I am on the hunt for inexpensive home items. Today I checked out the Goodwill in Benton Harbor, MI. I made my way around the store and soon realized their prices were way out of control. I found a ripped fur coat for $275 (!!!!) and a small Missoni for Target suitcase for $84. I think that is more than it cost at Target when they had it a few months ago!!! I understand the money goes to charity and they don't want to just give stuff away, but these prices are insane. I almost left empty handed, but I did find these two vintage necklaces for $5 each.
I am really confused by Goodwill, though. Is anyone else finding that thrift store prices are now a lot more than they used to be?
PS. Today is the last day to enter the Leuer earring giveaway!!!!
[ Oh, and I am not keeping the necklaces for myself so they don't come out of my "kitty" for those of you keeping track ;) ]
25 comments:
I have really fallen out of love with Goodwill... I feel like I have better luck finding higher quality items at places like Plato's Closet and the like. I also have recently rediscovered TJ Maxx! (Posting on some home good scores there tomorrow)
Pretty necklaces :) I agree with you. Here in Ottawa, Canada ever since a trend in vintage shopping arose - these stores are totally overpriced! I now only go to a select few where it's still reasonable. I understand the money goes to charity - that doesn't mean I'm willing to pay $15.00 for a Gap shirt w/ stains that cost $19.99 brand new. In our town The Salvation Army & Bibles For Missions still offer good prices.
You do have to be careful, because there are some thrift stores (ie:ValueVillage) who buy from charities that collect clothing donations - there is a price per pound for the clothing bags and then the thrift store owns the goods and marks them up to whatever price they want... I don't really find that ethical.
I am with you! I just to scoop up all kinds of furniture to re-do and now have a hard time justifying the $$ on it if I am just going to change it anyways. I might as well save and buy what I really want. It makes me sad though, I used to love finding that great 'steal'!
I have been finding the same thing with Goodwill (but not the high- wow!!). I do love those necklaces though- too bad you weren't keeping them.
Hope you are having a good week so far! :)
Pretty necklaces!
In my experience, Goodwill is always much more expensive than the smaller charity shops I visit. I've also noticed that Goodwill's prices depend on the area they are in- items cost more in the more affluent areas, and vice versa. Although I visit Goodwill about once a week, I like thrifting and spending my money at local charity shops- they sell more vintage items, and I feel as though my money is going to something local. I also tend to find more unique items there! :)
I've been having this problem lately too and I just don't understand what has changed to make these thrift stores think they can charge department store prices! It really defeats the whole point of thrifting. And it really stinks searching through all the racks and not finding anything style or price-worthy!
My new favorite places for home items are garage sales! Sometimes cities have designated days when they hold town garage sales and its a good day to see a lot of what's out there. The only draw back is moving things yourself instead of having them shipped to your door when buying online
-Nico
www.SatinAndSalt.com
Such fun necklaces... but I have not liked goodwill recently, so glad someone else feels the same way!
I almost never go thrifting anymore because: (1) things are so picked over; and (2) the prices are batshit crazy. When we were in Cleveland in October, one thrift store had a rack of fur coats, all marked at $499.00. Seriously.
I wouldn't even spend that much for a vintage fur from a great online dealer! It's just out of control. Another friend said she's starting to see leather jackets at $90.00+
Ridiculous.
Your necklace is pretty though :)
its hard to find a good deal at places like value village here in anchorage, ak. but i look anyway because the staff might mark up nasty furniture, and trendy labels like gap, old navy, abercrombie, etc. they arent that savvy about hi-end nordstrom or REI stuff.
Goodwill is way out of control- out of the soaring thrift stores I think they are the worst! I agree with you- it's tough out there.
Marie @
Lemondrop ViNtAge
nice necklace!! (:
lepinkbow.blogspot.com
Oh wow! I didn't realize Goodwill got expensive. I'm planning on checking out a couple local thrift stores this weekend. Hopefully the prices won't be as outrageous as what you found!!
I have never really had that much luck with thrifting, but I think it's all about location. I haven't found any good spots in Baltimore. I've had okay luck at consignment shops, but they can be overpriced at times too.
Yes, I've noticed that. That's why it's almost not worth it. I can find a bargain on something new just as easily it seems.
I love these dressing busts so much. I have one with flowers on :) Please visit www.lillylia.blogspot.com and tell me how you like the american sweater ;) Lilly
I agree with whoever posted about garage sales they are the best for deals, esp because (most of the time) those people actually want to get rid of stuff! xx m
omg that's ridiculous!! i haven't been in awhile but i will def go check them out to see if the prices are like that here! The necklaces were a nice find a least! :)
I haven't been thrifting in a while but I do agree that when I used to go I would notice stuff at store (new) prices..
Thnaks for commenting!!!
do you want to folloe each other?
xo xo
I was just thinking that the other day when I was at my local thrift store. The prices keep going up & it really bothers me!
wtf @ that $84 price tag!! I feel you though, sometimes Goodwill's pricing is really weird.
I totally agree - I've never had much luck at my local Goodwills (and I frequent three in my area) - either the prices are too high (for a thrift store) or the merchandise is poor quality/little value. I've seen better items at local Salvation Army stores, though I guess those are fewer and more far between than Goodwills!
I totally feel you, I'm not sure what their angle is, but I'm pretty sure the majority of the people that shop at Goodwill (or Savers, or Salvation Army- they're all doing it) can't afford a $275 dollar coat (this includes myself).
I always have good luck with church shops, so at least that is still an option!
The necklaces were quite a find though, really pretty!
To be honest I hate thrifting in NYC (I feel like I'm one of the VERY few that feel this way) I don't understand how ppl do it. I just get SOOOO upset at the price tags. I don't understand them. I would then much rather shop at places like Loehmann's or other retailers that sell designer goods (unused) for the same price. I just don't get it. But that necklace is WAY beautiful!
http://fashionistanygirl.blogspot.com/
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