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Has anyone else found that Value Village’s prices have gotten pretty high for a thrift store that is run by donations?

Trust me, I found that a looooong time ago. That’s why I only shop at MCC now.  
Value Village prices are the same as Walmart, so why would I buy used when I can buy new?

Every time I go there I notice a few things and think, "I could get that at Walmart cheaper" especially when I see a Walmart brand item at about what I would pay in Walmart...  
 
But the vast majority of items there are affordable and much lower priced than in stores, good quality at a fraction of the new price. I don't like paying $10 for a pair of jeans there but if I know they are actually worth $80, I can make up my mind if it is worth it. So whatever. You're looking for a bargain, you can find one. But not everything is a bargain. I still shop there because it is so well-organized and I always come away with some stuff I will use.  
 
It is like browsing the classifieds here. People sometimes ask for more than I would want to pay - if someone else gives them what they want, then I guess it's the right price. Just not the right price for me.

That some prices are very good and others not so good. I am fortunate to be able to shop on seniors day so I can knock 30% off my bill. Also, I am usually on the look out for the unique items that I don't see in local stores.

Their prices could be cut in half imo.

I agree!

To other places now. When I have things to give I want them to go to people who have need of them, at a price they can afford. There are a lot of cheap brands of clothing there...the new is gone but the prices remain very close to new. I’ve also seen items that still have dollarama tags on them and VV tags on them that are higher.  
 
Edited by Cappie, 2019-02-03 05:28:43

I agree some of their prices are high too. I like shopping there because well organized - as mentioned. Occasionally, make a good find there. I, also, can take advantage of senior's discount day. It looks like they employ quite a few people so don't mind contributing to that. Love the MCC Thrift Store too, if have time to search. Think it w/b better when they expand but have certainly found some gems there & I support their cause.

What do you expect, Value Village is a for profit company that brings in billions of dollars a year and gives relatively very little to charity. I thought most people knew this. It's been reported on for years how they are profit driven. We actually choose to support a non profit organization that really does stuff for charity and a good cause. Not saying VV doesn't help out but they are kinda sketchy. Basically a company that takes your free donations and sells and puts the money in their pocket! Do a Google search, you will find lots of articles on them...  
 
Edited by MSR, 2019-02-03 08:45:40

I support it because it’s close to me. I also know someone who works there. They treat him well pay better than minimum wage.  
 
I just take advantage of the days they have sales

Value Village, Savers, does over a billion in sales annually as a private company while donating very little to charity. https://www.thestranger.com/slog/2017/12/20/25643598/value-village-brings-in-1-billion-a-year-and-gives-very-little-to-charity And yes, quite often there prices are excessive. Might I suggest shopping at Superthrift on 7th Ave across from the library. Their prices are reasonable, it's operated by a registered charity and 86% of there expenses go towards charitable causes according to the Canada Revenue agency in 2017. https://apps.cra-arc.gc.ca/ebci/haip/srch/advancedsearchresult-eng.action?n=&b=140784406&q=0001&s=registered&d=&e=+&c=&v=+&z=&g=+&t=+&y=+&p=1

I find their prices too high too for most things, although sometimes I find a deal. But if I'm needing specifically a "purple shirt with blue stripes", that's where I'll check, because like others mentioned it's well organized.  
 
I find the only time I find a good deal is when they don't actually know what it is they're selling. I found a cast-iron aebleskiver pan there labelled as an "egg poacher" for $3. Looks like it was never even used. My one my FIL bought for me when he was Denmark cost at least 10x's that. Super handy having a second one! I've found super-cheap cloth diapering supplies there too, mislabelled as something else.  
 
But recently I've been super impressed with Superthrift on 7th. Their organization rivals VV, and they get lots of good stuff, I rarely leave empty-handed. I love the MCC too, but I find it hard to locate things there. I also find their inventory is maybe more stagnant?

Is by and far the best store! Organization and price wise! I've bought a series of books there during a BOGO sale for the price of what one would have cost me in VV. In saying that, there sales are phenomenal! Whether it's BOGO, or 50% off everything!  
 
I've yet to leave Super Thrift empty handed, where as I've left VV without buying anything many times.  
 
Close second and third are Nearly New and MCC. Rarely go to VV unless it's been a couple months or I'm really bored.  
 
VV is a horribly overpriced and oft over rated for profit company; the founding family makes huge profits off donations under the guise of "giving back to the community." That's why they have to charge tax...so while it's still charitable, it's far from the best system.

I don't take my sometime nearly new 2nd hand clothes to Value Village anymore. Easy drop off, but I can't support a profitable business disguised as a charity. I have searched into VV and I just won't do that anymore.  
 
I would rather take them to the Nearly New Shop on 9th Street (Our local BRHA Hospital benefits!), MCC on Pacific Avenue or Super Thrift between Rosser and Princess on 7th.  
 
Value Village Prices are not second hand prices. I once looked at and recorded the serial and model number of a still relevant and current electronic device. I might as well have just shopped locally or online for a new version at the price that VV could offer me. And I would have to clean that VV product up.  
 
Do better, people. Get your stuff to local charities and ones you research. They are just as easy to drop off than some others.

I find it funny that Adam consistently lets people come on here and bash Value Village when most times he won’t let you post business name if you have an issue.

You’re exactly right. This thread will probably be taken down soon. I agree, the big box store that pretends to be charitable is pretty sketchy. I myself have found Dollarama items there for at least a dollar or two more

Don't see any bashing here bud. Just see a discussion on a company that pretends to be about charity when in reality they are just making money off peoples free donations. I didn't even think this was news, they've been exposed for this for years. And apparently getting more greedy as the prices are more then some retail stores. A company that donates 5-15% to charity while pocketing the rest. Not sure how that's bashing.