Love that Goodwill!

Erin L · Post by **Erin L** » Fri Jan 09, 2009 10:51 pm

I don't think you'e being a primadonna, Anita. When a Goodwill or thrift shop takes little care in displaying its wares, or displays only shoddy goods, they're making a statement about their customers. I don't blame you for resenting it, as would anyone.

It kind of reminds me of a conversation I had with my new boss the other day. Actually, he's my boss's boss, but MY boss has just quit (just one day up and decided he couldn't take the **** that senior management is dishing out these days, and had enough walking-away money to make it stick), and he was asking my why I thought he might have done that. I listed a number of indignities our small department has had to endure this past year, culminating with having to tell our staff two weeks before Christmas that, despite having made most of our benchmarks in this horrific year, no one was getting any raises.

"Well," said my new boss (since I am being moved up), "there are some in our senior management who would say they should just be thankful they've got jobs." In other words, they know they've got us by the short ones and we should just sit an take it. Made my blood boil.

Erin L · Post by **Erin L** » Fri Jan 09, 2009 10:53 pm

For the record, though, my response was: "Maybe. But you and I both know this economic downturn isn't going to last forever. A year from now, or two, when the job market opens up again, you may well have a race for the exits. And don't be surprised if at least some of them don't feel it absolutely necessary to give two weeks' notice." He's still thinking that one over.

Anita · Post by **Anita** » Sat Jan 10, 2009 2:42 am

Erin wrote:

I don't think you'e being a primadonna, Anita. When a Goodwill or thrift shop takes little care in displaying its wares, or displays only shoddy goods, they're making a statement about their customers. I don't blame you for resenting it, as would anyone.

Ah, but I'm not talking about the way they display it--I'm talking about the merchandise itself. And they wouldn't consider it shoddy goods, I don't think. It's just average stuff.

I never knew I was so particular about materials. When I go down a whole rack and there's only polyester, I get depressed. Any cotton in there, anywhere? Or there are dozens of very flimsy dresses that are made out of thin material like a pillowcase, and printed with cheap-looking flowers that have faded. I'm not sure who would be wearing these out on the streets; I know I wouldn't want to.

Usually if I see something I like, it's priced three times as high as anything around it, but it's worth it to me.

Virginia · Post by **Virginia** » Sat Jan 10, 2009 9:16 am

Goodwill is like a practice zone! I have learned to "scan" the rows of clothing hanging up and my eye will find a silk blouse or an expensive, well made skirt rather easily now! When I found that windbreaker (and it is somewhat feminine in the design) I was a good ten feet away and only a part of the sleeve was showing, but it sort of jumped out at me! One of the stores that we frequent most often has a couple of racks at the front for what they call "Designer" clothing and once in a while I find some really nice stuff, leather skirts or nice coats primarily.

What I want to know is who gets the really, really good stuff? I know that there must be some things that come in that some one donates that they have not got a clue how expensive it is and someone sorts through the stuff and pulls it out. I know that the Vera Wang that SL got had to be a fluke, well at least no one caught it. Purses are another item. I have some really nice ones, but I know that there must be some very expensive ones come in as someone thought they were "out of style" and donated them and someone at the store knew how expensive they were and kept it! Anyway, we get lucky sometimes and I can't complain about my wardrobe, other than I have so many nice things and just can't wear them all, but I try!!!

Shop on ladies!

Virginia

Lydia · Post by **Lydia** » Sat Jan 10, 2009 9:35 am

Our local GoodWill store used to sort everything by size categories, which was very useful. Now they stopped that and there is one rack of "plus size", and all the rest are jumbled. Unfortunately I am at the borderline of plus and "all the rest". But I agree with Virginia, just a casual glance will reveal things that just "jump out".

At any rate, it is fun, and that's what its all about.

Hugs,

Lydia

Willie W · Post by **Willie W** » Fri Jan 23, 2009 9:55 am

Most of my femme wardrobe has come from Goodwill stores. It's an inexpensive way to find the right sizes and styles. When something doesn't fit or work you can donate it back. It's also been a great source for vintage items. I have an Olga gown and robe that i've seen online going for up to $300.00!

Willie W · Post by **Willie W** » Thu Feb 05, 2009 2:30 pm

I got a pair of women's Levi's Nouveau Low 525's yesterday at the Goodwill for $2.99! Size 12 long, a perfect fit. Still looking for a leather skirt.

Lisa D (SO) · Post by **Lisa D (SO)** » Mon Mar 02, 2009 10:43 pm

We went to the goodwill store Saturday and left went lots of good buys. In this recession everybody has the same idea. Anyway my honey was a happy girl.

Post by **KimberlyS** » Tue Mar 03, 2009 3:32 am

Lisa, I hope you got something for yourself also. It is only fair.

kim
joe in a skirt