Thrift stores are like people — each one has its own personality and quirks. And as an avid thrift shopper and reseller for more than 35 years, I’ve gotten to know what makes the biggest chains tick.
Salvation Army operates about 900 thrift stores across the U.S., and I’ve shopped scores of them from New York state to Oregon. Compared to its biggest competitor (Goodwill), Salvation Army seems to invest less in store organization, marketing and modern payment systems.
But hey, there are still bargains to be had if you know how to adapt to this chain’s idiosyncrasies.
Here’s how I “suit up” for a trip to Salvation Army.
1. Prepare for pricing chaos
It must be a management issue, but pricing between Salvation Army stores varies widely. Shirts in one store might sell for an average of $3.99 and $12.99 in another. This difference affects all product categories and is apparent even between stores in the same metro area.
So, steel yourself for price unpredictability, and before you fall in love with an item, check the price tag (twice).
2. Know the discounts
No one likes to pay full price (even at the thrift store). Maximize your savings by knowing the discounts regularly available to Salvation Army shoppers.
- Rewards programs: Though Salvation Army has no universal rewards system, many local and regional stores operate their own. Ask your local shop about email clubs and stamp or point-based loyalty programs.
- Senior discounts: Shoppers ages 55 and older qualify for a discount at Salvation Army stores on certain days of the week. Days and discount amounts vary by location.
- Military discounts: With valid ID, active or retired members of the military can receive discounts during certain days of the week. Check with your local Salvation Army store for specific days and discount amounts.
- Colored tag sales: Each week, most Salvation Army stores offer a discount on all items with a specific color of price tag. The color of the tag on sale changes each week, and the savings can be as much as 50%.
3. Shop the best sections
It’s a strange phenomenon: Every thrift store chain simply does some sections better than others. At Salvation Army, the best sections — those with the biggest selection time after time — are:
- Books
- Linens
- Women’s clothing
- Furniture
4. Make friends with the manager
With tip No. 1 in mind, consider this advice “unofficial.” Sometimes and in some stores, managers will lower the price of an item if asked.
First, be brief and be polite. Before you try to haggle, come prepared with a good reason like, “This sweater smells heavily of cigarette smoke; it’ll need to be dry-cleaned,” or “This electric rice steamer is missing the basket.”
In my experience, pointing out reasonable product flaws in a polite way results in a discount about 50% of the time.
5. Avoid the carts and racks with new inventory
Some stores like Goodwill don’t mind if customers shop from carts and racks as staff use them to restock inventory. The one unspoken rule is this: Don’t impede the employee’s work and don’t make a mess.
But the rules at most Salvation Army stores are a bit more rigid. Employees discourage this type of shopping even when carts full of new inventory are parked for hours. If you simply can’t resist (like me), channel Jason Bourne — be quick and quiet.
6. Carry cash
It might seem like I’m ripping on Salvation Army, but here’s another unfortunate shopping reality: The stores’ credit card readers are often out of service. And I’ve noticed they’re on the fritz more than ever lately.
Prepare for the worst and leave no bargain behind by shopping with cash (small bills preferred).
Add a Comment