Salvation Army

Pros

• The thrift store is clean and beautifully displayed.
• The staff take pride in their work and keep everything neat.
• Prices are good compared to other local thrift stores.
• Customers recommend visiting the store.
• The locations offer 50% off for Independence Day.
• The store has great donations and generally good prices.
• The store is clean and comfortable with many great prices.
• The staff are great and the prices are good.
• The store always has bargains to be found.

Cons

• The pickup service lied about the delivery window and failed to show up, leaving the customer waiting all day.
• The cashier refused to assist with loading large items.
• A white-haired staff member behaved rudely and appeared to overprice items.
• Prices were perceived as greedy and overpriced.
• Staff were accused of lying and mislabeling damaged Zara clothing as refurbished.
• Male staff were rude and judgmental, and the merchandise was dirty, especially the kids' toys.
• Price tags stapled to clothes damaged fabrics and made removal difficult.
• The thrift-store items were overpriced.
• The store had the worst customer service.
• The shopping experience was hit-or-miss, with items often mixed up.
• The reviewer vowed never to donate to this facility again.
• The manager allegedly made rude comments toward customers and their families.

Review

The collection of experiences paints a picture of a Salvation Army thrift operation that can feel like two stores in one: a clean, well-organized mainstream shop with a broad selection and friendly staff, and an As-Is/discount portion that draws bargain hunters but also prompts some complaints about pricing and handling. Many reviewers sing the praises of the main store's cleanliness, neat displays, and the sense that the staff and volunteers are proud of what they do. The aisles look orderly, the merchandise is easy to browse, and the prices are often considered favorable when compared to other local thrift options. Several readers note that the store feels welcoming, with a steady flow of bargains and a comfortable, shopper-friendly atmosphere.

Across the board there are mentions of strong staff and helpfulness in the main retail space. Phrases like "great staff," "friendly," and "very helpful" recur, and some reviewers specifically highlight the overall shopping experience as positive and enjoyable. A number of patrons also point to the philanthropic aspect as a motivating factor for shopping there, emphasizing that purchases help support Salvation Army programs. One review even describes the store experience as part of a broader mission - citing that the cashier might be in recovery and that proceeds fund programs that help people reintegrate into society. There's also a note about a community event (a flu shot drive) being handled well on-site, underscoring a sense of local engagement and competent operations.

However, the feedback isn't uniformly favorable. A recurring thread centers on service hiccups related to donations and pickups. One customer recounts waiting all day for a Salvation Army pickup of two mattresses, only to have the driver arrive very late and to be told the job was "complete" when it clearly wasn't seen by the resident or the neighbor. That reviewer ended up discarding the mattresses, which adds to a sense of miscommunication and frustration. Another reviewer reports that help with loading large items isn't provided at checkout, leaving elderly customers to arrange their own assistance, and suggesting that some employees might not be prepared to help with bulky purchases.

There are also more pointed complaints about staff demeanor and store policies. A few customers describe encounters with individuals they label as rude or condescending, including a so-called "white-haired lady" who is accused of acting like she's in a brand-name boutique and applying stricter rules than expected for donated clothing. Some comments accuse a particular manager of being unhelpful or unfriendly, contributing to a perception of a hostile or judgmental atmosphere in certain interactions. These experiences stand in contrast to the many positive accounts of friendly, accommodating staff in other parts of the store or at other Salvation Army locations, highlighting that customer service can vary significantly by person and situation.

Pricing and product quality concerns also surface in several reviews. A number of buyers feel that some items are priced too high for a thrift environment, including a notably high price for a used purse. There are claims that some items are misrepresented, such as Zara pieces marketed as "refurbished" when they are damaged or stained, with accusations that staff have been instructed to mislabel. Another friction point is the practice of stapling price tags directly to clothes, which reviewers say makes removing tags at home more difficult and risks damaging the garments. These critiques contribute to a sense that, for some shoppers, the value proposition isn't as clear-cut as hoped.

Amid the contrasts, there is a clearly positive shout-out for the As-Is section - the Junkhouse - where a different shopping experience awaits. Several reviewers describe this behind-the-store space as the real treasure, with a larger, more eclectic selection and a rummage-sale vibe that many find exciting. It's described as cheaper, more diverse, and well worth bringing small bills for, especially on specific days when new stock is made available. The Junkhouse is portrayed as a place to hunt for discounts and interesting finds, with tips about pricing and hours that encourage a steady stream of dedicated bargain-hunters.

Geographic and logistical notes come up as well. One reviewer mentions traveling from Toronto to visit this location, underscoring that the store's appeal can extend beyond the immediate neighborhood. There's also a practical observation that not every reviewer finds the store easily on Google Maps, which adds to the sense that some customers approach the place like a destination rather than a routine stop. In another thread, shoppers describe the mix of offerings as including furniture, lamps, clothes, and other everyday items, with the As-Is building functioning as a distinct destination for those looking for deeper discounts or specific types of merchandise.

In the end, the store comes across as a strong thrift option with real strengths in cleanliness, organization, and a broad range of items, supported by staff who are often praised for their friendliness and helpfulness. Yet it's clear that experiences can diverge sharply depending on the day, the staff member you encounter, and the particular department you visit. For many, the Salvation Army thrift experience here remains worthwhile and dependable, especially for those who appreciate the charitable mission and the ongoing sense of value and discovery. For others, especially those who run into pickup hiccups or pricing disputes or encounter less courteous service, the experience can be frustrating enough to warrant a cautious approach or a visit to the As-Is section for a different kind of bargain.

This part of Buffalo, New York offers convenient access to a variety of essential amenities for senior living. With multiple pharmacies such as Rite Aid, CVS Pharmacy, and Walgreens within close proximity, obtaining prescriptions and healthcare products is easily manageable. There are also numerous dining options ranging from fast food at McDonald's to upscale dining at places like The Foundry Lounge and Sinatra's Restaurant. For medical needs, there are several physician offices nearby including Primary Care Of WNY and Kenmore Family Medicine, as well as larger medical facilities like Erie County Medical Center and John R Oishei Children's Hospital. Additionally, the area boasts a number of parks for leisurely walks and relaxation. Overall, this neighborhood provides a well-rounded environment that caters to the needs of seniors seeking a comfortable and convenient lifestyle in Buffalo.

Pharmacies

• Rite Aid (0.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (0.9 miles)
• Walgreens (1 miles)
• Rite Aid (1.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.5 miles)
• Rite Aid (1.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.6 miles)

Restaurants

• McDonald's (0.8 miles)
• The Foundry Lounge (1.3 miles)
• Gray's Place (1.8 miles)
• Sinatra's Restaurant (1.9 miles)
• Jack Rabbit (2.6 miles)
• Anchor Bar (4.2 miles)
• IHOP (4.3 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (0.9 miles)
• Wegmans Food Markets (1.6 miles)
• Tim Hortons (4.3 miles)
• Panera Bread (4.3 miles)
• Starbucks (4.4 miles)
• Tim Hortons (4.4 miles)
• Tim Hortons (4.4 miles)

Physicians

• Primary Care Of WNY Primary Care Of Western New York Kenmore (1 miles)
• Kenmore Family Medicine (1.2 miles)
• Northtowns Medical Group PC (2.5 miles)
• 50 Gate Circle (2.6 miles)
• Jericho Road Community Health Center (3 miles)
• Ross Eye Institute (4 miles)
• Urban Family Practice (4.3 miles)

Hospitals

• Erie County Medical Center (3.8 miles)
• John R Oishei Children's Hospital (4.3 miles)
• Roswell Park Cancer Institute (4.5 miles)
• Degraff Memorial Hospital (4.6 miles)

Parks

• Beaver Island State Park (4.1 miles)
• North Tonawanda Gateway Park (4.2 miles)
• Ellicott Creek Park (5.3 miles)
• Delaware Park Marcy Casino (5.4 miles)
• Wilkeson Pointe (6.3 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Maple Ridge 8 (4.8 miles)

Places of Worship

• Saint John Gualbert Catholic Church & Diocesan Shrine (6.1 miles)
• Newman Center at UB (6.1 miles)