Rossland Thrift Store: Small update to our prices effective Feb 1, 2025

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Prices at our thrift store have significantly increased. In the past, most clothing items were priced under $5, with only a few exceptions for higher-priced goods. Currently, it is challenging to find apparel below that threshold, with some items reaching prices as high as $50. Even damaged clothing is often listed above $10, while footwear typically starts at $10 or more. The pricing for Halloween costumes also went up this year, with some costumes priced at $40. Perhaps it would be more appropriate to refer to this store as a consignment store, as it appears that you price items based on their retail value rather than at true "thrift" prices. Historically, thrift stores were intended to be affordable and to assist low-income families within the community, a purpose that seems to be diminishing at our local thrift shop. The shift towards higher prices is concerning, and a return to a more community-oriented and accessible model would be greatly appreciated I think by many.

This is the best thrift store and they have amazing prices! Because it is run by volunteers, prices are a lot lower than the bigger thrift stores you find in larger centres. I love this thrift store <3

So here's a question for bikeskiswim, would you expect a George jacket from Walmart to cost the same as an Arcteryx jacket at a thrift store? And if you donated an Arcteryx jacket would you want it to be sold at the same price as a George jacket? I suspect your answer would be yes which is why you're so disappointed in us.

But you can buy a basic item of clothing for less than the price of a cup of coffee, or indeed tea.

we don't price stuff willy nilly, we google, discuss etc and that halloween costume sold, while you were in the store I believe. And is a Halloween costume a basic item?

we sold a pair of boots last week for $75.00 and when you've picked yourself up off the floor, bikeskiswim, there's more bad news - our minimum price has gone up from .25 cents to .50 cents! Heavens above.

Thank You Linds, Excellent pricing policy Rossland Health Care Auxiliary Thrift Store. Keep up all your wonderful non-profit charitable work.

Very interesting questions, thank you for your response Linds.

I think you have confirmed my original comment, which was that you price items based on retail value, which is how consignment stores operate, rather than thrift shops. I did not say I am disappointed, I did say I was concerned. And I do think you are missing the point I was trying to make, which was not to criticize. It was to share concern. Your open mocking and sarcasm is unfortunate. And perhaps a reflection on our little thrift shop to be considered in this discussion.

I do think it makes sense to have "special" priced items. Maybe unique finds, or brand new items in package. The point of a thrift store is to obviously support a charity, but to also support a community. And that means that as a community you can go to the thrift store and find good quality items for thrifty prices. And while I do not know where every brand originates from, I do believe that yes, this involves pricing higher quality items at prices that are lower than to be expected. That is what thrift stores are for. It is consignment stores that look at the retail value of an item to determine what their resale price should be, the only difference here is that you aren't giving the original owner a percentage. The halloween costumes caught my eye this year. I was searching for costumes for my grandchildren, and was shocked to see the prices at the Rossland thrift this year. I hadn't seen those high prices before. Linds - I do not think I know you, and I did not see the expensive costume sell, no. It was on display at the time, and I think everyone passed it by.

Regardless - I wanted to speak up for low income families in our community, who are finding the thrift store too expensive. 

Regarding the cost of the George and arcteryx jackets, how much did the thrift shop pay to acquire each article of clothing? $0? 

sounds like you are pricing the products differently because of determined value and quality and people that actually NEED the thrift store are being priced out of quality products because of your scheme. I think it's called profiteering. 

People are no longer shopping at the thrift store for the design and style the need/want (especially if they need these clothes for winter or for work) but only for what prices the thrift store has pigeon holed them into....its like going to Value Village now!

Salvation Army might Be busier but they don't artificially increase "free to them" items so they can keep their donations to a provincially funded hospital around the same every year. 

I'd like to thank the *volunteers* who work at the Thrift Shop for all the hours of thought and care that they put into running this service to the community. I think you're doing a great job and that the prices are MORE than reasonable. Please know that your hard work is VERY much appreciated. 

Quick question from a guy who knows very little about how our thrift store operates but...It seems like the majority of the time the thrift store is not accepting donations....wouldn't that indicate a need to lower prices so more volumecna be moved?

I think everyone is very grateful for the volunteer work that goes into our thrift store. I certainly am, and by no means are my comments about prices anything negative towards the dedicated volunteers that make having a thrift store in town possible.

But the fact remains. Prices have certainly gone up repeatedly within the past two years. And I know there are families in this town that struggle with the consignment-store pricing now found throughout the store. Our thrift store supports our hospital more than it supports low income families and providing quality used items to our community at true thrift store prices.

I agree with Bentobox and OrthoM.

I completely agree with Bikeskiswim regarding the efforts put in by our volunteers, my comments are in no way dismissive of their exceptional contribution to our community. My comments are ONLY towards the pricing that has continues to rise and push our lower income families and people out.