Global Thrift — Attraction in Waltham

I've been coming to Global Thrift since I was seven years old. From childhood to adulthood, practically my entire wardrobe has come from this store. I've recommended it to everyone I know. I used to love this place, and I'm devastated as to what it's turned into.

After my visit today, I probably won't be returning.

I understand that shoplifting is common in thrift stores and that they have to reduce it to stay in business. They want to ask customers to leave bags at the front? That's fine. But they are taking things way too far.

From the moment I stepped in, I was being closely monitored. It seemed like the employees were following me from aisle to aisle. All I had on me was my jacket - I guess they thought I was planning on stuffing clothing down my shirt and making a run for it? At one point, I removed my jacket, and I was quickly approached and asked if the jacket was "really mine" or if I took it off a rack.

After shopping around for 45 minutes, I was informed of the new "30 minute shopping" policy and asked to wrap things up. I stopped by the area with the paintings before checking out and found two wooden frames I liked, so I grabbed them and started heading to the counter. The manager stopped me, asked if I "was sure I was planning on buying them", and then practically snatched them from me and told me she would be bringing them to the counter on my behalf (due to their new policy). She was incredibly rude in this interaction - I imagine she was convinced I was planning on stealing the frames? She then followed me to the checkout like she was my babysitter.

When I left, I finally saw the teeny tiny print on the front door detailing these new policies.

Again, I understand that Global has lost money to shoplifting, and I get that it's an issue that needs to be addressed. But there has to be a way to implement these new policies without treating each and every person who enters the store like a thief. It wasn't just me, either. In the 45 minutes I was there, at least a dozen people were spoken to in a similar manner.

If any manager happens to read this, please consider this fact: the long-term patrons of your store are not mind readers. We're also not going to spend 5 minutes scanning the fine print taped to your door every time we shop to familiarize ourselves with each new anti-shoplifting policy you've come up with in the past week. Most people who bring in a purse or stay longer than the allotted 30 minutes aren't doing so out of malevolence, or because we're evil shoplifters who want to rob you - we're just not aware of the policy changes. To treat patrons with distrust and attitude and disdain just because they aren't aware of your crazy new rules is a really horrible long-term strategy, and it's going to cost you. No one wants to spend money on a business that makes them feel like a moron at best and a criminal at worst.

TLDR; Global Thrift has decided to combat shoplifting by treating every single customer who walks through their doors like a criminal. Take your...

I used to be a fan, but yesterday changed it for me. While trying to check out I asked about a price on an unmarked item and the sales girl gave me a large amount. I said no thanks. Then she said the next items I had chosen were not the price labeled. They were more expensive. Bewildered, I said the price on the item is what it costs. The owner came over and told me that I had switched prices on an item and said he had proof via his store video camera footage. However, he didn't say what item I had changed. I was outraged. I have never stolen or been accused of stealing anything in my life. Most certainly not from a Thrift Store. To the contrary, I have donated many items to this store for his profit. He doesn't buy anything. He profits on all that is donated. I shopped there when I could to help his cause...No longer. I asked to see the footage and he continued to call me a sticker changer. Yelling this at me in front of people in the store. After the accusation and the harassing and condemning tone I told the owner he picked the wrong person to accuse of stealing and I was calling the police. He was stunned. He said, " You are calling the police over this?" I said, "Yes! You can't threaten me with shoplifting!" I called the Waltham police and told them what he accused me of. This is where the story changes. There was no video. He lied. Then said he had a witness. The witness was a scared looking family member from Colombia and no one could produce the sticker or where I allegedly committed the crime or on which product. He was upset that I had challenged his price. The witness kept quiet the entire time. The first item, a pink cup, which had no price (like many other items in the store) was quoted at $5. at the register, but the owner said to the police officer and me that it was $2.99. Now, I caught him in another lie. The owner said his store policy is to change the price if he thinks people are changing stickers. Totally ridiculous considering most prices are listed on the walls. The Police office told me that the owner would not press charges and I could leave if I wanted to. I didn't have to shop at this store. I was still extremely upset and asked the Officer if I could post my story on social media. He said yes. Again, I can't believe that I was treated like a criminal and I will never donate or shop at Global Thrift Store again and suggest other people question prices on their purchases if they think they are being treated unfairly. I am extremely sad to see that the store suffers for lack of customer service and an owner who doesn't value...

I’ll start by saying I’ve been going here years off and on. I’ve donated so many items to this store including brand new items. I’ve shopped this store and spent money on home decor items.

So I’m truly disgusted by the way we were treated today. I entered the store with a very young toddler who was sitting in their stroller. A worker ran over to say I couldn’t bring it in by pointing at the corner and saying ‘no’ ‘no’ and not explaining why.

This was news to me as we were just in there a few weeks ago with a stroller. Oddly enough, I have to explain why you keep your kid in a stroller: you can’t carry them everywhere while shopping, toddlers aren’t easy to handle in public places, we’re actually helping you out so our kid doesn’t knock over all your crap. A stroller gives them a space safe to sit while you shop, duh!

Now they want you to leave all your belongings on an unwatched shelf at the front of the store including small purses and bags. There’s no employee or security to watch them so ANYONE can walk in and take your things. I asked if they had cameras facing the area but there was a language barrier so I left it alone.

Said ‘okay’ took them out to try and walk them through the store and I have another employee run up to me and say ‘NO FOOD!’ So here I am standing with the kids tiny snack jar being told I can’t bring him in his stroller and I can’t hold his snack. So I go back and put it away. I did a quick sweep and left because my child started crying and honestly there was nothing worth buying. They were super rude and unapologetic. Didn’t seem to understand how difficult you’re making it for single parents and caretakers to shop with their kids.

I’ll never set foot back and I’ll never recommend them again. Disgusting and honestly discriminatory behavior. If a child has special needs would you expect a parent to walk their kid through? You’re asking for a lawsuit. Check your policies. Clearly this has to do with theft issues. If you’re so worried about people stealing hire security.

Yes, I called the store to speak with a manager and no one answered the phone. Don’t go there and don’t donate if they won’t...