Comments for EcoCheapo Twin Cities

Comment on A review of Valu Thrift Store by Joe Bacon

Joe Bacon — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 19:33:32 +0000

Another take on Valu Thrift Store. I am a white middle-class male, and I have never been ablet to get Valu to sell me a tagless item or adjust the price on two identical items with different prices.
That being said, Valu gets stuff from many sources, and the prices aen’t bad on the Mondays or Holiday Sale Days. I have no doubt that he guy who owns the place is very rich, but he employs alot of people, some of whom probably couldn’t get hires at many “mainstream” retailers. It is a great store for folks who need warm outerwear, and can’t afford Eddy Bauer or Cabelas. I have seen like new down hooded name-brand Parkas for $14, and many Columbia Jackets with zip out liners for less than $20. Samsonite large wheeled suitcases for under $20. Like new Nordic skis with bindings for $10. You can often find really high quality children’s books for $.49. I buy alot of these and my daughter passes them out to disadvantaged kids in Philly. It isn’t as cheap as the non-profits, but for people who don’t have the time or money to shop all over, the selection of clothing is huge, and there are some real flowers among the weeds.
It is also the best organized thrift I have ever visited. I wish Target and Kohls would display pants and shirts the way Valu does!

Comment on Twin Cities Free Market – a review and tips by sandrar

sandrar — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 22:52:59 +0000

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Comment on A review of Valu Thrift Store by Medium Happy Shopper

Medium Happy Shopper — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 02:17:22 +0000

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!

Comment on A review of Valu Thrift Store by Happy Shopper

Happy Shopper — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 00:03:06 +0000

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!

Comment on A review of Valu Thrift Store by Samantha

Samantha — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 22:08:54 +0000

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.

Comment on Lots of fun things to do by Jen Kaasa

Jen Kaasa — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 02:32:22 +0000

Love this resource list – always looking for things to do around here.

Comment on A review of Fairview Ave. Goodwill by tupoi

tupoi — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 18:17:12 +0000

I prefer the one on White Bear Ave in Maplewood. It’s right off of 36. It’s a little less chaotic and easier to find things!

Comment on A review of Valu Thrift Store by Pam

Pam — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 14:37:23 +0000

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!

Comment on Cheap microwave popcorn! by Pam

Pam — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 14:30:24 +0000

That’s a great idea! I’ve given up microwave popcorn for a couple of reasons, and now I usually make it with oil in a pan. But my kids can do this on their own. Thanks!

Comment on A review of Fairview Ave. Goodwill by Pam

Pam — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 14:25:50 +0000

I really like the one on White Bear Ave in Maplewood, right off of 36. I get a lot of my kids clothes there: school uniforms and play clothes. Thursdays at all of the stores are 50% on kids stuff! Also they have colored tag sales over Sunday – Tuesdays I think.

Fairview is totally a headache, especially with the construction there right now.

Cool blog!