Not sure what is going on at this store. I frequently visit family in the area and love this thrift shop. I understand the need to raise money but many of the local folks who frequent thrift shops in the area do so to makes end meet. Lately the pricing on some items has been way out of range over the past several months. Some items are overpriced, such as this oak table and chairs that sat out front for months for $400. There are plenty of Goodwill and Salvation Stores that would sell this set for between $80 and $150. I inquired about the table and chairs several times during the summer but was told there is no wiggle room on the price. Come November, and I see it hadn't sold and they are giving it away. There is also a note stating it requires some repair. Apparently the chairs were sold off at a fraction of the price. Some of the small kitchen appliances in the rear are also overpriced. Personally I can't see buying a used item I have to clean up and then not be sure how long it will last. There was a thin cheap throw blanket, similar to the several I bought at Walmart for my pets last winter at $1.99 each. I sort of liked the color, so although it wasn't priced I figured it couldn't be much, a buck or two as it was used. The cashier said it was $5.00, it wasn't worth $5 new.
I'm charitable and willing to give St. Andrews a cash donation as they do great work for the community but I think many items are becoming out of reach for the locals. It's one thing to perhaps ask the top going dollar for higher end items during tourist season, but with the impending winter season upon us, it would be great if the prices were reasonable for the locals. You would probably end up selling more items but at a little lower margin and make more of a profit in the end. Another issue is that there are well over three dozen sell, swap and barter sites on Facebook for the Midcoast Region, some exclusively in the direct Boothbay area. So please take care of the local community and be mindful that there are other ways the younger folks with families have begun to thrift shop.
Still giving you four stars because you hold it together with volunteer staff and do some amazing things for the local medical community with the funds you raise.
One more thing, you should consider accepting bank cards, especially if you're going to keep the prices high. Oh and to the lazy large lady eating a giant bag of Cape Cod chips and a sandwich who was sitting out back today, you need to be removed from public view or take a class in customer service. Maybe some folks were just hanging out at St. A's today due to having no electricity at home, but really-it wouldn't kill ya to ask someone to help me if you can't answer a simple question. You were kind of rude and the big picture situation wasn't exactly a good look with you stuffing chips and talking. You should have gone over to the community center if you weren't going to be helpful at St. A's. read more
