St. Vincent de Paul Society — Local services in Utica

It seems like the last year or two this place has really gotten worse. It used to be okay, but not anymore. So many things are overpriced and there is no need for it. Everything is donated and obtained for free, you have piles of merchandise both on the sales floor and in the backroom, so wouldn't it make more sense to price things to SELL?

Instead, I go in there and see some cool basketball jerseys (some of which I'm pretty sure are bootleg anyway) for prices like $30, $90, $100, like what??? I only noticed these because these are the SAME exact ones I saw at a yard sale probably a month prior (and the guy even only wanted $10 per jersey then). To make things worse, they put an assigned price tag on it so it will NEVER go on sale like the normal tagged items. Jerseys like those aren't even $100 brand new!

Then I went by the piles of junk they have on the floor and saw an accessory for the Nintendo Wii where you put the controller in and it acts as a steering wheel for some games, it was priced at $10??? That's likely what it costed at retail stores back in 2007... Not to mention I saw old broken dressers and furniture in there with prices of $60-100.

I was interested in a vinyl record that was up in the front of the store, and was shocked when the cashier showed me that it was $79.99! After I left the store, I went on eBay and found and bought the same exact vinyl record for $10. This is absolutely inexcusable as a thrift store.

I've worked at the Salvation Army in Romeo and Goodwill in Oxford in the past, and even done community service at this very store before, and the way they do things here is just backwards. Even if something was valuable, we would still put it out at half of what it was last sold for on eBay, not actual eBay prices. This is supposed to be a place to help charity, not a corporation trying to squeeze every last penny they can out of someone while failing to even do so.

What makes anything about this place a "thrift" store when nothing is priced like a thrift store? Whoever is in charge desperately needs to rethink their business strategy because this is...

I start going there when first opened and it was great . Today and last week I had the worse experience. Jen is the manager . She is the worse , racist and very rude . U can tell just by looking at her . She looks down on u . So sad for her soul . She looks at people like they r losers just because they shop there . Never in my life I met a person like her . Makes me to never go back . Since she came to that store , u can feel that bad energy . She never smiles or greets anyone . All she does gives u that look that makes u never go back . Prices are way higher . Like .it’s funny when u look at the top that came from SHEIN . They r $3-4 in the website but she puts $4:99 and it’s used . Sometimes it’s not about clothes or things are there it’s the bad energy that brought into the store . Very negative . .Jen . U r just a manager in thrift store . U r not a doctor . Can u imagine if she is bigger than this . The worse . Find a better manager who smiles . Greets the people who come into the store . They r spending money . Nothing it’s for free . Store gets things for free . We r paying so . There is no need for a manager to look at the people like they r losers . What a shame …just look at her face and tells u enough . She is angry with the world . Please pray for her !! The store will never be the same as it was if she continue to be there ....

St. Vincent de Paul is truly an amazing organization! Every visit to their store is a delightful experience. The staff goes above and beyond to make everyone feel welcome, and their dedication to the community shines through in everything they do. Alicia, in particular, deserves special recognition for her warmth, kindness, and outstanding service. She genuinely cares about the customers and brings such a positive energy to the store.

The variety and quality of the products they bring in are consistently impressive. Whether you’re looking for unique treasures, practical household items, or stylish clothing, you’re bound to find something wonderful. It's clear that they put thought and care into curating their inventory.

St. Vincent de Paul is more than just a store; it’s a cornerstone of the community, and I’m so grateful for the difference they make. Highly recommend visiting—you won’t be...