CAP Local Imports Thrift Store — Attraction in Shakopee

I was intrigued about the new store in the old Pier One spot so I stopped by when I was at Michaels last week. Apparently, I've been oblivious because it's been open since December and I only noticed it this week.

When I got up to the door and realized it's the new CAP thrift store, I almost didn't go in. The old store was... depressing. This one doesn't look like a thrift shop when you enter. So far it is well designed, organized, merchandised appealingly, and priced reasonably. I had no intention of buying anything, just look around. That didn't work out so well. 😉 I left with a plant shelf I didn't know I absolutely needed and some tatting hooks from their surprising robust craft selection.

Ashley (the store manager) is a perfect fit. Passionate about the mission, competent, genuinely friendly, and excited to be there.

A surprise was the table front and center of the store holding auction items. Unusual or more valuable merchandise. Brilliant.

Unlike many thrift stores, the proceeds from this one are used to directly fund LOCAL programs. If you are unfamiliar with the Carver-Scott-Dakota County CAP agency, they run many programs in the community. Weatherization grants, Food Shelves, Crisis Nursery, Energy Assistance, Housing programs, etc. The number of lives they positively impact every day is staggering.

They take, rely on, donations - merchandise, money, and volunteers.

I know as I am going through my mother's estate (otherwise known as oh-my-god-what-am-I- going-to-do-with-all-this-stuff), I am separating out CAP donations from the rest. Why? They have limited space for storage, rely on volunteers, and don't have the distribution resources that larger operations have. I want my donations to help not hinder.

I asked Ashley what her wishlist was for the store. She replied: Volunteers, home decor, and returning customers. Home decor is their best seller.

If you wish to donate merchandise, they are accepted at the back of the building during business hours. If you wish to donate money, see Ashley.

Food donations are now only accepted at the old Minnesota Corn building on 1st Street in Shakopee.

FYI- They don't start accepting clothing until...

NEW UPDATE 1-28-25: Ugh, you guys had really turned it around with flat pricing by category, but I was just in and see that you now have barcode label price tags for items you think are worth more. And these labels were on a LOT of items. Now things are just going to sit at high prices again. I saw several things I wanted but once again, overpriced. Only left with two items. ☹️

UPDATE: Changing to 5 stars. They have really turned it around with prices and sales. It makes it worth it to stop in now and I'm purchasing items again! It's been busy again too instead of a ghost town, so I'm guessing they are getting way more business now!

Prices have gone from "these are pretty high" to "what are they even thinking??" $4.00 for a used baby onesie...$17.99 for a pair of basic dress pants, not even a designer brand or anything. Occasionally you can find a "fair" deal on a book or toy or something, but otherwise it's getting so it's not even worth looking anymore. It doesn't look like they have sale days anymore either. At least not on any days I have been there lately (weekends) and they don't have sale...

Updated: I've been several more times and have found pricing to be much more reasonable. I've found some great finds there too. Always well organized and friendly service.

Very well organized and a mission I would love to support but I won't buy used things for the same as I can buy new. A cupcake container visibly worn for $14.99 with original sticker of you guessed it - $14.99. Tupperware deviled egg tray missing a piece and visibly worn and nearing 40 years old for $14.99 as well. Stuffed animals for $30. I wouldn't pay those prices for new stuffed animals.

It seems lots of reviews say the pricing is a relatively new issue. I hope they get that issue figured out because I'd love to support this...