Thrifters Paradise - Hiawassee (GA)

1 /5 Rhi Clay: Last night at the store, a man who was clearly intoxicated was helping customers. I asked him for help, not realizing he was very drunk. He stumbled over to me, but then a younger woman with blonde hair who works there took him away. This same woman apologized to me, but her approach was a bit aggressive, and she kept apologizing to the point where I had to walk away just to end the conversation so I could shop in peace. After the unpleasant experience with the drunk man, I felt uncomfortable, but I stayed because I needed to buy a few items. Things got worse. The same woman who had apologized for the drunk man made a joke about being a criminal and was acting very erratically, almost yelling at one point, which made me question if she was serious. It wasnt just her comment; her whole attitude was rude, aggressive, and frankly strange. The back of the store, where you can find books and other items, smelled strongly of smoke. The overall vibe was trashy, to put it mildly, and unfriendly. It was also uncomfortable to overhear the argument between the drunk man and his partner about how she doesnt spend enough time with him. The people working at this thrift store behave as if it’s their own home, airing out all their personal issues. I was charged $1 for a stand that was supposed to come with my purchase, and I was told it was for display, which I dont believe. This place clearly doesnt respect customers boundaries and can be very rude if you just want to shop quietly. I dont owe the staff any obligation to talk or interact more than Im comfortable with. However, the younger woman seemed to have an issue with me, especially when I chose not to engage with her. Even when I was her age, I knew better than to act so disrespectfully towards others. The only good experience I had with the staff, or should I say volunteers, was with the cashier. Although she slightly overcharged me, she was polite and respectful, which is a refreshing change for this place. This isnt the first time Ive shopped here and faced poor and unfriendly service, leaving me shaking my head. I wont return, and my advice is to STAY AWAY from this place!

5 /5 Mountain Mama: I had a good experience! We went for the first time last week and I had fun rummaging through some costume jewelry. Ended up buying a hanging closet jewelry organizer and a quirky piece of art, plus some jewelry. The young lady behind the counter was very sweet and the gentleman working there...I liked that he was showing her pricing and how to do things. He was helpful and Ill definitely return. Theres a mannequin in there I meant to purchase, hopefully its still there. Theres a lot to look through, you just need to take your time.

2 /5 jorja evans: This thrift store is so packed with stuff. Only reason why is because the owner wants to hold onto it all. No prices on 75% of the store. She may have price tags listed on a paper hanging up but changes the price once you get to the counter. Ive tried shopping here twice now and both times was a bad experience. It would be a great store if she would lower prices or even stick to the price on the listed price sheet. I called her out on it saying thats not whats listed on the paper you have hanging up. Then she gave me some excuse why its different and then says well I only charged you a dollar for this item (which was a paper journal listed for 50 cents on her price list.) Anyways I dont mind digging through stuff thats not an issue what is an issue is not sticking to a price or even putting any prices on stuff so she can come up with a price at the counter. I wont be back and I dont recommend this thrift store.

1 /5 Tara Guffey: STAY AWAY! This place is absolutely absurd! Nothing was priced and I made the mistake of not asking for prices as the scattered owner rang stuff up in her head. When she told me my total I nearly died! When I asked for prices that were being charged I was appalled. This lady really tried charging me $10 for a used, broken Nerf gun that didn’t even have all of the pieces or bullets. I was so flustered and with a line forming behind me I just paid for the few items I had and went on but I will NEVER step foot in this place again. I paid $50 for 6 things: two glass ornaments(which were honestly the only well priced items at $10 each for hand blown glass ornaments), two toys, one pair of men’s shorts, and a small wall hanger for towels/clothes. I wish I would’ve had time to go in and return the items after composing myself in my vehicle but I doubt they would’ve accepted returns anyways. The place was packed with so much stuff you could barely even move. Nothing was organized. Piles of stuff here & there. Just truly an awful experience.

5 /5 Christopher Talbot: We go here every time we visit Hiawassee. We always find something cool and the kids are starting to learn the art of the haggle. Weve found clothes, bags, board games, stuffed animals, rings, and toys. Were not local so we havent purchased any furniture but we always see stuff we like. Its an amazing store to have good clean fun.