5 /5 Jackson Freeland: Im editing this review because I initially wrote it after my first visit. At the time I didnt realize that you could go through the fence to the big Warehouse building in the back. I thought the only thrift selections were in the little church type building immediately adjacent to the road.
Once I realized that the real retail space was out back I was pleasantly surprised. They may not have the best selections, but they also dont have prices on anything. On numerous occasions Ive found amazing items and when asked, the person working just throws out of number. Often those on the spot price decisions are super good deals.
Two perfect examples are:
1) Two small-ish tool boxes full of tools; some vintage some modern for $15$! I made my money back and then some just selling the old Kennedy toolbox. Kept the Craftsman box and the vintage mechanics tools since I collect them.
2) Found an indistinct cardboard box that contain 5 vintage airplane indicators. Normally old Kollsman Differential Pressure, Air Speed, etc gauges dont sell for much more than maybe $75-150 depending. However, what made these an amazing find was that they were all clearly marked as coming from various Air Force bases in the US and were older than when Square D bought Kollsman. So the added provenance of being from WW2 era war planes will likely add a fair bit to their value. But wait, the best part.....? I paid $4 for all five. I was so surprised and almost ashamed to pay that little, so I gave the guy a 20 and told him to give the change to the Albany Mission.
For me this is what thrifting is all about. Not ever rising prices and crowds at Goodwill, where every one in the country has essentially the same or similar stuff. Its those local places that are maybe a bit rough around the edges but you definitely never know what youll find. Always a treasure hunt and always nice folks there! If I had the extra money Id go every week.
