Assistance League

I’ve been going to the Assistance League for YEARS. I used to go in there and find such amazing deals on vintage housewares and décor and the staff was always very sweet. This was once my favorite place to shop in CLT.
Things are a bit different now I’d say. Let’s start with their selection. It’s not rotated or freshened up enough — it’s the same stuff almost every time. They have a HUGE room in the back filled with donated stuff so bring it out! And why so expensive?! It’s a thrift store not an antique shop or vintage boutique! 9, 18 even 65 dollars for a bag of beat up paper doll parts? 5.00 dollars for salt and pepper shakers? Oh they’re «vintage». And the furniture?! Might as well go to the Sleepy Poet! They had a big event not to long ago and what that was, was a room filled with vintage items and antiques with price tags that made me shake my head. Sure that wind up Santa toy was made in Japan in the 1950’s BUT IT WAS BEAT TO HELL AND IT DID NOT WORK and once again you’re supposed to be a thrift store! It just seems… greedy?
Now let me speak on the fact the ladies that work there are not as friendly and sweet as they were years ago. Some are downright rude. Especially if you either don’t spend a lot or ask them to come down on a price. I think they’re just a bunch of ol’ snooty snoots. I’ve also heard them make comments about customers and I’ve seen them watch certain shoppers. Profile much, ladies?
All the thrift stores in Charlotte pretty much in a word: suck. Including this one which is sad because like I said, it was once my favorite place to get super deals on nice vintage stuff.

Let’s just say it’s a dangerous place because it’s NEXT TO MY OFFICE! Good thing it’s a thrift store and overall the price tags are low or this random «let’s walk next door» lunch break can be a problem.
This store is a little more expensive than others (ex. VV) BUT the quality of products are definitely better. The quality of service is great too. Ran by volunteers, these ladies (mostly ladies on the sales floor) are helpful and you can tell they’re enjoying their time. Another plus, they have fitting rooms!
Keep in mind they do have sales. I just got a barely worn pair of heels (more for a night out/​cocktail dress events) for $ 9 (25% off $ 12). Is that «cheap?» Well, I’ve had cheaper finds for shoes in thrift stores, but it’s not bad for a nice pair of fancy heels.
They have annual events such as Baubles & Bags, which is a 1-​day event of high end rare jewelry, handbags, accessories & shoes sale. This year it will be on 8÷23÷2014 from 9 – 3.
All proceeds go toward the local chapter of Assistance League, which is a non-​profit group with a focus of helping children and families in the Charlotte area.
I’m a fan of shopping cheap and helping others!

I’ve shopped here for over a year, now, and it’s one of my go-​to places. I don’t shop often for clothes, but I’m always on the prowl for furniture or housewares that I can repurpose. The furniture prices are really high for ‘thrift store’ prices — very high, as a matter of fact, but if you can catch an item that’s been sitting for a while (due to price) you can catch a bargain.
I read another review with another shopper slamming the ‘entitled’ staff, and yes, there’s some of that. I think when you work at a like business, you should keep your conversations in check. Often those shopping aren’t wealthy or well heeled and are sensitive to loud voices discussing soirees. I’ve heard this talk at the Junior League store across town, too. Also know that some of the ‘ladies-​who-​lunch’ that man the front desk also aren’t able to multi-​task. They are bodies filling hours. Don’t ask questions while checking out — they’re easily distracted!
Also, if you’re unfortunate enough to go into this store in their last ½ hour… heaven forbid. You’ll hear multiple announcements letting you know that they close at 4pm — sharp.
Good luck!

My mom practically lives at this place and she wanted to go yesterday…
We pulled up to the 90% (yep, you read that right… 90%) off sale and my mom was ready to go hard… There was still a decent amount of product, considering the sale was on clothing, shoes and accessories… I guess they’re getting ready for next season… My mom got three pairs of men’s khakis for her husband, a pair of pants, two skirts, a sweater, two shirts and a purse for her and the grand total was $ 4.15… The only thing I really liked enough to buy was a dress, but it was an XS… Yeah, those days are over… lol Oh well, at least my mom had a score…
The staff was nice and helpful, so that was a plus… The only thing I didn’t like is that the dressing room was closed… I mean, I guess at those prices you may as well just buy it and see if it fits, but still…
Overall, it’s a clean store with good inventory and helpful staff… I’ll probably end up there again…

This shop is a never ending treasure hunt which changes weekly. Clothes, furniture, books, everything. I am using it to furnish my beach home. Some of the things they get in there are unbelievable. This shop is clean, the volunteers are friendly, and the prices are fantastic.

This is the Nordstroms of thrift shops with out the $$. the cat is out of the bag Charlotte. You are greeted by the volunteers that work there at the door. CLEAN! leave your kids home so you can SHOP. They have great deals, unusual items. Some prices are ridiculously low, some high… go figure. I found many BIG AND TALL man items there when I went, along with a beautiful never used cedar lined black leather Atoll cigar case.
Used furniture /​art/​frames appliances. Kid’s area looked nice, well stocked with kiddie stuff.