10 GROUNDCOVER NEWS THRIFT SHOPPING ROUND-UP from page 7 by submitting documents, such as proof of income, to the Salvation Army office. They also have a “tag-color-ofthe-week” discount system that aids people who are income-insecure. Salvation Army is also the “sleeping bag capital of Ann Arbor.” Value World 1410 E Michigan Ave, Ypsilanti. Open Plato’s Closet 860 W Eisenhower Pkwy, Ann Arbor. Open 10 a.m.-9 p.m. daily Located on bus routes 25 and 67, Plato’s Closet is unique among the area thrift shops. Although they are a for-profit franchise chain, Plato’s Closet buys clothing. They have an automated system that determines the cash value for items based on brand, condition and other factors. This is very useful to people who are income-insecure and makes up for not having a voucher system. Pricing is fair, items are priced up to 70% off retail value, the quality of their items is like new, and they have excellent clearance sales. Another thing that makes Plato’s Closet stand out is they cater primarily to teens ranging from middle school to college age. Unlike other thrift shops, Plato’s Closet likes to keep up with trends young people find appealing. Gabby Cushman, general manager, pointed out, “The workforce is all teens to mid 20’s which helps Plato’s Closet Ann Arbor stay in touch with our young clientele by creating a hip and welcoming vibe." The ShareHouse 5161 Jackson Rd, Ann Arbor. Open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. the rest of the week, closed on Sunday. Located on bus route 30, The ShareHouse is a non-profit that serves the income-insecure population by offering massively discounted sales and a free shopping program around Christmas time. The store has the feel of a small-town antique store. Built from what may have been a livestock facility, there are ramps up and down to various sections throughout which make shopping adventurous. The clothing is limited proportionately to the rest of the things, while Americana knickknacks dominate the wares. The coolest thing about the place, though, is the shop cats, Jasper and Gypsy. Good luck telling them apart. Also, the largest collection of kneeboards I’ve ever seen. noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday and 10 a.m.-9 p.m. the rest of the week. Located on bus route 43, Value World is a family-owned store with 13 locations and has been in business for 68 years. Although they do not have a voucher system, their daily tag color discount system, 99-cent section and loyalty points program keeps prices accessible for the income-insecure. Value World prides itself on two things: doing business with non-profits and saving material from landfills. VW boasts that it buys all of its inventory from non-profits and municipal programs. “Ethical fashion” is how they frame their sustainability-consciousness, citing the fashion industry as the biggest contributor to landfills and pollution. The most remarkable thing I noticed about Value World is that, proportionally, they are only rivaled by the Salvation Army in the amount of clothing available. With the square footage of a Dollar Tree, the non-clothing items are pushed to the perimeter to make way for a massive clothing store. I estimate the clothing to non-clothing ratio for most places to be 60/40 whereas VW is closer to 90/10. But don’t get me wrong, they still have cool non-clothing things like iron skillets and adult coloring books. MAY 30, 2025 baby/toddler sized clothes and linens such as towels and blankets — and volunteers. 2. Wednesday Summer Sales are in effect! This means you can find men’s and women’s summer apparel for 50% off on Wednesdays! There are a few other sources of free or low-cost clothing to mention: Emmanuel Lutheran Church on River Street in Ypsilanti has a free clothing distribution on Wednesdays where you can get a shopping bag of clothes once a month. Dress For Success located on McCauley Ave in Ypsilanti. Their mission “is to empower women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.” Hospitality House Ypsi on N. Washington St. has a free store for browsing Thursdays 4-7 p.m. and Sundays 12-3 p.m. There is also Nu2u on Carpenter Rd in Ypsilanti. In Ann Arbor there are St. Vincent De Paul on Broadway, the Second Baptist Church on Red Oak, the Habitat Restore on April St. Finally, once a month at Growing Hope, 16 S Washington, there is a massive, community-organized free clothing swap. Come with clothes to trade or simply pick up some free clothes. If you want to know when the next swap is happening, email me at baldr4077@ gmail.com. Salvation Army 1621 State St. Ann Arbor. Open 9 a.m.-9 p.m. daily, closed on Sunday “Above all, Love,” 1st Peter 4:8 is the foundation of the service of the Salvation Army. Located on bus route 62, The Salvation Army rivals Value World in terms of clothing to non-clothing ratio of items and Kiwanis International in terms of popularity. Since 1865, The Salvation Army has contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to help with eviction prevention, addiction issues, income insecurity, disaster relief and homelessness. The expansive store is an Ann Arbor icon. The warehouse-like store is filled with aisles of clothing and linens. There is a substantial non-clothing section including lots of linens, appliances, housewares and more. The store offers a voucher program that can be obtained through a social worker, or The Thrift Depot 19 E Cross St, Ypsilanti. Open 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. on Wednesday and 12-7 p.m. on Tuesday and Friday. Located on route 42 in the dreamy Depot Town area of Ypsilanti, this is a great spot for second hand aficionados as it borders an antique shop and a vintage clothing store! Once upon a time, they had vouchers. Due to the limited size, though, they had to stop. However, they have a mini food pantry, hygiene products, diapers and donation-matching. They describe themselves as “a small store doing the right things. We do what we can to support our disadvantaged neighbors.” I tend to agree. Ypsilanti Thrift Shop 14 S Washington St, Ypsilanti. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, and 1-4 p.m. on Monday and Friday weekly. Closed on Sunday. Located two blocks from the Ypsilanti Transit Center, the Ypsilanti Thrift Shop is part of a vibrant downtown community and street culture. Run entirely by volunteers, YTS has been in operation since 1942 and has donated more than $340,000 to local social service agencies. They have a voucher program and even refer you to the Hope Clinic where you can find a caseworker. Two important things to note: 1. They are currently short on exp. 06/31/2025
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