Thrift Shop & Donations YMCA at VA Tech

Category:	Thrift Store
Address:	1000 N Main St, Blacksburg, VA 24060
Phone:	+1 540-552-2633
Site:	vtymca.org
Rating:	4.4
Working:	9AM–7PM 9AM–7PM 9AM–7PM 9AM–7PM 9AM–7PM 9AM–7PM 12–5PM

Location

Photos 73

Reviews 11

Shandra Weaver

I go to thrift stores all the time as part of my job. The YMCA Thrift Store in Blacksburg is hands down the most unorganized thrift store I’ve ever been in. I really like the YMCA at VT and that’s why I decided to finally write a review, hopefully someone (management, the board) will see it and make some much needed changes to the thrift store. This place has SO much potential, and I really want to enjoy my shopping experience there. I know I’m not alone in my opinion here: This place is totally un-loved. There’s no pride shown there. I know this place could be fantastic and bring in much bigger profits if it was properly run, managed, and organized. The Pros - Helpful, friendly staff – but the floor is understaffed - Electronic recycling program – keeps computers and TV’s out of landfills, this is a WONDERFUL service. - Great location - Large store - Large book selection - Easy donations drop off in the back, with very helpful employees who will lift heavy items for you The Cons - Inconsistent or nonexistent pricing (example: I picked up the same mug one was .25 one was .50); many items have no prices at all and no signage - Unorganized (see the cables, wires, charges section , the sporting goods section and the toys section) - Dirty – thrift stores are inherently dirty, but this one takes it one step further because there is no dating system many items are sitting around for a very long time, falling to the bottom of bins etc. - Many housewares prices are marked with Sharpie Marker a real hassle to get off - Some items you cannot get to (the CD section at the front) without moving other stuff out of the way (this is NOT how you sell inventory/make money) Recommendations: Most thrift stores mark all items with a date and will mark down those items weekly until they are gone, or in the case of Goodwill after three weeks if it hasn’t sold send it to the Goodwill Outlet. It is obvious there is no system in place at the YMCA of this nature. There are piles of stuff everywhere. Unfortunately much of it is the junk that is left after the good bits have been purchased. Most thrift stores that do not use price tags use grease pencils to mark prices (instead of Sharpie) Black for the first week, then Red, Blue etc for the mark downs the following weeks until the item is recycled or thrown away or re-donated to make room for more inventory after a month. Small toys can be bagged into lots or fill your own bag for a set price Sections need to be organized, with large clear signage The floor is understaffed – a few more employees with clear responsibilities would go a long way. It seems the workers are overworked. Organize and clean the register area. It reflects this disorganization of the rest of the store. Sale days, for example 15% off certain days of the week, these are set sales every week: Tech Tuesday, Senior Citizens Wednesday, Furniture Friday Make sure all items are clearly and safely accessible (CD section at front, toy section) no one should have to move furniture or clear a path to get to inventory. Anything that looks overwhelming will be passed over which equals lost $ I understand there have been recent management issues. Unfortunately it really shows. Hopefully someone with a clear vision, and retail experience can come in and turn this place into the gem I (and the rest of Blacksburg) wish it would be. The YMCA at VT has many great community programs. If the thrift store was run and organized properly, there would be potential for more great programs.

Keath Marx

Drop off household items, books, etc. at this nonprofit for tax credits and repurposing. Great prices on very large and wide selection of goods to buy. Profits go to YMCA programs.

Kavi

No complaints about their service, friendliness, classes, donation center, or selection. Frequent customer and will continue coming to this charitable establishment.

Ryan Hogue

Great selection at fair prices. I bet this place is awesome in June when all the students donate their stuff when they leave.

Scott Beaubien

This is a really good place to find used books for cheap, and sometimes you can find books for class here too.

Robert Browder

This YMCA has a dance hall! Monthly Square and Contra dances happen here during the college semesters.

Cara Wimberley

Not great for clothes, but there are a lot of interesting finds

David P. Ribbe

Got a brand new color printer still in the box for $17.50!

Emily Preuss-Anderson

So many great finds here for very little money!