Frenchy's were great in the Maritimes but they've gone off a bit; Value Village has I think scented money in the air and is pushing the pricing envelope… charity stores are the old reliables but it's ofte hard to find what you're looking for.  But I NEVER buy new clothes — can't afford them these days — except underwear, and that's only because no-one in Canada seems to recycle them. Too ech??? Silly really. Everything washes up if there's wear left in it.

I find the same thing - prices have gotten too dear. I'm also concerned about the growing prevalence of bedbugs, which is also a deterrent for me as well.

Value Village is a FOR PROFIT store. There job is to make money and yes prices have gone up.

Their selection is the best here in town-my daughter and I just purchased our dress up clothes for the Phantom of the Opera there. But I did check out the not for profit stores first.

I also get housewares if they have what i need. Tupperware for sure!

Most of my wine glasses are from The salvation Army store in Sherwood Park.

I'm tryig not to buy clothes for awhile as I have too many-moving makes you realize what you have.

They DO donate a percentage to charity but yes they are definitley for profit.

Seelerman recently started making wine, so we wanted some wine glasses that would go in the dishwasher, or out on the patio.   We looked through the shelf of second hand glassware at Value Village and found two near matches @ 2 for $1.98.   On the way home we stopped at Dollarama and found very similar glass @ $.99 each.  

When VV first opened here the clothes seemed clean, nicely displayed, and very reasonable.  I got a raw silk, lined skirt for $5.99 - a two piece business suit for $7.99 - some nice blouses - and grandson could find a toy he liked for less than a dollar.   Now the same items would cost double or more.    I stopped looking for clothes there when twice I put my hand in a pocket of a jacket or pair of pants and found used kleenex (and once a scrap of paper with a telephone number).  Obviously the clothes aren't checked over before they go on the racks.  

Yeah I've noticed them getting more expensive. One can't just grab anything one likes any more. You have to check the price and deliberate over it... do I really need this or is it cheeper at Walmart... It's a major bummer. Yeah the charity stores still have the incredible steals. Sally Ann often smells. Army and Navy sometimes has great stuff and prices, and they smell quite ok. Then again, a new top for the same price as a used top... the used top is better for the environment as it doesn userp new resources and contribute to more chemical use, or more virtual slavery in China. Cource you want it to be in decent shape. Over all, I prefer to get used, especially if it's Gap or Mex! ; ) I just tend to like their styles and quality.

I don't shop at Value Village. 

#1 - they aren't a charity based store

#2 - there items are often dirty and'or in poor repair

#3 - they are more expensive than items on sale elsewhere

#4 - I can't use the 'brand name' excuse as I don't care what brand my clothes are

They often charge $25 for used jeans when brand new jeans can be snagged for around $20 at Sears.

I admit though that the founders definitely had a good idea for making money.  Jump on the charity run shop idea, let people assume that you too are a charity shop, encourage people to drop off items as they would at a charity shop, sell what you can for as much as you can, ship what is left to dealers in poorer nations to sell for profit.

Capitalism at its finest.

Well, at least they have a good selection...

Mennonite thift stores are excellent. Good prices and very clean. many in manitoba. One in Regina. Anyone know them MCC or something similar'

Yup. Quite a few of these in my neck of the woods in southern Ontario. Everything is wonderfully clean and well-organized. You can also purchase cookbooks, hand-woven rag rugs and fair-trade coffee in the ones I've been in. 

sometimes they share space with 10.000 Villages.

oops

I visited the MCC in Lethbridge sometimes. Total steals. I really missed out once though on this authentic 40's dress for $4. Should have got it.