Last night I got to do something that I’ve never done and it was a blast. What you might ask? Well, I got to attend a special sneak peek at New Glasgow’s new Value Village! And guys – it’s a huge store! And the staff is awesome – I mean, they were handing out cake! Does it get any better? Cake, thrifting…yeah, I know, right?
But let me back up a little. I think I have been in a Value Village….once. And I’d peg it back in the days I was living in the city { the city being Halifax, Bedford, Dartmouth and Lower Sackville all lumped into one because that’s how us North Shore folk roll }. Now, my friend, Janice, is an avid Value Village shopper, it’s the ongoing joke with her, every time I compliment her on an outfit, pieces, if not the entire outfit, came from Value Village. So, when I got an invitation to this event, I was all over it. Catherine agreed to join me because there’s nothing better than thrifting with a friend!
We agreed to meet in the parking lot. And guys, last night it was pouring rain! Pouring! I got there, parked and noticed a line forming outside the door IN THE POURING RAIN! I texted Catherine to let her know that I’m there and there’s a line up in the rain. She pulled in beside me and I hopped quickly into her van and we look at each other, knowing we are NOT hardcore enough to stand in the pouring rain for 10-15 minutes before the doors open. Nope, no way, no how.
After the line of soggy people disappear into the store, we head in. I had no idea it was going to be so big! There are people going everywhere, with carts, baskets and cake. It was interesting to me to see what people were picking up to take home with them. I love ‘people watching’ in situations like this, people are interesting…very interesting beings. Some people are knickknacks people, some people are clothes people, some people are re-sell people.
I was interested in the home goods sections, I’m always on the look out for interesting things to decorate with and to use for photography for the blog. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! I scored a few aprons, a table cloth { which I actually think might be a towel? } and some plant pots. And my most exciting score was the two toss pillow cases!! Catherine also found a bunch of shirts for me to try on, but I only ended up taking two of those home with me. And because I was invited to this event as a local blogger, they had a gift card for me 🙂 So the treasures I took home are compliments of Value Village – how awesome is that? Thanks so much for that, Value Village!
I wish I had’ve snapped a picture of the doors hanging from the ceiling to mark each department by giant binder clips. It was pretty cool. I also loved the displays of items on the upper wall, like the giant teddy bear stuffed with teddy bears. Great displays – I like a little fun in a store.
So, want to know what else is so great about Value Village? Well, you know I’m a huge fan of up-cycling and having another place to shop for treasures is always a win in my books. But!! They have a Community Donation Center on site which means people can drop off their items that they no longer want, so instead of things going to the landfill, they’re getting another chance at life. And, when you shop at any Value Village, you are putting money back into a local charity, too! It’s a win, win! I think having a Value Village within our community is definitely a plus for our community. Jobs, a place to donate household and clothing items to keep them out of the landfill, and a new spot to shop for more economical options – Value Village is definitely adding value to our village!
When I was looking through their website for information for this post, I was amazed at the stats – and that they have Macklemore on it, fitting, don’t you think? And if you don’t know what I mean…google it….except Mom, don’t do that….they say bad words…. ANYWAY! Back to the stats – they keep 700,000,000 pounds of reusable items out of the landfill each YEAR! The average person throws away 81 pounds of textiles A YEAR!! That’s crazy! Why not donate it? There are so many good reasons to! Looking for something new? Shop there first – they might have just what you are looking for!
I love their slogan – SHOP. REUSE. REIMAGINE.
Alright, I’m off to put one of my new treasures to use in the studio makeover, which will be wrapped up tomorrow – so stop back by!
To be continued,
Lori
{ I was given a gift card by Value Village but my take on the event and store is just that 😉 }
