deal.
Let me know if you’ve had this same experience with your Value Village or is it just mine. I would love to hear from you.
Check out Value Village for more information on the 50% off day for Canada.
**DISCLAIMER** This is my honest and full opinion on my own experience. I have not been paid or received any benefits in return.
Toy prices are on the rise also. Took a picture of a case of Lego (figures only) for $159.99 today.
I shopped there for years on a regular basis. It was my go to as I was a single mom with a mortgage. I used to cover a number of stores from East Vancouver to Abbotsford because their stuff was so reasonable, and it was fun “treasure hunting.” It was a fun way to pic out a new mini-wardrobe for $100. Now I sweep through once in awhile just for nostalgia’s sake. There is nothing there to buy that I can’t find newer and nicer at various department stores. I don’t even look at the shoes anymore. The last time I did they were selling a pair of used walmart flats (I knew where they came from as I had some) for $5 OVER the price I had bought mine new. Ridiculous. I don’t know how they even still survive.