Salvation Army

I used to LOVEE this place, I know, I knowwwwwwww ! It’s difficult to tell from my review. But seriously this place became so much more than just hunting for exceptional finds and great prices. I developed a bit of a distant family and a couple arch nemesis’s also. As we all know, that just goes with the turf. I’d see lots of regulars and some of them became friends of mine, I’d see people from all walks of life and this store was really a melting pot. Which was cool because I love culture. I’ve had many experiences at this store, lol. I’ll spare the stories for now. But, this place has slowly but surely been changing since 2011 when they first began the $ 1 concept. Shoes went up, and then they started changing prices to whatever. Now the prices of everything that they sell is all over the place. So you never know what anything will cost until you get ready to check out.

This is the one you go to when you have plenty of time and perhaps a surgical mask and some rubber gloves. lots of dust… lots of deals but you have to dig… ive gotten fur coats leather coats great boots good books housewares and on holidays most stuff is half off… 50 cents.

This is the most unique thrift store I have been to in the Detroit area. It has made the transition from a traditional SA store to a «clearance center» of sorts. All clothing, shoes and textile items are a dollar. This means that if you are looking to outfit a growing child, you can do so cheaply and easily. The merchandise tends to be the «Rag Out» boxes from other, more traditional SA locations like Southfield, Royal Oak and Redford. This means that there is definitely some trash to sort through, but I have found nice blue jeans, a warm Pacific Trail down parka, a Michael Kors sweater, winter coats and boots for my daughter and other goodies.
One thing that must be mentioned is the quick turnover of merchandise. Trucks are constantly pulling up from other stores with boxes full of new items, so you are likely to get your hands into fresh merchandise (and better finds) during your visit. The shoe tables tend to get fiercely competitive. When a new shipment of shoes comes in, people get their pickin’ sticks out and start digging. Don’t get in their way.
The overall vibe of this store is gritty. People are here because they need clothes and shoes, not because they are looking for the perfect ironic vintage tee for their next hipster club meeting. If you can keep this in mind, enjoy. I almost feel a little bad about telling others how secretly awesome this place is. Use this powerful knowledge wisely and score some Macklemore worthy thrift shop threads. You will do one of two things after visiting this store… love me or hate me. It’s an acquired taste.

I love thrift stores.
I will always shop at a thrift store over a place like Meijer or Wal Mart because the money I spend goes back into the community, and helps those who need helping. At the other stores, the money goes into the corporate coffers which isn’t a bad thing, but it helps no one.
I found this quite by accident when I was on one of my epic bike rides. I consider anything over 4 miles epic given that I am 1) 50 years old, and 2) have a body that can double for the Goodyear Blimp. My shopping genes kicked in and I just had to stop. I found it to be a little disorganized, and the selection a tad thin, but deals were to be had, and if I had more to spend, I certainly would have since I am in need of a few new pairs of pajama pants.
There are also deals to be had. In addition to the color of the day tags, there are periodic announcements over the PA which announce ½ off womens, or books, or whatever the manager has in mind. When I was there he announced that he would be taking ½ off anything you could carry in your basket. Such a deal, I couidn’t help but spend a little on a few books and a couple of knickknacks that had a few nicks in them.
SInce I live pretty close, it is one more destination for me on the bike. That in itself is worth a star.

Smallish, a bit disheveled, but still cheap, some good finds.
This Salvation Army Thrift store is on the corner of Michigan and Central. It’s nowhere near as large as the downtown (Fort St.) location, which gives it a more cluttered and disorganized feel. But still, being the smaller version that it is, I think this means it gets less traffic, for despite the slight messiness to the place, there were a few really great finds. I got quite a lot of exquisite stemware that I can’t imagine finding elsewhere, for about $ 1 – 2 an item. And they carried two unbelievably gorgeous, 1960s-​era lamps. I bought one of them for $ 10, which I think was a total steal. The staff were super helpful, chatty in a friendly way, helped wrap-​up and protect my purchases. I’d go back once in a blue moon to see what else turns up.
Worth checking out if you LIKE hunting for odd items and good deals, but might not be worth the visit if it’s just clothes you’re after. The selection is small.