American Thrift Stores Lauderhill — Attraction in Lauderhill

The store has gotten somewhat better... (Visited once like 3 years ago.. and me and my family left right away cause the prices were off the roof)

Recently we moved to this area, and I noticed this thrift store even opens on Sundays. So I decided to give it a try... I have been there the total of 3 times, and noticed the staff putting clothes or other items away are usually rude... I guess that gives the impression of them being miserable or unhappy ..( they walk around w/ a upset face) as a matter of fact.. when I was browsing for some shirts for my little one. This particular employee came and pushed the stuff to the left... When i kept pushing the stuff on the rack to the right w/o her even saying "excuse me ma'am" or anything. I think they could use some training cause the customer service they have it is absolutely below average (before anyone says it is not like I am goin to buy things at JC penny)

It is common courtesy to at least say "excuse me ma'am... I need to put this clothes in the rack"( w/ a smile) I think that It doesn't cost nothing to have manner's and common courtesy... Especially to smile! Instead of looking all miserable! Prices on some of the items it is reasonable... However

The 3rd time I went to this store... I had a very embarrassing experience, the store it is considerably at a walking distance from.where I live now... So I use a stroller for my daughter and a book bag (backpack) to carry stuff I need for her .... I have never been asked by the staff(at the desk/front) to leave my backpack there (the first 2 times I have gone they only hold my child stroller for me) , to me it was quite shocking. Cause I do not carry any other kind of bags.. so where was I supposed to put my wallet, keys... Etc ?

The lady gave me a face.. and told me I could talk to the manager... (She called the manager)

The manager came.. and spoke to her.. and I overheard how he said (just tell her not to bring a backpack next time), and that it's when I got into what it was their convo,

I told him I have a toddler and using a backpack makes it easier for me... Especially if I go to a store... I told him that how other employees the prior 2 times I have gone. Have never said anything.. and he stated "well, someone it is not doin their job right, cause the lady who just told u this it is new.. and following rules".... After a while of going back and forth.. I asked him for him to tell me what am I supposed to use, I even went as far as telling him "if you want to check my back pack while I am paying.. go for it... I assure you, there will be nothing inside other than the things I need for my daughter"

Which to he replied "no ma'am.. I can't do that", see, I have been to all kinds of stores, and not once I have been told that I need to leave my back pack behind... Especially having my daughter w/ me, if I was to go alone.. I will obviously carry a smaller purse.... But it really bothered me how this ppl lack on empathy as to try to relate if I wear a backpack it is NOT TO STEAL items.. it's cause to me it makes it easier... Especially if stores run out of shopping carts and I have to keep my daughter next to me! That was an embarrassing day.... This store has to provide better training on guest service and I guess also on security or have better security systems, after that experience, I think I felt somehow overwhelmed, and I am hesitant...

I came on here today to share my horrendous customer service experience with the floor manager, Isabel. Sadly, this was not an isolated incident. Over the years, I have witnessed many customers, myself included, being treated poorly and spoken to rudely by staff members. Today pushed me to finally write a review.

Before posting, I decided to scroll through other recent reviews, and it seems my experience is far from unique. Many customers have voiced similar concerns. The recurring themes? Rude staff, skyrocketing prices, and an overall disappointing environment.

I have been a loyal shopper at this location for over 10 years. There was a time when spending $100 would get you a cart full of treasures. Now, that same $100 barely covers a few items. The furniture section upstairs has become especially shocking — used bedroom sets are now being priced at $1,500 to $2,000 and higher. These are donated items, yet the pricing feels outrageous and disconnected from the original mission of thrift stores: providing affordable goods to the community.

What’s even sadder is how this once-beloved store, a staple in our community, now feels hostile and unwelcoming. The environment has changed drastically. It’s not just about prices — it’s about the people. The attitude of the staff is often extremely rude, at times even borderline racist. This points to a bigger problem: a failure in core management.

Perhaps the staff is under pressure to keep the store clean and organized while customers are shopping, but the solution isn’t to create a toxic environment. If anything, with the amount prices have increased, management should consider hiring additional shifts to stock during off-hours, relieving some of the pressure during open hours and allowing both employees and customers to have a better experience.

It’s heartbreaking to watch what feels like the beginning of this location’s downfall. Many members of our Sunrise and Plantation community have expressed to me how they no longer enjoy visiting the store. They miss what this place used to be — a welcoming, affordable, community-centered store.

I truly hope someone in upper management reads this and takes immediate action. Change is desperately needed — not just for customer retention, but to preserve the legacy this store once had in our community. Otherwise, more and more loyal customers will continue to leave, especially as new, pleasant thrift stores open up in the area.

Unfortunately, after today, I will not be returning. But I do hope this feedback serves as a...

Update: I just went again and the claustrophobia is real. They are charging $30 for broken pieces of wood. They are charging $100 for coats you can get online for $70. I had to really think if I wanted anything because I remember from last time there is a surcharge just to shop there for a" stocking fee"and that it would take awhile. A worker was putting away clothing and said excuse me so I said yes let me come out of the aisle and she just kept pushing and ran into my toes with flip flops. And STILL kept pushing. I ran out. Parking is a nightmare. I will not be coming back here anymore.

Original: This was a very mixed review. Their parking lot is incredibly small and people were circling for minutes. You have to wait for someone to leave before you can get in and they have signs everywhere saying to not park in other parking lots close by. The array of stuff is absolutely mesmerizing but the prices are jacked up l. There is also very little room in between the aisles, making it virtually impossible for to people to be going opposite directions. Very claustrophobic. When I went to check out they automatically charge you $0.25 supply fee and stocking fee. Which gets taxed so it's actually .27. I know that isn't a lot but like what the hell. Whatever number they put on the item, you should add an extra $0.99. My tag said 3 and they charged $3.99. another said 1 but it was 199. Just another way to get a little more money out of people. They have an Express line if you have under 7 items, but because only 1 cash register was assigned to the express line, and 4 cash registers to the normal line, it took longer in the express line. It's a thrift store so you get random stuff, sometimes you have some amazing finds, but unless you get there early, I would not suggest going through the headache and hassle. The employees all...