Thrift Shop Roadtrip: HEMPSTEAD, NY

It must be acknowledged that most thrift shops are not in high rent areas. The Huntington stores reviewed previously are a bit of an exception, as rents are generally lower in Suffolk County (for Long Island). Hempstead has a number of thrift shops, but it is not a great area. The informationist in me is acutely aware of the fact that someone is reported shot or stabbed in Hempstead every day (& who knows what isn't reported). In fact, the first stop on today's journey was robbed at gunpoint this year.

My conscience does not allow me to direct folks to these stores without a gentle reminder to always be aware of your surroundings. Also remember to dress down for these excursions. Leave your designer clothing, bags, and especially your jewels at home. I have been frequenting these shops for MANY years without incident. You might want to note that in the photos taken for this post, there is a BMW parked in front of each store. I always notice the number of luxury cars parked at these shops. There is a reason people from all socioeconomic backgrounds are making the trip to Hempstead.

1. SAVERS
188 Hempstead Turnpike
W. Hempstead, NY
516-489-1661
M- Sat 9-9, Sun 10-6

Savers is a huge chain of over 200 thrift stores in the US, Canada, and Australia (Some use the name Value Village). The shop in Hempstead is of the superstore genre. It is fairly clean, has its own large parking lot, and is extremely well organized. Great for everything under the sun- clothing, bric a brac, books, housewares, jewelery, handbags etc. etc.

What is most remarkable about this store is both the volume and the ever changing nature of it's inventory. Savers prides itself on bringing out 5,000 new items every day. This has created a bit of a cult following. Folks who spend all day, every day in the store waiting to see what comes out. It is like a more civilized version of Goodwill Outlet in this respect. Rather then view these folks as crazy, I only wish I had the time to join them. There is a great deal of treasure to be found if you are willing to either dig, or hang out. For example, on this visit I left with a number of mens suits (Zegna, Brioni, & Versace), as well as items from Etro, St. John, and a vintage Pucci tie. Mind you, this was after three hours of digging, and I did not get to check out at least half of the store.

Each week a color tag is 50% off. What does not sell is 99 cents on Monday (store opening on Monday morning resembles "supermarket sweep"-too hardcore for me). There are always many other promotions, and a calendar with a great coupon for each month. The vibe in the shop is great. They have prerecorded music which always has a great beat, and classic sing along tunes- often times everyone on both sides of the rack are singing along as they shop. The soundtrack is unfortunately interrupted by a wacky voiced Savers announcer reminding you that you can feel good about shopping there as these items are purchased from charities such as Big Brothers, Big Sisters, and further their missions. These interruptions are a small price to pay for tunes that enhance the shopping experience, and are way less intrusive then radio commercials. Frequent announcements reminding shoppers what color is on sale are also appreciated. The staff here is especially friendly and helpful.

The only downside is that there is so much merchandise, the racks are frequently overloaded. Actual muscle is often required to see the merchandise, and scraped knuckles come with the territory. However, I am willing to suffer a bit for my craft. Savers is one of my all time favorite thrift destinations. I was really surprised that readers of The Thrift Shopper blog gave this shop such low ratings. Yes, the prices are inconsistent, but I think it is a function of different people doing their pricing. Any high prices are ameliorated by their many sales and discounts. I think this shop is a "10".

This is presently Savers only New York location. I really miss the shop which recently closed in East Meadow. I read that they have also recently closed their Orlando area shops (bummer-I had been planning a Florida "business trip"). I hope to hit other Savers locations sometime soon. If anyone can share their experiences with Savers in other states (or countries), It would be most appreciated!

CLEANLINESS: VERY GOOD
ORGANIZATION: EXCELLENT
PRICE: GOOD. one color tag 50% off each week. Many promotions.
MERCHANDISE: EXCELLENT
MUSIC: EXCELLENT PRE-RECORDED COMMERCIAL FREE
RETURNS: YES, FOR STORE CREDIT. NO RETURNS ON BOOKS & FURNITURE.

2. SALVATION ARMY THRIFT STORE
194 Front Street
Hempstead, NY
516-481-7600
M-Sat 10-7

This shop does not have very much curb appeal. It is a storefront without dedicated parking, and is next door to a Salvation Army Men's Rehabilitation Facility. It has a rough and tumble, institutional look that might cause some to keep driving. I am glad I stopped. Inside is a medium sized, well stocked, busy shop. Mostly clothing, with a large bric-a-brac section.

The first thing I noticed is that they hang pants and shorts on their side. This seemed very strange until I started to look though them and realized that you do not have to push hangers apart and unhang each item to see the brand and size. A true advancement.

While the location and vibe seems very low rent, the pant labels I scanned when walking the aisle included Tommy Bahama, Polo and Armani. I left this shop with two Saks Fifth Avenue 100% cashmere blazers ($5.99 & $7.99). Not bad. I would say that this shop has true potential, and I would not hesitate to stop in again.

CLEANLINESS: VERY GOOD
ORGANIZATION: VERY GOOD
PRICE: VERY GOOD. one color tag 50% off each week.
MERCHANDISE: VERY GOOD
MUSIC: LIVELY RADIO
RETURNS: NO