Thrift Stores in Pinellas County Florida - A must see if you're in the Tampa Area.

Hope Thrift Store Clearwater

2881 Gulf-to-Bay Blvd., Clearwater, FL 33759

Phone: 727-754-9707

Hours: Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri, 10am-6pm. Thurs, Sat, 10am-8pm -

The front entrance to this store is in it's parking lot which is to side of the building. The first time I went I almost missed the whole thing. (Of course I was driving and didn't pay attention to the windows decorated with shapes and bright colors)

It's a huge store, that could do with a major rearrangement. Because there is a lot of wasted space and missed opportunities for displaying their wares better.

I happened in on a Wednesday and it was book sale day. I'm so into books I was in heaven. I had to go get a cart. Books were on sale paperbacks 4 / $1 and hardcovers were 2 /$1. OMG I was in heaven.

The store as a whole needs a major clean out of all the junk and needs to be organized and kept clean. Perhaps the young lady that was constantly checking her phone can do that in her spare time.

There sorting and processing departments need a major procedure check. The several pieces of clothes I looked at had stains in them. Plus they really need to tell these people that they don't have to put everything out that comes in.

Shoes were good and very nicely priced. Although I wish stores would stop using permanent marker on the bottoms.

The dressing rooms might have been a remnant from former tenant because they are really nice.

Pricing was hit and miss. Some things were really overpriced and some were just ridiculously low. For example Once a week they have a dollar sale on clothing. From what I saw I wouldn't pay a dollar for too much they had.

So it was good for my books - although once again they need some processing guidelines because nobody's gonna pay for a ULINE catalog.

I'm not sure what the deal is because this store could make a lot of money if it were just paid attention too.

In all fairness I have not gone over to their store on Fowler Ave. - Sorry not going to that area. I would hope that store is better maintained and makes enough money for the organization that the one on Gulf to Bay doesn't matter it it makes money.

I've been a couple of times and I'll keep going back because of the book sale.

DUNEDIN
1428 Main Street
Dunedin, FL 34698
(727) 223-4919

The store in Dunedin is laid out so you can walk through without hitting anyone or anything.

I shop this store only for certain items on their respective sale days. If I'm looking for kitchen ware I'll go on Wednesdays. If I want books then it's only on Fridays that I go. Never pay full price in this store. Stuff is marked up to account for the half price day. Just like any other store.

Monday - All Clothing, Luggage & Handbags

Tuesday - Home Décor, Baskets & Florals

Wednesday - Kitchenware, Crafts, Office/Party Supplies

Thursday - Clothing, Shoes & Accessories, Jewelry

Friday - Books, Music, Videos, Linens & Electrical

Saturday - Toys, Games, Kids Clothing and Collectibles

Sunday - Health & Beauty, Sporting Goods & Hardware

Special note on clothing - Every week they have two color tags that are 75% off. This tag changes on Monday. It follows a specific rotation schedule. If you shop here once a week for month, you'll know which tags are gonna come up on sale.

Also note that every week there is a different color tag that is 50% and that's across the board clothing, misc, anything with a colored tag.(except furniture)

If you see furniture you like but don't like the price. Ask if they can do better. If it's been sitting there long, they will come down on price. But if it's a new piece just going to the floor the most you may get is 10% off.

Brand new clothing items are priced at about half the regular retail price on the tag. Really , I've seen 34.99 shirts marked to 17.99 just because it's brand new with tag.

What shoppes like this need to realize ,that people come in looking for bargains and seeing something I can get in a department store for the same price is just not going to entice me to shop your clothing.

Their "Boutique items" are outrageously overpriced. And they never go 75% off , the most you will get is 50% on Mondays and Thursdays.But hey if you don't mind paying $30 for a designer shirt, then by all means, seek them out.

The associates in this store are really nice and seem to always be working. But are willing to take the time to answer your questions or provide help if you need it. Kudos to the employees because without them this store would not be a best bet for me.

In all fairness, this organization also has another store

1601 Clearwater/Largo Road
(the corner of Clearwater/Largo Road and Belleair Road)
Clearwater, FL 33756
(727) 587-6900

But it's too far for me to travel every week. Beside it's too cramped for my liking. This is one of those elbow to elbow type stores. If you're into that, then have at it.

9/9/2016 - update - I just revisited this store after a year and I've got to say it has been revamped by new managers. The prices have gone down dramatically. The store is way fuller than it has ever been and it is all good stuff, not the junk one usually sees in other stores. I found some hidden treasures to sell to support my thrift habit. Great job to that team of managers for turning that store around.

2622 Bayshore Blvd.
Dunedin, FL 34698
(727) 736-2527
Store Hours

Monday - Friday: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Saturday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Sundays: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

This place is in a shopping center and is huge. But it is in need of a through cleaning and reorganization.

I finally looked at the clothes on my third visit to the store and of the 20 piece I pulled out to look at, 3/4 of those had stains on them. I did manage to find 5 shirts that I liked that did not have stains and actually fit me. And the price was right. Short sleeve tops were $3 each regardless of who made them.

Their pricing on misc merchandise was way out of whack. They use a pricing gun and it looks at times like the person using it didn't know how to change the price. Because I saw a lot of $5 tickets in the same color.

Again this store could use major reorganization and straightening.

But if you don't mind sorting through all the crap you do find a treasure here and there.

they do have sales posted on the board and I'll have to go back and a couple times to find out what those are.

The one pro about this store. Is because it's a government run organization there is no sales tax.

Salvation Army Family Store

2225 US Highway 19 North
Holiday

Telephone: 727-937-7841

I just visited this store this week. I haven't been there in over a year and was thrilled to go back to it.

They have Seniors Day on Monday - Clothing & Misc 50%

On Wednesday - all clothing is on sale for everyone.

The pricing in this store is fantastic even better when you hit a 50% off day. It's no wonder every parking spot was taken on Monday when I was there. They don't hold stuff because it's going on sale that day. No they were putting stuff out that day.

I bought brand name tops that were mark $2.99 and with my seniors discount it was only 1.50 but at three dollars it was a steal , but for half off I got away with grand theft.

Housewares are placed on four way shelving units and it's very difficult to navigate in and around them with so many people in the store. Pricing was hit and miss.

I didn't even look at furniture.Because I never buy used furniture from a store I don't know.

This was a drive up the road for me but it was well worth it. I"m itching to go back and see what else I can find.

Best part about this store is that because it's a basically a church , it's not taxed.

In my experiences , when ever I've walked in a "thrift store" the first question I ask is

"Does this store benefit a charity?"

If the store is a true 501(c)3 run charity - you will get a 5 minute speech on yes it is and here's where all our profits go to.

If the store is one of those hiding behind the thrift store name to make a profit, they will be less forthcoming about the % of profit going back into the charity. I've run across those from time to time and I won't spend time on reviewing those kind for you.

Now there is a third kind and that is the thrift store that needs to make money but still wants to give something back. Those will tell you that a portion of there proceeds benefit a specific charity.

Last Chance in Palm Harbor

• 36500 Us Highway 19 N
• Palm Harbor, Florida 34684

Phone(727) 787-8100

HoursMon - Fri:9:00 am - 7:00 pm

Sat:9:00 am - 6:00 pm

Sun:10:00 am - 6:00 pm

This thrift store has to do with Veterans. It's a for profit but somehow the Veterans benefit.

The store has under gone some renovations and while they are really , really tightly spaced together, They are making do with every available nook and cranny to sell their wares.

The store is still kind dusty and dirty but it looks like it's getting better.

Pricing is good especially if you have one of their 50% off coupons. Which you can find in the Tampa paper twice a month and in the TBT paper every other time.

This place is really packed with bargains if you know what your looking for. Fortunately I do so I'll be back