Volunteers of America Thrift Store - Indianola — Attraction in Columbus

I have a complaint that would be VERY simple to prevent for the next person. So I buy 95% of my clothing second-hand, and almost always at VOA because I'm always happy with the prices and selection. This location has been one of the best and also closest to me, which is great! I don't treat myself to new (to me) clothing very often, but I was looking forward to a productive thrifting trip all week. Well tonight I went, looking for specific pieces to wear for work. I spent an hour and a half looking as quickly as I could through the options of what I needed, and found quite a few possibilities, but of course you can't tell if things, especially pants, fit without trying them on. I never buy without trying on, since you can't return and I feel it's wasteful and disappointing. Anyway, I asked an employee what time the dressing rooms close, because I thought I remembered them closing a little bit before the registers close. She said a quarter til. So, I continued my search until 30 min til, thinking I would have 15 minutes to narrow down and quickly try on my cart full of promising items. Well I asked for a fitting room to be opened at 8:30, and the manager told me that they were already closed, as if I was supposed to know that, and looking at my full cart with contempt. I left without purchasing anything, because that was my only option. I realize that the store does not care whether I spend my $40 with them or not, but my issue is the attitude that the manager seemed to have with me, the fact that the other employee was uninformed of the policy, and that it is NOT POSTED OR ANNOUNCED. So I just won't be back, because I don't know whether that is an official policy or an arbitrary time that will be even earlier next time. I've never encountered this policy at any other location, unless it's new? I get that people want to get home at the end of the day, but I as a customer should be MADE AWARE of my opportunity to try things on in order to purchase. Why even have fitting rooms otherwise? Please make a consistent policy and...

If you are a guy and expect to find some decent t-shirts to wear, forget it. Everything is either printed with Jesus camps, Fun-run marathons, IT consulting, or obscure sports and vacation destinations. Oh, and 10,000 Planet Fitness (as they are right next door). Button-ups have some nicer items in the "better shirts" section. Suits and polos I don't wear, so YMMV.

Jeans are are sorry state as well, even the "better jeans" are a bit beat up. Apparently I never get in there to find things of my slight build, as everything is in much larger sizes. Shoes? Yeah, I would not put my feet in those.

Let's face it, men keep clothes until they are rotting rags. Then we donate them or throw them out. Finding fashionable second-hand men's clothing for an affordable price is a myth. That being said, if you need cheap clothes to do construction or any sort of dirty job, this is your place.

Women will have a much better time picking out clothes. Much more choice and floorspace is dedicated. 3x the shoes at least. My wife found some really nice things here for a dollar or two.

The housewares and electronics sections are scary. The book section is filled with the seemingly breeding John Grisham and Tom Clancy novels.

They have a showcase section with nicer items, which I would suggest viewing every week. You can find antiques, glassware, childrens toys, games, gadgets, appliances, collectibles, lots of jewelry, etc.

You can find some awesome furniture as well. The wife and I picked up a decent coffee table for very cheap. It was in very good condition. Other times shopping I saw some pieces that looked really nice. They carry upholstered chairs and couches, which they do sanitize. Bring a vehicle that can move them, VOA does not offer delivery.

I'm still rating them highly because this is a charity shop. I can't really fault them, everything sold is 100% donated. They are not out to get a profit. VOA rolls every single dime back into programs for the disadvantaged. This is a good thing! I'll continue...

First let me say this location used to be awesome. However since covid, it has gone downhill. The prices went up and whatever the tags are of the day/week, you will hardly find any on the racks. I seen a couple employees take the clothes that had the tags of the week off the rack and into the back. Why even have discounts or percentage off then? Today was a horrible experience. 3 minor girls were roaming the store with wedding and prom dresses on,causing all kinds of noise and chaos. No parent/guardian was with them. I wanted to get a bracelet from the jewelry glass shelf, went to the front where the"boss" was and asked for help and he ignored me. They had 2 registers open and over 8 people in line to check out. I asked one of the cashiers for help and they went to ask the " boss" for help. I think the worker called him "Mr. Ryan". He had white hair and a white goatee. He said he would help me whenever he can and I waited almost 15 minutes and no help. I was already checking out when he finally finished. By then, the check out lines were much longer and he was standing around the jewelry just watching.

Visited again on July 22, 2023 and the tags that were on discount was blue, yellow and purple. Unfortunately I only came across one blue tag. Why have tag discounts if you are going to take them off the floor?

Visited again on October 5,2024 and everything was a lot of money. I couldn't find anything under 5 bucks. If I did, they were tore,stained or ripped. I bought a jacket for 8.99 and I didn't inspect the jacket. Unfortunately both pockets have holes in it and I won't be able to wear it. I found this friends show backpack purse and it is definitely not a thrift store price.

I am back here today May 29,2025 because my mother wanted to come. Again I see why I don't shop...