They say good things come in pairs, and if you need evidence, just drive down to the 64th block of Penn Avenue where you’ll find two wonderful thrifts—my beloved ARC’s Value Village and the star of this post, the Assistance League (AL) Thrift Shop—separated by just a stone’s throw. Though it’s more modest in size and lighter in inventory than Value Village, there’s plenty of good reasons to not skip over it!
WHAT’S GOOD
♥ Art work: There’s a reason the volunteers at the AL Thrift Shop put the artwork right up at the front of the store…it’s usually really freakin’ good. Curated (and priced) by a retired art teacher turned volunteer, everything from gorgeous oil landscapes to one-of-a-kind screen prints to vintage posters to beautifully framed photos is priced fairly (which doesn’t always mean cheaply).
♥ Designer labels: I’m not a huge label scout, but as some of you probably are, you may want to consider the array I noticed during my last visit: Burberry, Lilly Pulitzer, St. John, Ungaro, Ann Taylor, Dayton’s (vintage, obvs), J. Jill. Generally speaking, the clothing, in both style and size, skews to a more mature audience, as in, my mom would have a freakin’ hey day shopping here.
WHAT’S MEH
♥ Dishes & drink ware: Slim selection overall and what’s there seems a tad overpriced. (That said, if you’re on the hunt for quality crystal, there always seems to be a pretty set or two there.)
♥ Table linens: Another category with a surprisingly slim selection.
♥ Furniture: It’s just no their wheelhouse. While I’ve noticed a couple cherry pieces there over the years, this wouldn’t be my go-to spot if I was after a dresser, bed, bookshelves, etc.
Take a peek around!
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In a nutshell…
Selection/Variety: ♥ ♥ ♥
Quality: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
Pricing: ♥ ♥ ♥
Organization: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
Customer service: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
Where does money raised at this store go? Staffed entirely by volunteers, proceeds from the store support the Assistance League’s philanthropic programs, which include providing new school uniforms for disadvantaged kids, one-on-one tutoring for second graders who are struggling with reading and providing assault survivor kits to emergency rooms around the metro area. Also, donated merchandise that doesn’t wind up for sale at the shop is given away to people in need via a partner non-profit. You can learn about all nine of AL’s charitable outlets here.
Do they take credit cards? Yes!
Do they accept donations? Yep, and you’ll get a coupon if you do!
Do they have a mailing list? You betcha, and it comes out each week. Don’t miss the 30%-off coupon good on any one item up to $50 that’s in each one. They’ll honor it if you pull it up on your phone! Sign up here or in-store at the laptop next to the checkout.
Pro tip: Clothing at the AL Thrift has a 12-week lifespan, meaning that if you wait long enough, whatever item you’re coveting will inevitably drop in price. Throughout the floor, you’ll find discount racks, but if you head all the way to the back, that’s where the 75%-off section and $1-10 bargain racks are.
While you’re in the area: Head across the street to ARC’s Value Village of course! And on the weekends, keep an eye out for estate sales happening in the ‘hood. I’ve had good luck in that little nook of the city!
Where it is: 6416 Penn Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55423
Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursdays; closed Sundays
Contact: 612.866.2135, Facebook
If you pay the Assistance League Thrift Shop a visit, I’d love to hear what you think.
Happy thrifting!
xo,
Meghan
♥ Vintage floral plates for a future photo shoot, 69 cents to $1.99, found at the St. Vincent de Paul store off Lake Street.
♥ A mint-condition set of cream and gold trays, four for $5, also from Vinnie’s. The striped dress I’m wearing is also a Vinnie’s find. It’s a super-comfy stretchy cotton Calvin Klein number with the most flattering scoop-neck. I think it was $3?
♥ A big old bookcase that’s destined to hold our stereo, turntable and records. We need to secure it to the wall before loading it up with vinyl, so it’s currently kind of a hodge-podge. I was so happy that the finish matches our trim perfectly AND that there’s a nice-sized cabinet on the bottom (MORE STORAGE!). I found this bad boy via Craigslist, for sale at Empty the Nest in Burnsville for $30.
high plains thrifter 