The Attic

I was surprised and disappointed by the pejorative review by «Lisa C» several months
ago, and one other.
I was a volunteer downstairs in the kitchen at the House (we prepare inexpensive meals for low-​income folks in the neighbourhood) so I frequently would pop upstairs and check out the latest (no, I didn’t get a discount — EVERYTHING is a discount!). These are donated items and the shop is staffed by volunteers, so it’s going to be «catch as catch can» both in terms of the staff on a given day and what’s on offer (more reason to visit often). I can’t say I ever encountered a volunteer who was not polite and cheery.
The Attic has some great sales, and unlike many «we donate X% to charity, thrifts», you know your purchases there go entirely towards programs for the good of the neighbourhood.
I think it’s a gem.

I’m really sorry to have to say this about what used to be my favorite haunt, but I don’t like coming here anymore.
The ladies that used to be friendly and chat with me and the kids, I haven’t seen them in a while. The group that I see now is standofish at best, boarding on rude.
I’m actually a little heartbroken to write this. I’ve raved about this store to so many people, I used to love shopping here, but I really do need to speak up about how the service has just made me feel downright crappy lately.
I don’t know why, but some customers are greeted, but I am never aknowlaged. No hello, no smile, no eye contact. I don’t know if I did something to offend or what, but I can’t seem to get the time of day in this place.
The time before last I went in and spent a while browsing with my children. Nobody greeted me. When I went to pay there was a lady at the desk organizing a drawer and two other volunteers doing tasks in the checkout area. I was not aknowlaged. I know they could see me waiting there. My kids started to get fidgety from waiting so I said «yes, just hang on, mommy wants to pay for her things.» *hint hint* still nothing. I finally said (to the lady at the desk) «excuse me, can I pay for this?» She glaced at it, put her face back in tge drawer and mumbled «two dollars». I didn’t hear her because she was talking down into the drawer, not to me so I asked «sorry, how much?» «TWO!» she barked. I handed her a twonie, and she took it… then there was an awkward pause of me standing there expecting someone to say «thank you» or «goodbye» but that didn’t happen and i left without a word from anyone.
The following trip I made today was shockingly similar.
I know these people are volunteers, and I know it benefits the neighborhood house… but coming here these days almost makes me want to cry. It’s not worth being treated badly.

I’d been meaning to get to this place for a while since I live nearby, but I either pass it when it’s not open or when I don’t have time to browse.
Today I was able to stop in after the West End Farmer’s Market, and I was incredibly disappointed. The staff are rude, mean, and push their way past you to get through the store. They ignore you when you’re clearly wanting to ask a question.
The products look like all the cast-​offs people couldn’t get rid of at their garage sales, and are spilling off of shelves and racks. There’s no organization, and everything smells musty and looks dirty.
I’m a big thrift store shopper — 90% of what I own is second-​hand. But I wouldn’t go back here. Their prices might be cheap, but you can find much better selection and much better quality goods at any number of other places around town.

Located on the second floor of Gordon House (just walk up the staircase directly opposite the main door), this thrift store is jam packed with stuff. If you have time, you’ll probably find a treasure in here. It can be a bit overwhelming though. The racks are crammed with goods.
Nothing is priced, so look for the signs with general pricing or just ask one of the staff. Very good value can be found here, if you can get past the clutter.