what kind of store is Value Village? (in the US)

[BZB]

I just found out Houston, TX has a Value Village store. Their website states they have men's and women's clothes, furniture, electronics and baby stuff at low prices. But, I can't figure out if Value Village is a thrift store selling used items or if it sells new discontinued items like TJ Maxx or Ross Dress for Less. There seems to be a chain of Value Village in Canada and Pacific NW of US that is like a thrift store. Anyone know if this would be the same chain?

[tomsang]

It is a thrift shop! The wife says in Washington it is the best thrift shop. She loves that place and that is coming from a former Nordstroms kind of girl. She gets more compliments for her and the kids shopping there, than the former $15-20k clothes budget pre-MMM. I also think Macklemore helped the kids through the acceptance part, but know they love her finds.

[arebelspy]

I have such a negative connotation when I hear those words - tells a lot about my upbringing.

Would be interested to go in one nowadays, now that I go to Goodwill on occasion and it's basically the same thing.

[BZB]

thanks for the answer! I will add to my list to go visit. I am making a list of the best thrift stores and super discount stores in my area. I also found a couple of scratch and dent grocery stores nearby and I have never been to one of those. In the past I never shopped at thrift stores because they creeped me out (merchandise seems so chaotic and dirty) but I am trying to get over myself.

[Lans Holman]

I like the one near me better than Goodwill, it's cleaner and the clothes are better organized.

[mpbaker22]

Assuming it's the same, they are decent places.  Trashier than Goodwill AND more expensive. 
I did get a dehydrator at one and the jerky is oh so good.

[Mr. Minsc]

It's definitely a great place.  If you're there at the right time you have a chance to find brand new items for great prices. :)

[dweebyhawkeyes]

Value Village is pretty awesome. Of course, thrift shops vary greatly from place to place, but the Value Villages around here are the most clean and commercial-looking out of all the second-hand stores I've been to. Value Village is pretty expensive for clothing, but I love it for cookware and storage. Other great national thrift shops are Goodwill and St. Vincent de Paul.

[NumberJohnny5]

We were regulars at Value Village in Anchorage and Fairbanks. I think Mondays were $1 days. Different colored tags, sales start Thursday or Friday (really can't remember) at 50% off. Then I think it goes to 75% off or something. Then come Monday, whatever's left is $1. Still have an Old Navy coat I got for $1, some shirts, maybe some shorts, pair of Nikes I got for $10, etc. Was a decent place to get small appliances (bread machines and George Foreman grills for $1-$5, depending on if you bought as soon as the tag went on sale or risked it till Monday).

They also have new merchandise as well. I don't mean like pants with the store tag still on them, I mean at Halloween they'll have some costumes and accessories, still in the packaging. Can buy a pack of batteries. Stuff like that. I found the new stuff to be a bit overpriced, but not significantly so.