The Salvation Army

I have a problem. I admit it. I’m addicted to thrifting. No, I’m not a hoarder (yet), but I do love the thrill of finding, for example, an unopened vintage Michael Jackson Thriller doll for $ 10. Seriously, I’m not kidding. It’s one of several of my good finds at this Uncle Sal’s on 46^th Street. If you saw my apartment, you’d see that nearly half of my crazy eclectic stuff comes from there, and other great thrift stores.
One never knows what they’ll find. I’m lucky as I live literally two blocks away, and visit them almost every day. Some other reviewers here on Unilocal have complained about the location, saying how far west it is. ‘Tis not true. They’re just a short 15 minute walk from Times Square. And the stairs, well, yes, they suck, but whoever is too lazy to walk up four flights of stairs, well, you probably don’t have a gym membership either, do you?
The third floor is all clothing, shoes, and other apparel and accessories, and boy do they have a lot of clothes. I found a great old 40’s vintage Stetson fedora there. The fourth and top floor is bric-​à-​brac as well as toys, furniture and electronics. Most of my holiday shopping is done there throughout the year, as I’m constantly buying stuff for people and keeping it in my tiny and overflowing closet, waiting for a birthday or other holiday to arrive so I can get rid of it. I got a Great Crosley turntable for just $ 35 bucks a few weeks ago!
When you walk up the stairs make sure to look at and read the funny pictures on the wall, which show/​tell the story of a married woman and her husband climbing up the stairs. Talk about vintage. I’ve visited every Salvation Army, Goodwill, and Housing Works location in Manhattan and Brooklyn, and like some more than others, but this Salvation Army Thrift store is definitely my favorite. The only reason I’m not giving it 5 stars is because sometimes the customer service isn’t all too friendly. But, they DO have a clean public bathroom on both levels that you can use!
Oh, and did I mention that my girlfriend and I co-​run
Come scavenge with us sometime!

Still the absolute worst. Everyone here is just extremely bad at their jobs. I received a $ 50 credit for my lost furniture but trying to use it was a complete nightmare. I presented my forms to the woman working the register, Rosie, and instead of looking at any of the signatures on the form she just quickly dismissed it and tells me I have to talk to the manager to prove the credit. I’m just trying to close the book on this whole ordeal and instead of making it easy they made this into an hour long process where I had to walk up and down the stairs to talk to different people who all keep passing the blame and chastising me for something ludicrous. «You need to talk to Rachel… Rachel didn’t sign this, you need to talk to Jasmine… Yes this is the $ 50 credit with signatures, but you don’t have the other receipt… This doesn’t have the initials of the last sales attendant… This person isn’t here today so I have to call them to verify… «All of this is after Rachel the store manager has already called them to just honor the credit and get me out of the store. This place is tragic, it’s usually low income people who have to shop here and it breaks my heart knowing that they have to put up with so much hostility and idiocy from the poorly trained and ill-​mannered staff.

Sometimes it’s all garbage, sometimes you can find an okay item or two.
Its really not worth the walk crosstown or up those stairs.
Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

Madeline R writes the clothes are gone. I went yesterday to check it out. She has posted false information. The entire second floor is clothing. Just as it has been in the past. Found a cool Italian shirt. Still a great selection.

There is now a «boutique» on the 3^rd floor and by boutique I mean a few clothes are now in a «boutique» in the corner that’s only open for limited hours on Saturday. It’s all pretty ridiculous. The boutique was closed when I went but it didn’t look like much.

I made an appointment well over one month ago to have my couches and clothing picked up for donation by the Salvation Army. When they came today, they took pictures of my couches because they said they had to be approved before they can take them. When I made the appointment, it was never mentioned that the couches would have to be approved. For some reason the couches were denied! When I asked why, I was told that they were «removed from the list.» I had no idea what this meant, and no further explanation was given. They took the bags of clothing down to the truck, and I waited for them to return with a receipt. While waiting for the receipt to be written, I called the manager, Stanley, to ask for an explanation. Stanley said that it was up to the driver to decide whether or not to take the couches, and the driver did not take them because they were dirty. (I will be happy to send photographs to anyone who wishes to see them and try to find the dirt.) When the driver came back upstairs with the receipt, he said the other workers would come back up to get the couches. I had hung up with Stanley at that point and thought that Stanley had instructed the workers to take the couches after all. However, they did not come back up. I went downstairs to see the truck driving away and I ran after them, but they did not stop. I called Stanley again and he said it’s up to the driver to decide whether to take them, and they won’t take them if they can’t sell them. I told Stanley to return my clothing then so I can give it to someone else with the couches. The workers did return with the clothing. I asked them «why did the driver tell us they were going to come back up for the couches.?» They had no idea, and said the driver never told them to come back upstairs.
Bottom line: I made the appointment well over one month ago. There was never any mention that the couches could be denied. The driver clearly lied about sending the workers back upstairs for the couches. Stanley missed out on couches that are in pristine condition that could have been used by a family that can really use them, and that family will now suffer due to his apathy. Shame on you Stanley.
Be careful when you call the Salvation Army because even though they say they may pick up your donation, they may not be reliable and you can hold on to items for a long time thinking someone is coming to get them and they never do.

Location: Hell’s Kitchen.
I have found this thrift store on a whim and it’s been about 2 years since I’ve first gone (I live in Tx and will return to NYC specifically to this store-​I never leave empty). I don’t have a car so its always a beast to get to since i walk directly from either 50^th/​6 or from ⁴²⁄₇^th and walk to 11^th street. there are stairs, many with no elevator, so if you decide to take something heavy, be prepared to bring a strong friend who doesn’t mind getting dirty. the stairwell isn’t wide enough to fit opposite heading traffic.
Clothing selection:
Wonderful array of clothing organized by color, size, denim, shoes, and higher end off the rack clothing like Diane von Furstenberg, Helmut Lang, Ed Hardy, Gucci (shoes), etc that I“ve been able to score for ~$ 15! If you’re looking to try on jeans, wear tights to the store and try your jeans over the tights and try on your outfits at the three-​fold mirror on the back left of the store.
Luggage, Sport, Miscellaneous, Furniture:
–On their 3^rd floor (with no elevator), there are well framed and well priced modular couches, love seats, recliners, stools and glass and wood furniture within every budget. I’m talking between $ 20 and up range. Definitely bring someone or have someone with a car meet you at the shop. Reupholstering is also a consideration especially if you find a nice large couch for $ 100.
–Large screen flat TVs for $ 150+
–Wide range of assorted luggages. Scored on for $ 20– it’s a hard case, 360 degree swivel wheel with pulley and separate organizer inserts.
–Totally stoked when I found a replacement pair of Salomon Rollerblades for 6.99. I originally picked up this same model (Energizer) over 10 years ago and it cost me about $ 350. Sweet!

some nice clothes finds for pretty good prices! I found a lot of brands that I normally wear and some were still new with tags. you have to dig through a wide selection though so don’t expect to find any gems unless you have about an hour to kill. a lot of collared button downs too.
I’ve also donated clothes here and it was a hassle free process!

I love this place, but there is no place to try clothes on. WTF!

I agree — it is a major SHLEP to reach this place. But you know what? Once you climb the stairs, and arrive at the second floor, huffing and puffing. there’s scads of kickass stuff. I found an elegant blazer, very similar to a Carole Little vintage bold patterned kimono coat, bought at another downtown ‘Sally Vay’ years ago for when Ric and I married at City Hall. This store is equally cool — and someone mentioned that the bargain hunters too lazy to make the journey haven’t picked everything clean. So expect some amazing finds. Grabbed a pair of Woodstock hippie style bell bottom madras lounge pants, a Gap skimmer top in black (can you ever have too many?), terrific books for late night reading snuggled in bed, a picture frame and even a necklace made by those courageous Bead for Life Ugandan sisters! Be prepared to devote several hours, though, including travel time on either end. And, don’t be surprised when outside again, you’re beat to your socks. It will all have been worth it. Word, people.

The fact that this Salvation Army is located in the middle of nowhere (and nowhere desirable) ie super West Hell’s Kitchen, contributes to the pretty decent clothing selection. All the «thrift-​happy» young people haven’t gotten to it yet because it’s completely inconvenient. You’ll find something cool to add to your closet and it will be cheap. I’ve seen brands like Barney’s NY, Bill Blass, Club Monaco, JCrew, Emporio Armani, etc. here most occasions.

Good and large selection of merchandise compare to other salvation army in the city. Plenty of space to move around as well. Staff is alright no help here, the price is what we are here for anyway…

Okay so I come here pretty regularly for thrifting. The selection is awesome & can’t be beat. I’ve found Paige jeans and several pairs of Seven jeans as well as lots of things with the tags still left on them. Awesome.
Now… For the negatives. I don’t normally write reviews but I had to for this one. The staff is terrible on the clothing floor. Now, this excuses all of the staff who are organizing the racks— they are lovely and super polite. But, the manager is always publicly directing employees and the cashier (I forget her name– started with an S) is always unbelievably rude. They do not care about their customers and it’s extensively apparent. It makes the experience of coming to SA 10x worse. Just something to be aware of if you’re sensitive to bad customer service. They are terrible.

I am writing this review as someone who wanted to donate my furniture to a needy family. I lived in Midtown West and had a specific moving date. I called this location and was willing to drop off my furniture during their open hours.
They said they weren’t taking any furniture because of a coat sale and told me I had to drop it off on a later day past my moving date. When I said that wasn’t possible, they apologized and hung up without saying anything further.
Shame because if they weren’t so focused on sales, they would have had a great IKEA bedroom and kitchen set.

So far this is my favorite thrifting spot in the city. I’m a total thrifting addict and i just moved here a few months ago. After searching around and having no luck at the other higher priced thrift stores, i stumbled upon this one! Right by my school (even better). Salvation army is always the best place for your buck. You can get so much for so little!!! Everytime i come here i walk out with at least 3 items (usually one being designer) for under 15 $. I must say i was a bit weary before entering, but i’m certainly happy that i did. I’m yet to check out the furniture floor, but i hear VERY good things!!! This is a go-​to spot if you love thrifting

This is what I’m talking about. I’ve always thought Salvation Army was a very legit thrift store and this time it didn’t disappoint. All clothing was pretty reasonably priced. I scoured around and ended up finding a beautiful Zara dress for $ 7. Also, a skirt for $ 3.99. This is the kind of place, you really need to dig deep. But once you do. You can find some pretty amazing stuff.

This review is regarding their pick up service. I would say that I can not believe they treat their customers this way, but I’m not a customer, I’m a donor and I have never been treated so rudely.
I scheduled a pickup to donate almost an entire apartment worth of clothing, furniture, and even a stove. I felt bad just throwing the stuff away because there were some great items that I know someone could really use, so I delayed the rubbish haul by almost 2 weeks to let them take their pick.
Long story short, I waited the entire morning, but they didn’t show up, so I checked the status and found that they would arrive between 2−5pm. Not wanting to waste my entire day, I left the keys with the super whose number was listed on the ticket and hurried to run and errand so that I could return in time to help with the pick up.
I missed a call at 1:45pm from an unknown number, even though it was before 2pm I thought it might be Sal Army, so I called to check with my super, but he hadn’t received a call. When I returned the call at 2:02pm I verified that it was Salvation Army, but their employee told me that his guys were there, no one was home and now they were gone. Two minutes inside the window given to me they were already gone! After explaining to him that they were supposed to come between 2−5pm and regardless the super, whose number was listed, was waiting for them, HE HUNG UP ON ME. When I attempted to call back he hung up on me again. When I called his supervisor, I received more of the same treatment. The supervisor told me that I was wrong for expecting them to arrive within window and that they must have been running early, but didn’t have enough time to call the third and last number listed which happened to be for the super who spent his entire day waiting for them. He then argued with me about how many numbers I listed on my ticket. End of story he said that they would not pick up my stuff unless I scheduled another appointment. Unfortunately, I would not schedule another appointment with them even if they were the last hope for humanity. I HATE TO THROW AWAY GOOD ITEMS THAT COULD MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN SOMEONE’S LIFE, BUT I WON’T BE SUBJECTED TO SUCH TREATMENT TO DONATE TO A CHARITY. I suggest you try
as an alternative.

Admittedly, the location is pretty awful given that it’s wayyyyyy on the west side of midtown. That said, my old office was just around the corner so, for me, it wasn’t as big of an issue.
In terms of donating items, I thought the process was a little haphazard. After a few minutes of questioning the employees, I was directed towards the garage that holds all their trucks. They set up a basic table in the garage where you could drop off your items. Don’t forget to grab a signed copy of the receipt!!!
I also casually browsed the third floor furniture selection. Overall I would say that it’s Housing Works on crack — the selection is larger and diverse. That said, there are fewer odd-​ball pieces (no mid-​century modern chairs to be seen). I purchased a sturdy, basic, dark wood bookcase and went on my way.

The only reason i’m not giving a full 5 stars rating to Salvation Army is because of their Anti-​LGBT stance and that i’m gay.
Anyway, based solely on the business, i’m a huge fan ever since i found out about this place. Second visit today and here’s the rundown of my finds!
First visit:
A bunch of awesome books (4 really vintage novels from like the 60’s, 70’s)
A Lenox heart shaped candy dish.
A brand new A&F checkered shirt
A Hugo Boss shirt
Spent about $ 15.
Missed out on a Towle, possibly sterling round tray! Argh!
This is the second visit and holy crap, here’s the rundown on the stuff that i got.
A pair of Dolce & Gabbana suede pumps
A pair of Stuart Weitzman patent leather sandals
(i collect designer shoes)
A signed Dennis Cooper book
4 coffee table books
A Riedel Vinum Cognac Hennessy crystal glass that look brand new.
Guess what, i spent like $ 16 bucks!
I’d haul one of their hutches if they weren’t massive because i really need one and the prices are awesome! Love their furniture selection, although the tchotchkies department is sort of meh… But dig deep enough you’ll find treasures.
Thrifting is always a hit and miss thing, so… good luck!
I’m still basking on my awesome loot!

No. Just no. Why is the salvation army pricing their items as if they are brand new sitting on a shelf in home goods? NO. There were some good quality furniture pieces, but nothing I really went crazy for. My friend was looking at a frame with two chipped edges and it was priced at $ 75. WHAATT? I gravitated towards the book section which was pretty plentiful. I actually spent a while rummaging through the selection. The books were a steal!!! 90% off the original price. I snagged a great Rolling Stone coffee table book that would definitely run someone $ 40 at Urban Outfitters and I got it for $ 3!!! The book section is the business. Everything else? No thank you.

Une très grande friperie avec 2 étages. Le rayon homme est quand même assez grand avec un large choix de chemises de toutes les couleurs. Dans l’ensemble, ce sont des vêtements très basiques et classiques, rien de détonnant et pas d’accessoires