Blue Mitten Thrift Shop — Attraction in Westerly

Today was my second time visiting Blue Mitten, and I had a rather abysmal experience, and was almost about to keep it to myself until I read recent reviews about staff. My boyfriend and I were not greeted upon entering the store by either female employees, but a group of older woman who gave off a wealthy vibe were welcomed quite warmly. As someone who doesn’t ooze “rich” energy, I’ve grown used to that behavior ever since spending a great majority of my time in this area, as sad as that is. Upon checking out, after carefully returning each item I tried on to their original racks, I was accused (in so many words) of removing a price tag from a bodysuit I intended to buy. Mind you, of the two items I did end up with after trying on, one was heftily priced at $15, and that price tag was fully in tact. As the cashier grabbed the bodysuit, barely making eye contact with me, she said “oh, this price tag must’ve fallen off, how about $5.00?” to which I replied “well that didn’t have a tag on it.” Last I was in, tank tops without “special tags” were $2.00, so I was excited for a deal in comparison to the crewneck I was also buying. She proceeded to say “right, but it was supposed to have a tag, so I’m MAKING UP a price,” whilst looking to her cohort who ever-so-disingenuously smiled at me and goes “yeah, bodysuits are $5.00,” whilst pointing at their board. I was too taken aback by the attitude and the insinuation that I’d have removed a $5.00 tag to check their board, but my point here being is that there are many flaws in their story. Which one was it? Are bodysuits separately priced from tops and are a flat $5.00, or was that particular bodysuit supposed to have a “special tag” that said it was $5.00, and I’m supposed to have removed it? Because standing there and telling me a tag fell off and literally using the words “I’m making up a price” leads me to believe that I was just being discriminated against for not being a wealthy older woman who was clad in Lilly Pulitzer. Totally disappointed, because there are some treasures here, but as someone who spent the first ten years of her working career in second hand clothing and retail, customer service is the first thing I clock when I enter an establishment, and I’ve also found that it tends to be those that don’t flaunt their wealth who often spend the most. Truthfully, as someone who is an avid thrifter and quite frequently posts their finds on Instagram and Facebook, I intended to post about my haul today, but will no longer be mentioning this stop on my thrifting day. I won’t be returning to this shop, and I will certainly be telling other locals of my age group that they should patron Johnny Cakes rather than Blue Mitten, because I was there right before this experience and was surrounded by smiles and actual thrift...

I don’t know what happened here. This thrift store has taken a disappointing turn. Everything I picked up was over $30. I picked up a Cabela’s puffer jacket marked $50! It was nice, but to compare resale value, I later found it on a popular upselling site, Depop, for $30. It is discouraging to see people’s generous donations in the hands of suddenly greedy business practice. I want them to profit but hope they find a better way to do so. Blue Mitten, please, get creative! Maybe take a note from your competition…Jonnycake has fun random sales (like everything with a bird on it or everything made completely of metal is 50% off) while the Stonington como thrift does evening events (complete with champagne) where everyone gets in a line for the doors to open and reveal the vintage donations they’ve been hiding! I got a designer coach bag for $35, on Depop for $70. it just seems like there’s another way to make sure this business thrives, rather than to exclude the people who can’t afford to buy all of their clothing at retail prices. There are so many awesome ways to have fun, build community, and make revenue....

As of 11/14/2022 you can forget my previous review of 5-stars!

I give it less than one today. I learned through the vine that JANE was let go. With that knowledge... It tells me the management/owners do not see the value many others do in JANE!

THEREFORE, I've gone from a lifetime browser, to NEVER setting foot in The Blue Mitten again. I know I'm not alone, so good luck with that decision, and WHAT-ever you chose over JANE.

(Previous review) I've gone to this shop for years, even back when it was at its old location. It has always been great and is now even better. The staff are always friendly, helpful and in good spirits. Jane is a Gem among them. I say Thank You to the Blue Mitten for serving the community with quality and value.

I'm a browser for life!...