Value Village markups: Testing if you're getting a deal (Marketplace)

[@biggiesnores9866]

Stopped donating to Value Village. Only donating to local charities/thrift stores that put the money back into the community.

[@puffysnow8504]

It's happening at alot of thrift stores .. was at goodwill a week or two back and found dollarama stuff being priced higher then the sticker price

[@Mizz.Person]

None of my local thrift stores put money back into the community. They usually send overseas or to churches. :(

[@STONE69_]

The local charities pick up peoples stuff and sell it to Value Village.

[@MishaDaBear]

Much of the others do the same practices!

[@MishaDaBear]

@@puffysnow8504 I went to Goodwill Moncton and they were selling sealed packaged bicycle tires with used bicycle tires inside, returns or credit not accepted!

[@catherinewilson1079]

I stopped going to Value Village because their prices were outrageous for someone else’s castoffs!!!

[@bettingonyou]

Are you saying Asians are buying a lot these and reselling them?? Is that what a rice farmer is? What is a rice farmer? ​@@LL-si9cl

[@Whiskey_Jane]

Had them rip a tag off a pair of jeans accuse me of changing it then double the price.. these stores were supposed to help people in tough times not rip them off.

[@Ry-zj9ip]

Pop tags duhh

[@cdh2328]

When minimum wage is as high as it is just consider how much money they have to bring in to pay their people. Pay rent or mortgage, utilities, insurance, benefits etc. it’s a lot! I think it degrading to label peoples stuff as castoffs. Some from homes where people have passed away and the homes have to be cleared. A lot comes from gifts that were the wrong size or wrong colour or whatever. A lot comes from people just clearing their closets and don’t want to see good useable stuff go in the trash. A lot comes from leftovers from yard sales. Stuff that is still perfectly good and reusable. What about people that have moved from places and leave stuff behind? The Thrift stores do provide a service when a lot of stuff would just go landfill. Everything will eventually end up there in time but that’s another story. Yes, I do think they’re trying to cash in on what is going on in the world right now with immigration levels so high and folk need clothes on their backs and jobs and housing. I think they should be more generous to the lower income and in a lot of cases no income folk while they try to get settled in their new country.

[@catherinewilson1079]

@@cdh2328 If you were raised in the kind of poverty I was, you would call them castoffs too. For me it was a treat to finally go to work and be able to buy myself a few pieces of underwear that someone else had not worn to bits before I ended up with it. Valu village also uses the « snob factor » to price there used clothing; if the brand is DKNY or Calvin Klein a few more bucks get added to the price tag!!! When thrift stores become big business, you know that our society is really in trouble. It is disgusting how the almighty buck has become the most important value for almost everyone.

[@nadiavista7555]

Thank you CBC! Value Village needed to be exposed! Price inflation is so bad there now. I’m glad there called out. 👏🏼

[@isawthelight]

Then next stop should be grocery stores. All sell same things at different prices.

[@nadiavista7555]

Agree!

[@bjgoels]

@@isawthelight That's not the same comparison. Value Village is supposed to be a thrift store meaning items are used and, therefore, should be cheaper. Grocery stores do not sell used food. That would be a report of its own.

[@remlya]

*they’re called out

[@Art--Deco]

It's ABOUT TIME someone called these jokers out. I've been shopping at Value Village practically from the beginning in the GTA way back in the mid 90's. The prices at some locations used to be absolutely ridiculous, but others were cheap. Then virtually ALL of them adopted the same insane prices about a decade ago. Of course, nothing will change , as we are in the day and age that corporations know how to ride out the bad press news cycle, bury their heads for a few months and go back to (bad) business as usual.

[@joshgeyer7941]

I’m so glad someone with a platform is finally doing this. I’ve been saying this for years…

[@alexp-h]

Absolutely!

[@SuperBentley55]

so have I and I also find value village to be dirty @@alexp-h

[@lisahope4582]

Agreeeee

[@JulieJornitz]

Another problem: My local Value Village no longer lets you try clothing on .. I've asked about it and it seems they have no plans to bring their changing rooms back. Because of this, I've stopped shopping there. If I were to bring everything home to see if it fits, I'd then have to go back to the other side of town to return the items that didn't .. only to receive a "store credit" instead of a refund. They've lost me a customer.

[@r.1599]

None of the stores let you try clothes on anymore. They said it was a pandemic measure. Hah!

[@YoBoyMarcus]

Yeah, that practice is really scammy.

[@Europa1749]

No bathroom either I can access unless an employee unlocks the door. So I avoid fluids for several hours if I'm going to go there, which lately has been rarely.

[@kart112]

I hate this practice too. They know that there may be people who can't return it! I've heard that the store credit needs to be used there and then too. So there has to be something of the same value on the day you go in which probably means you end up spending more or loosing out. I've not shopped im vv for a very long time so I'm not sure if this is accurate though. I hope not.

[@JulieJornitz]

@kart112 Hi @kart112 :) Turns out you're right .. just checked with someone about that .. she said yup that's exactly what happened when she returned something! Wow, that's crazy!!!

[@noahgoddard99]

It once was a place you could find the occassional great deal but those days are long gone. Since the pandemic this company has been gouging its customers HARD. I go out of my way to never donate anything to them and just give it all actual local charities. Thank you CBC Marketplace team for exposing these scam artists.

[@starlessgolightly]

Meh. Not much to say but We always liked that brand spanking new assisted-opening _new market_ blade the staff allowed Us to "steal" from there older and previous outlet as a 'gift'. Funny story; We almost made #sticker of a chum with that.

[@Poppaneedsanap]

I feel the same way. I donate to anyone but VV now

[@maxidal6927]

I stopped donating as well. I put up in Facebook market everything that I give out. These CEO wants more and more. These people got no heart. Always trying to rip off middle class or low income people.

[@genageeraert8039]

They were gouging before the pandemic

[@LL-si9cl]

No...they should price high end designers for 4$ so that the 3rd world unemployed roaches can sit there all day and resell them for hundreds....NOT. Inflation hit every store...so why shocked it hit the thrift store too lmao

[@maryoleary2037]

The last time that I was in Value Village I saw a vase that was priced at $2.99. I purchased the same one at Dollar Tree for $1.25. On the other hand, I picked up an Anthropology Maeve skirt, that I saw online at $150 and I paid $12.49 at Value Village. You really have to know your brands and prices before going in.

[@batsandbatsandbats]

True. I found a pair of beautiful Rag & Bone jeans for about $10 next to a worn out pair from Garage for the same price.

[@lynnsibley1172]

Yep, I've gotten beautiful wool skirts for 9$ that would be 50+ new. And I never pay more than 10$ for a pair of boots for my kids - compared to 25+ new. If you're willing to look, you can still get a deal. You do really need to be cautious though.

[@janicegermain5522]

Value Village has been known to price items higher than MSRP's for the new items (this isn't new for them). Value Village is a disgusting disgrace to any type of secondhand shop. People who are unable to pay full price are getting scammed into believing they are getting a bargain... money they can't actually spare, for items that Value Village got donated for FREE. It's no surprise Value Village didn't respond back to CBC Marketplace... it's just proof they know what they are doing is wrong on so many levels!

[@mhawang8204]

They tried to blame it on their employees. “They don’t always get it right.” The shamelessness is disgusting.

[@janicegermain5522]

@@mhawang8204 You're right, yet their statement actually makes them (VV) look bad... since their overpricing has been happening for years, and across all stores (and continues to happen), perhaps they should look into "who" the employees they are hiring to do the pricing (as if)... I doubt many fell for believing "it's the employee's fault", so it's just one more reason people should realize they aren't trustworthy.

[@CBMackster]

There owned by Walmart!!!

[@sangomoon5456]

Agreed!

[@janicegermain5522]

​@@CBMackster That is no surprise... it's ALL about GREED!

[@davemeise2192]

The problem with Value Village is that it's on the stock market. Business on the stock market are interested almost solely in raising the share value every quarter. They aren't concerned with giving customers value, only in increasing share value. Oh, and also lining the directors pockets!

[@crispytofu13]

What do u mean walmart is in stock market as well

[@Matthew.Morycinski]

@@crispytofu13 As is probably every major store in Canada. And that's why they all unanimously deteriorate their service level. They "compete" to get service DOWN and prices UP.

[@susanyoung6331]

I used to be a regular shopper at Value Village. The prices have risen steadily over the last 2-3 years. Given all their merchandise is donated, I began to feel exploited. I will no longer donate items so that they can overcharge other customers. Then they've added insult to injury by making everyone use self check-outs ... and ... have a security guard at the door!! Nope, I don't shop there anymore.

[@gingerelle101]

They also removed fitting rooms.

[@geraltrivia6148]

@@gingerelle101 I didn't realize they ever had fitting rooms but I can see why they'd get rid of them. Always, always wash used clothing before wearing it!

[@MarySmith-xg9yv]

With the pandemic all the stores closed the fitting rooms, but after the pandemic VV didn’t want to reopen cause they don’t want to pay more employees to clean the rooms, so again they save money at the expense of the customers.

[@EvolvedOnion]

What’s wrong with self checkout?

[@geraltrivia6148]

@@EvolvedOnion Replaces human labor, putting people out of work or cutting their hours.

[@grandpasgotgame6532]

Somewhere along the line value village went from a service that helped people who were having financial difficulties and trying to make ends meet, to a dishonest company ripping off consumers with donated used items that are overpriced. For this reason I stopped going there years ago.😢

[@PoppaBB]

I believe Value Village has been dishonest in its retail practices for identifying as a charitable organization when very little of the money made from donated inventory actually goes to charitable causes. TERRIBLE ORGANIZATION

[@audiecindygulbrandsen1028]

Read online they take in about a $1Billion per year & donate about $65 million. Thats why you pay sales tax there & not at Sally Ann.

[@AnnieIsaLau]

It does not go to charitable causes AT ALL. The only thing they do, is but the overstock of charitable organizations, and they probably buy them for super cheap... They help no one. This company is a total fraud. Don't understand how they are allowed in business.

[@lvallese3967]

They do not donate back to charitable organizations. They buy the donated items at a price point per pound. It is all a crock of merde

[@AnnieIsaLau]

@@audiecindygulbrandsen1028 they donate nothing. It's written on their website... They only buy charitable organizations overstock and they sell this overstock at VV. They do nothing for the communities at all. They are just there for profits. Also, you pay taxes because they are a for profits company.

[@chappy24]

@@lvallese3967 They get good stuff tho, Value Village deals can be found, theres gold in there manggg. lol boo hoo there making 50 cents off Dollarama items.

[@sarahrichards-vk3sz]

Unfortunately this is happening at all the thrift stores...even Salvation Army. I pointed out a Dollarama item with the original price still on it and the store price was a few dollars more. I took it to the manager and complained. She took the item to the back and the next day it was back on the shelf. No change in price.

[@shinykazzadragon]

I literally bought a pair of earrings at Dollar Tree for $1.25, and went to Value Village in Saskatoon wearing them. I saw the EXACT SAME PAIR of earrings in their "premium showcase," priced at $9.99. When I said to the sales person that the earrings were a rip off, she pointed to my exact same pair, and said that I must have gotten the earrings because I liked them. I showed her the packaging (Remember I had *just purchased the earrings before going to Value Village), and she said I was "being dishonest."

[@willankhatter]

You bought the earrings, wore them same time then went to value village 😂😂 I'd think you're lying too. Definitely lying right now 🤣

[@poptarget]

One big point that wasn't mentioned is that they sift through their incoming inventory thoroughly. If there are expensive, designer items, rare collectors items, and valuable vintage or antiques in ANY category, they will not go out on the floor. They will be held back and either go up for auction on Ebay, resold privately to resellers, or snatched up by staff. It's nearly impossible to ever find a "treasure" worth much, most of it is overpriced garbage.

[@kathleenthompson9907]

A few years ago I purchased a tea pot for 4.99. Took it home and did some research on it. Its value then was $800. Today that tea pot is worth $1200. There are still deals to be found if you take the time to look.

[@kyleydiamond]

I've been noticing over the last few years it's harder to find quality things, mostly fast fashion type items. this makes sense and makes me sad. buying via online auction takes the fun and magic out of it. like the point used to be to keep fabulous things in circulation for the people, and now things we could be using and wearing are sitting in a different storage area while Dollarama is churning out more low quality new things.

[@ssrc30]

You don't talk to a manager at value village. They send someone out to tell you there's nothing they can do to help you. The whole operation is a scam.

[@DDDSSDDDSSDDDSS]

Guess who runs this scam...

[@8bittimetraveler834]

🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂 I never thought I'd read something like this today. THAT IS SO HILARIOUS!! I must put it in my book.

[@FullOfBradells]

Managers used to go to Dollarama and buy up their glassware to resell at a higher price.

[@8bittimetraveler834]

@@FullOfBradells Thug life

[@atoiler1389]

@@FullOfBradells no way.

[@rickfast1477]

Hey CBC. Former VV employee here. You should look in to their practices of “donating” to charities. It’s also quite the scam. Shopping there does not support charities. They only pay out a small portion to charities based on the weight of goods received. The real goal should be to stop getting people to donate to Value Village and find other small thrift stores to donate to.

[@chrisanthony144]

If everybody stops shopping at value village, they would have no choice to bring the prices down.

[@khalilboss2855]

Hopefully they will stop going there after seeing this report

[@davehudson3439]

Donald Trump logic right there😂

[@johnransom1146]

This isn’t America @@davehudson3439

[@lizliz4186]

Or if people stop donating to value village and use a local charity instead, they'll have no product to sell and your charity/community benefits instead of a business benefiting

[@davehudson3439]

@lizliz4186 "use a local charity instead"?? What do you think charities do with used clothing?? Value Village converts discarded clothes into cash. Cash to maintain the business...and cash to go directly to charities. Don't you think this business deserves to be profitable? So many people looking for something to complain about. SMH

[@JuiceEasy]

He nailed it at the very end 6:40 “ why should I care about sustainability when I’m constantly being misled and deceived”

[@the_kombinator]

Sounds like a motto for pretty much everything, everywhere. Quite generic, but applicable.

[@bgregg55]

Same thing at goodwill. What do you expect when the CEO is making a million dollars plus perks? What an outrage.

[@brentm7278]

We no longer have Goodwill in Toronto because the President ran it into the ground. I'm sure she has another Government job by now.

[@john.a.gonsalves3731]

100 % Agree....

[@cathygallacher1934]

100% agree to this

[@Curlyblonde]

Appropriate name of Goodwill. The customers give their Goodwill to the CEO and he misuses it to enrich himself on a grand scale. Many years ago, Goodwill and St. Vicent DePaul Thrift Stores were involved in a scandal where they were taking high end clothing and merchandise and sending them to luxury boutiques in the Caribbean that they operated there. A woman had donated a designer outfit and had her contact information on a label in the inside of the clothing item. Almost a year later, after donating it, she was contacted by a woman who had bought the item thinking it was new and subsequently finding the previous owner's contact information.

[@r.g.6544]

We're in Canada! What do you expect? You're being gauged, misled, and ripped off everywhere - from groceries to rentals to car dealerships... 😁🙄

[@bn880]

truth!

[@MEGIDIOT]

Yup. Everybody from every direction. It’s disgusting.

[@jaymoon5765]

I never donate to VV. The owners are multi millionaires and the prices are a complete ripoff.

[@AdrianneFluet]

I'm never going to this place again

[@johndicksonkaraoke2554]

I did a FOI Freedom of Information request with Ministry of Labour on VV in Sudbury Ontario awhile back and I found employment standards act violations.

[@Elecjester]

Im so glad you are doing this story, because me & my friends have gone to value village many times & very often we sitting there going "wtf is with these insane prices?!"

[@RichEmbury]

Used crap that's DONATED or given to them, marked higher than the original, NEW product. Seems criminal to me. If not, it should be.

[@royaltiri]

It's not all crap, though. I've been shopping there since the '90s and I feel I've always had very nice, high-quality clothing and home items. If you are willing to spend some time, it's still a good place to shop, particularly if you have a *free* membership, which entitles you to discounts. I also donate every time I go for 20% off.

[@BliffleSplick]

They also throw away a LOT of stuff, a lot of it not even looked over. They could ha e a free section near the bins but that might cut into the number of yachts the CEO can have so they won't

[@spacedout3233]

BOYCOTT THEM

[@newtown4607]

Their new company policy is to remove the Dollarama tags but keep the prices the same as before. They are still selling the used products higher then new.

[@DigitalAshes]

Once again, thank you Marketplace

[@louisereynaert969]

Well I agree! I am french speaking person and I always said: marché des voleurs au lieu marché des valeurs. Meaning store of tiefs. I askes the question in the past why they are so expensive. They replied: they have to pay the location rental, the staffs, taxes, etc. So I am giving now in different way. I go to a center and I ask them I have stuff to give do you know families who are in need. I prepare boxes and I bring the boxes to them or they will give directly to them. Or between friends, we exchange or give our stuff between our families

[@jasoncayen]

I'm so glad CBC has looked into this. This is becoming such a big problem!

[@burnyizland]

@@LL-si9cl I'd rather listen to Jason upset at getting ripped off than listen to you whine your racism all over this board. 1000 times over.

[@marilyndixon9933]

Good to see them being exposed to what's really going on. Glad Market place did look into this

[@janicegermain5522]

Although this segment did disclose some of the corrupt pricing at Value Village, I was still a little disappointed. I do believe this segment could have been longer and a lot more in-depth. Price comparisons could have gone MUCH further than with just Dollarama and Walmart, it reaches all the way up to the high-end used merchandise sold at Value Village.

[@mikid3032]

A little disappointing??? It's shameful and disgusting 🤮

[@monicsantamaria1681]

Yes I felt that I know more than the digging they did , there was no conclusion, no help no additional info to protect the customer

[@sangomoon5456]

I agree

[@StainedglassWings]

I was expecting to see jeans worn in the thighs, candles almost entirely burned, empty vinyl covers, and board games missing intrigal parts... all of which I have seen multiple times

[@janicegermain5522]

I think you actually missed the point. Of course, some items "may" be priced fairly, but that isn't the norm at Value Village. Who's to say the TV even worked, or the Nike's didn't have holes? The show was centred around all the complaints about Value Village's ludicrous pricing practices, not based on when they "may" occasionally get it right. @@LL-si9cl

[@janicemartell25]

Managers will not lower the price. If you find two identical items at different prices they will mark the lower price up rather than the other way around and look at you as if you changed the pricing.

[@garyholt8315]

that's nasty!

[@the_kombinator]

They will though, I have had prices reduced many, many times. They'll even exchange electronics.

[@caringcanadian4296]

Fraudulent businesses like this delinquent Value Village should be fined and lose their licenses.

[@user-reddevilutd]

Well i used to walk in and buy a used book for $2....now i have found them at cover price.

[@cdh2328]

I think they should encourage reading by having low prices on books and encourage recycling them. I.E. donate 3 get 1 free or something. Books have become unaffordable even at Thrift Stores. I refuse to buy any of their books now. We get our books from the library mostly or do without. I look for interesting titles at lawn sales or church sales.

[@the_kombinator]

@@cdh2328 They do that. I donate things I can't sell on Marketplace to them, and they give me a card for some kind of deal, usually it's pretty decent.

[@mariahung2946]

Yes Value Village was great 2 decades ago. Used secondhand good value ,usually when I shop for my children when they were younger. But suddenly,it got bought by the company nowadays, somehow they raised their prices dramatically. Which I did not return ever again

[@Cindy-by3ho]

It was bought

[@ipoka21]

Thank you for exposing them!

[@TheRednell]

I discovered this pricing policy a number of years ago. That is why I have never shop at Value Village.

[@gordonholland3406]

Buyer beware indeed. Thanks foe purring this video out there to help people make informed decisions. Try your best to know prices and shop around!

[@namaste7063]

I am SHOCKED Marketplace did not mention they get their inventory for FREE it’s all donated

[@kaylab7685]

Technically it's donated to nonprofit partners who sell it to value village. But that's still so close to being free that the markups they charge are ridiculous.

[@rosetealatte9282]

They do not get their inventory for free. I worked there. it is donated, yes. but then it is weighed by hard and soft items, and value village pays by the bin for the items. However, they never disclose how much they pay for the items. Then the items are rated for the shelves as the employee stated. But unless the item is in PERFECT condition, AND is an excellent brand, there is no excuse for them to be pricing things the way they have been. According to their own rating system. I understand inflation but now its just looking like sheer greed. Much like we see across the world nowadays. I really feel that a lot of this mentality was brought on by Covid. When they took away change rooms and self serve food bars in many stores for example, I said to my sons then that they would never bring them back because these companies now know how much they can save by ripping us off. And they were happy to do so. Now they don't want to go back to their previous pricing because they would consider losing their 'all time high' profits to be losses if they had to go back to the profits they were making before Covid. Greed, greed, greed.

[@Ladybugg1677]

What about the donation bins outside the store?? That’s a direct donation to the company

[@warisgood454]

Value village is in a homour system when items are donated directly to the store The charites don't have a representative to make sure all items are accounted for a nd the charites paid for the donation It's strictly honor system And since they short Chang staff hrs and gouge customers I wonder if they actually do a full accounting

[@namaste7063]

@@kaylab7685 Technically is right, it's another scam, Market Place should expose, they have been sued many times for that in the USA, MP should also have stated they are an American company

[@001sparks]

Please do a story on where their profits go That would be interesting

[@rachaelvandermolen8936]

Value village has gotten rid of all cashiers at our local Value Village. Less staff and their prices are getting ridiculous. I have found cheaper clothes on the sales racks at Old Navy and Gap. Yes! Brand new and cheaper. Do not support Value Village.

[@herecomesthesun66]

I took photos of non stick frying pans that were so scratched up it should be a health hazard to sell. They were asking $22 for a scratched up pan and there are many like that.

[@samantha.lawson]

I once looked at a ring in their display case marked $50--i showed alot of interest but told them to hold onto it while I looked around, and after browsing I went back to buy and it was $150!! They marked it up, while I was shopping-as if maybe I had read the price wrong. I was SO mad. If you want a good deal, shop MISSION thrift store, their prices are unbelievably low!

[@Melanie-gq1ud]

Not in Guelph , Ontario they are not . Mission just like all the rest of the thrift stores are copying VV . Mission thrift prices have gone crazy just like our SA here .

[@NeilRamsay-q4z]

Mission thrift doesn’t pay its employees. They use religion to get free labour. I won’t shop there because of that.

[@DUDE72341]

I was once held while multiple women from the back looked at an item I wanted to purchase.They said this item has been retagged this is not the real price.. They changed it from 3.99 to 20.99..I said are you accusing me..they said no..I said are you guys kidding you can price change at the till...meanwhile 10 people where waiting..I was shocked..Just because the cashier felt it was labelled too cheap

[@shinykazzadragon]

Mission in Saskatoon has HIGH prices. Plus, I would rather shop at a secular place.

[@cdh2328]

Mission Thrift prices are not low!! Their prices are for people with deeper pockets!

[@r.1599]

I notice they said that customers are free to bring pricing up with a manager, but they didn't say the manager would fix the problem. That's because they didn't want to be caught in a lie. There are three Value Villages in my area, and I've brought up pricing issues with the managers of all three. One told me that they have their pricing list and that the taggers price according to the list. All three told me I was free to shop elsewhere if I didn't like the prices there. Not one fixed a pricing issue. They've even reduced their "Member Sale" percent off from 40%-50% off, to as low as 10%-20% off. The 50% off sales used to induce me to shop there occasionally because there was a chance of getting a deal. But with the lower discounts and higher prices, I haven't stepped foot in a Value Village in what feels like forever. And they no longer get my donations, either - Goodwill and The Good Shepherd do.

[@MissX905]

Same here I took an item I wanted to buy to a manager and told him I wouldn't pay the price as I thought it was overpriced and offered him a decent price but he wouldn't budge. I told him "well you got it for free" I quit going back to that store for about a month . A few months after the incident I noticed that manager was no longer the manager but the prices never went down.

[@plantbasedsenior4240]

My husband and I were just disccussing this yesterday. We are retired and he has been shopping at 2nd hand stores his whole life (long before it was fasionable). He refuses to shop at or donate to value village and prefer to support our local Salvation Army 2nd hand store.

[@lynnsibley1172]

VV stinks, but at least they're not actively homophobic like the Salvation Army.

[@frankvanw1]

Good for him! As a consumer it is "Buyer Beware." You do not have to buy an item. If you don't like the price walk away from it. Be safe and great day.

[@streetstock72]

I had stopped donating to VV and wouldn’t step in a VV store in my area because of the ridiculous pricing. I use Salvation Army for my donations and they appreciate it very much!

[@hawong5379]

They should now call themselves “ Rip Off Village “

[@evanjones2307]

Why not "Valueless Village" lol?

[@ashleyw.6702]

Both are excellent suggestions. Lol 🤣🤣

[@brianbaxter3913]

That is what I have been calling for a long time.

[@johncam8420]

Idk, I got some checkered red dress shirts from Chaps for 8 and 12 bucks respectively. Also got a clearly used Lacoste T-Shirt for 12 bucks. Not amazing deals, but not bad. Unless Im being duped?

[@Siouxie-013]

In french we say Village des voleurs 😂

[@Dancewithpaula]

I’m glad this piece was done. It’s been crazy for a while.

[@Winnie-r-p]

It's why I havn't shopped at Value Village for ages. I noticed this a long ttime ago.

[@johnboyle1425]

Over the past year or two I've purchased a desktop computer, laptop computer and 3 monitors at Value Village for about $15 each. All were in excellent condition. I also picked up a tv for $40. I've doubled my collection of classical CDs for a price of $2 or $3 each. Also in excellent condition. Then there were several books in "as new" condition with values from $15 to $45 for $3 to $6. This has been a great place to find very useful items at absolute bargain prices. I do not buy clothing there or simple items that can be found at the Dollar Store or Walmart. There is definitely another side to the story than the one that you have presented.

[@shyvonnesanchez1164]

I got a beats pill from Value Village a few weeks ago. And I had a discount. Paid less then 20. Had to clean it, but it works great!

[@markd8469]

You’re right not everything is over priced there. I bought a brand new Swiss Gear laptop bag for $7.99. Same bag across the street at Staples was $49.99. It’s Hit and miss on some things

[@DixieJensenBrown]

At one time I would pick up computer parts for my son. I have also got monitiors for same deals of $15 a piece. Once I picked up tv/monitor for $44 but in last 2 years it is now almost everything over priced. Last item I purchased was a new record player with install disc to connect to computer, but in a delapidated box for $59. This is price I paid for one of same I purchased new 8 to 10 years ago. When I was paying for it she kept saying it was a mistake and that should not be out but in display case, I assumed she meant for auction. I felt it was a big price but this was my only way to get a second record player, as not available any more here in store. At the time someone's mistake meant I got the chance to get it but now for 3x the price of even 2 years ago as it would have been $20, if you can call what I paid now of $59 a deal. A deal does not describe what you find there. The only deals are mistakes on staff part who do not know the value of what they have. Books are possibly still cheaper than new but otherwise not knowingly on their part!!! Actually I have not been back since for anything. I gotten better prices on clothes at Walmart & Bargain Shop and items are new!!!

[@bgregg55]

The average Value Village executive compensation is $266,735 a year. The median estimated compensation for executives at Value Village including base salary and bonus is $255,074, or $122 per hour. At Value Village, the most compensated executive makes $720,000, annually, and the lowest compensated makes $52,000.

[@tdelli3675]

They do this by deceitful marketing as a charity and ripping off the vulnerable. How disgraceful.

[@lesliesanger4255]

Wow, very interesting.

[@9inchardox927]

Thats hardly charity, thats organized theft.

[@sunflowerlvr65]

Ridiculous

[@marneeklintworth9300]

What are their lowly 'floor staff' making is my question. No one seems to be able to provide that yet all kinds of interviews here & comments on the internet. Wondering if they had to sign a confidentiality clause when they were hired.

[@lockhart1895]

At the end he is ABSOLUTELY RIGHT and its unacceptable

[@MissLoriAAnne]

I went to value village with my daughter looking for a dress. So expensive! I questioned a worker on it and they followed us around the store like we were going to steal something. I have never gone back. Her answer to me was they get together in the back when goods come in and determine what the item is worth new. I said “ This is A Thrift store!” Geez rip off place. I go to the Sally Anne and yard sales

[@happycook6737]

Our Salvation Army is a huge rip off. Shirts $10 and up, pants $14 and up, etc. I pointed out an Old Navy T-shirt that sells new for $10 that they marked higher than new. Goodwill same problem. I quit thrift stores after shopping them for 48 years. So very few values and loaded with extremely low quality Shein and Temu crap or other nearly use up fast fashion. So sad.

[@MissLoriAAnne]

@@happycook6737 our sally is pretty good where I am. I don’t go often but when i do i find things pretty cheap. Goodwill is a joke! Way expensive! Especially when items have been donated! We have a Super Thrift that supports women with addictions and they are by far the best place to shop.

[@millennialgirlie2029]

This is the same in the US especially with clothes. Going to a second hand shop used to be a fun cheap adventure but influencers pushing “vintage” have made the prices skyrocket. I have seen secondhand jeans priced the same or more as brand new jeans.

[@joyhooja6464]

Where did people get the idea that Value Village is a thrift store ? It’s not !!! It’s a profitable BUSINESS !!!!

[@Lotuspoint1087]

They made a. Announcement a while back that they are not a charity organization. They said they are keeping clothes from landfills. I will not shop there again. Thanks marketplace.

[@metalandy]

This does not surprise me. I use to be an avid Value Village shopper but have noticed higher prices for many years. I only visit on occasion but haven't made any purchases at all. Even before the pandemic. When it comes to donations, I send them at local used thrift stores and not Value Village. With the popularity of the store, they might think it was a good idea to raise prices that customers will buy anyways. Well, they lost my "Value" as a customer since their system is a failure and a joke.

[@AnnieIsaLau]

They are loosing a lot of people. I don't shop there anymore...

[@carinaoliveira5850]

I used to shop there too for many years, and over the past 5 years, I barely go there anymore once I realized that a pair of used jeans would cost me $50... I could easily find a new pair off the rack for $5-10 more (or even less if they're on sale). Value Village is only really good for small vintage finds these days, like glassware or teacups.... other than that, I'd rather support my local consignment store.

[@kACT-c5x]

Same, use to go almost weekly as i lived by one. Recently i found everything of value in terms of dvd's, games and movies to be locked at the front of the store and almost asking for double what they go for with of course no warranty, refund or exchange policy. Even pants, shirts and jackets seem to be so oddly price i only really buy from there if i see something cool and worth what there asking.

[@AnnieIsaLau]

@@kACT-c5x yup! I got super nice shoes for 5$ at the time. They looked brand new. But last time I went, I saw a old stained shirt for 10.49$... I couldn't believe it. I can get a brand new one at Walmart for that price. It's definitely not worth it anymore. I believe they will lose a lot of costumers if they don't lower their prices.

[@zippersmash]

I'd like to see governments (likely provincial) create incentive programs for pre-own /second-hand stores. I get it, they're in it to make money. But it's in the public's best interest to have less waste sent to landfill. And if buyers know they can rely on fair pricing at second-hand stores they can make the responsible / environmentally friendly choice. Along with those that need to make economical choices for their family. Win-win(-win)!

[@ron4274]

When I don't have time to take donations to a deserving charity, I sometimes just pull into the Value Village parking lot near me and give things away (free, of course) to folks shopping there. Most items go quickly even though I try to make sure no one is being too greedy.

[@TriciaBurbobkin]

We should all take our donations to our local Salvation Army, where the money mostly stays in the region, or Bibles for Missions. My father always said, give to the Salvation Army, as they were the first to hand out needed items during the war. It always stock with me!

[@hermosapresidenta3931]

From a sustainability stand point I completely agree with the one man - it’s more expensive for me to have a USED item. I’d save money by buying new. It’s very sad the consumeristic side of it. It’s a classic example of green washing. Ever since they implemented the exchange game due to removing the change rooms I’ve had a very bad taste for them. Now I shop at my local Salvation Army who charges reasonably and has a room I can try things on to confirm my purchase prior to handing over my hard earned money.

[@cdh2328]

I was looking at a cute pair of kids boots at Christmas. I thought it didn’t have a price so I found someone to check it for me. She pointed out their new price stickers and they were $14.99. OMG, and I thought that was an original Winners sticker, lol. 15.00 bucks? Ya ok. At Salvation Army! No thank you!

[@the_kombinator]

LMAO the Salvation Army prices are 5x of Value Village, even Talize. I don't even go to SA stores anymore because of their ridiculous pricing of electronics.

[@brookeallen7931]

The only reason why I'd go there is to buy books, because it's still cheaper than buying new. Although, I also have a library card, and that's FREE.

[@VishnuKamath]

Thank you for highlighting this. If Value village gets this for free and if they are charging more for it then it is absurdity.

[@brittanyanderson3189]

Thank you so much for making this video

[@hockeyzythebest]

I hope this video goes viral and value village goes bankrupt. The amount of times I've left empty handed from value village is insane. People only go here for affordable things.

[@AdrianneFluet]

We need to boycot this store!

[@user-dl5ip1xr7p]

Finally an episode really relatable

[@JessT-vg7ib]

The prices at Value Village are ridiculous.

[@dwights1024]

nobody's forcing u to shop there its a private company

[@JessT-vg7ib]

@@dwights1024 I don't slimball.

[@Mikinaak2023]

They have been price gouging for years. Shame, it was a great place to shop back in the day.

[@jrochest4642]

It's not their staff who are 'mispricing' things -- it's the algorithmic pricing system that they're using, which comes straight from head office. The city should start charging them an extra fee to use the landfill, because obviously all of this stuff is going to wind up there.

[@warisgood454]

Yes market place needs to come back to the store to ask some real questions Like how much of the stuff unsold ends up in landfills And has rh rise in prices effected the amount of stuff going to land fills And how much do they actually pay the charities for donations Til then I suggest you look to donate to only thrift stores or churches that acuay support your community

[@aliciamilovanovic1475]

​@warisgood454 someone other than Marketplace place needs to do a *real* report on this place. I will no longer donate to them.

[@jakot5777]

The unsold clothing usually shipped to third world countries. I once saw second hand clothing with value-village tag in Uganda Africa. I also saw interview with a president of Rwanda refusing to accept those secondhand clothing but he was saying there are challenges I guess the western world wants to dump it there if not there are repercussions lots of politics than we understand it.

[@r.1599]

@@jakot5777 When I worked in the back at Value Village, the unsold clothing was sent to shredders and sold as cleaning rags.

[@cdh2328]

Let’s face it all of our homes have become storage houses for stuff. Sooner or later it’ll all end up in landfill!

[@FlorenceRobertsonc4l]

Value Village has a deal with Salvation Army and they get all their excess donations for free...I use to be an pricing employee in their early days in Canada. They also shuffle products that do not sell to other stores. In more modern times and from observation that SA has reduced their contributions to Value Village and improved their own thrift stores, so that they can effectively offer enhanced services to people in need.

[@davidslife2081]

Its the same way with Goodwill here in the USA. I wish someone would do a story about them here.

[@akiomaroon]

I spoke to a manger at value village at queen & Bathurst about the exact London fog coat that was cheaper on the London Fog website ( I showed it to her) and she said that’s how it was priced at the sorting location and the she can’t do anything about the price in store 😢

[@warisgood454]

The story missed several other issues like the fact the arent a charity They also sell brand new merchanidice And the worst fact is unsold items are compacted and sent the the trash Your donation one does not help your community two it may end up in the dumo anyway

[@ashleyw.6702]

Yes. People think buying from them is somehow donating to charity. But they are not a charity. Genius marketing on their part.

[@Tranceplant82]

They claim to help items "find a new life". Reuse instead of throwing away, even if they actually do throw away a lot of stuff...

[@Wuhlz]

As someone on PWD I used to buy a lot of my stuff at Value Village, it was about 9 years ago that I stopped going to them. I went back a couple of years ago and the prices were ridiculous for items that were already worn out. I need to get bargains, I wont be going back, period!

[@TorontoJon]

At Value Village, you don't save money buying everyday household items one could typically buy at Dollarama or other dollar stores, but you can save money buying more formal wear, suits, suit jackets, leather jackets, trench coats, lighting, board games, some toys, and definitely most electronics or electric household appliances as well as furniture. For example, I have purchased Danier leather jackets there for $25 that typically would have cost at least $200 normally and if one is into electronics or audio/video components, I have bought $80 to $100 Blu-ray players for as little as $8 to $15 or recent $18 to $25 Blu-ray movies for $3.99 to $5.99, so there are savings at Value Village, but the savvy consumer must research prices to know whether or not they are getting true bargains. Caveat emptor as usual; i.e. buyer beware.

[@peterbanton9155]

Thank you for exposing these frauds!

[@mathewjohnson4376]

If you bought it. Take responsibility for your purchases. Become a responsible consumer.

[@shuntguy]

DON'T donate to Value Village. Salvation Army is a 100% charity thrift shop. There are also some local charity thrift shops. My town had one but it closed after the founder died. Something should be done to try and bring back Goodwill.

[@kateb2643]

Salvation Army's also worth avoiding due to their homophobic lobbying habits

[@soogymoogi]

Salvation Army is homophobic, please don't donate to them. Go with local charities if at all possible

[@noseboop4354]

Seems like you live in a very hostile town if nobody was willing to continue the charity thrift shop after the founder died.

[@shuntguy]

@@noseboop4354 I believe the landlord had also raised the rent. It takes a great deal of effort to run a business with no real reward at the end.

[@sangomoon5456]

@shuntguy 100%

[@Arvidien]

In Quebec, they are called VILLAGE DES VOLEURS.

[@jasmarr]

Value Village is horrible. I stopped going there 3 years ago for the same reason. Glad it is on the news now. You can get better deal at the original store than this Scam Village.

[@playbackamusicloversjourne8620]

There was a time you could often find some real treasures there at a very good price. I still go a few times a year but almost always walk out empty handed. I once found a La Pavoni Europicolla in really nice shape for $20 as there were a couple of minor parts seemingly missing such as the portafilter. I walked slowly up and down the isle and found everything except the drip tray. It only needed a good internal cleaning and a couple of gaskets and it was making great espresso in no time. New drip tray was $15 incl shipping.

[@jongibbons730]

Haven't been there or donated there in years... Went to Canadian tire to get a belt, then decided to go to the Value Village next door instead. Found the same belt as in Canadian tire for $2.00 more at the Value Village.

[@IssisP]

You know you've messed up when Marketplace gets involved.

[@kassamsal]

Thank you for bringing this to the public's attention. Soon, the company will begin serving the community with fair deals.

[@zombienectar]

I picked up a $600 ski jacket for 12 bucks a few years ago at VV. Last week I bought a beautiful Italian made sport Jacket for 18 bucks. I have seen the prices going up but there are lots of deals to be had.

[@katchoo1865]

Years ago I used to take my kids old clothes and donate, then go buy better fitting ones for my children . Years later we would take the grandchildren to have a look around and buy what was needed. About 5 years ago this changed. We had taken our grandson to look for clothes and realized the prices had jumped significantly. We left the store, went to Walmart, bought new clothes for the same prices that Value Village was charging or sometimes lower. I still donate but do not enter the store anymore. Thanks for your episode, I will reevaluate where I donate good used items in the future.

[@shuntguy]

Stop donating to them. Donate to Salvation Army or a local charity store.

[@AnnieIsaLau]

Please stop donating to them. They give nothing to charities, all the money they make goes to the owner who is a millionaire. Find real charities in your area. 😊

[@Creativetruths]

I I used to work as a supervisor in the front of the store on the Quebec side. I was in charge of the customer service and the cashiers, 25 years ago. I remember the prices being most of the time pretty fair. There was great bargains all those years ago, but this was a new store. I think over the years, they became greedy and are now pricing items not thinking of their customers but only their bank account. They should be ashamed of themselves. After all, most of the items are used.

[@Zgryx]

TLDR: don’t shop at value village

[@mikid3032]

Don't donate as well

[@NeTtoMD27X71]

We, consumers , meet with some challenges of buying non-soapy dish liquid soap and non-soapy laundry detergents by the same price. The same washing liquids are terribly deluted - it challenges our consumers' public health, especially if you are doing laundry in cold water. I have real issues with the " Palmolive" dish soap and the laundry detergents "Sunlight" (45 loads).

[@toybarons]

I've been shopping at VV since 1988 when I first moved to Edmonton. Back then you could really find great deals. Now days, it's very different. It's not uncommon to find 2 pairs of the exact same pair of new socks with tags, same color, same condition and one pair is priced twice as much as the other. I never donate either to VV. There is a well establish community store I know where prices are fair and they help local families who get my donations as well as my money because they do good for people.

[@jennifershaw4756]

I live in the area. Would you mind sharing the name of the community store? I'm looking for a good spot to donate to. I never donate to VV. Thank you so much.

[@the_kombinator]

Used socks? Yuck.

[@bookbookbook1]

I went to value village and there were some jackets and sweaters at like 40 dollars, Literally nothing is washed either everything had stains and all sorts of stuff like that.

[@stickjohnny]

Worst thrift store.

[@jb7720]

They went the same way as pawn shops pretty much charging brand new lol

[@vidapdl6854]

The CRA should look into this charity stores prior giving them a licensed i.e. Why executives salary are unbelievable high.

[@DUDE72341]

or how is accounting done on a donated item..how do you know how much the company didnt pay?

[@PenguinTuxJunction]

I was there a few weeks ago. Dollarama sports items with tags still on were priced more than 2x what the original price was. And they were selling used shampoo bottles for $7-8 , and these bottles were at least 15-20 years old.

[@lilacbirman]

Value Village is Savers where I live and they've been pricing high for at least 10 years. I used to shop there every week and now it's once every few months. It's so rare to find thrift store pricing here! Ridiculous!

[@TheresaAra]

I worked there for 3 years at 2 different locations. I can assure you that it is not the associates who are misinterpreting the process.

[@brentbauer8258]

What many forget is when you donate you also get a 20% discount coupon. So most people are more savvy. Often I buy $200 items for $30.

[@artheemisia]

In Québec, we call them Village des Voleurs!

[@YoBoyMarcus]

hehe

[@the_kombinator]

MDR :)

[@r.1599]

The 20% off coupons you get for donating, expire after a couple of weeks. That's not mentioned anywhere on their store 'radio' ad, not on the coupon, not on any of the posters, and not at the donation station. The only way you'll find that out is when you go to buy something and they tell you the coupon is "already used". This has happened so many times (I no longer shop there). Isn't the lack of disclosure some kind of fraud?