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Salvation Army Thrift Store in Tyler, TX

February 1st, 2010

Salvation Army Thrift Store

633 North Broadway Avenue
Tyler, TX
(903) 592-4361

The Salvation Army was started in 1865 as an Evangelical Christian ministry by William and Catherine Booth. It is called an army because of its structure being loosely modeled after military rank and structure. Today it has grown to have locations in one hundred and eighteen countries and operating in one hundred and seventy-five languages. People recognize their red and white logo world wide. The organization is most popularly known for its thrift stores and those sweet smiling people who annoy everyone by fundraising with the loud bell ringing at Christmas time outside of high traffic retail stores.

Salvation Army Thrift Store in Tyler

Salvation Army Thrift Store

But these stores are only a fundraiser like the bell ringing. The stores help to pay for their main Christian ministry of free drug and alcohol residential rehabilitation centers and temporary homeless shelters. They are also able to offer temporary and longer term jobs to people in need of work.

The Salvation Army thrift store in Tyler, TX is located on North Broadway pretty close to the center of downtown Tyler. The store shares a parking lot with their rehabilitation ministry center and is very easy to notice. I must say that this is not my favorite thrift store in Tyler, but I still frequently visit it. It has a few features that make me a permanent shopper.

I’ll start with the good things about this store. This Salvation Army thrift store has the nicest and cheapest furniture out of the thrift stores in Tyler. Aside from buying new or from yard sales, your best bet for cheap furniture shopping in Tyler would be this Salvation Army. My wife was particularly pleased with the amount of really nice wooden coffee and end tables. There are also usually a few couches and stuffed chairs in really nice shape.

Right as you enter the store to the left between the door and the cash register, there is a nice little shelf of CDs, DVDs, and computer software. I was more than impressed when I began to look through this section. I was able to find a few useful computer games and a music CD that was brand new in the wrapper. All were only a dollar a piece. This does require some time to sift through the more noticeable collection of useless CDs and software.

In the back right of the store they have a pretty nice book section. This collection of books surprises me every time. It seems that they have most of the John Grisham books, which I am often in search of.

The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army

They also have a surprisingly large selection of fantasy and sci-fi novels, which can be hard to find in used book stores. I must let you know, though, that just like the CDs the books are in no particular order. It requires patience and practice at skimming through titles to find the gems.

One last cool little section is in the center section of the back wall. They have tons of bolts of fabric, and it’s decently priced. I am never looking for cloth for sewing projects, so I can’t vouch for the usefulness of it in that sense. I use it for when I am putting together a costume and just need to be able to drape large sections of cheap fabric.
As for the negative things, there aren’t many. Thrift stores are thrift stores, so you can’t expect too much out of them, but one problem with this store is the men’s clothing section is pretty drab and scarce. I am usually in search of t-shirts, but their selection is not great. I have however been able to find a tie or two in good shape.

The last thing is an isolated negative experience I had in the store on my last visit. I was shopping through the CDs in the front and noticed one of the cashiers staring at me suspiciously. Being a self-appraised above average good citizen and licensed preacher, I shrugged it off and continued on my shopping. I was able to forget about the slight awkwardness and made it to the check out. When I got to the register the lady some how informed me that she was in charge. I’m not sure if she was a supervisor or the owner. Anyway, she looked at me like only a mother can in the eyes and asked, “Where are the other CDs you had?” Shocked by the sudden accusation of theft, I paused. Then I told her truthfully that I had placed the ones I didn’t want back on the shelf. She gave me a weird grin and said something like a tsk tsk. All in all, it was awkward and almost offensive, but I still think the store is great. I just think that they are very used to working with drug addicts and delinquent teens.

Give this store a shot. You will most likely be pleased enough to return to shop in the future.

.

Big Lots by the Mall in Tyler, TX

January 27th, 2010

4400 South Broadway Avenue
Tyler, TX 75703-1303
(903) 581-7477‎

I love Big Lots. I am a huge fan of the concept of selling overstocked and discontinued items at an awesome price. They keep a regular supply of most items you would find in a small convenience store such as trash bags and socks, but a large part of their inventory is constantly changing. They always have soaps and shampoos, but maybe one day you’ll find a really nice brand for cheap and not the next week. 

Big Lots in Tyler Texas

Big Lots near Robert E. Lee High School

 Regardless of the inventory changes, one thing stays constant. The prices at Big Lots are always cheaper than comparable stores. It also maintains the fun feel of treasure hunting almost like shopping at thrift stores.

This Big Lots is located on South Broadway across the street from the Mall and right next door to Robert E. Lee High School. It shares a parking lot with Michael’s, the arts and crafts store, and T.G.I.Friday’s, along with a dozen other smaller single location stores. This location is a great convenience for when you want to go to several stores on the same trip into town. I go to this one when I am looking for gifts, because if I can’t find something good at Big Lots I can head over to Michael’s or the half-price used book store in the same lot. The problem with this store’s location is the traffic. I can only assume that the intersection of South Broadway and Loop 323 is the busiest intersection in Tyler. This happens to be where Big Lots is located. Almost any time of the day, it is hard to navigate through this area. If you are traveling via the loop, you have to be prepared to choose the turning lane a few stoplights before you get to the intersection. Once in the parking lot, you still can’t relax until you have stopped, because this lot seems to be a collecting spot for all of the impatient people in Tyler.

A fun addition to your trips to Big Lots in the Spring and Summer is that right outside of Big Lots going towards Loop 323 there are usually a couple of guys selling produce. They’ll often be selling watermelons and oranges and then whatever else happens to be in season. 

Robert E. Lee Highschool Tyler TX

Robert E. Lee Highschool

 Even if you aren’t in the mood for fruit, these guys will usually give you a huge East Texas smile and greeting just for acknowledging them.

While, the other Big Lots store in Tyler has a full furniture show room, this store location does not. This branch sells furniture to be assembled at home. They have book shelves, entertainment centers, glider rocking chairs, small dressers and other things along this line. Most of these are very attractive and afford-ably but are made of the non-durable press board. Though, for something like a small bookshelf, this store offers almost exactly what you need and will beat the price of most other stores with similar products.

I’ve also been impressed with their small electronics section near the front. They have standard computer accessories like mice and USB cables. This section has regular and rechargeable batteries. My favorite item that I’ve found here, though, is a set of burnable CDs. 

Big Lots in Tyler

Big Lots in Tyler

 A couple of times that I’ve gone, they’ve had incredible deals on blank CDs. The problem is you have to be willing to check and understand that with this kind of store there is not much guarantee that they will have the item you wanted.

One last feature about this location I should fill you in on is their bedding section. If you are in the market for new sheets for your bed, then check out Big Lots first. The section can be a little messy because most of the sheet sets are the only one like them in the store. It should be divided into bed size, but look around in the whole section. You can sometimes find really high thread count sheets sets for less than half the cost of other retail stores. The bottom line is that you should give Big Lots a few shots. Visit the store a few different times and at least see if it is a good fit for your personality and shopping needs. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Goodwill on Loop 323

January 26th, 2010

Goodwill on Loop 323

1817 W.S.W. Loop 323
Tyler, TX 75701
(903) 581-5422
9am – 8pm

This Goodwill store is located on the South West side of Loop 323 in Tyler, TX. If you are unfamiliar with Tyler just ask someone how to get to the mall, and there’s a good chance you’ll see the Goodwill on the way there. It has an almost ridiculously large and attractive sign for the type of store it is. The parking lot is attractive as far as thrift stores usually go. Though, be warned. This parking lot is on a fairly steep hill. Sometimes it causes awkward entrances and exits in my car.

The most obvious reason people go to a Goodwill thrift store is for the clothes. This branch offers a huge supply of men’s, women’s and children’s clothing. One interesting fact about this store is that they also have a few racks of completely brand new women’s clothes. Though, the prices are pretty high for these new items. These new clothes will usually be all within a similar style. I assume that they are overstock from a clothing store or something along those lines.

Being a man, I’ve spent most of my shopping for clothes in the men’s section. They have the stereotypical suit section that I rarely see people shopping in, but the bulk of this section is devoted to t-shirts, pants, and collared shirts. This is a really good store if you are looking for a new addition to your funny or ironic vintage t-shirt collection. You may pay a dollar or two more than you are used to paying for t-shirts at a thrift store, but I think that the huge selection makes it worth the effort and much more likely that you’ll find a keeper. The dress shirts are in my opinion over priced and not impressive. I can often find a better shirt in the clearance rack at Old Navy for cheaper.

I often check the tie section in hopes of adding some variety to my work attire, but the tie section is a little underwhelming. They are one dollar a piece. That is an awesome price, but in all of my trips I’ve only found one tie worth buying. So keep your eyes open for the chance of getting a nice tie for only a dollar. Also be sure to stop by the two shopping carts full of belts. Most of these are unattractive eighties style, but don’t let that stop you. I recently found four designer belts in near perfect condition for fifty cents a piece! Three of these were nice leather. One was a modern style canvas belt. All of these were name brand and probably worth fifteen dollars or more new. I almost couldn’t believe it, but with Goodwill I’ve learned to not be surprised.

Now why should you make a special trip to this Goodwill? My number one reason for visiting this store is for the book and media section. They have a five or six bookshelf unit section in the back full of books. There is one fully dedicated to children’s books which I usually avoid due to the messy nature of children’s book sections. The rest of the section is pretty incredible. There are new and used books of every genre. You can find most of the John Grisham books on any day. Besides that, it’s the luck of the draw. I never enter the store without checking through the book section, and I’d say that at least half of the time I leave with a book or two or twelve. Also in this section you’ll find a pretty decent selection of audio CDs, computer software CDs, DVDs, VHS tapes and vinyl records. There are certainly more efficient ways to buy CDs and software than a thrift store, but it’s worth the effort to possibly find a gem.

Are there any negative things about this store? There is one major negative. The furniture. In other parts of the country used and outdated furniture gets cheaper and cheaper until it is eventually close to free. This store sells furniture for fifty dollars or more regardless of the condition or style. There are occasionally really good finds on couches or chairs. In fact, I’ve purchased a really nice mirror and a small wooden night stand, that were both reasonably priced. But usually the couches and chairs are ridiculously ugly and still priced at fifty to eighty dollars a piece. Some of these, I would just throw away if I owned them. Regardless of this, eighty dollars is cheaper than a thousand, so maybe I shouldn’t complain about it.

There is one last thing to mention about this Goodwill. If you are in need of a costume, be it for Halloween or just a random themed costume party, I can not think of a better place in Tyler to go for it. This Goodwill has supplied me with costume pieces for at least five different costume parties. I’ve been able to find robes, pants, shirts, jewelry, accessories, and even a couple of wigs and beards. My experience has taught me to skip Wal-Mart and other retailers completely and go straight to Goodwill for costumes and accessories.

So if you are in Tyler and are looking for good thrift store deals, I would suggest going to the other Goodwill in downtown Tyler on Locust St or the Salvation Army store. But if you don’t have time for hunting, this Goodwill on the Loop will most certainly have what you are looking for. You may just have to spend a little more, fight more traffic and weed around way more customers. If you do decide on this store, you can rest assured that at the least they have a pretty amazing set of staff. You should see at least five employees at any given moment who can help you find things or even to help carry out your overpriced and ugly furniture.

Goodwill on W. Locust in Downtown Tyler, TX

January 26th, 2010

Goodwill

407 W. Locust
Tyler, TX 75701
Phone: (903) 593-9326
9am – 6pm

I would guess that almost every American knows what Goodwill is. Even if they haven’t been into one, they’ve probably donated to it or at least driven by it. For those of you who don’t: Goodwill Industries is a non-profit organization with a front of running retail thrift stores. 

Goodwill Thrift Store in Tyler

Goodwill Thrift Store in Tyler

 Their main service to the communities they are in is providing employment for people who would not otherwise be able to get a job. This could be due to a disability, lack of education or previous job history or even more negative reasons. They give people a first chance or a second chance.

Goodwill has a really neat history. It was started in 1902 in Boston by a Methodist minister named Edgar J. Helms. He would gather used and unwanted clothes and household items from the wealthier areas of town. Then he hired people who were poor and trained them how in repairing the clothing and items. Then they would sell the items or he would give the item to the person who repaired it.

This humble beginning grew like crazy. Today Goodwill has one hundred and eighty three organizations in the United States, Canada and fourteen other countries. They also grew in their overall sales. In 2008 Goodwill made over three billion dollars! The cool thing is they used eighty four percent of that money to provide employment, training and rehabilitation services to over a million people.

The Goodwill on W. Locust St in Tyler, TX is my favorite of the Tyler stores. There is another retail thrift store located on the southern side of Loop 323. The store on the Loop offers much more in their inventory and tons of support staff for registers, floor help and furniture carry outs. Yet, I still prefer the store downtown, and it’s for those reasons. I prefer to shop at thrift stores that look and feel like thrift stores. The downtown location is the classic thrift store.

There are usually only about two visible staff, and they’ll greet you when you come in. The store is pretty small and easy to navigate. I love their book section. It has about four or five bookshelves side by side full of every genre. One is fully dedicated to children’s books and is usually in really good order. They also have a small section of VHS tapes, DVDs, CDs, and computer software.

On one occasion I went into the store looking for books that were in really good shape. I found one hardback children’s book that was just in beautiful condition and looked very interesting. I took it up to the counter and asked what books cost or if there was a standard for price on hardback versus paperback. The employee was so friendly. She greeted my baby and cooed over her. It was nice. She told me that hardbacks are usually two dollars, and paperbacks are usually one dollar but that this one was kind of in between since it was a children’s book. She gave me the book for one dollar.

A good tip: visit this Goodwill thrift store on Tuesdays and Thursdays to get new computer and electronic games. You have to time it just right. I think a little after 10 AM is the best time, but it’s all the luck of the draw. You may get nothing, but if you love treasure hunting this would be worth a shot. Another thing to keep your eye out for at this location is board games. On some occasions I’ve seen new versions of Cranium games and the DVD game, Scene-It. Take a few dollars with you and give this store a shot.

Tyler Good Will

January 14th, 2010

Tyler Good Will is located on Loop 323 past Mercado’s on the other side of the street. This is one of their locations. I know they have another store located on Locust Street close to down town Tyler. I am sure we are all pretty familiar with Good Will and the other type of thrift stores around Tyler Texas. I know that there are many people including myself that consider Good Will a blessing.

Good Will charity works mostly by donations, this is how they get their stuff and they in turn sell it to the people for way less than other stores. This Tyler charity should sell these things for less because they are second hand things that people no longer want or need and want to help other people in some way or another. Good Will gives you a receipt that you can write off because you donated your belongings to them.

I truly enjoy going there because you can find some good stuff there. You have to spend time searching for things that you are looking for and that could be time consuming for some people. Most people go there and get frustrated because they spend all this time and find nothing. These people give up on places like Good Will and other stores like it because of lack of patience and the itch for digging for buried treasure.

The trick to this kind of shopping is to go back again and again and actually go through all their items instead of just quickly going threw some racks. They have clothes from all shapes and sizes and from different places. If you look closely you can find some very well known brands like, Hollister, Ambercrombie, Gap, Mossimo and others just to name a few.

I don’t always find name brand stuff but I always end up finding some really nice stuff. They also have shoes there. I can’t even remember how many times I have paid $1 dollar for a nice pair of shoes that were in excellent condition if not new. This winter I needed some new boots so I said a prayer and asked God to help me find a pair I could afford and Good Will was the place where I found them. I paid $ 7 dollars for a pair of black boots and I like them. I would say that it was worth a trip there.

I often also find stuff for my baby girl there. They have a pretty cute selection of children’s clothes and the good part about it is that I can still fit in some of them. They have books, pictures, furniture, house hold items, purses, and belts. I bet you could find almost anything there. And when the money is tight Good Will ends up being a good place to go if you don’t mind to shop at places like that. I know the Good Will charity has gotten a little more expensive here lately for a second hand store but for the most part I think its still worth it.