Durango Humane Society Thrift Store

I’ve been shopping at thrift stores for a very long time. I’ve always appreciated that people that “have” take the time and give the energy to donate to the folks that “have less.”

The Durango Humane Society Thrift Store was always my favorite thrift store in Durango. It’s convenient, it’s large, it’s organized, it’s mostly clean. It seems that most people that do donate do it there because it’s easy to donate there. And it pays to know where most of the donations go, or where the “happening” thrift store is, when you’re a competetive thrift store shopper like me.

The best part of shopping at thrift stores is that it’s economical! In this economy, bargain shopping is important. When you have 4 kids to feed and dress, finding reasonable prices is not only important, it’s necessary.

In addition, we’re always trying to be “green”, right? So why not re-use something, if it’s in good shape? Thrift stores give us the chance to re-use and recycle! Being green has never been so much fun!

I don’t know about you but I also catch the shopping bug about once a week. I need to buy something. But my husband agrees that I’m the lowest maintenance trophy wife in Durango because I can get my shopping fix once a week with $5!

But, here’s the thing. I’ve started to have some beef with the Durango Humane Society Thrift Store… And I’m talking about it here because, well, because my “beef” is bad enough that I am sort of throwing a boycott temper tantrum over it.

1. The prices are inconsistent. Sometimes things aren’t priced at all. Most of the time items are FAR over-priced. So over-priced that I put them back. If I can go to Wal Mart and buy it brand new, same quality and same item, for the same price– why would I bother having to take the used one home, wash it up, and risk that it might break anyways because it’s used?
2. They no longer do the 1/2 off Wednesdays. Probably explains why the piano that’s $250 hasn’t sold yet and is taking up space. Wouldn’t it be better if the item was in someone’s home being used and brought the Humane Society $125 rather than taking up room? I mean, it’s not like the Thrift Store is selling their first born child, or something that they actually paid for in the first place…
3. The volunteers working there are a little lacking in any kind of retail knowledge but are the same folks that last minute price things at the counter when you’re checking out.
4. They never have any clothing on the racks and if they do, ugh, the PRICES.
5. Did I mention the over-priced thing? Yeah, sorry for the repetition. Thrift stores used to be for people who didn’t have much money. When I mentioned this to one of the managers (who drives an expensive luxury 4×4 and carries an upper-crusty demeanor), she says, “Well, we’re here for The Animals of La Plata County.” Ohhhhhh. I see. Because The People in this area are all thriving and living the dream and all. Who cares about them.
6. I think, just an opinion here, that The People need to question where all of those profits are going. I’m sure I don’t need to point out that they have volunteer employees, seemingly make a large profit off of merchandise they paid nothing for, and, well, those dogs and cats aren’t eating filet mignon (or are they?) for dinner every night. Where’s the profit going, because I think there probably is some profit?

So, Durango. I emplore you. Please? Please choose one of the many other Thrift Stores in Durango to donate and shop. Distribute the treasure a little if you’re a giver, be open to new things if you are a shopper. The other Thrift Stores might actually look out for The People while their at it, not just the critters. If they are having to deny you dropping off your donations and then they are charging an arm and a leg to those in need for your hand-me-downs, doesn’t it sort of takes the “feel good” out of it?

*** This post is simply my personal opinion and is not backed by any facts or statistics. It is not meant to rock boats or hurt feelings…***

Posted by: stepherz | 08-16-2008 | 07:08 PM
Posted in: Checks & Balances