Unique Thrift Store in Falls Church, Virginia - Bigger is Better
Let me reiterate: the place is massive. With more than 32 aisles, Unique has just about everything you could imagine, including many brand new items. The staff is large and they are constantly stocking their shelves. Unique employs a number of South and Central American employees, which means that communication is not exactly easy, unless you happen to be fluent in Spanish. That usually doesn't prove too problematic though since each aisle is labeled in both English and Spanish and items are generally pretty easy to find. The price is clearly stated on a tag, there are no special colored sales tags to confuse the shopper. Instead, Unique saves its sales for Mondays. In fact, every Monday the entire store is 25% off. They tout this as a customer appreciation day. As you can imagine, this is also the most popular day. Except for holidays, when each item jumps to 50% off. At those times, the massive parking lot is overflowing.
In case the thought of shopping at a thrift store freaks you out, I'm going to let you in on a little secret: people are wasteful. While it is an unfortunate reality that many Americans often purchase more than they can or will wear, it's a total bonus for you, the savvy shopper. In fact, you would be amazed at some of the things that people will get rid of, simply because they are too fat, too skinny or just ill-equipped to make the necessary repairs. Once, I found a brand new Betsey Johnson mini skirt at Unique, priced at $2.99 (retail $148). The only catch was that someone had improperly hung it, stretching the material slightly. Luckily, the previous owner hadn't realized that by soaking the skirt, it would regain its original shape.
Another time, I found a Prada skirt for $2.29. It had a small "woman" stain on the back. Luckily, it was nothing a little hydrogen peroxide couldn't remove.
For you moms out there, you have surely heard of Robeez. Unique had a brand new pair of these crib shoes for $2.49. I'm guessing you also know about Maclaren strollers. Unique had two models: a Quest for $29.99 and a Volo for $9.99
Another time, Unique had an Oscar de la Renta long winter coat. A hound's tooth print, with leather lining and buttons, in fantastic condition ... it was an incredible find at $9.99
Beyond that, I have found a number of pairs of great jeans, from Lucky's, to Levi's, to Sevens.
For a lot of people, the thought of shopping at a thrift store seems unappealing. Granted, some can be pretty filthy, disorganized and all around dreary. Unique is not. In fact, their quite clean and organized. Unique's only flaw is that they do not have dressing rooms. Whether you need to clothe yourself or your baby, or you just need some things for around the house, Unique thrift store likely has what you need, WANT and can afford.
Published by Nik Minor
Nik is a freelance writer, editor, law student, and small business owner. View profile
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22 Comments
Post a CommentI donate there quite a bit. Monday I went into the store and asked for the manager. I brought a .95 item (cassette tapes) and there were only 2 in a box, not 4. told him that their employees should be more careful and just throw away cassettes if there were incomplete when donated. I was very disappointed in the way he treated me. I will never donate there anymore. Usually I donate at least twice a month. Last time I brought in 2 laptops and 5 computers (good condition but old). He should have apologized for the item and offered me another in replacement. But no, WE HAVE A POLICY - NO RETURNS. I was just telling him that it should change the policy and do a bit more training. He told me he was the manager and when I asked for his last name, would not give it to me. told me i could complain to I AM UNIQUE on the internet. He also told me he was in charge of everything - that he had no supervisor. His first name is Kenneth as I asked one of the women working there. Polite
Love the Falls Church Unique Thrift Store. It is my Favorite one. I wished I lived closer as I drive from Silver Spring to shop at this location. Great prices and unique items.
You certainly were brave with that Prada skirt, lol. Can't hate you for it though.
I have found great things at the store, you can find a lot of name brands items.
Regarding the staff at the store let me tell you that the girls on the floor and the cash register are very nice and polite.
But the 2 male managers on the floor needs to have better customer service education and tecniques, they treat customers very bad, their atittute is downgrating people and just for buying at their THRIFT Store.
They think that all customers that come through their store are not educated people!
They are not better than the customers or the workers!! With their attitute the the store is loosing a lot.
I wish I cound find someone in upper managemt at the store to talk to.
UNIQUE is a dirty HELL hole. Dirty Mexicans just steal from their all day.
I enjoy Unique very much. I use to shop at Bloomingdales, Macy's, Hechts, Norstroms and other high-end stores. "No more do I waste money chasing labels. You can almost find anything at Unique. Who really cares where we get our clothes from.
I love thrift stores. I'll check this one out this weekend...
OMG!!! I LOVE UNIQUE. I buy everything there....
This is the best thrift shop I have ever been to. It's everything! I love the home decor & furniture section. I have found some antique stuff and was so amazed how little it cost. You can really find lots of good deals. Just remember sales are fina and that it's fully packed on weekends. Overall, I love it!!!!!
This is the best thrift shop I have ever been to. It's everything! I love the home decor & furniture section. I have found some antique stuff and was so amazed how little it cost. You can really find lots of good deals. Just remember sales are fina and that it's fully packed on weekends. Overall, I love it.