Wayside Christian Mission — Local services in Jeffersontown

I am so, so, so saddened that I have to give the Bargain Center on Galene Drive ONE STAR. A month ago I would have given it 5 stars. But something has happened. They are under new ownership or leadership and they have raised their prices so much that it makes more sense to shop on eBay, Craigslist, and most antique shops. They are asking $90 for pianos when you can get them for free most other places. Televisions from the 90's will run you $20 whereas before they were free. Books went from $0.10 to $1. Dressers that need major rehab went up from around $30 to $60. It's ridiculous. They have these nice candle sticks on sale for $24.99 each. You might as well go to Target and buy brand new ones for cheaper. I went yesterday hoping that it was just a fluke and almost shed a tear when I asked about these old VideoDiscs (they have easily over 100 of these old things) that they are charging $5 each for. I can go on eBay right now and find way better titles for a lot less. They need to remember that they are a THRIFT STORE - not an antique shop. I have a feeling they will lose a ton of money because of this which is super unfortunate seeing as how they are supposed to be a charity. I'm one bummed thrifter. Tanya and Mike - If you read this, I hope you can talk some sense into your new leadership. Otherwise, I'm afraid I won't be visiting you all much more :(

UPDATE: It is getting a little bit better but they still have a ways to go. I upped my rating from one star to two stars - this is ONLY because of the price. The items they...

Large store, bit dirty. Two VERY LOUD employees were heard in the back arguing...it was a bit uncomfortable. Their pricing is all over the place, & unfortunately most seems to be on the high side. People come to thrift stores for bargain basement prices...they are pricing items much higher. Wardrobes & curio cabinets that need work are $99-$150+. For one armoire, although nice, they wanted over $400!

I didn't look at the clothes, so I can't speak to that. They did have a lot of racks. They have some nice furniture, but way overpriced, to the point that you may as well go to Value City ... LOTS of housewares ... Their book & video section needs a major culling & overhaul; not organized & difficult to look through. Some of the books & housewares/knick-knacks just need to be given away.

There are bargains to be found if you're willing to dig for them. I ended up with some really nice, new suede leather boots, vintage leather bags (that need some rehab), Tupperware, & vintage corning wear. If you can find something that they don't realize what they have, you can get a good price.

In summary, this store has the potential to be great. Clean it up a bit (it was dirty even for a thrift store), be consistent with pricing & lower them to thrift store amounts, go through & get rid of/give away stuff that isn't selling, organize a little better, & put the employees through customer service training. If these are improved, people will be shopping here in droves, because they really do have some...

The 3 stars are because the STAFF ARE WONDERFUL! I mean friendly, helpful, above-and-beyond and with smiles! Could go on and on. But then you have the really inconsistent pricing, which makes it tough if you’re a reseller. Please don’t try to sell me chipped plates for the same price as those which are in good condition, and as far as that goes, why are a lot of these damaged things even being sold? I don’t donate unusable household goods, I think that’s disrespectful to people in need who take time off work to look for usable items. In one case I got home to clean, catalog and research my finds in preparation for listing them, in one case where a cup was Scotch-taped to a saucer. Standard practice...but when I removed the tape I discovered a chip on both sides—hidden by the tape. I will give the benefit of the doubt but it’s not a good surprise to find. Don’t do this, please. When things are too high you shout yourself in the foot, since they stay on the crowded shelves too long and wind up damaged in the store. I’ll be back for sure, don’t get me wrong. Like most people I’ll drive across town when I know I’ll be met with a friendly face and asked if I need help. Whoever is training the employees (volunteers?), you’re finding good people and obviously inspiring them to give their all. Whoever is working on pricing and deciding what’s sellable, I hope my comments above are heard. Thanks...