Value Village Thrift Store

I absolutely love this store! It is my favorite place to shop. This store has good inventory and excellent prices.

OK, I am a bargain hunter and thrift store junkie! That being said, I also like to own quality pieces and I could care less if they have come from a second-​hand store or not. I am thankful that V.V. is still alive and kicking!
I was in need of bedding as we just bought beds for our kids. With little kids, one who hasn’t been potty-​trained yet, who wants to buy super expensive sheets??? Uh, NOT ME!
I haven’t been to a V.V. in 10 years, I was happy to find the one on 82^nd.
The bedding section was kind of hit-​and-​miss. But what I did find available was at a pretty decent bargain. I got pillowcases for $.99 each, I got a twin set of The Company Store sheets for my son (which had tractors, trucks, etc.) for $ 7.99. The set is in good shape. I also got a queen set (not matching) for $ 10.
I only picked sheets that were 100% cotton so that’s kind of tough sometimes.
Since it has been so long since I was at a V.V. I was happy so see they have cleaned things up. I V.V. I used to frequent was AWFUL and FILTHY! This V.V. was very clean and organized. The staff was friendly, too.
I am excited to go back a look through the clothing. In the past, I have managed to find very nice and high-​quality pieces at V.V. Even though it (often) takes time to look through the racks — I don’t mind when I can find great staples for my wardrobe at a bargain.
The prices seem a little high on some things but on the whole, it seems to be a little cheap then some of the other «big name» thrift stores in PDX.

I started shopping here when I moved to Portland. I don’t go as often as I used to, but when I go I wonder why I don’t go more often. Sure, the prices have gone up a bit over the years but isn’t that true everywhere? You have to watch the tag specials to get the good deals. I went yesterday and bought two name-​brand blouses in excellent condition. One was $ 8 and the other was $ 9. But they had yellow tags and those were 75% off that week! So I walked out with two blouses for $ 4.25. Like most thrift stores you have to visit often and be willing to spend some time.

It saddens me how much this store has changed in the 10 years since I’ve been here last.
Tonight, way too early for the dinner I was invited to up the road, I decided to do some shopping; hopeful an hour was enough time. 10 minutes later, I was bored and left empty handed.
Herein lies the problem. While the store is kept very clean and organized, everything has significantly gone up in price. I realize they are probably trying to compete with Goodwill, but they don’t have the new merchandise and brand new «Superstore» locations that justify charging $ 10 for a used top. Someone in charge needs to check out a Salvation Army stores and price comparatively — because that’s the league they’re playing in.
Another change I didn’t care for was the way in which they’ve started hanging all of their pants and shorts. Now, instead of shopping standing upright, you have to cock your head to the left in order to view the merchandise (they are are clipped to the hangers by the upper right leg instead of the waist). I got dizzy after trying to peruse a few items and gave up. For people like me, sideways shopping is no bueno.
Lastly, the merchandise was somewhat outdated. Maybe it’s the area they get donations from… but I used to find all kinds of trendy items at this location.
While I usually find it impossible to walk out of thrift store without buying 3 or 4 things, this time my credit card owed me (and not the other way around) for sparing it more accrued debt.

*Rumble n grumble*
This is it; my go to store for stuff n things.
Thus far i’ve completed costumes, added to my stock of kitchen crap, got rid of garaged goodies and replenished the t-​shirt collection. When you donate they reward you with a 25% off coupon. That is a nice bit of incentive along with the tax write off.
You gotta work!
Like all thrift stores the fun is in the hunt. I know, I know in our instant gratification culture that may pose a challenge for some. That’s fine, they’ll complain and shop someplace else. Less drones competing for oxygen in my bubble. Cool.
Other nonsensical stuff:
The parking lot is always busy and there aren’t any bike racks. Luckily the 72 has a stop out front, makes for an easy bus trip.

They used to have items priced reasonably. I used to donate tons of stuff (was buying storage lockers and donating most the kitchen goods and clothing) they remodeled and then started pricing things higher (perhaps a staff change?) So I have shopped less and less. I still walk through but I take nothing to them and buy very little. The store is well laid out and easy to navigate the staff are standard nothing special folks that try. They are cheaper than Goodwill and they do not have the same (but close) practices or donations and sales. Not a horrible shop but one I no longer bother with.

I like shopping thrift stores, don’t get me wrong!
Every time I go in, there’s a smell of ‘oldness’ about the store.
But that’s not all, they’re also overpriced!
I went in one of their dressing rooms, and it smelled so bad, like someone used that for their quick ‘rest stop’.
Example. .. I’m looking for old brooms, old mops, old rakes ANYTHING that’s got a long stick MADE OF WOOD — for crafts. They have $ 9.99, $ 10.99, I asked the clerk on the phone if they’re new, and he said, NO THEY’RE USED.
I called Goodwill and they have $ 4.99, $ 2.99 (more like it!) Guess where I’ll be today!

people compare VV to Goodwill and I must say, they are very different.
A) GW has, how shal I say, interesting staff. Value VIllage on the other hand has really friendly, calm, helpful staff.
B) at GW I hardly find anything I want to buy and the kiddos of mine? They are picky. At Value Village, just yesterday, my kiddos each got a pile of clothing that they picked out themselves and were so pleased. Shocking, I know.
C) I hear people complaining about the prices. Really? is it still 1989 where thrift stores sell everything good for $ 1? No, my friend, it is not. Bills gotta get paid, employees need benefits, and this company gives so much money to support nonprofits its amazing they can afford it all.
People, don’t balk just because thrift stores got wise to which labels/​brands are hip and charged a little more. Thank all the «pickers» who grab up everything then resell on Ebay for that. I buy here because I get designer brands for waaaay cheaper than I would on Ebay or even at the store itself on sale. Be diligent, shop often, and the item of your dreams will appear as if by magic.

It’s a typical thrift store where you can find the usual assortment of things: books, clothes, furniture. However, everything sold here goes to help the community and supports The Arc (non-​profit organization). Good to know.
If you come on the first Monday of every month, there are massive sales. If you bring a donation (of any size), not only do you get a tax write off, but you get a coupon too. More savings.
Around the Holidays, they offer up decorations and things appropriate for the occassion. Costumes around Halloween, decorations during Christmas. They revolve product to keep it fresh and moving. That’s always appreciated.

I am a recycled goods aficionado. though there are items I only purchase new (Ross/​Marshalls.) This VV is my fav in Pdx, although I really do miss the VV in Hollywood, the space taken over by Grocery Outlet (great bargains there, too.) Prices generally lower than Goodwill’s, and they sort clothes by size not color! (What’s up with that, G?) My only complaint: recently they have begun hanging women’s jeans/​slacks by the leg v. the waist (why???) Wish they would reverse that and return to traditional hanging! However, the racks aren’t as crammed as they are at G, so overall a more pleasant shopping experience. Amazing 40% discount (55 & older?) on Wednesdays (only 10% at G on Wednesdays.) I live simply, am not a big consumer, and purchase only what I 100% love! You’ve got to know prices and quality, and if you do, it’s possible to live and dress well on little money, and live debt free.

Yay! I think I found my new fav thrift store. Well, nearby thrift at least. I’ve never been to a Value Village before, but I definitely like their style. Big baskets that are shaped like those roller backpacks? Sweet. Plenty of mirrors around and changing rooms? Finally, a way to try on questionable items in peace. A savings card where you rack up coupons? At a thrift store? Sign me up. Like thrift isn’t cheap enough.
And this place is.
Bonus: All the items here have different colors on their price tags. Each week, they pick one of these colors to make 50% off. So that $ 6.00 shirt you wanted last week with the green tag? Well if it’s still there during green tag week, it’s now 3 bucks. Hoorah. And if it’s a Monday, and your color is chosen to be the .99 cent special? Where all items (and I mean ALL items, even this sweet designer trenchcoat!) of that color tag are .99 cents?! YAY! I say go early for that if you’re looking to score something good, although the lady at the register told me it gets pretty crazy. I have hit the Monday sale in the late afternoon and still have found lots of cool tees and skirts for .99, so I guess if you’re not itchin to get THE BEST, you can wait til the crowd dies down.
The stuff here is pretty standard small-​thrift-​store stuff, I’m sure if you frequent it enough you can find some cool like, vintage finds, or treasures. I will say I was very pleased with their book collection, ESPECIALLY for children’s books and they are so cheap! Also, alot of cool puzzle and game sets. So stop getting your kids overpriced stuff they’ll get bored of in two weeks… go here. And if you’re not hitting the library cuz your kids are book tearing monsters, then get them some here, let them enjoy, then go crazy, and feel guilt free.
Just save those cute series books for me… I have to finish my collection some day…

I can’t believe how expensive this place has gotten. I used to work right by here and shopped here regularly, back in 2004. Now, it’s definitely not worth going out of my way to visit. Sure, sometimes you can find something great, but it’s pretty rare these days.

I have never been a fan of thrift stores until I became an adult and had to pay for things myself. Out of all of the thrift stores I have been too, this particular one always gets my interested and I walk out with good stuff. In my opinion it isnt more than goodwill or the new salvation army down a ways, the prices are just right!
A few items that i am in love with is their plus size section. I can find some good buys. I am a 27 year old so i dont want to wear old woman sagy chothes, but apparently someone that drops of clothes, lieks the same ones I like, thankfully. I also bought my sons toddler bed (a firetruck for 25 bucks), and also decore for my house.
Theres always good deals going on. I even bought a calender that each month theres a cupon! whoohoo!

I’ve heard whisperings about the V.V. pricing being higher than Goodwill. I couldn’t disagree more.
I am no fashion diva. You might even say I’m a bit challenged in the fashion department. Someone once told me that black and brown don’t go well together, so I tend to wear black and brown… How can that be true if you think about boozy drinks like the Black and Tan? So maybe I dress myself like a cocktail. Se la vie.
Fashion hound or no, I’ll say that I have two very particular moods to my clothes: earth-​toned hippie with a little flare and maybe some ‘80s zest, OR cozy-​in-​black. Both of these desired looks must also be able to accommodate a larger woman. And I’ve never had trouble pulling this off at the Village.
As a matter of fact, I think they might be making it just a bit TOO easy on me. I’m used to walking into a store, gritting my teeth and clutching my wallet like it’s the sacred baby Jesus. That’s because I know that in most stores, I’ll be disappointed. Either nothing fits right (do they make thigh corsets??) or I’m just too damned stingy with the dough. But this is not the case at Value Village.
Not to mention that their detergent is that much less offensive than the stuff at Goodwill (which gives me hives).
Clothes are easily organized by type of clothing, size, and then color. How much easier could it get?
Haven’t had much luck here in the furniture department. But I can almost always walk out of the store with a super cheap scarf and book.
I look forward to coming here during costume season with friends. You can find the most ridiculous concepts here.
Oh, and Don is, sadly, right. You may want to wash your hands after perusing the aisles. I’m not sure why they don’t have a sanitizer pump on the wall by the exit…

It’s too funny that the photo for this biz listing is of glasses, because glasses are exactly the reason I came to this Value Village location on 82^nd yesterday. I was in search of some funky glassware, and I was still coming down off of a mean streak after my sticker-​shock experience at Badwill up the street ($ 2-​$ 3 for used, Dollar Tree glassware? Yeah right!) when I drove up to this little thrift store.
Anyway, I was looking for some cool stuff, but very particular cool stuff. While I didn’t find the cool stuff I was looking for here (and I can’t blame them, I was in a particular mood), I was impressed at their more-​than-​reasonable glassware prices. $ 1 each, 4 for $ 3. While I left empty handed, my faith in the general 82^nd-​Ave-​Thrift-​Market Market was slightly restored.
But the down-​side to this Value Village is that it never really has all that much in the way of selection of things I’m usually hunting for at thrift stores: old cameras, crazy cheap used vinyl, random nic-​nackery, and crazy glassware. Of the 3 or 4 times I’ve been in, I’ve only walked out with a purchase once — a classic vinyl LP of Korean standard songs done in pan-​flute. It was in cherry condition too.
Also, one time I was rolling up to do some shopping and saw 2 stoked dudes hauling off a classic old-​style Kenmore refrigerator that had been converted into a kegerator. I’ve been looking for one of those on and off for years. I still curse those fuckers every time I drive by this particular Value Village location. They obviously beat me by about 10 minutes.
If only…
We can all dream, can’t we?
Oh, and every time I leave this Value Village my hands are kind of… not sticky… but… uh… tacky. I always want to go home and shower afterward.

I would probably be giving this thrift store at least one more star if my cell phone hadn’t been ripped off from here. I guess you shouldn’t expect to find too many good samaritans at the thrift store on 82^nd. That being said…
This really is a kick-​ass thrift store. If you’re sick of sifting through sizes, colors, man or woman? clothes, and every other possibility… well, I have to say this is possibly the most organized thrift store I’ve ever seen.
They had some good deals, some things overpriced though. I would say based on the ease of your search, the higher prices are more tolerable.
That is, if the true cost of the ratty hippy skirt or knit cap you buy doesn’t end up being $ 275 dollars for your phone or PDA replacement.
Caveat!

While it may be just a bit higher priced than most similar items Goodwill, the Value Village seems a bit more organized and almost feels like a regular store versus thrift. They also know what small, medium and large mean and sort the clothing accurately. I’ve only paid them one visit but was very pleased to score four brand name (Tommy Hilfiger, L.L. Bean, Karen Scott & Eddie Bauer) tops for less than half the price I would have paid for one at a full retail shop.
Yup, I’ll be back for more Value Village deals in the future!

If you are a ladies’ shoe size 7 ½, you’d best be advised to steer clear of this Value Village, because those shoes are MINE.
I’ve had really great luck here, which raises my suspicions that it’s not necessarily my superior hunting skills, but more likely their discerning merchandise manager. Nonetheless!
This Value Village has come through for me when I have needed them the most. I would tell you about all of my great finds, but I wouldn’t want to give away my secrets. I’m even reluctant to submit this review. In fact, I take it all back. Don’t go here! It’s a terrible place!

I’ve always had really good luck at this thrift store in particular. I have been dieting the last few months, so it’s been really nice to be able to find some in between clothes while I drop the pounds!
They have a good selection of plus sized clothes as well. i’ve hopefully said goodbye to those sizes, but they are a rare thing in most thrift stores (hell, in most regular stores too).
Picked up an Elements track jacket, some workout pants, a scarf and a beanie all for about $ 12. Gotta love it!