Big Fish Ministries Thrift Shop — Local services in Foley

This used to be one of my favorite places to shop. I would tell my friends they are one of the few thrift stores who are not greedy and really keep the community in mind when they price. Unfortunately, over the past few months, I have seen a steady increase of prices. In many cases it looks as if they have priced it according to an item listing on ebay. Which is NOT what the item actually sells for, but someone marking a high priced listing that will never sell at that price. I don't think the look at what similar items actually sell for. Some items that frequently are found everywhere else including eBay for just a dollar or two, at this place can be as high as 50 dollars. Mind you those are items outside of the high end stuff (often knock offs) they have selling for the women's program. It seems like there was a change of command and what used to be a place people could rely on when they needed a real thrift store, has now become a game of, let's see how much we can squeeze out of these folks. Look at their ebay store, they take items from the store and clearly don't do research about price and expect someone to pay up on the items. This being the point, if they understood the effort and cost that ebay sellers have and they are still pricing above that, something is wrong. It is just frustrating and sad to see every single thrift store going this route. The only one left is in Pcola and it is a true thrift store who helps the community. One other note, I have donated items here in the past and just recently I saw one of my items being sold on the shelf for much more than I paid for it. I donated that item thinking it would go to help someone... and yet someone is going to have to pay a lot of money to use it. It really makes me mad to see them do this. I see the post about them being cheaper than other thrift stores in the area... the problem is... that is not really true but ... every thrift store in Foley has gone the route of jacking up prices in hopes of making a few more dollars instead of allowing the community to get a good deal on the stuff they got for free. And we see what happens... these places are inundated with stuff that they can't sell because nobody wants to pay those prices. So, they toss them all in a bin at the end of the quarter and say... here, have at it. Just makes me sick. I wish I had the funds to start a None profit for those who these places were supposed to help. Soon this place will close just like all the rest who can't figure out why the money is drying up... and the true thrift place has survived over two decades because the owner refuses to raise her prices. I wont be returning to...

I've always always loved this store. Exceptional people and for a great cause. Have always been kind to me and my son (who's autistic) and that's always a plus. However this evening I had to run in there for a quick few items. When I walked in ...the older lady worker was lounging on the couch....i didn't even know she worked there. I grabbed a few things then went to look at some t shirts.. and the same older lady yelled at me from across the store that they were closing soon. I said thank you. I continued to look at a t shirt when she yelled to my friend that I better hurry it up or she was locking the door and closing the register. With me in the store and I wouldn't like it. ( There were others in the store as well when this happened) so I went to the register to pay for my stuff as I needed it....or I would have dropped it all and left. As I was walking out I stated to my friend I was going to report the incident to the store owner and the lady came out the door asking me if there was a problem. I told her there certainly was.. with her attitude and I was letting the owner know. She said GO FOR IT....nasty attitude again. Such a shame...I won't go in such a great store again....cause I just can't handle the nastiness of some people in this world.

Would like to also add....it was not after closing time....it was saterday afternoon and ten min till close and the younger girl in there gave her a pat on the back for being rude to me....

All reviews, except one, focus on the store. I encourage the community, as well as the Liberty church body, to take a much closer look at what’s happening in this ministry...with a focus on those that are ‘served’. Yes, they are exposed to God. Yes, they provide a place to stay. Make no mistake, it’s not free. These guys work full time in the stores for room & board. That equates to $2.50 per hour. Food is not provided. Most are on food stamps managed by the ministry. Most importantly, look at the dynasty that has quickly been built. Obviously, there is plenty of $. Expanded services to meet needs & ensure success..building job skills beyond thrifting for leadership, real case management & outreach? None. But you see, GOD will reveal. HE will ensure CHANGE one way or the other AND HE has already begun to do so. Please pray for all involved...especially those that are supposed to be the focus &...