Value Village

A little out of the way for me, but I always find a real gem when I do make my way over. I kinda like crossing over into Dartmouth for any reason. It makes me feel like I live in a big city like New York when I’m driving over those bridges. Anyways, the thrift. It’s smaller than the Halifax location, but the quality of the second handness is the same, and who wants to go through 5 racks of t-​shirts and endless rows of ‘bottoms’. No thanks, not me, shocker I know. Your arms aren’t going to fall off here pawing through endless racks of jackets and that’s a good thing. You’re still going to find something great, and I tell myself it’s less picked over. I tend to find great jewelry pieces and knick knacks.

There is a very large selection and the store is neat, however, the prices are very high. I collect dishes so don’t go into the clothing section, and I can tell you that the household items are priced so high I often wonder who in the heck buys them. Items that you can buy for a dollar at the buck store are priced at two dollars at VV. I would rate the store higher if the prices were more reasonable.

Before you read this review, keep in mind that it’s coming from someone who hates shopping.
Do I like thrift shops? Yes and no. I have a very difficult time finding clothing that fits me properly and much prefer going to a store where I know that any item sized medium is going to fit. I have almost no patience for browsing, and I loathe trying clothing on. With that being said, I don’t have much money to spend and the price is (sometimes) right at Value Village.
Pros:
— This is certainly a much nicer version of the old downtown Dartmouth store — bigger, cleaner, and prettier.
— Good selection of books.
— Clothing racks are neat and well-​organized.
— Splendid drive-​through donation station with prompt service.
— Lots of parking.
Cons:
— As most others have noted, the prices generally do not match the quality of the items — furniture and small appliances are often in shambles, and many of the clothes have more pills than a pharmacy. I’ve seen shoes that are literally falling apart, shirts with stained pits, and loads more items that should have simply been sent directly to third-​world countries (or into the trash).
— Not enough dressing rooms.
— Staff are hit-​or-​miss.
Is it worth checking out? Sure, if you happen to be in the area. Will you find me there? Very, very unlikely.

I enjoy thrift shopping since I am on a budget. Value Village offers a lot in one large store. Not only is there a huge selection of clothing options but they also carry household items, toys, books and more. The prices are very reasonable and the store is fairly organized for a thrift store. Great for bargain shoppers and thrifters.

Being that I’m a clothes and shoe freak, this place is awesome. I make a visit at least once a month and always find something (quite often, many «somethings») to bolster my wardrobe. Having been a designer and seamstress, I have a great eye for fabric and design so have a field day in this store. I’ve found some amazing things… new Italian leather boots, two pairs at $ 15 a pop; lots of fine wool and cashmere sweaters; beautiful jackets in gorgeous fabrics and very current designs; a dozen or so silk blouses for next to nothing; pretty dishes and glassware. My best finds: an Aquascutum pure wool coat for $ 15 that was on their website for over $ 1600.00; a mink coat (grey and white) that fits like it was tailor made, for $ 125; a Christian Dior wool crêpe suit for $ 29…all current or classic silhouettes and none of them with 80s shoulder pads, God forbid!
To really make the trip worthwhile, I caution the shopper to take their time and look very carefully at anything that interests you, both inside and out. Do the «smell test» on any clothing… some odours will not come out in the wash or dry-​cleaning. Hold clothing up to the light to look for holes which may not be apparent at first blush. And, most important of all… try everything on.
It’s not hard to look like a million bucks on next to nothing… patience is the key to shopping at VV. Happy hunting!

As I said on my review for the Bayer’s Lake location, VV prices have gone up quite a bit in recent years. This is not as much a place for the needs-​based thrift shopper as it is for the thrift/​vintage seeker-​by-​choice. Enter: me.
Just as with the Bayer’s Lake location, I have made excellent scores here. Leather boots, plenty’o’silk, a PRISTINE fur cape (still working through my guilt, don’t rub it in), leather sandals and heels, wool sweaters.
As for location, I use the bus and do not drive and the 60 takes you right to VV, and the 60 and 63 pick you up right in front and whisk you to the bridge terminal. Try the bus, it ain’t so bad.
If you just need some tshirts, go to salvation army instead and pay half the price. But if you are a true vintage thrifter with patience, hit up VV dartmouth. Just please go after I go, and don’t buy anything I want. Thanks!

Ok, lemme start by saying these thrift/​second hand stores are not my thang. Unless I’m in the mood for some thrifting then I’m all over it!
I wandered in here recently for nothing in particular. It was more of a trip to see what I could find. I was hoping to find something that with a little online DIY tutoring I could convert in to something wonderfully amazing. However, nothing really jumped out at me. Their furniture section seemed a little lackluster with not much selection/​variety.
So I wandered through the clothing section. There certainly were many options of varying sizes. However, I didn’t spend much time digging through the racks as the ceiling had sprung a leak. And since I wasn’t totally thrilled with being rained on while in the store, I didn’t spend much time digging through the clothing racks. Though word on the street is there are have been some great finds to be had at this location.
Like I said, these thrifty stores are not my cup of tea so for me the whole experience was a little «meh».

Here’s the thing about Value Village. It’s great if you know why you’re there. If not, then you’re gonna have a bad time. This review is of this particular location, so keep that in mind…
Location: ¹⁄₅
Ok, the Dartmouth/​Woodside/​Easter Passage/​Cole Harbour (did I get it all??) area needs a Value Village, just like the Halifax side of the bridge needs one too. But why not make it accessible to others? The old location was on the outskirt of Downtown Dartmouth. Lots of foot traffic, central location, big building, etc. New location? Wayyyy out on Pleasant Street. Will you come across it on your errands today? Probably not. You’ll go to this Value Village if you were also at Cheese Curds today, or John’s Lunch, or the NS. Otherwise? There’s not much reason to come out here, other than (of course) to get to the area’s only Value Village.
Atmosphere: ²⁄₅
It’s a lot nicer than the old spot inside and out, but the place gives me a headache every single time. Five minutes in there, and I need to get out pronto! I don’t have this problem at other Value Villages or used clothes stores, but I have it here.
Prices: ⁵⁄₅
Well, this is the real reason the place gets any points for me. As it is a Value Village, the prices are so low that if it’s your first time finding out about them, you might pass out. They’re great. $ 5-​$ 10 per pair of pants. $ 2.50-$ 5.00 per shirt. $ 10-​$ 20 per pair of shoes. $ 10-​$ 30 for a jacket. You can’t get better. Sure, the stuff isn’t always nice, sometimes it’s stained, or too big or too small or ripped or who knows what else. BUT, you just keep looking. That’s the name of the game.
Want a good deal, and don’t care how you get it? The move on through. Don’t want to go to Halifax to get the deal? Then come on in. Live on the Halifax side, or don’t mind the extra miles, then definitely go out to Bayer’s Lake.

Sometimes you can find a real bargain, sometimes not.
This store is huge. Great layout, lots of variety and they keep it pretty tidy. It really is a case of buyer know your prices. I’m not sure how they price things but it seems like they group similar items and price them all the same, original price has nothing to do with it.
For example, I was looking at binoculars, all types were priced at $ 20, from the pair that you get online for $ 10 new to top of the line.
Seriously, I’ve found better prices at Sears outlet then I found here for tattered and well used stuff.
You might want to pay attention to the exchange/​refund policy. They do actually have one. There are a few things you can exchange or get refunds for but you generally have a very short time.
So yes, there are deals to be found but best to be armed with information to be able to comparison shop.

Since the Value Village has moved into its fancy new digs a few years back I’ve grown to love it even more than before. This location is easily the best in the city for both its newness, fantastic finds, and greater amount of change rooms. It is also incredibly easy to get to as it’s just off the highway.
I have found some pretty fantastic wardrobe additions at Value Village. A black Karl Lagerfield skirt, a fantastic 1950s style Liz Claiborne dress (with a weighted hem and crinoline!), a black Izzac Mizrahi dress, and tons of cheap books. Too many books. Probably sixty books. I just know I had to purchase an additional book shelf since I began bringing them home. The book selection is as good as most used book stores, and much cheaper. When you buy three books the forth is free! I’ve had great luck with shirts, sweaters, dresses, and skirts. But I find the pants and shoe selection to be quite lacking. Perhaps this is because most shoes take a beating and rarely look good used. 99% of Value Village shoes look like they survived a small arms conflict. With pants I find styles and types change radically every few years and most become quite dated quickly. It can also be hard to avoid the high waisted Mom pant or the Sears elastic waistband pea green special in the racks. Pants also take a significant amount of time to try on compared to shirts and dresses.
You have to be very careful and choosy. Always check any clothing for holes or stains. Nothing is worse than getting home and finding out what you bought is unwearable. I haven’t seen this happen often but sometimes damaged pieces can slip through the cracks and go unnoticed. The same is true for any used/​vintage store. If you can try to avoid the weekends. The store can be quite packed and the lines to try items on frustratingly long. Especially around Halloween.
I have to confess that I frequent Value Village at least once a week and the bulk of my wardrobe basics come from here. Perhaps I have a high rate of success due to the frequency of my visits.

I buy some of my daughter’s clothing here, and occasionally, pick up other stuff too.
I am recently surprised by the surge in prices in children’s clothes.
A pair of girls tights. which are $ 4 new at Walmart … are $ 4 used at Value Village? Really?
A sweatshirt, well loved (faded), which may have been $ 10 new … is $ 6.99 used at Value Village? Really?
A t-​shirt, still with the original store’s price tag of $ 5.99 but is 5+ years old, is $ 5.99 at Value Village? Really?
A pair of very worn, mended, and hemmed children’s jeans, which were $ 15.99 new, are $ 9.99 used at Value Village? Really?
A pair of children’s Sketchers sneakers, dirty, worn, and fit for the garbage bin, $ 9.99 used at Value Village? Really?
While there are some deals to be found, I’m surprised of the price that is put on some of these items.

Costume parties: they are my white whale. I set sail with great intentions, wonderful images of success in my mind, and the deluded optimism that I will find exactly what I have envisioned in ten-​minutes or less at the nearest thrift store. And without fail, no matter what the theme, I end up at this Value Village, frantically google-​image-​searching alternatives based on a frayed jean jacket and a single boot.
My own costume-​shopping limitations aside, this Value Village usually does all it can in order to help me grasp at the last remaining sliver of hope that I have left. It’s well organized, big, with lots of space in the aisles to move around. That makes it easier to determine whether you need to deep-​dive or get the hell out, and it also allows more room for personal temper tantrums when life turns out to not be so easy after all.
Staff are more helpful and friendly than at any other chain thrift shop in town and prices can sometimes surprise you. I scored a perfectly fitting brown leather bomber jacket for a marginally successful Fonzie costume (⁷⁄₁₀) for just $ 20 that I’ve now introduced into my regular wardrobe rotation. Total win.

Size does matter. Because size equals selection in this context.
The selection? Think of this as a more affordable version of Winners (and, yes, you should go).
While I was a little disappointed when the Village moved from my neighbourhood of downtown Dartmouth to this new location, I’m actually quite pleased with the transition. Sure it means I have to take a bus instead of a casual stroll but it is really thriving in the new location. Much bigger, cleaner, brighter and better organized.
And since I’m writing this in October, I should point out that they have a fantastic selection of Halloween outfits. Stuff for kids and adults, alike. Plus you can fashion a costume out of some of the existing products. Lots of inexpensive accessories!
True story #1: I once almost bought a wedding dress here. The plan was to grow a beard and go out as the «bearded bride.» Alas, I didn’t have time to grow the beard and it would’ve just been bad drag.
Staff are very helpful. In their own way. It’s not like they know where everything is nor what’s «in the back.» If you don’t see what you want, come back another day, they may have it then. Don’t ask them to see if they have a specific item in another size or colour. This ain’t that ball, Cinderella.
A great selection of affordable clothing, accessories and household items.

I need to start this off by saying if you want to go to a VV go to this location. It’s clean, the employees are nice and they have a good selection of books and art.
Their name though has sadly lost all meaning and will some-​day soon be made into a parody. You can’t charge $ 100 for a wool coat yet elude to the fact that you are a place where you can save money.
It’s a good place to go if you really need some essentials and can’t afford to buy new. I do advise that you shop smartly in here for basics. Sure you can find a shirt from say, Reitmans for $ 10 but you could probably just go to Reitmans and buy it new for the same price, on sale.
This place is hell around Halloween time. It’s a great place to go for some semi-​cheap Halloween accessories (why are you buying costumes? Use your imagination and make one yourself) but man oh man people get crazy for their Halloween stuff.

The Value Village in Bayers Lake has been my go-​to place for Halloween costumes the past two years (take a look at the photo on my page). The selection was very good this fall and the staff were able to give make-​up tips — if I ever want to have oozing wounds or scabs, I know where to go.
My vampire dress cost about $ 30.00 + tax, which I thought was reasonable, and I reused the wig from my 2009 geisha costume.
I have never shopped at VV for normal clothes, so I can’t speak to the prices or selection in that area.

It’s big.
It’s yellow.
It’s full of (well-​organized) stuff …
Whether you’re looking for some Halloween-​related awesome, or just a simple shopping spree, this is a good Value Village to get to.
I will concur with many of my fellow Unilocalers — V. V can be expensive (it’s why you won’t often find me visiting one). I would much rather take my chances with the random wonders that can be found at other (more reasonably priced) thrift stores, or revel in the yummy luxury of a higher-​end consignment-​type-​place.
But when I need something specific (a certain kind of kitchen implement, a suit to dress a werewolf in), I will head to the big yellow building. The oft-​mentioned layout and level of organization makes it quick ‘n’ easy to find what I’m looking for … and that can occasionally be worth shelling out a few extra dollars.

Value Village, I have to be in a pretty good mood to drag me into one of these stores. I am just not really into it. But away we go.
This is one of the nicer of the Value Village’s for sure, mostly because it is new.
I will give it props for the organization and cleanliness. The prices, well, everyone can probably find something relatively cheap. However, I do not just buy on impulse here, some things can by costly.
Overall, this is a great place to go.

When I think of Value Village I think of racks and racks of unorganized cloths that were donated by other people.
This location is fresh NEW location. Walking in here with my GF I must say that I was very impressed. Not only is is one of the largest locations of Value Village I would say that it is the cleanest. Everything is well organized in certain areas. Men’s, woman, children and all placed neatly on racks and sized to the best of their ability. Housewares is the section that I like the most. Always able to find something that I don’t need. Picked up a great roaster for $ 3 bucks.
Halloween this is the place to be for your costume as the Village is stocked to the rim with everything to be able to place a costume together.

Prices are always on the rise at Value Village. Don’t get me wrong, I have a great time scouring the aisles, looking for exciting finds, but sometimes the prices are a tad inflated.
I just took a trip over the bridge to the newest VV location in the HRM. It’s nice and bright, clean and well organized. I picked up a few glasses for 49 cents a pop, a candle for a toonie, a few CDs for a buck each, and a pair of yoga pants for $ 5. These were all good deals, but every now and then you happen upon something that’s laughable priced — say a random framed needle point for $ 99.99!
Don’t mind my fuss; all in all it’s a great place to find pretty much anything. Furniture, luggage, curling irons, clothing, skis — whatever! Make the voyage across the bridge (or take the ferry) and do a little shopping at this Val-​Ville.

Quite possibly Halifax’s largest consignment shop. Value village specializes in second-​hand clothing and household goods including furniture, books, dinnerware and DVDs.
It’s a terrific place to go for a wide assortment of Halloween costumes, and it is known for it regular «50% off Everything» sales.