Dogfight in Thrift Alley

In the late 1960s, when a doctoral student in Ann Arbor, Michigan I tried to shop exclusively at Goodwill. That started out wonderfully. Low prices for real finds. 

Then, something happened. Maybe the management got it that the merchandise could be sold for more. Prices across the board went up. I bought less. Eventually I found better bargains elsewhere. Even back then those in the "used" retail category had to compete. Now, it's become a dogfight. 

In play is the gentrified versions of Goodwill. Linkedin reports that the makeovers have increased sales.  But, have prices also been boosted? In addition will the spruced-up look scare away hard-core bargain-hunters. 

After I relocated to Toledo, Ohio from Arizona, where I had donated the contents of my habitat to charity, I needed furniture. Reynolds Road could be called Thrift Alley. Store after store in the gently-used category. 

Here is one find for 10 bucks. Look at the classic lines.

But I didn't purchase it at a Goodwill. It was at a consignment store. Too often I hit upon better quality merchandise at lower prices at Goodwill competitors. They range from mom-and-mom "antique" shops to St. Vincent De Paul retail. The trick is to make the rounds often in order to spot and grab.

So, the issue is: Will those who know their way around the used niche abandon Goodwill for the perception of better picks and prices at competitors? In this space retailers have to be smart about the look of things. Look too good and you could wind up a drive-pass. On Thrift Alley there are at least six compeitors. One, which cultivates the cluttered, everything on top of everything staging, is always jam-packed. 

Meanwhile, more semiretired and forced-out knowledge workers have entered this niche as sellers. The price of entry is low. They're willing to put in lots of sweat equity in renting "booths" in retail locations. In addition, just like Goodwill, they provide special discounting. They restock often. Therefore, you come in often.

So, sure it's good that Goodwill has spruced up. But it needs more than that to prevent shoppers from "attaching" to other kinds of used experiences provided by competitors. 

One has popcorn and a doting clerk who knows the names and tastes of the regulars.

Another has low-priced beverages and music. 

A third insists on carrying your merchandise to your vehicle. No tipping allowed.

The other day I did a drive-pass because that particular Goodwill in Thrift Alley lacks rapid turnover of merchandise. Perhaps management needs to hire more experts in inventory management.

 Thrown off your game, maybe the first time since you started working? You made all the right moves and then the world moved in another direction.

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