-thrift store life-

Moved!

2011-01-21T21:57:00.002-05:00

THIS BLOG MOVED HERE

Vases With An Attitude

2010-12-05T21:31:00.000-05:00

Rolling Musical Toy

2010-12-02T21:16:00.002-05:00

Vintage Thingy

Thrifty Thursday

Cheesy 1970's Book

2010-11-26T21:45:00.000-05:00

1960's Bar Set

2010-11-24T20:02:00.003-05:00

Vintage Thingie

Happy Thanksgiving! I am thankful all year long!

Redneck Sense of Humor

2010-10-04T20:09:00.001-04:00

click to enlarge

This is what the customer handed Juliette as she asked him for an ID to complete a credit card payment transaction.
After a few laughs he showed her his real ID.

We had to take a photo of it!

Variety Pack

2010-09-30T10:10:00.000-04:00

A few albums....

...and some books.

Thrifty Thursday

Vintage Thingy Thursday

Feathers and Fins

2010-09-15T19:45:00.003-04:00

Retro FISH and CHICKEN 'Serva-Plates' .

They hold a 9" paper plate. The chicken also holds a cup.
Great for pic=-ics.

Thrifty Thursday
Vintage Thingie Thursday

Black and White.

2010-09-15T19:40:00.000-04:00

Here is a customer all dressed in black and white, and that is her cart behind her.
All the items in it are black and/or white.

:-)

Brass Mermaid

2010-09-11T21:37:00.000-04:00

Wall hanging with hooks.

Face Pots

2010-09-09T21:18:00.003-04:00

They are made in England and used to hold onions, sauces, and condiments.

For more info, click here.

Thrifty Thursday

Vintage Thingy Thursday

CSI thrift store 2

2010-08-11T21:08:00.001-04:00

The thief is visible in the top right side of the screen placing an item in his bag.

Michael then asks him to let him see his bag and the thief rushes out of the door.

The chase ended with the police intervening and arresting the individual.

Monkey Boy

2010-07-15T10:17:00.001-04:00

One of our truck drivers has recently given his two weeks notice of resignation as he will begin graduate school this fall.
A job offer has been posted on craigslist and on our website to replace him, and few individuals have sent us their applications or resumes for our consideration.

One of the applicants' email address included the words "mrmonkeyboy", which, of course, made me and some coworkers snicker a little, 'cause it's fun to be silly sometimes.

As Mike and I were screening the applications and scheduling some interviews times, one of the applicants returned Mike's phone call, eager to schedule an interview; Mike was busy on the telephone with another applicant, so I took that phone call and briefed the caller on the usual details prior to the interview. It was a pleasant conversation and the individual seemed to have some sense of humor. For some reason I became convinced he was "mrmonkeyboy", so I just asked "Are you Mr Monkey Boy?".

From the pause that followed I deduced he wasn't! What would you respond to a person that could potentially offer you a job and that is asking you if you were Mr Monkey Boy?
He finally timidly said "n-n-n-o?".
Mike was fanning his hands trying to communicate to me "it's not him!". Too late!

I began laughing and [thank goodness] he laughed too. I explained that an applicant's email included those words, I then asked him to erase that part of our conversation. I think he now believes I am not that crazy, but maybe just a little....

It was a little embarrassing but very funny!

The craziest part is that later on, in a donation box, a mug emerged with the image of a monkey face and the words "beware of monkey boy". Amazing coincidence, isn't it?

We'll definitely give the mug to mrmonkeyboy when he comes for the interview; we have to.....

Grenade

2010-06-20T00:37:00.001-04:00

Yes, donated today! Found it in a box with other miscellaneous items.

I know, sometimes I don't even believe myself the crazy stuff we find!

Well, I did call the police for this one, because we could not understand if it was real, live or what not. We cautiously took it outside, just in case, and waited for the police; three cars arrived very quickly!

Turned out it's a fake [said the cop who served 27 years in a military bomb squad!].

Never a dull moment...

Thief!

2010-05-27T17:32:00.000-04:00

Four Items Donated [Accidently Or Not] On The Same Day

2010-05-16T21:28:00.003-04:00

Hermes Constance Crocodile Purse

marijuana [or pot, dope, grass, weed, Mary Jane, reefer] -found in a bag

catheterization trays

sandwich marionette

bullet clip

Never a boring moment at the thrift store!

Kitty Plates Made in Bavaria

2010-04-29T21:11:00.000-04:00

Simply adorable!

Vintage Thingi e Thursday

The Irony!

2010-04-25T22:24:00.000-04:00

Of all the books the donor probably had, the dog apparently chose just this one to chew on!

From Suitcases to Brooches

2010-04-07T21:50:00.002-04:00

Vintage Thingie
Thrifty Thursday

Easter Stuff

2010-03-31T21:56:00.000-04:00

Visit Vintage Thingy for more vintage items.

Made in Germany

2010-03-24T22:49:00.000-04:00

Visit Vintage Thingy for more vintage finds.

Transvestite?

2010-03-18T23:22:00.003-04:00

Another thief story.

One of our regular customers took me aside in a furtive way and told me he just witnessed a lady trying on a long suede coat, taking it off, and passing it to a man, along with her purse, right after stuffing it with some shirts just pulled from the hangers; she then asked her friend to take the items to the car while she continued to sift through the clothes racks.

I thanked the nice customer and went to the back, rewinded the security recording and confirmed that his report was very accurate.

The woman was now checking out at the register. I approached her and asked her "what about the suede coat?", she responded unperturbed with a serious and reassuring look "oh, I was going to pay for it". I did not even tried and asked her "when?". I simply said that when an item leaves the store before being paid, it automatically becomes a stolen item making her a thief.

At this time her friend re-appeared in the store, after the unloading of the loot. I told him I wanted the coat back and the bag. He attempted to explain that the woman told her to take it to the car, and he was not aware that the items were not paid. I ignored him and proceeded to walk with Michael to the parking lot so the dude followed us. I asked him to show me where the car was, he guided me there where a third individual was sitting behind the wheel and smoking.

The first dude told the guy in the car to pass the coat and the bag, he then gave the items to me continuing to portray that I-don't-know-what's-going-on look.

I walked back inside and toward the woman and began taking items out of her bag: scarves, small shirts and a pair of women sandals. As i took out a zippered small pouch she told me "that's mine" and added that she did not know those other items were in the bag. She said "he must have put them there" speaking of the man friend. I pointed out that those were women shirts and sandals.

Her answer? "Well, he likes to dress like a woman!"

Twins

2010-03-13T23:11:00.006-05:00

Way too often we discover that some of our customers are...let's say..."a little" dishonest.

When one of them acts a little suspicious, we run to the back and keep an eye on them through the security cameras and, as soon as we notice them placing an item in a bag or under their coat, we rush back to the sale floor announcing to them what we just saw them doing.

At this point we usually ask them to give us the item in the bag, then we ask them to leave the store and never come back.
I feel that we are actually being nice: we could call the police and have them arrested!

A few days ago, I noticed a lady in the store who was caught stealing in the past: maybe she thought we forgot about it?

I approached her and reminded her that she was not welcome in our store.

She responded that she had a twin sister and I probably was confusing her with her.

Cool Ads From Vintage Magazines 2

2010-03-10T19:05:00.000-05:00

From a 1948 Life magazine

and from another magazine 20 years later.

Visit Vintage Thingy for more vintage finds.

Sheet Music

2010-02-24T20:50:00.000-05:00

Visit Vintage Thingy for more vintage finds.

Vintage Patterns

2010-02-15T22:01:00.001-05:00

Visit Vintage Thingy for more vintage finds.

No Excuse

2010-02-12T18:12:00.000-05:00

An ACTUAL message left in our voice mail by a customer trying to use an expired store coupon.

"Hello, I am calling because I just realized that my $10 coupon expired two days ago and I was wondering if it would be possible for me to use it anyway since I have fibromyalgia.
I understand It's expired but, see...my father died, do you think I can use my coupon? Plus someone broke into my house and I got raped. So things happened that did not allowed me to come to the store. Could you please let me know if I can still use this coupon? See... I broke both my ankles, and I just forgot the coupon expired."

Our Little Friends

2010-01-29T13:07:00.001-05:00

They come and visit us with some of our customers: look how cute they are.

Visit Camera Critters and Friday Ark for more animals photos

Albums

2010-01-28T20:56:00.000-05:00

Meet you down on Memory Lane......

Visit Vintage Thingy for more vintage finds.

iPhone Bean Bag

2010-01-27T22:53:00.000-05:00

Here is a bean bag to rest your iPhone or iPod.

Really?

2010-01-25T22:53:00.000-05:00

Recent donation:

How To Save 5000 Steps

2010-01-21T20:26:00.001-05:00

Have you hung your hubby's pajama in the closet this morning?

click to enlarge

[from an Eloise book]

Brass Baubles

2010-01-20T20:29:00.001-05:00

This is an entrance bell; once it hangs on the wall, you can pull down the chain to ring the bell.

Here is another one, a little smaller.

An egg timer.

A candle holder.

Nutcracker.

Monkey hooks.

Does anybody know what is this scissors-like utensil?

Visit Vintage Thingy for more vintage finds.

Round Bed

2010-01-09T23:32:00.001-05:00

Here is a groovy red velvet rounded headboard....

with the round mattress and box-spring to go with it.

Little Wooden Figurines and a Gi-Normous One

2010-01-07T10:25:00.001-05:00

Visit Vintage Thingy for more vintage finds.

Donation of Poor Taste

2010-01-05T22:41:00.000-05:00

Found in a donated bag with a Christmas wreath and few kitchenware items.

Left-over Christmas

2009-12-30T22:13:00.000-05:00

Holiday Wishes

2009-12-24T20:15:00.007-05:00

Visit Postcard Friday for more great postcards.
Visit Thursday Vintage Thingy for more great vintage finds.

Linens 'n Animals

2009-12-23T22:44:00.005-05:00

Visit Vintage Thingy for more vintage finds.

Xmas Ornaments

2009-12-17T22:12:00.001-05:00

Visit Vintage Thingy for more vintage finds.

Good Old Mickey - Christmas Ornaments

2009-12-06T21:40:00.003-05:00

50s Santa POPUP Vintage Card

2009-11-25T23:00:00.001-05:00

Large vintage Christmas card [9" X 13" closed].

Santa's face on the front; pull down the tip of his beard to change facial expression.

The back shows images of toys and holiday items around a blank "letter" ready to be filled.

As you open the giant card, a holiday scene pops up: Santa's sled at the front, a Christmas tree, carolers in front of the house and Santa with the toys sack.

Made in Czechoslovakia by Kubarta.

Visit Vintage Thingy for more vintage finds.
Visit Postcard Friday for more vintage cards.

The Landing

2009-11-20T17:01:00.003-05:00

Post-stamped 1910.

100 years old!!!!!!

View more at Postcard Friday.

Face-O-Metrics

2009-11-19T18:36:00.001-05:00

click images to enlarge them.

It's Called Being Rude! That's What Is Called.

2009-11-14T19:30:00.000-05:00

I believe that certain behaviors are manifested only in thrift stores. I believe some people allow themselves to misbehave in a thrift store because, to them, a thrift store is not a "real" store: everything in it is used and/or old, so it is not worth any respect. [I feel like Rodney Dangerfield, now :-)].

In a previous post I wrote about customers leaving "gifts" in our store. This time I took pictures; they cover a period of a couple of weeks.

These gifts are just abandoned in the store, without any effort to find a trash can.

The sandwich wrapper pictured below was hidden under the lid of the container for sale.

And then there is the donor who believes someone will use an item in this condition. Of course it never made it to sale floor.

Need I say anything more?

West Of The Range

2009-11-13T20:31:00.005-05:00

A postcard post-stamped 1909

More postcards at Postcard Friendship Friday

The Art Of Hypnotism

2009-11-12T18:29:00.005-05:00

to read captions, click image to enlarge.

Happy Halloween

2009-10-31T20:45:00.002-04:00

The Bad, The Good and The Ugly

2009-09-28T16:18:00.004-04:00

Yes, I am talking about donations.

I do not know what some donor think when they place half consumed bottles of alcoholic beverages in a donation box. Do they really think that someone will drink them?

Here is a white leather sectional couch; I consider this a good donation.

I listed this as "ugly" even if I do not think it is; it's cute to me :-).

Another Sleeper

2009-09-20T13:46:00.009-04:00

What is it about our store that encourages customers to fall asleep?

Maybe the atmosphere is too cozy, or our furniture is too inviting, who knows?

This has happened before, see these other photos.

As I tapped this guy on his shoulder, I asked him: "are you sleeping?", obviously waking up, he responded: "no". I nicely replied: "mh, would you please take your feet off this desk?".

I almost spit fire when he asked: "and why would I do that?"

Fun Vintage Children Books Graphics

2009-08-28T21:34:00.003-04:00

A Few More Freshly Uncovered Treasures

2009-08-14T19:04:00.000-04:00

cute key with hat

embroidered tissue box cover

flower vase

dulcimer

wooden carved stands

floor buffing/cleaning slippers

very high heel shoes

Paint By Number

2009-08-12T18:55:00.001-04:00

That Book Must Have Been Really Boring

2009-08-10T17:50:00.003-04:00

Strange

2009-07-31T21:33:00.007-04:00

Strange items we recently received as donations:

a ceramic goose head, handle to a wine glass. [You have to hold your glass until it is empty!]

A bottle of shampoo containing probably two applications at the most. Do they really think we would price it and try to sell it???

A giant Dough Boy. [mh- mh :-)]

Approx 4' tall.

Truck Trading

2009-07-29T11:31:00.007-04:00

Yesterday we listed our old little truck on Craigslist, after we finally got a better working truck.

This morning we found this email in response to the ad:

"To trade for it I have a sectional sofa with 2 built in recliners and a queen pull out bed, a full size washer and dryer that look new, a deep freezer about the size of a full size washer, a sony car cd player 50 by 4, 2 sony 6 by 9's, handyman trades (owned my own construction company), and a dora the explorer kids table with 3 chairs."

Behind Our Dumpster: A Five Star Hangout

2009-07-25T22:59:00.004-04:00

We usually place damaged furniture or any discarded large items, on the side of the dumpster until they can be loaded on the truck to be taken to the city dump.

Many of these items never make it to the truck because, as everybody knows, someone's trash is another person treasure: our dumpster area has regular visitors looking for "treasures".

And then there are those that just use them on site. Like the one snoring in the picture above.

A Birdhouse Within a Birdcage

2009-07-18T21:55:00.005-04:00

I like it!

Curb...Appeal

2009-07-17T22:39:00.006-04:00

A customer called the store today and asked to speak to the manager.

This is the conversation that took place:

Customer: "I would like to get some information on the store's insurance because today, when I drove to the store, right before turning into the store parking lot, I did not see the curb and I hit it so hard with my car that my transmission was damaged. I am now trying to find out how to get reimbursed for the repairs expenses."

Manager: "You just said the YOU did not see the curb, but you want a non-profit agency to cover your expenses?"

Customer: "The curb is not marked, so I did not see it and it damaged my car when I hit it".

She was told that curbs are built by the city, but she insisted in wanting to speak to the Administrative office.

I surrendered and gave her the phone number.

Diving

2009-07-15T16:48:00.000-04:00

Cool Ads From Vintage Magazines

2009-07-13T16:41:00.007-04:00

Shroom

2009-07-09T22:47:00.005-04:00

It's a mushroom.

It's a stool.

It's mustard in color.

It's covered in velvet.

It's cool.

CSI Thrift Store

2009-07-08T16:55:00.008-04:00

This is when the customer was looking at two shoulder bags [one yellow , one pink] while at the cash register, and the cashier heard her saying that she did not want to spend "that kind of money" for them.

But then, after leaving her friend at the checkout to pay, the customer placed the two bags on her shoulder and nonchalantly walked around the store waiting for the friend.

The cashier was really busy at the moment, but remembered about the two bags a little later, and proceeded to look for the bags in the store. They were nowhere to be found. And that's what made us rewind the surveillance camera recording.

Here is the customer walking toward the exit. Pink and yellow bags on her shoulder.

Almost there.....

And she made it!

Unfortunately we have not retrieved the stolen bags. But at least we know now how the thief looks like.....

Zoo

2009-06-28T12:38:00.005-04:00

A camel stool.

Cat wall hanging.

Piggy bank.

Elephant bird feeder.

Cat Avon bottles.

Turtle whistle.

Paint by number.

Bull from below.

Toro.

Donations Du Jour

2009-06-15T23:21:00.001-04:00

Poultry

2009-06-13T23:12:00.000-04:00

Chocolate Molds

2009-06-11T15:09:00.000-04:00

Few Limoges Pieces

2009-06-09T23:03:00.000-04:00

Some Odd Donations

2009-06-07T15:43:00.011-04:00

A couple of wooden nutcrackers.

A measuring stick.

Giant microbes plush toys: cold,

flu,

and staph.

An aircraft purchase order.

A baseball cap equipped with bottle opener.

Gag dietary supplements [read the funny labels]

A pack of bloopers.

A box of dentures.

Now hurry over to Carrie's blog for more friday foto finish fiesta .

Heads

2009-05-30T22:28:00.003-04:00

Linens And Pets

2009-05-18T19:45:00.005-04:00

Every week we have to discard a generous amount of linens [=specifically linens that are damaged, dirty or that did not sell in the store within a certain period of time].

We pack them in large plastic bags and a volunteer transports them to several local animal shelters in the area to be used inside the cages. We also give plush toys for the animals....

Below are the photos of some of the SPCA animals with said linens.

I am really glad that these simple things can make the animals feel a little bit more comfortable.

Bowl-ed Away

2009-05-14T19:41:00.008-04:00

Some pretty vintage Pyrex bowls....

and some artistic ceramic bowls

Suited Addicts

2009-05-10T20:44:00.010-04:00

I enjoy looking at old reference books and notice how differently a problem or issue used to be addressed.

This is the Revised Edition for teachers of "The Problem: Alcohol and Narcotics" [1962].

It obviously covers a lot of information on drugs and alcohol addiction, but the drawings is what really caught my attention.

So dramatic.... [click to enlarge]

It also shows that in those times, addicts wore suits; look:

Look at this Dick-Tracy-like dude, influencing a youth to smoke!!!

more suits:

and dramatic scenes:

and more drama

From article above: "The users [of marihuana] lose all sense of reality".

cool line drawings!

See What Came In Today

2009-05-05T23:00:00.003-04:00

Two bobble-head figurines.
Soooooo cute!!!

Mystery Solved

2009-04-25T22:10:00.000-04:00

Sometimes, among donated items, we find a few that are unknown to all of us who work there.

This causes a moment of fun within the team, as one asks the other one :"what's this", "I haven't the faintest idea; does anybody know what this is?". So we gather around and we yell out ideas.

Most of the times one of us solve the mystery. Few times we do not puzzle out; the funny part is that we still price the item and put it on the sale floor, hoping to get an answer from our customers.

And most of the times we do.

This item has two open ends, nothing that appears to connect it to other items. It's basically a 6' mesh tube with plastic circles at regular intervals.

It is still an unsolved mystery, but it sold!

Below is a black metal...something. But what?

It's about 20" long X 8" wide.

We could not recognize the green tool shown below. We all agree that it was a kitchen utensil, but..which one? The name engraved at the top helped solve the puzzle, as we researched it on the internet....

It's a Cuisipro® Ice Cream Scoop & Stack

Here is another item; I think it's something used in construction: it appears as a 2X4 would fit in the openings.

Wine bottles holder? Who knows?

A squared plexiglass piece hinged to a grooved piece of wood. The plexiglass is double the width of the wood. Looks like a cutting board with a large cover that has no function....

If you recognize any of our mystery items, please let us know: we'll appreciate it!

Desktop Doodads

2009-04-21T22:29:00.006-04:00

Favorites From Home Economics Teachers

2009-04-17T21:45:00.004-04:00

Some ideas on do-it-yourself decorating found in the book shown below: [click photos to enlarge them]

Peace!

Not Donations, But Gifts

2009-04-13T23:11:00.006-04:00

Pictured above are peanuts shells that one of our nice customers left in a glass bowl displayed for sale on a shelf. Isn't that nice? And more shells were found here and there all throughout the store: how thoughtful....

Nut shells are not all we find. Many candy wrappers are left weekly in odd places [like, for example, inside shoes for sale]; soda cups are also regularly abandoned on fixtures and furnitures, and dirty tissues are nonchalantly dropped virtually everywhere.....

But the most disgusting "gift" left by a customer has been.....drumroll..... urine! found in a ceramic popcorn bowl!

Yes! Urine! I am not joking.

Apparently this man [I surely hope at least this was a man] couldn't or wouldn't hold it and decided to use what was available.

I think at this point there should be some type of commentary on human behavior and thrift stores, but I really do not want to sound cynical and bitter. So I'm just going to leave this task to the reader.

Chicks, Bunnies, Eggs and Lambs

2009-04-12T01:07:00.003-04:00

HAPPY EASTER!

Easter Reading

2009-04-11T01:31:00.002-04:00

Speaking of a Cross....

2009-04-10T01:55:00.004-04:00

Double Take

2009-04-08T20:36:00.008-04:00

While I was organizing magazines in the display near the front door, I greeted a customer on his way out. He responded with an unusual comment, he said: "the mannequin at the back of the store is REALLY wearing that dress!"

What would you respond to a comment like that?

I chose to say: "...uh uhm.." in an attempt to collect myself and not look too astonished.

He probably thought I was wondering which mannequin he was referring to, so he continued, while pointing to the mannequin: "that purple dress looks really good on her", I said slowly "...oh... yeah..." smiling and nodding in agreement [what else could I have said?].

He explained "I had to take a double look; she looks so good, someone could ask her out on a date", at this time, I could only think of a line in the Madagascar movie by the penguins, and I kept repeating it to myself: "just smile and wave, boys, smile and wave...."

The she-mannequin in the picture is what he was referring to; she just was wearing a velvet purple evening dress.

Added on 4-10-09:

Here is the mannequin wearing the dress mentioned above

Spring Has Sprung

2009-04-04T09:41:00.000-04:00

Yes, spring is here.

Azaleas are peeking...

Magnolias are blooming...

Flamingos are bobbing...

Just the right time to visit your favorite thrift shop...

Find a pink dress...

...a pink necklace...

...and celebrate spring!

Meow!

Now hurry over to Beverly's blog for more pink things.

Good Bye, Frankenstein!

2009-04-01T22:18:00.006-04:00

Time for our shop to say good bye to toys.

It is now against the law to sell a recalled product. After a few days of combing through the toys donation and referring to the recall list from the Consumer Product Safety Commissions, we realized how difficult and time consuming it was to keep up with the numerous recalls: there's just no way that there wouldn't be an oversight here and there, so, unfortunately, we came to the decision to stop accepting toys donations altogether.

You may view one of the toys lists here.

Bling Bling

2009-03-23T21:45:00.007-04:00

music, maestro! pin

ready for the next millennium?

dog and fire hydrant earrings

lucite earrings

silver horse earrings

skull ring

butterfly ring

violin pin

ivory [?] pendant

spider pin

Women! Gather 'round...

2009-03-21T15:02:00.006-04:00

click photos to enlarge: don't want to miss important information.

Please Write Anything You'd Like About Yourself....Literally!

2009-03-13T22:41:00.006-04:00

Below is an excerpt from a volunteer's application.
After the typical information, name, time available to work, etc, under the question "Please write anything you would like about yourself, your personality, your interest etc." this is what was entered:
[dots in the paragraph represent parts I'll keep confidential]

"Hi! I am 36 years old and I enjoy writing as it challenges my mind, I have a website at....... if you want to look at some of my work.
.........I attend AA meetings regularly, and I have an amazing support group. I have been sober in recovery for 7 years now.

I am not big on labels but I have been tagged with schizoaffective disorder. I take a monthly shot of Haldol, as well as haldol and other pills, and I am very well anchored in sanity. Two years ago my medication was switched to Abilify, I got a mania and paranoid, stopped taking it, and I became mentally sick. I was arrested and later found not guilty by reason of insanity, and I spent 2 years in a mental hospital. My medicine was increased, I receive therapy, and I have taken great steps to ensure I will never have a mental relapse again. I assure you I am very well rooted in reality and sane.

I am on a spiritual adventure and as I receive disability, I do not need money, I want to help others, and give back to the community, I want to volunteer to help others where I can. While I was at the hospital I learned a lot and have trained as a certified Peer Specialist. I have attended other training from......and want to start.............Substance Abuse and Mental Health meetings. I am very excited about this opportunity to volunteer at your thrift store.

Thanks for your consideration and Best Wishes,

......"

I was really shocked by the candidness of these words, and after reading them, I just wanted to meet this person so I gave him a call. The following day he promptly presented himself to volunteer: he is a very pleasant and helpful individual.

Six Doors, Five Keys

2009-03-04T23:09:00.003-05:00

A set of six lockers has been donated today. They are wooden, they are white.

I think it's the numbers that make them look so cool

Donations Du Jour

2009-02-24T22:33:00.005-05:00

Furniture freshly donated today.

Butter Pot

2009-02-19T22:15:00.006-05:00

This cool French ceramic pot was donated this week: the lid/top [or bottom?] is oddly shaped.

I had to research it, and found it here at the Emile Henry's website.

It's a butter pot that allows to keep butter spreadable without refrigeration!

Valentine's Day Pinks [and Reds]

2009-02-14T00:24:00.003-05:00

Valentine's Day displays and an odd heel for this pair of shoes....

Visit Beverly's blog for more links to pink things.

Dangerous Donations

2009-02-08T17:12:00.010-05:00

Can you believe that these items were donated to our charity organization? [at different times]

Click here for more Friday Foto Finish Fiesta.

Music in Pink

2009-02-07T00:35:00.000-05:00

Showing some vintage sheet music:

and a couple of album covers:

Visit Beverly's blog for more links to pink things.

DEA Evidence

2009-02-01T23:01:00.005-05:00

A donation came in this week in this container.

Soft, Velvety and Plush Pink

2009-01-31T00:04:00.002-05:00

Squashy office chair!!!!

Plush pink animals.

Velvety Nail Polish Pal.

Furry kitty wallet.

Ultra soft baby blankets.

Satiny Barbie sleeping bag.

Fleecy Bug Throw.

Satin and feathers lush pillow.

Visit Beverly's blog for more links to pink things.

Unreasonable Customers

2009-01-30T21:46:00.002-05:00

How can some customers think that rules should be broken just for them? Is it because it's a thrift store that make some people believe that anything [they want] is fair game???

Just last week we had a customer expecting us to accept an expired coupon. She basically threw a tantrum and threatened to call the newspaper [saying what? that we do not accept expired coupons?]. She also tried to use the coupon at different times with different cashiers.

Finally she explained that she has a Gold Visa card, and she does not need to shop in a thrift store, she just does because she wants to.
O-o-o-o-kay.

Today another customer tendered three coupons at once, when each coupon clearly indicates that it cannot be redeemed in conjunction with other coupons. When the cashier said she could not accept all three of them, the customer asked to speak with the manager, and proceeded to state that "it is ridiculous that we did not accept all 3 coupons at once". She added that she "shops 3 times a week in our store, spending a lot of money", and, apparently that should be the rule breaker. She ended up leaving angry without buying anything.

I wonder what would have happened if she went to Target or Walmart and tried these demands there....

There are also those customers that expect a lower price because they give us donations. Other that ask why an item is priced a certain price. Some want a discount because they are from Canada [real story]. The list goes on...

It is exhausting dealing with this type of customers. Sometimes, when the store opens in the morning, I feel like a lion tamer. You never know when one of them is going to chew your head off....

You Can Leave Your Hat On....

2009-01-29T10:35:00.001-05:00

Actual conversation between a customer and store employee Trent:

Customer [standing next to a clothes SALE rack]: is this the clothes off section?

Trent: no, we keep our clothes on at all times.

Another One Bites The Dust....

2009-01-28T21:24:00.003-05:00

Jill walked in the office in a hurry, and told Mick she thought a suspicious shopper was about to steal clothes. As they both looked at the security system monitor and located the suspect, at that exact moment, the thief was "bagging" merchandise!!!!!

Mick rushed to the sale floor, approached the woman, asked her for the merchandise back, and told her to leave and never come back.

Great invention, security cameras....

Semi-Precious [or Not] Pinks

2009-01-24T00:07:00.001-05:00

glass birds

[1" L]

brooch

[3" W]

beaded poodle

[3" L]

glass beads rosary

Visit Beverly's blog for more links to pink things.

It's A Coffee Table! No, It's A Cart......

2009-01-23T15:24:00.006-05:00

It was obviously put together by someone with a sense of humor.

Click here for more Friday Foto Finish Fiesta.