Scavenging

Thrift Megastores: the Wave of the Future?

Goodwill Industries opened a 12,000-square-foot superstore last week in Norwich, Connecticut.

On opening day, according to local newspaper The Day, “there were lines of people extending down the sidewalk, the parking lot was packed and eager shoppers couldn’t wait to get in….

“It may not be accurate to call this newest retailing venture a thrift shop. The Goodwill organization prefers to call it a retail super store and uses terms like ‘gently used,’ or ‘the best of the best’ in pre-owned clothing, books, furniture and the like.” The store “also sells new items, including new mattresses, socks, sandals and the like,” but at low Goodwillish prices.

All used clothing “is inspected before it goes onto racks, any furniture must be sanitized, used books are only put out if they’re in good condition, and housewares and toys all must be in good working order….

“As shoppers grabbed shopping carts on a recent weekday and the store’s numerous cashiers rang up continuous sales, rows and rows of men’s, women’s and children’s clothing attracted first-time browsers and longtime customers. Typical prices are $4.99 for women’s pants — and some appear brand new. There are sweatshirts selling for $3.99, men’s blazers — some sporting impressive labels — selling for $9.99 and up, and men’s full suits retailing for $12.99 and up….

“The store is the retailing anchor at the newly opened Briar Hill Plaza shopping center on Route 82 diagonally across from the Norwich Wal-Mart complex.” Take that, Wal-Mart.