Estate Sales & Services & Thrift Store- WNC Bridge Foundation — Local services in Asheville

I have shopped here for a number of years years and I’ve always felt that the prices were very fair. The store is very organized and I’ve enjoyed shopping there. On a few occasions, I have been over charged in error and did not notice until after I was home. I never bothered to go back for a refund, as I don’t live close by and just chalked it up to a donation for a good cause. I was there recently, and I did have another overcharge, but before I left the store, I checked my receipt and realized the error. When I went back to the counter to point out the discrepancy, I was cut off by the cashier and told “No I rang you correctly” After reviewing my receipt she relented “ You’re right. I did ring up an extra shirt” Not a big deal on my end. I wasn’t upset in the least bit and I wouldn’t have even brought it up, had it been the first time that this had happened. She indicated that she would refund the difference to my credit card. I had no issue with this. Another employee came over and interjected saying”That’s how you paid and that’s how you receive your refund” I’m not sure why she felt it necessary to say this as I didn’t question the refund method, nor was I concerned about it . The interaction was awkward and left feeling as if I had done something wrong or that I was trying to get over somehow. First, I was told I wasn’t overcharged and then I was reminded of how my refund would be issued. None of that was necessary “ I am sorry you’re correct. I’ll issue you a refund” was all the conversation that was needed. When I left there, I felt embarrassed and as if I had done something wrong. I felt as if there was some insinuation that I was trying to get over in some way. I also noted that every customer coming in there is greeted with “Hello” “How are you?” “Welcome”and “Good to see you” etc.I am there nearly once a week and have never received any welcome, friendly banter or even acknowledgment. Could it be because I am a person of color? I’m scrutinized over a $3 refund? I’m virtually ignored as a shopper? Something...

I usually enjoy going to this thrift store. Occasionally we happen to catch the estate sale going on at the same time too so we browse and see if we can find any treasures. Today though as soon as I walked through the door in the estate warehouse with my 2 young children, I very loudly was scolded to the point I stopped dead in my tracks to figure out who was yelling across the warehouse at me. A lady in her mid 60’s was screaming “ma'am, you must keep your children with you at all times!!!” My children were directly in front of me and had only maybe a 3 foot distance between us(because I was stopped in my tracks). I said back to her “They ARE with me…in fact, I was telling them as you yelled at me to put their hands on their pockets!”. Another customer looked at me shocked at the employee’s encounter and said to me “you need to tell her to mind her own business!”. I understand that some people don’t keep up with their kids and things can get broken, but the way I was scolded just walking in the store was not ok! In fact, it threw me off to the point I did not shop like I normally would have & I didn’t buy a single thing. It is not ok to assume that every child is unruly or that every parent is not ensuring things do not get broken. You can put up a sign and it goes across a lot more respectful than my encounter today. Give your employees some customer...

I love this thrift store and don't understand the negative reviews. The website does explain the difference between the estate sales, which are accessed from the side of the building and occur about every other week, and the thrift store, which is open every week. There is plenty of clear signage, and staff have been great at enforcing COVID protections even beyond state sanctions. Staff in both sides have always been very helpful, and the prices are very reasonable. In addition, they offer furniture delivery for a fee that was cheaper than any other I've found. It's a shame that dealers come in and swoop up a lot of the items, but that's not the fault of the thrift store. Despite this, I've been able to find many nice things, including the dining room table I'm sitting at while I write...