Take your chances coming here. They might be closed without any notice for a "store meeting". They randomly close sections when they are pissed at employees who are responsible for said sections (the Book area was closed for several months because apparently the employee who was supposed to organize it didn't satisfy the owner). Today half of the store was sectioned off and unavailable, limiting their stock to less than half of what they have. Signs say that this is due to "reorganization", but employees have no information as to when it will be opened up and shoppers can only look at half of the store across barricaded pathways. I've never been at a store that can't manage inventory reorganization during off hours, especially given the amount of store closures this location has due to staff meetings (which I've also never seen a retail store be closed for). It's super frustrating that the store can't get their act together. Every "improvement" comes at the cost of customer convenience. It's honestly like the owner has never worked in a retail environment before. I keep trying to find things to like about this store, as it used to be one of my absolute favorites. Needless to say, they're making it incredibly hard to find reasons to come here. Side note: the staff are the only redeeming aspect of the store. read more

Global Thrift Store - Typical signage verifying that, YES.. you DID waste your time coming here. - Thrift Stores Near Me - Waltham, Massachusetts

This thrift spot is normally pretty solid. They have so many racks that are clearly labeled. As well as a large sign on the wall that details price. They have dressing rooms that make it easy to try on clothes. The workers are always nice and helpful when getting things out of the case. read more

This thrft shop has really good selection and employees who are helpful! Nice options for children's clothing. Don't bring an oversized bag, I think they've had issues with theft and will occasionally ask to check your bag at the front. But friendly people! read more

Caveat: Some children's clothing is charged at adult prices, even if it's in the kids section. Sizes 12+ are adult prices. They don't place those size items in the adult section, either - and prices are no longer posted. The manager tried to explain this to me and I couldn't follow what he was telling me. Disappointing and confusing new pricing policy, in addition to the comments others have posted about the general change in vibe and other new strict policies recently. read more

isheartening to read reviews of this store expecting a mall, retail type experience. As an avid thrifter, anytime I visit this shop I spend 2+ hours, never have I felt watched or been told I couldn't have my purse with me. Staff have always been friendly and helpful and I have found a ton of well priced items. Everything is priced according to their list, only a few things go to the case which are generally designer items, today they had Gucci and Prada shoes for $40!!! This is an insane deal! The floor is well kept, organized, and sorted by color. Unsure what people are expecting out of thrifting these days, but this continues to be one of my favorite spots to thrift. read more

This thrift store was once my favorite spot--convenient, affordable, and right across from my beloved Indian market. But after my experience last Saturday, I will never return. Upon entering, I was immediately confronted with a new 30-minute shopping limit, supposedly due to shoplifting (which they claim nearly forced them to close). The white employee assumed I didn't speak English (I'm Asian) and, despite my clear confusion, proceeded to explain their policy to me in Spanish, as if that was my language. The audacity of this assumption--and the entire policy--left me so stunned that I browsed for less than 10 minutes before walking out. I refuse to support a business that treats every customer like a thief. When the manager asked for feedback, I honestly told him the policy is a turn off and offensive. His dismissive response? "We put out 1,500 pieces a day, just trying to keep a business open." Another manager (woman) then suggested I "sign up on their website" to be able to shop longer next time. A membership requirement for a thrift store? Since when is that acceptable? This is a donation-based business in one of Massachusetts' most diverse communities. Instead of serving those in need, they're marking up free goods and profiling customers--disproportionately impacting people of color. It's exploitative, discriminatory, and shameful. I will never shop here again, and I strongly encourage others to reconsider supporting a business that prioritizes paranoia over people. Thrift stores should uplift communities--not alienate them with racist assumptions and greed-driven policies. read more

Been much better than 3 weeks ago. Pricing has been more accessible than usual. I think they're doing some sales. Most of their donors come from the newton area so I always find really good quality clothing, most dry cleaned even! Looks very colorful and friendly from the outside and who knew? It's also like that on the inside. Im glad that I checked it out despite other reviews. I really like their instagram and shoplifting is a serious issue so some rules are totally understandable. Manager told me they've been open for 28 years! Hopefully they stay a lot more so everyone can check out the vibe :) read more

See all

Probably one of the best and coolest thrift stores that I've seen in Mass so far and I'm only sad to have recently found it! Not only does their mysterious and whimsical exterior entice you in, but there's usually a dj that plays music there while you shop?!? This store is also so deceptively big it's insane! I don't know if it used to be like an old bowling alley or entertainment building or what but they make it work so well! The racks kept going and going and I felt like I could be here for days, hours even!! A true gem! read more

Global Thrift Store - Thrift Stores Near Me - Waltham, Massachusetts

See all

Some feedback for the store owner- why would you have a policy in place to intentionally damage the items you sell??? Can't you tag the clothing label at the back of the neck rather than the material itself and ruin it? Your prices have gone up recently and then you add additional fees for random brands (not to mention how there's no logic in adding 2 dollars to the nicer children's clothes, and then charging the same exact fee to the higher priced adult clothes) ...and then you show on top of that how little you care about your customers by unnecessarily damaging the clothes they are now paying more for than they did a few weeks ago. One item has the tag going through the cloth in three different locations so there were three pinholes when I removed it at home!!!! Won't buy anymore if all the clothes (including children's clothes) will be damaged like this. read more

See all

I used to love this place but not anymore! Staff is very rude and unfriendly. I felt like I was being watched more than welcomed. At NO point did they offer help or ask if I needed assistance -- just constant surveillance. I went in with a medium-sized purse -- nothing oversized, just a regular personal bag -- and was told I had to leave it on an unlocked shelf. Absolutely ridiculous policy! read more

Price seem too expensive for a thrift store. And some stuff were charge extra for whatever reason. Most stuff start at $8 for a shirt. Sorry I don't think that's a bargain, I got brand new shirts & pants for $8 at Burlington coat factory. read more

Lack of options around here thought ok, I'll drop a few more things. Saw a bathing suit bottom and brought to register. Charged as skirt. Apparently only bikini bottoms count. Major scammers I believe at this point. Sad it's been a fun place for years. No longer. Dishonest. read more

Global Thrift Store - Nothing crazy, a twin comforter - Thrift Stores Near Me - Waltham, Massachusetts

I'll start by saying I've been going here years off and on. I've donated so many items to this store including brand new items. I've shopped this store and spent money on home decor items. So I'm truly disgusted by the way we were treated today. I entered the store with a very young toddler who was sitting in their stroller. A worker ran over to say I couldn't bring it in by pointing at the corner and saying 'no' 'no'. This was news to me as we were just in there with a stroller. Oddly enough, I have to explain why you keep your kid in a stroller: you can't carry them everywhere, toddlers aren't easy to handle in public places, we're actually helping you out so our kid doesn't knock over all your crap. A stroller gives them a space safe to sit while you shop, duh! They want you to leave all your belongings on an unwatched shelf at the front of the store including small purses and bags. There's no organizers or security to watch them so ANYONE can walk in and take your things. I asked if they had cameras facing the area and she didn't say anything. Said 'okay' took them out to try and walk them through the store and I have another employee run up to me and say 'NO FOOD!' So here I am standing with the kids snack jar being told I can't bring him in his stroller and I can't hold his snack. So I go back and put it away. I did a quick sweep and left because my child started crying. They were super rude and unapologetic. I'll never set foot back and I'll never recommend them again. Disgusting and honestly discriminatory behavior. Check your policies. If you're so worried about people stealing hire security. Yes, I called the store to speak with a manager and no one answers the phone. read more

Global used to be my favorite thrifting in the area. It's gotten more and more expensive and unpleasant. They won't even list the prices clearly! For some reason they've gotten really strict about every detail of the store which makes it an unpleasant experience. They bring in djs that are way too loud for a store. Overall it's upsetting to see one of my favorite places not fun anymore. read more

No purses allowed so it was tricky to shop holding my keys, wallet and phone :( nice big thrift shop just frustrating about bag policy

I was going to head to the store today and am so glad I read the reviews here first. I have no desire to deal with rude staff with dishonest policies. Thanks for saving me the trip. read more

This store is the worst! It used to be great! Good prices; fair prices, however whoever bought this store doesn't understand one thing on how to treat customers. They are super rude and arrogant. They are apparently resting on the laurels of the former owner. The priced have been hiked to the point of " Why am I here anyways? " Hello...The items have been donated, from people who really want to help people. Humble your selves new owners. One women who works there, thinks she is working in Neiman Marcus or something? Super Weird! I will never go back to this store again; prices are cheaper at TJ Maxx and new for that matter. Sad. It used to be great! But all good things eventually come to an end. Maybe one day someone will buy it of these clueless owners and Make it Great Again. Ya never know. Don't waste your time and $$$$ there. read more

I used to love shopping here but now they have started a high security measure that completely ruins the experience of thrifting. I can't even grab a hat without an employee running my way and telling me that I can't try it on and having to bring it to the front of the store. I completely understand the measures to prevent shoplifting but they need to do a better job with making customers feel more welcome and comfortable during their experience. I was quite uncomfortable last time I visited. Please stop assuming everyone that comes into your store is trying to shoplift. read more

I have always loved this store. Amazing people who are always ready to help. Can't say enough about the great finds and the great staff

This place seems to spend a lot on cool window art work but all of that just masks a weirdly hostile shopping environment. There's a giant creepy tv screen with security camera views to make it feel like you're being watched. Employees walking around like cops. Watched an employee make a woman get out of the fitting room for helping a friend with something with the literal curtain open. Bear in mind the fitting room is behind the shopping register area. No bags in the store and you have to leave them up front where they can be obviously stolen. Feels kind of ridiculous considering all their goods are donated anyways. They seem quite ok with your stuff being stolen, just not theirs. Something definitely changed recently with management and the shopping experience is pretty bad now. I wouldn't even feel comfortable donating here anymore. What a shame. read more

Global Thrift is hands-down the best thrift store in the Metrowest area. The merchandise is constantly turning over - the staff put out 1,500 new items daily - and there are always treasures to be found, both new and vintage items. Staff is always polite, respectful and helpful - never rude. I have been shopping at Global for more than five years and the prices have barely gone up. I can't recommend this store enough! I was sad to learn that the store has recently experienced so much theft, and disappointed to read comments criticisizing the store for taking greater security precautions (wouldn't you install cameras if someone was stealing from your home or business?) In a world of chains and super stores, Global Thrift is a gem, a dying breed of mom-and-pop shops that I will continue to support. read more

The following review is my experience and my opinion. First off, I very rarely leave negative reviews. I feel like it's bad karma. I've had such a difficult time with this store since the new owner took over that I feel it's necessary. I don't expect special treatment. But I do expect to be treated with consideratioin and respect. I'm a clothing reseller and I started shopping in this store in 2020. I regularly spent over $400/month there. When the new owner took over she 1. Closed the bathroom to customers 2. Made the whole first row of parking spots "employees only" 3. Put a sign on the outside door saying "no carts outside" Since I shopped there so frequently and I used to spend up to 4 hours there, 2 of the employees used to let me use the bathroom. I'm a 56 year old woman and I've had bladder issues since I was 19. One day I asked one of the emplyees if I could use the bathroom. The owner was standing there. I had no idea they were letting me use it without her consent (neither of the employeees work there now). She looked at me like I was the biggest scumbag on earth and said "we don't have a bathroom". I was standing there with 2 giant Ikea bags that I had just paid hundreds of dollars for. So I learned I had to always leave once I needed to use the bathroom. I've had issues with the pricing in the store. Several times I would get home and realized I had been charged for a formal dress for example when I hadn't bought any formal dresses. Their pricing is posted on the wall and it changes pretty frequently. When I was shopping there last week I was looking at the price list on the wall above the registers. I had forgotten their prices since I hadn't been there for a while. The sign on the wall said jeans $8. I knew from experience that if it had a yellow tag, it was an extra $2. When I went to check out, she charged me $12 for the jeans. And apparently they had gone up on their shoe prices. I was in the store 3 hours and never saw a sign about the increase in shoe prices. I grumbled about it a bit because it would have affected my decision to purchase some of the items. By now I had to use the bathroom though so I said fine. When I was leaving with my over $200 worth of clothes, the owner told me I had to leave the cart. The sign is on the outside door saying no carts outside. So I told her I was just bringing the cart to the door. I was about 15 feet from the outside door. She said "no, you have to leave it there" I told her I have a hernia and shouldn't be carrying such heavy bags so far (they weighed about 19 pounds each). So she said " I'll help you carry them". So I said fine and dropped the baggs to the ground. Then she told me to stoip being rude. Seriously.... Most business owners would see me as an opportunity and would work with me. This owner has made it impossible for me to do businesss there. I feel her policies are hostile towards her customers. I find it heartbreaking because it used to be my favorite thrift store read more

I bought one small thing and didn't need a bag or receipt. I wanted to leave the store by the back door because my car was parked there and I walk with a cane. The manager prevented me from that because it's policy that everyone leaves in the front. I had to walk around the block. She was cold and uncaring of my limited mobility. I will never shop there again. Besides, it's dreary, and the music was way too loud. The glassware, kitchenware, dishes, and vases looked junky. read more

Woman was super rude to me. Great stuff though and pretty reasonable prices. But I do not forgive.

I'm guessing this place is under new management because in the past I was never made to feel like I was giving off sketchy vibes that I had to be told to leave my purse near the front door, and spoken to when I picked up a package of notecards to get a closer look at the design. I had just made a donation in the back of the store (which I was drilled on what was inside of the bag). My daughter was with me and wanted to browse, so I was looking around with nothing particular in mind, and I felt like I was being constantly watched. They act like this is some high-end department store, when in actuality, they are charging high prices for items that were all donated. The carpeting is disgusting (dirty and torn), and it's inconvenient to park in the back to make a donation then have to walk around the block to enter the store. I will not be returning here again. I have other places where I can donate my items and not be made to feel like a thief. read more

Hello. I wrote a very honest review. Posted it this week and suddenly it is gone. I will make it short. The new policy of leaving our purses at the front of the store is insulting . It is opening up the possibility of someone walking into the store and stealing all the purses at once. Prices have gone up exponentially and items I considered T-shirts were priced as blouses by the cashier. The cashier was very rude to me because I asked questions about pricing. My biracial grandson was asked to leave the store when he was standing up front, watching my purse at my request. I have left many donations there before as recently as a month ago. Will not be happening again. By the way, this is the very first negative review I have ever posted. Once again, where is my original post from a few days ago? All this harassment over clothes you get totally free from donations. Poor business management. read more

Thrifting is either a passion or pathology. To be "successful" you need to do it regularly, and be prepared for either disappointment or delight. All that said, I love this shop. It doesn't always deliver on the "goods" (but isn't that what thrifting is about? Chance? Circumstance?), but the offerings are in good shape, the prices are fair, and once in a while you'll find some nice items. Virtually nothing I own, or wear, is new, and comes from thrift stores, and Global has provided quite a few things that friends have commented on, and that also make me feel good while wearing them. The caveat here is that during Covid: there are no dressing rooms, so be sure about your size(s), and they've also removed any and all mirrors, so you can't get a sense of what may look good on you, which has caused me to replace somethings on the rack. Such a shame. read more

Very good thrift store with great prices. Definitely have to dig through to find the treasure, but the finds are worth it.

Finally- a non chain thrift store! This place is huge, with a huge inventory of all kinds of stuff at insane cheap prices. A good way to kill an hour or so. I like the household furniture and housewares the best. A bit dark, dirty, and musty- but that is part of the charm. LOL- Sorry Alexandra! read more

The selection is huge and well organized. Everyone is very nice and working hard. I was shopping for a safari trip and found some great items for the trip. I don't own anything green or brown but I do now! read more

First of all, love that the staff were all wearing masks as most of the customers too. Was a little crowded though. Overall, a great thrift store! Large selection, most items looking brand-new. Prices were cheap. They have everything- from clothes to toys to dishes to jewelry! But, if you're looking for a thrift store that has cuter and trendy clothes, I wouldn't go here if you look hard enough you may find something nice! My friend and I found a pair of urban outfitters jeans and a fitted American eagle top. However, most of stuff was very out-dated and just middle-aged woman looking. If you're looking for trendy clothes for teenagers, a suggestion I have that is nearby is Plato's closet :) read more

I came upon this great place by surprise! A group of us were getting together for lunch at a neighboring restaurant with parking behind. Evidently it's shared with Global Thrift. So after our lunch, who was I not to enter the store and check things out! It was a very busy Saturday afternoon, but manageable among the aisles. From the outside I had absolutely no idea how huge it is. I also had a take out box ( and no bag ) from where we'd had lunch stuffed into my purse and it was a bit uncomfortable. Feeling lazy I suppose I didn't just go back out and put it in the car... I thought I'd just do a scan, divide and maybe conquer kind of thing and not spend much time. Well I found 3 treasures right off the bat and the prices were AWESOME! When you enter the store there is a light musty odor, but not bad. I found the people who work there very nice. You'll see a huge sign on the wall(s) with a basic price structure to go by. They are LOW and it's not a chain which for me is important. I'm not sure if this is a for profit business or not. However it's so reasonable that if I lived closer you'd see me there on a weekly basis. When I was ready to checkout I thought: oh no - there's a line and some people have tons of stuff in their carts. But once in line it really wasn't too bad. I will add that I felt bad for the cashiers - there is plexiglass, but with the set up being what it is they are exposed to the public. Of course everyone wore a mask, but still...... I spent $9.00 on 3 incredible items. A total bargain! Again, I would definitely return if I lived closer read more

Don't waste your time. They have changed for the worst. Not always open as posted or on internet. Store has mostly poor quality items. Brand name quality items donated never seem to make it to the store for consumers. Are they selling the quality donations online? read more

MY FAVORITE THRIFT STORE!!!! I always find crazy gems here. Great selection and great turnover.

I like going here to browse , but sadly rarely find much worth buying. Pricing is inconsistent .. some things are sensibly priced to move (Eg compared to ebay or market values ), whereas others are grossly mispriced , typically anything in the technology / AV area is very hit or miss. Worth a stop by to browse , and a useful place to give donations of gently used items (but call ahead for large items to check ). read more

I don't agree with a previous reviewer that said this isn't the spot for trendy clothes - I don't recommend Plato's Closet if you're looking for thrift store pricing. I have found many items from Loft, Athleta, Under Armour, H&M, Target in house brands, Old Navy, aerie, free people, all at Global. You need to dedicate some time to looking. Things are organized by general category and then by color, not by size, so it's much more time consuming, but can be lucrative if you have the patience to shop. No dressing rooms is a new pain considering there are also no exchanges, so you're really rolling the dice when you take something home, so if you're really unsure of brand sizing you could take a measuring tape. read more

These people are making so much profit on people's donations. I bought a tank top with a button on it and they charged it as a blouse. I also bought a simple black t-shirt that they charged a sweater. I looked at the receipt as soon as they printed it and noticed the charges. I asked to return as I don't want a $6 used tank top or used black t-shirt. They told me there are no refunds. -_- Complete jerks. read more

I love going to thrift stores because you can find the coolest, most unique stuff there. Last Sunday I stopped by Global Thrift just to see if something interesting was for sale. I would say I drop by this store every few weeks, and have never before had such a bad experience. The high-school-age-looking girls working at the counter were giving attitude to everyone in line. Another girl who was return clothing items to the rack was rolling her eyes at everyone who dared ask her a question. But that wasn't even the worst of it. The music was BLASTING. It felt like I was in a bar. You could barely even hear yourself think. I listen to music at full blast in the car or at home, but this is a place of business. At one point the music cut off for a minute, and shoppers near me were all saying "Thank God, I think they turned it off." Unfortunately, it started up again, and it was even louder than before. I was near the counter in the back of the store, where they have random knick-knacks, and when the music started up again, I seriously jumped. There was a speaker right behind that back counter, and it was so loud, and unexpected, that it scared the crap out of me. I don't know what was going on last Sunday. Maybe the owner was away, and the employees decided they could do whatever they wanted to. I left without buying anything. The loud music was giving me a headache and I could not stand walking around looking at what they had for sale. read more

Updating my review because the pricing was confusing and inconsistent at the register a few months ago. But during this last trip the prices are now all updated on the signs and they settled on 3.00 for children's general clothing. However... they use to have a large quantity of product to go through but it has continued to become more and more sparse. Slim pickings. I saw some signage about pop-up stores so maybe that's where all the inventory is going. read more

I went in got the first time with my husband! I was pleasantly surprised! If you are on a tight budget, I would check this place out! Brands like Michael Kors, Henri Bendel, etc we're great prices! They have a v chart that tells you the prices verses tickets on clothing! Found great shoes aldo brand names! Did not get to look through kids, Mens ! The day we went the street was closed off! We parked at the lot ! $1.50 for 3 hours! Will definitely go back because I have more to check out and purchase! Definitely recommend this place! read more