Family Thrift Center — Attraction in Fort Worth

On January 27, 2024 I was made to feel uncomfortable, embarrassed, and singled out. I went into the store to shop. One item in particular was a black dress to wear to my Aunt's Funeral. She passed away from stage 4 cancer two days prior to my visit to your establishment. I had not been out of the house since learning of her passing. I love thrifting and thrifting relaxes me. I went in the store to mind my business and thrift/shop. After an hour or so of shopping, I waited in long line to try on the items I was looking forward to purchasing. I waited for about 10 minutes or so. No clerk in sight to hurry the customers who were trying on clothes along. No clerks standing on both ends of the dressing room stalls. No announcement stating a new rule of a time limit. The sole rule I saw about the dressing room was "Dressing Room 3 items Only". However, when I finally went into the stall all of that changed. Clerks flocked to the area and flanked both ends of the dressing room stalls. One clerk was in the center near a row of clothes. At first I thought nothing of it but it seemed odd. I asked the clerk in the center if there was a problem. She said no. I went back to trying on my clothes "3 at a time". I did not know where to put the clothes I did not want so I put them in a discarded cart. A clerk said that I can hang them on the side. I began to do just that. Then an announcement was made about time limits on trying clothes. I was even approached by a clerk who said she would call the authorities if I did not stop trying on clothes. I told her I came here to shop. I am trying on 3 at a time just as it stated. I had been in the store for over an hour shopping and have not heard an announcement of time limits until I got in the stalls. I waited just like everyone else. At that moment I could feel my blood pressure go up. It was unnecessary stress. As I stated before, I love to thrift and thrifting relaxes me. However, I left the establishment feeling anxious, fearful, singled out, embarrased, and stressed. If there is both a limit to the number of clothes to take into the stalls and a time limit to try on clothes it should be clearly stated from the start. The expectation of a time limit should be written and posted on the stalls along with the 3 items only requirement.

I ended up buying most of the clothes that I tried on that could fit me. I would have spent more but I was detered by the treatment I received. Changes need to be made that will make all customers feel wanted, respected, and valued. In addition, expectations need to be clearly written, posted, and made visible...

I love this place and the huge variety they have. I've shopped here many times in the past. They have all types of clothes, shoes, bedding, bags, purses, books, games, kitchenware, home decor, jewelry, movies and more. My review is solely based on my experiences before Covid shut everything down. I haven't been since reopening because the dressing rooms were closed (I refuse to purchase clothes I can't try on. And the additional 10lbs I've gained is even more reason I need to try on clothes first.... Ugh..). But times have changed again and the dressing rooms are open. Woohoo it's time to upgrade my wardrobe...lol... Everyday they have 30% and 50% off certain color price tags. Everything is separated/sorted by color and style/type. Not by size. The sections are baby/kid, men's/women's. You will have to do some digging to find the right ones. Some people find this an inconvenience, but I personally don't mind it. The prices were great last I knew. I realize we are post pandemic and the cost of daily living has gone up everywhere. It makes since if the store has raised their prices. They are just following suit. I will admit there were items that had higher than expected prices last time I was there. I'd just say a few words, to myself about what I thought of those prices, and move on. Nothing says you have to buy it. And if the prices seem to high, I can almost guarantee you won't find them much cheaper anywhere else. To get the best bang for your buck I recommend searching for the color tags first. Once you've ruled those out, then shop regular priced items. Just be prepared to search the racks (there is a way to get a system down to where you're speed flipping through them...it takes a bit of practice though). I know it sounds time consuming and sometimes it is. But its 95% rewarding when your finished and heading to that checkout line with all your treasured finds. All that hard work will pay off. Overall I highly recommend you give McCart...

So I came here ready to drop a review bomb, only to find everyone else already did… but in the wrong way. Seriously, what store are you people even talking about? I’ve been here three times in the past two months and had zero drama. Shocking, I know.

Now, full disclosure: I’m that shopper who likes to be left alone. If you ask me, “Do you need anything?” more than once, I will evaporate into a puff of irritation. So the fact that the staff lets me wander around in peace? 10/10, no notes.

As for prices, yeah, some stuff might make you do a double take, but we’re talking used clothing here. Odds of finding that exact item again? About the same as winning the lottery while getting struck by lightning. If I want it, I’m buying it. That’s my financial strategy, don’t judge me.

Now let’s talk about the hanger controversy. People are mad they have to take their own clothes off hangers. Really? You want an underpaid, over-it employee to angrily rip your shirt off a hanger and leave it looking like it was in a bar fight? No thanks. I’ll gladly do it myself, like a responsible adult with mild control issues.

Okay, yes, the price tags take a second to decode. At first glance, it’s like trying to read hieroglyphics. But by visit two, I cracked the code. Pro tip: top left is usually a “g” or “b” for girls or boys, and the rest is the price. Boom. Sherlock Holmes who?

The one thing I still don’t get is the sizing system. I think it’s color-coded? Or maybe a secret test? No idea. But I just roll with it like I do with IKEA instructions, blind faith and a little panic.

Anyway, I was just there yesterday and the lady at the register was super nice. So I guess my experience is the exception... or maybe everyone else is...