The Salvation Army Family Store & Donation Center — Attraction in Royal Oak

I've been a regular shopper here for years, but recent changes are disappointing. Prices have skyrocketed while quality has plummeted. Many "name brands" now have holes, stains, or wear, yet they still want $20-$50 for these items.

All the "best items" are now behind the counter, making it impossible to see anything. Shoes priced at $30-$50 often have wrecked soles or popped air bubbles, but if it says "Hoka" or "Nike," it must be good.

Every rack is overstuffed, making it hard to sort through anything. Where there used to be good brands at fair prices, now there are brands like US Polo Assn. and Costco clothes commanding top dollar. The electronics and home goods section feels like a Jenga tower of half-broken machines.

The new manager is the opposite of leading by example, often borderline yelling at employees and micromanaging everything. This is a thrift store, a Salvation Army, supposed to benefit the less fortunate, but that doesn't feel like the case anymore.

Under new management, prices have shot up astronomically, and premium items are pulled off the floor to sell online. Management seems to be taking advantage of donated items for personal gain as I have been told by several employees the manager gets a bonus by hitting item and dollar quotas.

It's getting much harder to find a deal. When items are priced higher than new, it makes you question the purpose.

As I look through recent reviews, it appears I am not the only user who feels this way and the rating is slowing dropping here. I have been finding myself visiting Value World more often because the quality is...

Bad customer support. I bought a $4 clock and when I got it home the numbers were very hard to see. I went back to return 3 days later and before I could ask I was told "No returns, no matter what". I understand rules and polices but I also understand customer support. All I wanted was a $4 credit for something that didn't work. Oh well, I know no one cares but I won't shop there. It would've been so easy to give a store credit and I would've spent that, and more, right then and there. It's too bad what is happening with small businesses. This is the exact reason why Amazon is taking over, because they understand customer support. Darn, wish it went down differently. Maybe this will help to open their eyes a little. I'm just one customer and I don't matter, that's very clear. Okay, I'll stop being a "jerry" and wish them the best, but next time you may want to have an open mind just...

Most thrift stores I've been to-when you see something you like or could use, you can pretty much guarantee it will be priced at a level you wouldn't bat an eye at before you even know how much it costs. It should be, it was donated to them. This store is not like that, as it's easily 2-3x the price of most of the places I've visited, more on par with profit second hand store than a thrift shop. Yes, they do have more high end articles of clothing than most, so if that's your thing, you might like this location. Just be aware, they know exactly what they have and charge more for it. My issue is that the average or run of the mill stuff was still at least double as well. I only dealt with one employee, but he was polite and helpful. Store is not huge, but clean and well organized. I would likely go back when I am in the area, but won't be goin out of my way to visit based of my first...