Literally, what is the point?
I was excited to try this store, someone had recommended it to me. Walking thru they had a little of everything and I was impressed at the whole "recycle, don't waste" idea. I have had mixed results, and one terrible experience that left me with a bad taste in my mouth. So, I thought... sharing is caring.
Selection is pretty good; however, I did notice one annoying thing... a lot of objects and materials I really have use for are marked as "not for sale". They hoard everything really useful or practical, but still keep them in plain view? Is this a flex? I don't get it. Clearly they're pre-screening the haul to take all the good stuff for themselves, it removes the fun of trying to find hidden gems. This is what Goodwill does, and I'm still sore about that.
Second, prices are practically the same as retail for things that for all intents and purposes were once destined to be someone's garbage. Except for old items, which are priced like antiques. There's not really any thrift or economy in any of it. It feels like a mandatory donation is added to each item, which IMHO is self-defeating because that reduces sales overall, thus failing in the implied mission to get this stuff put back to use. Again, this is stuff that people would have thrown away... think "Free" on the side of the road.
And finally, customer service. Mostly nice people, patient but I encountered an individial on my last (and final) trip to this business who can only be described as someone, for whom I can only assume that being joylessly curt and contentious is a personality type. I'm not sure if it was just rote manifestation of the typical anti-male sentiment or if everyone is entitled to such wonderful treatment, but they have a saying, and it goes 'rudeness is the weak person's imitation of strength'.
You don't have to be nice if you don't want to; after all, it's a free country. But I also can shop elsewhere. Something it seems too many small businesses are forgetting these days.
Lauren and Gavin Have they not been there for everyone? We thank them so much, they are some of the last "human beings" left alive that actually recognize that YOU have needs. They actually talk too, so it's a two-fer:) It was such a delight to visit again and see the incredible assortment of belongings. And hey you can breathe there also. Whether you're there for corks or forks they got used ones galore. Please tell them Jeffrey and Lael said thank you again. Maybe you'll get a free cork:). They are a breath of fresh air
