The Salvation Army Family Store & Donation Center

Madison

2024-03

Really just blown away by the way management chose/chooses to operate and “manage” this store. I came in for the first and LAST time today. I’m sure if you work for the store and read this, you couldn’t care less if I came back. But maybe you should. Maybe management should think about how they treat and interact with their customers. My daughter was trying out one of the toys there and was, not asked, but scolded and berated for it. I was a few feet away looking at a shirt, and she came up to me scared and told me that she was in trouble. She then proceeded to start bawling and tell me she was a bad kid and she’d never do it again. She literally got hysterical because she thought she had done something SO wrong. I went to the front to ask for the manager and he happened to no longer be available. Someone confirmed, “Yeah, he doesn’t like kids. He told her to get off the toy, but he said it in a really mean way. I’m sorry. It’s not cool.” While I appreciate that employee apologizing, it wasn’t their action to be sorry for. I also don’t appreciate an employee, let alone someone in management talking to my child or ANY CHILD in that manner. Mind you, my child is 4 years old. It’s totally understandable if you don’t want kids playing with the toys; then put up signs. My child was not rough-housing or being destructive to this toy in any way. I hope the next time this manager decides they don’t like what a customer is doing, he can go about it in a more appropriate manner. Try addressing the parent directly or use a better tone when addressing a child. For a store that is supposedly Christian-based, I can’t say the actions shown today displayed that.

Sherlie A

2024-03

Horrible establishmentThe management sucksMy sisters daughter who is 4 years old was playing with a toy when the manager came up and yelled at her to the point where she came running to her mother bawling her eyes out as if she committed a crime. You do not yell at a 4 year old to get off of a TOY you approach the mother and ask kindly. Then when my sister approached the front desk to speak to the manager he hid out of fear. This is ridiculous grown man to do this is unacceptable.

Star

2024-01

The manager here is ABSOLUTELY NUTZ!!! She was talking smack to me about my 60 pound child being in a Walmart cart (how did they get Walmart carts?)and saying he was going to break it! She is rude, unprofessional, and crazy. We walked out without buying a thing! Yes I told her off but she should be replaced too. We won't be back. I do not recommend this thrift store. It was none of her business about why he was in the cart and I made sure she knew that too. I don't like you lady and I'm sure a lot of other people can't stand you either.

Katie Black

2024-01

Found a Patagonia item for $5.99 and went to check out. The cashier accused me of switching the price tags and that he knows Patagonia should be priced higher. Said he couldn’t sell it to me. Remind you the price tags are literal paper with plastic fasteners. Please tell me, sir how I would switch the price tag without a rip or dent the paper? I don’t know. Probably mad he didn’t find it first. Possible your employees missed it? Or maybe you shouldn’t up charge on items you literally get donated to you for free?

Elaine Gonzalez

2024-04

Worst store ever. Overpriced, rude employees, VERY RUDE, you get you’re stuff donated which is the sad part. I can get a shirt at Walmart for cheaper.

Tabitha Kelley

2024-05

The prices were much higher than I expected but the store was clean and organized and the employees were very kind.

William Roberts

2023-09

My recent visit to the Salvation Army on Alpine Ave in Grand Rapids, MI, left me extremely dissatisfied due to the rude and picky behavior of the staff members. Donating should be a simple and positive experience, but unfortunately, it was anything but.Upon arriving at the donation center, I was greeted by an employee who seemed disinterested and unhelpful from the start. As I began to unload my items for donation, I was shocked to witness the staff member's overly critical and picky attitude. They scrutinized every single item I brought, making snide remarks and rejecting items for what seemed like trivial reasons.It was disheartening to see the lack of gratitude and appreciation for my willingness to donate. Instead of being met with a smile and a thank you, I was met with condescending comments and an overall dismissive attitude. The staff member made me feel like a burden rather than someone trying to contribute to a good cause.What bothered me most was the inconsistent and arbitrary criteria the staff member used to accept or reject items. It seemed as if they were making up rules on the spot, and their behavior was far from professional. The whole experience left me feeling frustrated and disrespected.I have donated to numerous organizations in the past, and I understand the importance of quality control. However, the way the staff at this Salvation Army location handled the process was simply unacceptable. Donors should be treated with respect and gratitude, regardless of the condition or value of the items they wish to contribute.I sincerely hope that the management of the Alpine Ave Salvation Army takes immediate action to address the rude and picky behavior of their staff. It is crucial to foster a welcoming and appreciative environment for donors who are generously giving their time and resources. As for me, I will be considering other charitable organizations that value and respect their contributors.

Jess Blush

2023-05

I have only gone here once.It is not as well kept as Goodwill's usually are. I used the fitting rooms and it reeked of cat pee.After I left the store I had a few clothes items and dishes to donate. So I went around back to donate. The guy taking donations was not very friendly and he even yelled at me about putting donations down and literally growled at me to bring the items inside.I recommend going to other thrift stores over this one.

Cori H

2023-07

I used to love coming here because they have some good older items but they have become PRIIIIIICEY!!! Stay in your lane Salvation Army. You are a thrift store- not an antique store or retail! You are no longer for the treasure hunters and have fallen victim to the trends. Booooo!!! I walked down two aisles- saw what you’ve done and walked right out. I will not return and will will tell my thrifting community the same.

Kiki V

2023-05

They have less than goodwill for kids clothing in sizes i need and prices are higher than goodwill upt 20 dollars for very used clothing is just ridiculous 12 dollars pants, 8 -12 dollar hoodies I'd rather go to outlet stores or buy on sale with coupons heck walmarts same price but it's new anything name brand is 3x what they normally price it how are kids that get bullied for having clothes not as nice if they can't even afford thrift store prices bc they trying make more for there free items. More people would shop there buy more stuff if it wasn't over 5 dollars for anything decent. Really worn clothes definitely overpriced that bugged me the most. I know it's for good cause but thinking about parents shopping for children trying make sure they have stuff name brand to fit in it's still in my mind hard to justify overpricing.

Joy McCormick

2023-05

I left one star last time because the store was really trashy. I haven't been back in a few years and decided to try it tonight because I'm looking for something specific. The prices in the store are absolutely ridiculous. A used sweater with holes in it for $7.99? Across the street there is a walmart. They have some new sweatshirts and sweaters for $11 I think it's a lot better deal than you will find at this Salvation Army.They have stuff from Dollar Tree marked $2.99. I know Dollar Tree prices just went up but they still are just $1.25, but Sally wants you to pay $2.99 used??I came out the same way I went in empty-handed. I guess I'll wait another couple years before I try this one again and see if they've gotten any better. But I'm definitely not going to hold my breath.

Jo Morris

2022-05

Woman who brought out the loveseat was extremely rude upon seeing my husband was with me. Not that she could SEE it, but I have a bad back and am dealing with knee problems, and he just had back surgery. So no, my dear, we could not help you haul it out while dealing with our three year old as well. It was all we could do to get it in the car. There's no need to be judgemental and hateful.Store is well priced. But staff was quite rude. Not impressed.

A A

2022-05

Over the years, I've watched SA's prices go from perfectly reasonable to genuinely outrageous. $8 for a dusty candle in the shape of seashell? $25 for a cashmere sweater with pilling? $50 for a vintage microwave? $5 for a broken statue that belongs to a nativity set? Unbelievable. And because SA oddly prefers to hang their clothing by color instead of by size, it takes so long to shop there--I honestly don't even bother looking at their clothing unless I am looking for a very specific item....and I'm usually disappointed at the too-high price anyways. I prefer Goodwill to SA.

Misty Cool

2016-05

This place is absolutely disgusting. 90% of the clothes I looked at had stains, the store itself is dirty and not well-organized and gave me an overall feeling of being disgusted. I'm an avid thrift store shopper and while I don't expect the clothes to be in recent style, I do expect them to not be riddled with stains. Compared to other thrift stores in the area, their pricing is way higher than most. I paid $7.49 for a dress, which was on the less expensive side for their dress selections. Elsewhere, I would've paid $4.99 for the same dress. I don't understand how they stay in business... I will not be visiting again.

Bob Smith

2022-05

TLDR: first and only SA store I've ever been disappointed with.90% clothing, 10% everything else. WARNING, if you're financially challenged do not shop here.Pros: TONS of clothing! 50/50 mens/womens. Cashiers were nice. Color tag sales. SA is a good charity.Cons: always a bit dirty, and clothing is organized by color instead of size; both are signs of understaffing and/or poor management IMO. Clothing is usually in bad condition. Prices were INSANE and down right unaffordable unless you buy a color tag item; even at half off you'll still be paying a high price for a SA. All the shirts and pants I looked at were $10each, jackets $20-50, & I even saw one item priced %20 higher than normal MSRP.If SA wants to turn this location into a high-end "boutique" store, that's a great idea IMO; BUT it needs to really step up it's game first and make it clear that this is a "boutique" and NOT someplace for needy to shop. Otherwise it needs to reconsider it's pricing scheme and come back down to earth.

B Zimmer

2023-05

People receiving donations were the rudest I’ve encountered in a long time. Sorry, my donations will go to elsewhere. And forget me giving anything in your red kettles from now on! People dont need to be treated like that when they are trying to do good.

Jessica Hysell

2021-05

I’ve been becoming more and more curious about the pricing system at this particular store. Things seem to be tagged according to some individual’s personal taste, without a clear goal in mind at all, or with the intention to get the most money they can for each donated item.While browsing through the linen section today I came across a tag that said ,”curtain? 7.99.”I don’t blame them for not knowing what the item was, after inspecting it, I had no clue either, but how did they decide something without a brand/factory tag and no easily discernable function was worth $8?Maybe I’m missing something? I need to know.Overall the items in the store appear to be similar quality as any other thrift store but higher priced.

Veda Mason

2023-05

Ive donated alot to themBut i will no longer do so because the employee whp handles the donations is rude. She nit picks over everything.I feel like im being judged every time by this women

Leah Mangan

2022-05

The prices for things here gone up and it's honestly ridiculous. At this point the prices are so high that it is not fair to low income families in our community. $13 for a hoodie? $50 for used shoes? Even though this store is big and has a lot to offer, the rising prices is making it hard to come back here.

Brad Tooker

2022-05

The employee receiving donations was rude and unappreciative. She provided no instructions on where to set donations (while I was clearly struggling holding a heavy box) offered no thank you, and worst of all opened the box in front of me and gave a look of disgust for no apparent reason. Find a better place to donate goods.

Brittany Grotler

2019-05

Very disrespectful management! Sheryl is the main one that is extremely rude!!! She needs to be fired! Very dirty store!!! All of the carts seatbelts are either broken or not there! I don't believe it's right either when Sheryl takes stuff from you either when it is $0.69 day and it's that color and if she believes it's worth more money she will tell you nope, a tagger tagged it wrong. I feel that is truly unfair!!! PRICES ARE WAY WAY WAY TOO HIGH FOR BEING A THRIFT STORE!!!! LOWER THEM!!!! Also I don't agree with stuff in a show case and they put whatever type of price they want on it. I also realized all the coats have a different kind of tag on them meaning color doesn't matter of the week. Guess what Saturday they wheeled that rack into the back! They get all of this for free ..... Seriously it makes me sick!!!

Barb Croel

2019-05

Just was at the Alpine Avenue location. I was dropping off a small donation today. (Just starting the purge this year) I asked for a donation slip and wondered if I could get one from last year. I have looked all over for the one from last year and have been looking and looking. My dad passed away last January and my brother and myself dropped off a hefty donation.The collection dude checked with the manager and it was a no go. When I asked "why" he said he didn't know but was told he couldn't do it. I am very disappointed as no explanation was given. I make it a point to donate to Goodwill, Lean On Me in Rockford and The Women's Resource Center. We had our kids do it too, starting out when they were young. Like I said I had a pretty hefty donation last year and wow no tax deduction from Salvation Army. I'm very disappointed and don't think I'll be dropping off anything soon. Probably not EVER.

nick martin

2019-05

I donated a bunch of stuff. I had it all unloaded(the staff sat there and watched the whole time while my girlfriend I had at the time and I unloaded everything). They started picking through it and this guy was like we don’t want the couch. Okay? There is nothing wrong with the couch and it’s a free/donated item. I didn’t realize this was a debate.. As I was getting in the truck to drive away the guy exclaimed “fine f****r!”. I’m sorry I’m donating nice things? They’re free and nice. What do you want from me?

RedBerryFarm

2020-05

Like all thrift stores, it depends what one is shopping for as to what is available that day. It can be hit or miss. Most visits I just look, and other times I score a great find like a vintage wicker headboard and footboard... and other times a framed picture or a great lamp . The Alpine store is a larger store that often has a good selection of furniture and household items... and lots of clothing. I saw some great Thomasville bookcases and an amazing Broyhill hutch for a fair asking price for the condition they were in. (Used but good condition.) There was also a small Duraflame electric wood stove - (sigh... I would love to have that as well as those bookcases!) on the day I visited recently. Some items are priced a bit higher - and others are at a super deal. You have to know your prices.This store is kept clean, organized and swept overall and has a public bathroom. As Salvation Army stores go, this one gets a decent variety of items donated and is in an older store with older lighting and flooring... which should be expected as it is part of thrifting, in my opinion. The staff is helpful, in my experience, and there are often multiple cashiers running lines when it is busy. Worth checking out.

Michael DePuydt

2019-05

I go here everyday on my lunch and lately I have been seeing prices on merchandise that is above ebay. They have some nice stuff but none of it sells because prices are too high. It is supposed to be a thrift store not a retail ebay store. Im starting to think about going to a different place on my lunches now. I went back in today and they have $20 on a beat up xbox 360 game that gamestop sells for $5. they need to stop pricing stuff so high!!!!!!!!!! I would give zero stars if I could.

Austin Mason

2023-05

THEY OVERPRICE EVERYTHING . A pair of used shoes for 40 bucks ???!!? They better be new and in the box for that price. They take unwanted junk or trash and charge you 3 times it’s worth.

Cutiepie444 66

2023-08

I always find great stuff here, however, im also nervous whenever I’m in this store ❤️

The Services LLC (Manager)

2023-05

Spent 80$ on 11 items, not the best SA but i guess cherry pick and negotiate price if something is in bad condition with over price.

Michelle Truesdell

2017-05

We bought a dryer here last week. The manager said it was tested at their downtown facility, however it didn't work. They only offer in- store credit so we chose chose to fix it ourselves. Wouldn't recommend for appliances.

Ky Ridd

2020-05

$15-60 for LOOSE n64 games? $20 for old PC games that can’t even be played? Honestly disappointing that you would try to make a profit off items you got for free. I remember when games and movies were a few bucks like they should be. Hope things return to normal soon for the sake of those less fortunate, who can’t afford retail prices at the thrift store.