Thorndike Factory Outlet

Now that I see that back in 2012 another reviewer said the the guy was about to sell the store and now it’s 2016 and it’s still there I’m thinking this is part of the whole scam.
I was excited at first b/​c few people love a bunch of old junk more than me. Dusty, grimy piles of merchandise from decades gone by in a freezing cold warehouse is something I usually like, but when I see a place called «Factory Outlet» I expect some kind of discounted prices.
No doubt some of the stuff (like the Chippewa boots and jeans and other items) is of very good quality, but I can get this stuff online or at a flea market and certainly at yard sales for a whole lot less. This place is full retail, actually higher than retail with a sale going on.
I was interested in a fun box of vintage greeting cards (late 60s or 70s). The guy tried to make it seem like he was giving me the deal of the century at $ 8. Then my husband asked him if he was retiring (since he was telling some others about how he’s being «forced to sell») and the guy got really mad at the implication that he is old (which he is).

I gave this place another chance and even though Gerry has such a huge place and you can wind up spending some time there it truly is better to shop here than Bob’s or Work & Gear. I just bought two pairs of Chippewa for 215.00 and a Wolverine steel toe boot for 90.00. With the news of him selling the building to Sal’s pizza guy for re-​development you need to get here soon and check it out and support one of the last true icon mom=pop stores.

I’m going to shoot for the moon here and say that Thorndike Factory Outlet is the best business in Lowell. I have wasted so much money on useless, out-​dated, and stained merchandise here that I can’t afford real clothes. I’d love to tell the Thorndikes story but I don’t really know what the hell is going on behind the scenes. Basically a friendly older man sells an entire warehouse of merchandise that was purchased between the years 1950 – 1980. There are lots of boots, dickies, flannels, and nurse outfits. One great thing is that he puts out signs everday to advertise the same wares they have been selling for 30+ years! Its not new information to anyone who drives past this place everyday. But I bet a lot of people have never set foot inside the dimly lit halls of Thorndikes. The customer service is good but you sure as hell better know what you’re looking for. My advice is head straight for the vintage racks and don’t look back. P. S. Bring CASH