Village Merchants — Local services in Portland

I like that they have different things every day they put out. But there stuff can be over priced and don't always work or have everything to it. But it's close to home and its somewhere to go when your board. Okay, I'm doing a repost that I have been meaning to update. I do not like this place! They profile you and make options and judgements on their customers. They tried to say that I wasn't aloud to come back in their store. I ask why. The manager said because her employees have to take themselves away from their jobs to keep an eye on me. I said what! So you say I'm stealing? Because you have never caught me doing that here!!!I then replied back to her and said is it because I take so long looking at everything? Then I told her that yes I'm wearing glasses now but I'm still what would be called blind when I wear my glasses. I told her I'm legally blind. And yet she still told me I had to leave the store. I was totally embarrassed and i felt judged and humiliation in the whole exspireance. I live right across the street and I suffer from very high anxiety issues that is on paper and I have a autistic son who is 6 yrs old and so with my difficulty with everyday tasks. My mental counselor has told me that it's a good thing that I try to get out everyday for a little bit if I can. So what they didn't know was that going to their store was a big thing to me even if I just looked around and not bought anything. I also spent alot of money in their store too alot of times. But the manager didn't care about me being a customer there. She acted and treated me as I was a problem for her and her workers. It really hurt me and it bothers me all the time. I felt harassment was what was going on. And she did it out loud in the store so everyone heard her. It mental effects me. I think if her workers are not getting the job done than they should be fired and not me being kicked out of the store for nothing. And why they watched me all the time I couldn't say. But I seen alot of people shop lifting over there all the time and I'M BLIND. So what's wrong with this picture??? Oh and they don't pay you nothing but Penny's on anything you bring in to sell it trade or whatever. They act like nothing is up to their standard. But they sell broken stuff all the time you can't return. Who figures. Sorry I had to tell the truth about my exspireance over there. My apologies if I offened anyone with...

Without a doubt the best secondhand store in SE Portland.

Reasonable prices, great rotating selection of interesting stuff. Organized. If I need to thrift this will always be my first stop.

Like another review says - this is an ACTUAL thrift store. Not a resale boutique up charge place, which is shockingly hard to find in Portland.

Updating my review based on my first cash/trade/sell experience:

There’s always a line. I got there at 1:30p, about 10 people in front of me, made it to the front at 2p. Was told to come back at 5p for what was accepted.

You are limited to 1 tub full of stuff. Is that worth the time spent cleaning your closet, going to the shop, and waiting in line? All for around $30? Maybe, that’s up to you.

I’m a little perplexed by what they take clothes-wise. I’ve been in the store a dozen times, and I’ve seen plain Gildan tees with holes in them. Patched up windbreakers.

Your items go through a screening process. I had mint items from Banana Republic, Gap, and H&M that weren’t accepted. A pair of brand new Billabong board shorts with tags (gift, missed the return window, too small for me). Relatively simple items in good quality. Not sure why those were declined when I know they’re in better condition than what I’ve seen inside. I also had a working Mac and printer, they also declined those (understandable, probably not the right spot for those things, but also, that’s an easy $100+ for a thrift store. I just didn’t want to be bothered to sell them on marketplace and was hoping VM would take the items instead).

I don’t say any of this to diminish my view of the store. I’m just writing because I didn’t see any honest reviews of people’s experience selling/trading.

All that to say, there’s no way to know what they will choose, especially with clothes. I personally don’t think it’s worth the wait in line and won’t be returning to sell. I’d rather donate for nothing than give away an hour of my day in the heat for $30 just to have most of my items returned to me, and make another trip to Goodwill.

But my experience with the store/employees was positive and smooth, and I’ll continue...

Follow up (like 3 yrs later): I do not really love the changes that have been made with the shop. The items inside are great! Prices are to beat! But I think something might have changed with management? (I’m not totally sure). But the atmosphere, employee wise, has shifted drastically. I was selling with a friend a few weeks ago and there were a couple gals behind us who liked eachothers items and decided to trade, and a employee came out and told them they were not allowed to barter or trade before the store looked through the items…when they asked if the items would be purchased by the shop, the employee expressed she was not sure but they do not allow trades. (If the store does not have the items, they don’t get to choose what happens to them?? Like the store was not even open yet!). Today, I set a small box on the corner of the street (NOT on their property at all) filled with glassware and other nice items that could be used that they CHOSE not to purchase (I’m just moving and need to pass them on), and the shop took the time to call me and express their displeasure with that. I really love this shop a lot, but I’m finding it extremely frustrating when they try to create silly rules as such? Idk, I used to visit at least once a week, I’m not sure I’ll be coming nearly as often and I will not be recommending them to friends either, unfortunately. I hope things change soon!

As a reseller, I’ve been to many, many thrust stores. This one is my absolute favorite since moving to Portland! They have an amazing selection to fun items, and everything is so affordable!! I’ve found multiple Pyrex dishes for under $8, Starbucks mugs for under $5, and lots of coffee table books between $1-$3! They have a great selection of clothing, and offer cute plus size options which is a plus! They have adorable furniture and kitchen ware! I really love this shop, and make it a point to go every Friday since it is my day off! :) I really look forward to my weekly trip :)

UPDATE: they literally helped me put a table I bought into my car and were so careful and nice!! Ahhh I just love this...