My favorite, favorite, favorite thrift store Valu Thrift in Sun Ray Mall (off of McKnight road and 94 in St. Paul, on the edge of Maplewood).
Occupying the former Penney’s store there, Valu Thrift is always extremely neat and the merchandise, especially clothes, is in really good shape. Very rarely will you find something with a stain or something that’s very worn. The prices are reasonable and on Mondays they have 25% off of everything. There is a huge selection. Unlike some other thrift stores, there are fitting rooms, but beware if you pull a bunch of stuff: you can only take in three items at a time. They mostly know when their goods are worth money, but we’ve found a gem or two to resell online.
I have quit going to Value Thrift because the merchandise is of lesser quality than it used to be. I also am FED UP with the behavior of the clerks. I often am in line behind people who want an item without a price tag. OF COURSE the clerks will sell it to them. But today when I was in there, and made an offer of what the item is worth, I got this snotty lecture. Oh, no, we cannot sell anyhting without a tag — even though they do it all of the time. Never again will I set foot in that store. You cannot have certain types of policies for certain types of customers. It is discrimination.
There is a sister stores as well, Unique Thrift Store which is on the corner of Larpenteur and Rice St in St Paul. Valu Thrift has 25% off of everything on Mondays and Unique on Tuesdays.
I find lots of unusual fabrics and craft items for my etsy store!
I love this store!!
I was there today and I found a brand new pair of Lucky Brand jeans for only $15, you can’t get a better deal than that!!!!
I recommend everybody to go check it out, it is not the ussual Thrift Store, they are very clean and organized.
Just want to comment on the “no tag” situation. My experience is that this is universal. They will not sell anything without a tag….period. I have never seen a clerk that has bent on this… at all …to anyone and I shop there nearly weekly.
I have seen people inappropriately try to barter with the clerks too…it’s just plain tacky and is also always rebuffed. Although my experience has been that it’s always quite politely.
Don’t let one opinion sway anyone. This is a great place, check it out!
You need to shop carefully at Valu Thrift because the prices have always been very high compared to all other thrift stores. Also, I hate the fact that this is owned by a private individual who I have been told is exceedingly rich (millionaire) but they get all the stuff people have donated to the Lupus organization. (Another reason the high prices are hateful).
I think the clerks are nice, but the people unloading the stuff from carts to the shelves can be very rude if you try to look!