Idaho Youth Ranch Thrift Store — Attraction in Meridian

This store is a thrift store. Staff have always been very kind and friendly. This store is well organized, overall clean, and it is well maintained. The donation service in the rear of the store is always prompt, curteous and helpful. My review below might not match my rating above, but this is an overall score & I believe they will correct the changes which need serious consideration. I have found many needed items, but have also walked away frustrated due to incorrect pricing. Before I write my review this is a great store, you need to expect to provide your own peoole to safely load furniture into your car. Not everyone is experienced and we all have a learning curve, however my vehicle isn't the place to learn this. Donations: I've donated thousands of items here for years. I have done so because of all their programs for our community, which are desperately needed. More recently my life situation flipped and I found myself needing to shop there for something. I had not personally been in this store until 2014. I was quite suprised to find that all the household goods and clothing I'd been donating for the past 20 years were over priced, not just the nicer items but also the very warn pieces of clothing. (I understand they are providing services and paying workers, but whoever is in charge of pricing the items being donated needs to understand what they are doing.) I myself donated on the understanding I'd be able to help others in serious need. I was expecting lower prices especially in clothing and feel as if they might be trying to make extra money. These clothes were given to you to help those in need, not make a profit. Clothing in worn out condition is marked too high, and should be half the cost from what I've seen it marked. Many of the t-shirts are stretched out and faded, which is understandable...but when you can cross the street and go to Fred Meyer and spend the same amount on clearance for a brand new piece of clothing for the same cost or even less then I believe there has been a major oversight. Also, many items can be purchased at the dollar store brand new, across the street, for the same amount or less. I'm not talking about brand name products. Also, several products I found for sale were close to retail sale price, e.g. fish tanks, office supplies, stools, i.e. a little bit of everything; and although they might be listed in the internet at twice the cost retail, many items aren't sold for these prices. They are sold during sales events, with coupons and they are brand new. Items for caged animals being resold with previously used rocks, filters, dirty glass, toys & lights cannot always be re-used by the next buyer. These should usually be reolaced brand new. They are unable to be properly sterilized and require a considerable amount of elbow greese to properly rid them of disease, germs, parasites, fungus, salmonella etc. Just because you are selling it in a bundle with all the products by the previous owner doesn't mean you are giving the next person a good deal. I'd think twice before purchasing anything like this for any pet. You might not have it for very long. Consider why the animal's home was donated and under what circumstances before placing your newly purchased pet into a used home without thoroughly sanitizing everything (and this includes yourself.) *Many things noted here apply to common sense. I've been in this store a few times and I still come home surprised & happy. This store is great, but if you truly are on a budget know what you are looking for. I will be returning. The Idaho Youth Ranch has many stores, many hard workers and deserve our support. However, IYR don't take advantage of those coming to you for help. Clothing helps kids, men & women on a basic and fundamental level. Jobs, warmth, and social acceptance. Please know I'm aware you don't turn away those who cannot pay, but the prices on your tags should reflect trust & openess to those who donate their goods to you. When people walk into your store, they already cannot...

Writing a review specifically about the manager, Jenn. My husband and I went yesterday and had a grocery cart full, even though the prices are absolutely horrendous. Is this a thrift store or the mall? Then when I got to the cashier, whose name was Rio and she was very kind, I asked if they did discounts on things that have stains as other thrift stores do in town. She said she would need to ask the manager who a few minutes later came up. I asked her and she replied ‘This is a thrift store, you buy these as is’ as if I was the stupidest person on the planet. I told her I was only asking because other places like St Vincent do this and she proceeded to berate me for asking the question and stormed off shouting ‘YOU DONT HAVE TO BUY IT MAAM’. The encounter was so horrible that as we were leaving the store, the customer behind us came up to me and said that he was also going to file a complaint against her. Also, just the audacity of charging exorbitant prices and expecting us to pay and then being annoyed when I asked for a discount with something that has a stain is unbelievable. I truly hope that they replace her as manager. She is not fit as a customer service...

Idaho Youth Ranch thrift stores are a treasure trove for anyone who loves the thrill of a good find. I always come across unique items, from vintage clothes to quirky home decor, and you never know what you’ll uncover, which makes every visit exciting. Unlike some other thrift stores in the area, Idaho Youth Ranch stands out for its cleanliness. While it’s still a thrift store with the usual hustle and bustle, it’s clear they put effort into keeping the aisles and displays neat and welcoming.

The staff is another highlight; they’re genuinely friendly and ready to help. Even if things are a bit disorganized at times, the staff’s positive attitude makes it easy to overlook. Finding a specific section or item can take a little hunting, but that’s all part of the experience here. With reasonable prices and a feel-good mission behind every purchase, Idaho Youth Ranch is a great stop for thrifters looking for both quality items and a pleasant...