posted by socialista

Nov 04, 2008 1:11PM

I found a vintage (what I believe to be 1980's due to shoulder pads) Balenciaga shirt dress at the salvation army a few weeks ago. It's definitely worth it to go through all those old clothes sometimes.

posted by shinyredthermos

Nov 04, 2008 1:42PM

about two years ago in my neighborhood we had a large goodwill close, and another smaller "boutique" goodwill open down the street. they sell themselves as "professional wear" and have a very stylized sexy sign. i always thought it was to cater to the people who couldn't afford a brand new suit to go on interviews and start new careers but they really do have some awfully fabulous things!!

posted by guest

Nov 04, 2008 1:59PM

"Though we wonder about the supply of clothes there possibly dwindling for the people that shop there out of necessity rather than trends"

This is actually a HUGE misconception about Goodwill industries. The actual store is only a very, very small fraction of what they actually do. That take the profits from the store and use them for worker retraining programs, soup kitchens, and other community programs and organizations. Their primary charity is not to provide 'cheap clothes for the needy.' Buying a t-shirt from goodwill is not taking it from the hands of someone who otherwise wouldn't be able to buy clothes (as your sentence seems to imply), it's putting money into the hands of an organization that's going to use it to help the needy in more tangible ways than clothes.

posted by rocketcup

Nov 04, 2008 2:12PM

the goodwill in my neighborhood sucks! probably because it's in south orange county...everything is last year's target, old navy, or forever 21 clothes, not very special. but the cool stuff is expensive! i was looking for leather jackets and they were at least $40 each.

posted by guest

Nov 04, 2008 2:26PM

I'm one of those who recently began frequenting thrift stores, mostly to save money and find unique pieces. The furs were really nicely priced, even at $100, for the style and condition, and I don't feel as bad buying second-hand fur.
You still have your usual lot of minority families, but now I see well-to-do types there, too. I think it's great. Great for business and great for budget.

posted by guest

Nov 04, 2008 2:37PM

This sounds silly, but Goodwill is too expensive! I've found some amazing things at Salvation Army for half the price, and I try to spend as little as possible on used clothes unless I'm absolutely positive I'm going to wear it.

posted by calvinshowblogspotdotcom

Nov 04, 2008 3:29PM

Guest 7: I have also heard that Salvation Army is much cheaper than Goodwill but would you really call it...expensive?

posted by guest

Nov 04, 2008 5:16PM

@ guest 8--expense is relative.

posted by guest

Nov 04, 2008 7:39PM

There's a thrift shop run by a church where I live where clothes are $1 per pound. Basically, you fill up a shopping bag for a dollar. It's great.

The Salvation Army near my house is more expensive than the Goodwill. It's also a much smaller building and not nearly as clean as Goodwill is. I think it just depends on which city you're in.

posted by guest

Nov 04, 2008 8:45PM

Yes, #8, expense is relative. I don't mean that I'm too cheap to buy a $9 top, but why pay $9 when you could pay $2 for something the same/better somewhere else?

And I guess it does depend on the city. Now that I think of it I've definitely seen Goodwills cheaper than the one closest to me.

--#7

posted by Halie

Nov 04, 2008 10:24PM

I love Goodwill! But I agree, it is a little pricey. I don't want to spend $4 for something old when I could get it for $2. But it's for a good cause.

posted by guest

Nov 05, 2008 8:37AM

Guest #4, well put.

In this economy, Goodwill may just be the new version of Nordstrom Rack.

And I agree, the prices at Goodwill vs Salvation Army depend on where you live. Here, Salvation Army has clothes priced higher and on an indivdual basis where Goodwill has set prices for dresses, pants, etc.

posted by DC Goodwill Fashionista

Nov 05, 2008 10:04AM

Goodwill the new Nordstrom Rack? Ha - I love it!

Halie's right: what we do at Goodwill is for a good cause. Our mission is training and employment for people with disabilities and disadvantages.

And Guest #10 is right: just depends on where you live as to selection and price.

As for Natalie's point about dwindling stock, the only reason I could see that happening is if people decrease their donations. But as of right now, there's plenty of great stuff for everybody, regardless of income. Our doors are open to all! -the DCGF

posted by guest

Nov 05, 2008 1:58PM

The only thrift stores I've seen where the prices are actually "expensive" are those with the word "Vintage" or "boutique" in the title. Goodwill Stores (or Salvation Army) are generally much less expensive than pretty much any other vintage retailer and you can find similar items. You just have to hunt a little bit more. And what a great mission! I didn't know Goodwill provided job training to the disadvantaged. In today's economy, that is a really important mission! Go Goodwill! I'll shop there more often!

posted by guest

Nov 07, 2008 3:27PM

#4 is definitely right on target. Goodwill relys on the income from its stores to help fund the job-training and career placement programs it provides to people in need of help. Many of the Goodwills also offer important programs for inner city youth to help them while they are young and prepare them for a better future. Goodwill encourages everyone to shop in its stores to help its mission. Many of the Goodwills also hire people who have gone through their retail training program to work in their stores.

posted by guest

Nov 11, 2008 10:55PM

I Would just like to comment on this post to let everyone know I found a Chanel 2.25 handbag at a Goodwill by my house. Everyone, GOODWILL IS WHERE ITS AT. I went to the Chanel boutique and they told me it was indeed real

posted by guest

Nov 11, 2008 10:56PM

Ps.- i bough it for 5 dollars!