Housing Works Thrift Shops - Chelsea — Local services in New York

I have been coming to this particular location on and off for some time now as I am closer by to the 23rd and 3rd street location. So today (May 13th) I decided to stop by as I was heading in that direction to see if I could find anything for my dad’s birthday tomorrow (May 14th) as I know that this particular location has a better men’s section then the 23rd street location does. So as I stopped by in to that one later on in the day. So anyways when I entered the store as per usual I was greeted with a “Hello Welcome” in a kind of way that sounds very forced to say when new customers enter the shop and I went straight in looking around. I soon noticed that the security guard was following me and eyeing me around the shop in a discrete way. Whatever I thought that wasn’t the worst of it. So when I finally made my selections I made my way to check out and noticed that there was a long line and one older man checking people out I decided to look around and come back when the line gets shorter. Finally after about 20 minutes I noticed that the check out station was empty and made my way over. So I began to put the stuff up on the table and the man said “Ok so you’re finally ready now” in a kind of sassy attitude I replied “yes sorry I decided to swing back by when you weren’t as busy” he gave me an understanding look and proceeded to check me out probably wondering why I’m getting all this Manly stuff lol. Took him a good minute too I could see why the line wasn’t moving along there should’ve been someone else working the next booth over as it was made for two check out clerks. Finally he gave me the price of $44.38 with the 20% student discount for Tuesday’s only. I proceeded to get checked out with my phone tab he said “looks like it didn’t go through” in a kind of I knew it look. I said “I just have to get the right card scanned” then he said ”Oh looks like I need to input it in all over again” another 2 minutes go by finally got my goods. I then asked for a bag he looked confused then said “I’ll be back to find a bag.” I guess they ran out of the paper ones they always seem to have. While I was waiting for him to come back with a bag some worker was looking over at his work station. As he was heading back over with a grocery bag that they probably got with the shops donations. The other co-worker a loud mouthed younger female began to demeaning him saying “Why is this table a mess. You are supposed to keep a clear check out table at all times” moving my stuff over that I just purchased over not realizing clearly. She then picked up my stuff off the table and said “what are these doing here” not acknowledging that I was standing right in front of her I replied “those are mine that I just bought” putting them back on the table she had no expression of acknowledgment on her face what so ever. I could then tell the older man then looked kind of embarrassed and started putting the things I got in to the grocery bag he brought over more quickly as the woman was cleaning up his check out table muttering to herself. I thanked him even though he was kind of rude to me in the beginning probably because he had a long day with dealing with other customers and other co-workers like that one. Really not knowing what else to say I left but I wished I stood up for him as this job was clearly too much for him but he still couldn’t retire yet it seems that way. The whole check out experience took roughly about 10 minutes alone so just be prepared if you get an older gentleman! All in all, it makes an interesting story to tell and my dad was happy with what I got him. I’ll still go back to that location again but I’ll stick more with the closer to me Housing Works location. As they seem to be more professional and actually care about the people that come in to look around/shop. They will even give you some small talk if you want them to and they don’t have security watching...

Always a good place for quirky as well as regular stuff you may find useful in your daily life. They have other locations too. It's a thrift shop. But don't expect a very regular thrift shop when you show up here.

This is an updated review, which I am writing because of a near dismal experience I had with them, specifically the lady cashier who was rather overzealous with her approach with customers, this time with myself, this afternoon 3/6/2023. Mind you, I have shopped here numerous times.

I felt she was overbearing, & made me very uncomfortable, as if I was stealing stuff from the store when I used my own brought used shopping bag for stuff I wanted to get & buy.

She even had the temerity to instruct me to use their in store shopping cart, & I admitted to making my mistake of using my own bag. I had to pay everything right away, & she probably got the realization of how malicious she was so she apologized to me before the transaction was over.

I disliked her approach -- she certainly behaved like a very strict school teacher. Some one who loves to berate folks unnecessarily & not to her liking. I thought I was also being discriminated against, maybe because I am brown (who really knows for sure).

Then I thought I don't wanna ruin my break time. I hope I have better experience next time. But for now, this ONE STAR...

Donations. Make alternate plans for donating large items I don’t think this necessarily pertains to this thrift store. It’s regarding furniture donations. I started arranging a donation of almost new sofa sleeper and new upholstered bar stools on June 25. Their website gives you a choice of dates. I said July 8 was the latest pickup I could do . They came back a few times wanting more photos and decided on July 5 that they want it. But told me they couldn’t come before July 30. So now I’m scrambling to find some alternate arrangement last minute and it’s just unnecessary. At the last minute they put it 3 weeks off. They could have just put the information on their website that potential pickups are weeks out. So if you’re donating like new furniture, don’t assume they will take it, even if they say they will. You might be sitting on it last minute with no other options than the curb. Talk to other...