FOUR STARS Good Samaritan Thrift Store RICHMOND, VA

Good Samaritan Thrift Store

4680 N Southside Plaza St, Richmond, VA 23224

Store Hours: Not posted, Call: (804) 232-7228

    Good Samaritan is in the South Side Plaza right off Hull street. I like to get here by using the nickel bridge because Hull street is not nice to my car. It isn't in a great area being on south side but I have certainly never felt in danger; Except one time I went to the McDonalds in that same plaza and there was a "pimp" dressed type fellow with a foot long live lizard around his neck! Apparently the south side plaza McD's doesn't have as strict health policies. Haha. Anyway, there is plenty of parking in this plaza. This is a one level store with no steps to get in. Plenty of square footage here so it should be easy for a wheel chair to get around. 

    It is basically one large room set up similar to a department store. They have things well organized and mostly neat. The best things to shop for here are housewares, outdated electronics/entertainment, shoes, furniture and toys. This place isn't known for the quality of inventory they have but they seem to always have it all. My favorite purchases have been a pair of Ed Hardy shoes ($4), M.A.S.H. VHS full set ($5), vintage 50s metal cart ($10) and kitchenwares. The clothing selection is almost always dreadful, worth a look if you want a good laugh. It's certainly not a lavish shopping experience but once you get past the propoganda style christian radio and drab interior it's really fun, especially with friends.

   This thrift store only got four stars from me because I'm not a fan of the location and I've only experienced one decent staff member. Aside from that this is a five star thrift store just because of the amount of inventory they have and how low all of the prices are. I do recommend making the trip to south side if you are looking for things around the house and project materials or if you just want to browse through remembering the past.

    

THREE STARS Fan-Tastic Thrift Richmond, VA

Fan Tastic Thrift Richmond, VA

1914 W Main St

Richmond, VA 23220

(804) 358-7164

Store Hours: Monday-Saturday 10-6

      Fan tastic Thrift is located in the Fan on Meadow and Main. Since it has such a great location it's small parking lot is always full. I usually have to find street parking on Granby street. The fenced in area near the back is were you drop off donation items. It is a very cramped parking lot so I recommend having your stuff boxed and easy to move or else you will be holding people up in the lot. It's a small one level store and requires no ramp for a wheel chair to get in. The problem is the aisles are too close together and it would be difficult to get around in the store. 

    

     This is a good thrift store because it's right in the city and new things are always coming in. It's always busy so you won't have time to think on your purchase and come back because it's usually gone. Even though the store is so busy and always being picked through the store is always clean and organized. They have always have a decent amount of staff to help get customers out quickly, keep things neat and help move purchases. It can be chaotic with the amount of customers in such a small store. This store is best shopping for clothing, shoes and small housewares. They really don't have the room for much furniture. A small boutique area is in the front. I've seen some amazing items behind that counter, that area is worth the look if nothing else. My favorite things to purchase here are the cheap t-shirts, shoes, glasswares and craft items. Most items don't last but the items don't sell within a sort time, they mark them down. 

     Fan tastic received three stars because I do not think it is for everyone but still remains a great thrift store. This store is small, crowded and not always accessible to everyone all the time. Loved by locals because of it's constantly changing inventory and great prices. I do recommend this thrift store if you go during the week before noon. I find this store easier to shop alone. Some treasures can definitely be found here, I recommend the boutique area for shopping gifts. 

FIVE STARS Diversity Thrift Richmond, VA

Diversity Thrift Richmond, VA

http://diversitythrift.org

  

1407 Sherwood Avenue 23220 

Directions from their website:

Sherwood Avenue is located behind the Baseball Diamond off of Hermitage Road. If you are coming from the highway, take the Boulevard exit towards the Diamond, turn left onto Robin Hood Road, right onto Hermitage Road, left onto Sherwood Avenue

Store Hours: CLOSED Monday and Tuesday Open for Donations 9-5

                         OPEN     Wednesday-Sunday 9-6 Open for Donations

      Diversity thrift is located in a warehouse district so it can be somewhat tricky to find if you aren't familiar with the area. It does have a parking lot, it's small but there is usually a spot open. If there isn't one available, there is also street parking. There is also a dock for easy loading/unloading for larger items. There is a handicap ramp for those who need it. It is a large, one level building around 15,000 sq ft, the aisles are large and easy to maneuver. 

       There is something for everyone to look at here. There is a large furniture selection, probably one of the best in the area. The building is large enough to have rooms dedicated; Lamps, housewares, sport wares, clothing, holiday decor, etc. They do have a "boutique" area in the front near the register. I've seen some really unique things there before and they don't jack the prices way up. Some of my favorite purchases have been an antique child's phone table ($9), Like new Danskos ($7), Antique white house vinegar jar ($3), Antique walnut office chair ($15) and canning jars. 
      
     I give Diversity five stars because every experience has been a good one no matter who I went with. I've been with many friends, family and even acquaintances. There is always something different to see, sometimes interesting characters as well. When I took my mother in law for the first time there was a husband and wife pair both wearing mini skirts, heels and 15lbs of belly dancers jewelry! I'm an instant gratification shopper so sorting through clothes and nicknacks does not appeal to me. This store is so great because it has so many categories to look at. It's overall pretty clean and organized and my mother and I both very much appreciate that. This store is easy to maneuver, well kept and reasonably priced. For all of these reasons Diversity Thrift is perfect for any shopper.