Savers Thrift Store, Lake Street, Minneapolis
I have a love-hate relationship with Savers thrift stores. I love that they have high standards for quality, and that the stores are clean and open on Sundays. But it drives me up the wall that their prices are ridiculously high. This Savers, the only one in Minneapolis proper, has been a go-to thrifting spot for me for years, so I figured I’d tell you all a little about it, and some tricks for saving even more money there.
WHAT’S GOOD
♥ Vintage clothes: Unlike some of the other Savers, this one has a whole section devoted to vintage in the middle of the store, with men’s and women’s wear mixed in together. I’ve found some really bitchin’ dresses from the ’70s-’90, 1960s wool skirts and men’s button-downs. Prices are fair, with dresses running anywhere in between $4-12, skirt for $6-8 and blouses for $5 here.
♥ Books: Taking up a good portion of the store is an assortment of well-sorted and in-good-condition books. I’ve spotted some really nice art/coffee table-type tomes, too.
♥ House wares: This Savers is in many ways my Target alternative, when it comes to household necessities. It’s easy to pop in here to see if they have a casserole dish in the size I need, or a baking pan—usually there’s something here that will work. I’ve also found really nice decorative plates here, and little vases to add to my collection.
WHAT’S NOT GOOD
♥ New clothes: A lot of the store’s clothing is newer, cheap clothes (Target brands, Old Navy), marked stupidly high, especially considering they’re used.
♥ Picked over-ness: Since this Savers is close to a light rail stop and right in the middle of town, it can be crazily picked over, especially if you stop in later in the afternoon or evening or during sale days.
Where does the money raised here go? Into some rich folks’ pockets! Savers is a for-profit thrift store, and it is privately owned and operated. They do work with local nonprofits, however, which can lead to some confusion, with shoppers thinking what they spend at Savers is going solely to support philanthropic efforts. It works like this: The selected nonprofits will solicit donations from folks like you and me, and then turn over those donations to Savers, who in turn, pays them per bag or box of merchandise. Donations are then sorted by Savers staff. What’s not deemed acceptable for sale in their stores is then resold (and sometimes donated) to retailers in developing countries. So, Savers not only makes money from what they sell in their retail stores, but also by selling unwanted merchandise they got for free to other retailers.
According to their website, since 1954, Savers has paid more than $1 billion to fund nonprofits’ programs and services. And that is nothing to sniff at. You can learn more about the company here.
Here are some of my favorite finds from this shop:
I love this dress! The super faded floral print is sweet, and it has pockets, a flattering cut and lady-like length. It has this soft sheen, too, which I love. I believe it was $3.99 and it came with a matching belt.
This plate makes me so happy. Now, where to hang it?
I can’t take these leather kitten-heeled, wooden-soled beauties off! Check out the bows! They cost $4 (originally priced $8, but bought on a half-off day).
Go here to find: Vintage clothes, good quality housewares, nice used books
Selection/Variety: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
Quality: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
Pricing: ♥ ♥
Organization: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
Customer service: ♥ ♥
Cleanliness: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
Do they take credit cards? Yep!
Will they accept returns or exchanges? Yes, you can exchange items within seven days of purchase but only with a receipt and the tags still attached.
Other helpful hints: Click here to sign up for Savers’ e-newsletter. You’ll get advance notice of special sales and coupons. Sweet right? If you’re a college student, or still have your ID, flash it on Wednesdays and take 50 percent off your entire purchase. Also keep an eye out for a calendar (usually found by the register) that lists the sales happening that month and any other special promo days (senior citizen discount days, for example).
While you’re there: On Tuesdays, from 3-7 p.m., and on Saturdays, from 8 a.m.- 1 p.m., hop across the street to the Midtown Farmers’ Market. If I’m famished after thrifting on a Tuesday after work, I stop and pick some yummy takeout from one of the food vendors or some veggies. Or, if you’re like my boyfriend, you can drop $5 and get a piping hot pizza at Little Caesars, which is in the same strip mall at Savers. Aldi, Wells Fargo, Family Dollar, a barber shop and a liquor store all have a spot there, too.
Where it is: 2124 East Lake St, Minneapolis
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Contact: 612.729.9271, www.savers.org
Happy Friday, everyone! I’m so stoked for another long weekend. Two in a row! How lucky can one girl be??
xxoo,
Meghan
{source}
high plains thrifter 
