I was only in Michigan for a brief period of time, but was able to carve out an afternoon to visit a few thrift shops in this exotic port of call while my son attended the Michigan State vs. Notre Dame football game. Dearborn is an interesting place. Clearly a company town, you get no sense of the automotive industry's problems when cruising around. There are numerous gleaming Ford corporate buildings, as well as Ford named museums, civic centers etc. etc. Additionally, unbeknowst to me, Dearborn has the largest Arab-American population in the United States. This made for some interesting window shopping and eating. Should you ever need to purchase a hookah, this is the place. Could not wait to hit the thrift shops. This is what I found.
1. SALVATION ARMY GARDEN CITY FAMILY AND THRIFT STORE
28982 Ford Road
Garden City, MI
734-261-7175
Monday-Saturday 9AM - 8PM
Closed Sunday
There are many Salvation Army retail shops in the Dearborn area. I just picked one closest to my hotel, and I seemed to pick a winner. A large, filled to the brim shop with everything you would ever hope to find in a thrift shop. A beautiful art deco furniture set would have come home with me if I had a truck. Wonderful dishes and brick-a-brack. I had to forgo most fragile items, but did purchase a small ceramic springer spaniel figurine dated 1947.
However, I think the way to go here was clothing, specifically cold weather gear. Michigan folks will have to have lots of sweaters and coats to get through the brutal winters. I struck gold in the well organized seemingly mile long sweater racks. I plucked two pure cashmere sweaters from Pringle for $3.99 each, and a spring green cashmere v-neck from Macy's brand Charter Club.
My favorite find were the vintage Pendleton zippered front sweater jacket, and a Pendleton Western Wear wool camp blanket plaid blazer with suede edging. If unfamiliar with Pendleton Woolen Mills, check their website. These are garments of the highest quality in timeless classic styles. They have a true rugged western vibe. The company dates back to the late 1800's. Some of their vintage sweaters are quite collectible. Added to my pile were a stack of ties. Some designer such as Polo by Ralph Lauren, and some bizarre such as a classic looking tie with lion crest pattern and some writing in the background. The back translates the writing as "Don't let the bastards grind you down". Finally, I purchased a like new super large black rolling suitcase to bring home all my new purchases!
My grand total for all my booty was $23. Loved this shop
2. AMERICAN COUNCIL OF THE BLIND THRIFT STORE
19322 W Warren Ave
Detroit, MI
313-336-5455
This shop was medium sized, but felt much bigger due to very high ceilings and bright lighting.
This store was not packed to the gills with merchandise, which was nice as no muscle was required when browsing racks.
A very clean store which had an overall higher caliber of merchandise. My big find here was a large leather faux crocodile tote bag. Lined in striped fabric, made in Italy it has a very high end vintage feel. I have not put it down. A perfect wardrobe basic! I also scored a mountain of high end ties. Menswear was 50% off, so each tie was .50.
Again, I would highly recommend a pass through this comfortable store with friendly and helpful volunteers whenever in the area.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Thrift Shop Roadtrip: DEARBORN, MI
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About Me
- thriftshopadvisor
- I am a recovering lawyer, who has been working as a research librarian for the past 15 years, in both a private law firm, and law school setting. I have recently quit my day job to pursue my interests in junking for fortune & glory full time. I am equal parts informationist, and treasure hunter. I have been going to thrift shops and estate sales my ENTIRE life. My two interests are quite complimentary. I am an excellent "finder", whether it is digging for information in databases or the net, or searching for buried treasure in a thrift shop or attic. I hope to build this space into a meeting place for fellow thrift shop aficionados who are looking for a treasure map of sorts when traveling through the US.