4 /5 Derek Ballenger: This is overall a great thrift store. I’ve been coming here since day one back in 2009 and they’ve made some great changes throughout the years. I’ve spent thousands of dollars here and probably donated another thousand worth of merchandise (this is where I take everything). It was once one of the best priced thrift shops in central Illinois. However, since Covid, they’ve started to look things up on “the internet” but whomever is in charge of that task doesn’t know what they’re doing or how to look it up so the prices have kind of started to go all over the place. Which is fine, but there’s just no consistency. However, with the inconsistency, you can still find deals. The warehouse is full of stuff and huge. Definitely one of the biggest spreads of merchandise at any thrift store in the Midwest United States (and believe me, I’ve been to them all) but it smells like mouse urine so bad it’ll make you nauseous (and it takes a lot for me to say that, I’ve spent hours digging through abandoned buildings and junk piles and this is the only place that has ever made me sick to my stomach and my stomach can handle a lot). The warehouse is also unbearably cold in the winter and hot in the summer. I don’t mind the poor inconvenient shopping conditions at all IF the prices are going to remain low. Goodwill charges high prices, however the ceiling isn’t falling in. Honestly, I love encore and the people working there and want nothing but success for it. Just leaving an honest review. I’m really afraid the building is going to get condemned soon and junkers like me will loose this store. Hopefully, some much needed repairs can get done without compromising the prices too much and this store can be around for another 15 years. I’ve gotten so much great stuff here throughout the years.
