Clarkston Thriftown

I went out of my way to visit this store based on the Unilocal reviews. It did not live up to my expectations. I did find four items (spinach, frozen field peas with snaps, a cool comb and some cheap 9 volt batteries) that I couldn’t live without.
The store is pretty dirty and smelly and in a very shady area, but it’s worth a visit if you’re in the area. You will definitely find some bargains.

Clarkston Thriftown is a mini international market. You will find foodstuffs: meats, canned good, fresh vegetables, sweets, fruits, breads, dairy products and drinks from around the world. Upon walking into the establishment, you will find rows and shelving of fresh bread, juices, cakes from a multitude of cultures. When we hold meetings, I like to pick up a treat to share. It’s a great conversation starter and usually none returns home with me!
Oftentimes, I pick up my collards. They are very clean and reasonably priced. The fresh vegetables have a high turnover, since most of the clientele are big on eating veggies. So, no old or stale food here. Hey, a little secret, Thriftown has a green dot isle where you can save even more on your selections! Come check it out.

I love this place! I too thought it was a little sketchy, but don’t let the appearance fool you. I can shop on a dime in this place. I love the little goodies you can find all through out the store!

The complex is named Clarkston Village, btw. And, Wing Ding Doodle has sadly closed :(.
However, I find myself going here more and more. The people are incredibly nice and checkout is fast.

I can’t keep this hidden gem to myself anymore. You guys are all seriously missing out if you’re not shopping at Thriftown.
Admittedly, I lived in Clarkston for over a year before I finally ventured inside. I was scared, ok? I was worried it was going to be gross, or that I’d be stared at or something. I’ve heard people say that some of the ethnic establishments around here don’t take too kindly to my… kind, so it seemed awkward. Alas, I was completely wrong. (See that, Boyfriend? I can admit it, sometimes!)
My friend Adam was feeling brave so he convinced me to drop in after we ate at the Brockett Pub (still love it, in case you were wondering). As we approached the doors I was thinking, «Poor Adam, he doesn’t know what he’s getting into… sucker!» But when we got inside, I got the surprise. There were rows of fresh bread from a bakery in Lawrenceville. There were all my favorite German chocolates (Milka! Kinder Bueno!) and some new ones I hadn’t tried (OMG you guys they have cookies shaped like Hippos, AND they’re delicious! AND CUTE!). They had 2-​liters of Coke for $.99, and they were actual Coca-​Cola brand. They have a large selection of Faygo as well, for the Juggalo in you.
Last night the Boyfriend and I went to Thriftown in search of a tiny flashlight. They didn’t have a tiny one, which was pretty sad. BUT! They did have Havaianas brand flip flops, which retail online for upwards of $ 18, for $ 1.29. US Dollars. No lie! I totally bought some. They also have Gleem toothpaste, which I thought didn’t even exist anymore. They have the cheapest meat prices, which is sort of sketchy, but convenient. I mean, maybe for steak tartare don’t go to Thriftown, but if you’re going to cook the shit out of it, you should be fine.
I won’t kid you – the store is a little dirty. It doesn’t smell particularly good, though it doesn’t smell bad or anything. The floors can be dingy and you definitely feel like you’re on a quest when you’re looking around the aisles. I’ve found some kind of treasure pretty much every time I’ve been though, so I think it’s worth it. Plus the store is so close to my house I don’t even get a chance to shift into 3^rd gear. Which probably means I should just walk there, but man do I not feel like carrying groceries home. Sorry, Earth.
If you are in the area and can’t decide if you should go to Kroger or Publix, skip ‘em both and come to Thriftown. Or if you’re like me and just love grocery stores, make the trip from wherever the hell you live and check it out. The people are always friendly and even if you can’t find what you’re looking for, you’ll find something you didn’t even know you needed. And it’ll be cheap. What could be better?