The Education Funding Thrift store closed it's doors on Monday, June 29. No reasons given, no forwarding address. They were the store on 37 ST SW, North of 17 ave, beside the 7/11, (formerly in Bowness), their storefront was forever cluttered with donations, bicycles, used and decrepit furniture for which they wanted an arm and a leg for. Negligible rent, free stock and minimum wages weren't enough to keep this enterprise going. Their hours were erratic, prices high, on their closing day (open until midnight with "Fill a bag for $10.00 specials") they were still clinging to the belief that their rubbish was sold too cheap, they weren't selling any of the collectables as these were to go off for "appraisal".
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- Category: Thrift Shops
Thrift shops are something that Calgary doesn't have enough of. When the Interfaith chain of thrift shops closed it's doors about 2 years ago, Calgary lost one of the best things it had going. Since then there have been a few new arrivals, but none of any real merit. The Salvation Army, despite it's wonderful reputation for good works, has seldom had anything worth purchasing since the downtown location closed. (*Note: The Salvation Army locations in other towns and cities around Alberta are much more promising). The Interfaith Furniture Store in the North East (no relation to the other, out of business, Interfaith) is about as economical as going to an Antique Dealer and paying him double what he's asking, if only he'd bang it up a bit first. The Women in Need is generally a good bet, but, like all of the thrift shops, selection and price vary from store to store. Anyways, find at right a round-up of some of the best (and worse) thrift shops Calgary currently has on offer, and a few notes on each. And good luck.
Tips:
- It's bad form to barter in charity shops. If you don't like their prices, leave.
- Tuesdays and Thursday's seem to be the best days to go on a tour. Go early in the morning, as dealers from the flea markets also make their rounds, and the best treasures will otherwise be gone.
- Plan a route and take a friend. And maybe, just maybe, take something with you to drop off as well.
- Some shops have sale days and mark down their merchandise. Great bargains can be had if you make note of the days....
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- Category: Thrift Shops
Value Village is part of a North American chain that sells donated goods and gives a portion of their revenues to affiliated charities. They have come under criticism for not being, strictly speaking, a charity shop, but they do help a lot of local charities that wouldn't otherwise be able to fundraise on their own and recycle a great deal of clothing, electronics and furniture that otherwise would find it's way to the landfill.
Locations:
3405 34 St NE
Phone: 403.291.0862
1-240 Midpark Way SE
Phone: 403.201.5350
104 - 58th Ave. SE
Phone: 403.255.5501
Hours: Monday - Friday 9 a.m. – 9 p.m, Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Prices: Fair to Good.
Chance of finding a bargain: Good.
Chance of finding a treasure: Excellent.
Merchandise: Mostly clothing, some furniture, books, electronics, jewellry, etc.
Overall: A very popular store at Halloween, but worth attention year round. A must-stop on any thrift-shop tour of the city.
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- Category: Thrift Shops
The Salvation Army, or "Sally Ann", is one of the most recognizable thrift shop names across North America. Once upon a time you could find real treasures there. Sadly times have changed, prices now tend to be high and the selection seems to be "picked" - meaning that all the good merchandise has been disposed of through the back door to dealers. Money raised from stores goes to support the Salvation Army's many programs, including the shelter in downtown Calgary.
Locations:
916 42nd Avenue SE
Phone: 403.243.3209
#23, 3220 5th Avenue NE
Phone: 403.387.0500
#3A, 3200-17 Avenue SE
Phone: 403.235.3976
2840 Glenmore Trail SE
Phone: 403.279.9035
#461, 3508-32 Avenue NE
Phone: 403.250.2110
Website: http://ab.salvationarmy.ca/thriftstores.htm
Hours: Call for hours.
Prices: Generally high.
Chance of finding a bargain: Poor.
Chance of finding a treasure: Slender to none.
Merchandise: Clothing, housewares, some furniture, books, electronics, jewellry, etc.
Overall: Generally not worth stopping in. Prices high, and the good merchandise has been picked through and sent off to consignment shops or Antique dealers. Leaving the customers with rubbish.
Note: I've been to some of the Salvation Army's in other locations throughout Alberta that offer a much better selection at much more reasonable prices. So whatever issue is affecting their stores in Calgary is not necessarily affecting the stores nationwide.
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- Category: Thrift Shops