The Ark Thrift Shop

Category:	Thrift Store
Address:	1302 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622, USA
Phone:	+1 773-862-5011
Site:	arkchicago.org
Rating:	3.8
Working:	10AM–6PM 10AM–6PM 10AM–6PM 10AM–6PM 10AM–5PM Closed 10AM–5PM

Location

Photos 14

Reviews 27

Diana Grossman

This had to have been the worst shopping experience of my lifetime. I was threatened by a homeless woman after my shopping experience was over which by the way was horrible. First of all the woman behind the counter thought I was crazy because she considered me to be "under dressed" since I wore heavy knit leggings, boots and a winter coat. No I think I am fine Lady-- I am born in this city so I can handle our brutal winters. I head downstairs to find some old luggage which was in scuffed up condition and two old bins that had mismatched lids. I also found an old medicine chest with one broken shelf inside but I thought it was cute so I agreed to her price of $15. She overcharged me on the two scuffed up mismatched pair of cheap luggage so I paid $40 for everything and called a cab service to pick me up. Sadly the cab never came so they made me feel guilty about it and hinted to step outside in the sub zero weather. This weird and perverted Asian man who was a customer took this statue of two people naked to me and he actually would not leave me alone. He made reasons to go out of his way to harass me with his paintings and would not stop touching my arm so I asked him upon his third time of harassment to leave me alone. The managers, a real grouchy older woman and a grouchy older man with white hair and glasses thought I was crazy for wanting to defend myself. I am so sorry I came here to shop this is a first and a never again experience. When I bent down to tie my boots this creepy older homeless lady yelled behind me and said she could see my "booty". Okay I said why are you here staring at me like that are you perhaps a lesbian? Do you mind going away and leaving me alone? She went around the counter top, grabbed an ashtray and held it high above her head threatening me with it while these two stupid and ignorant managers watched. They rewarded her with a huge huge discount for her purchases and encouraged me to wait outside in the cold. In other words the two managers are inept and unobservant because during these two instances of obvious harassment not once would they intervene in my defense. I myself am Jewish ...I was born and raised in Chicago and I can assure you for the two hideous pieces of donated luggage and two ugly bins and broken medicine chest I feel very ripped off and angry about the treatment I received here today.. I was well dressed so maybe they thought I was rich. NO I am not rich and charging me fairly would have been the right thing to do but they treated me like garbage and I will never step forth in this thrift shop again. If you do shop here I advise you to bring a friend or a can of mace. Be prepared because the store itself is very disorganized and filthy. Make sure to clean everything you buy from this place too because I am assuming nothing ever gets cleaned in this store.

A Private User

Got some furniture here cause I was desperate. Quickly got tired of eating on the floor and bought a kitchen table and chairs here. The furniture was nice looking and didnt smell, so I didnt think twice about buying it. Two weeks later, one of the chairs is broken, and others look to be on their way. Triple check items before buying anything from here, a lot of it comes from donators basements and isnt inspected before it hits the sales floor, so that part of the sale is up to the customer. Be wary, but there are definitely some finds to be found at the Ark.

pernita spears

I think this store is great it has so much to offer to the crafty and creative spirit. I love the staff they are so helpful and willing to answer any question that you have to ask in order to ensure you with the best service and quality of items and customer service as well. I will definitely coming back to this magnificent store. It has so much to offer at an affordable rate and price.

Emily Zukowski

Tried to get him to lower a used no price tag lamp shade. When I question the price because it was used the owner grabbed it from my hands and told me to leave? The store is mostly overpriced crap. These were items that were donated, where does this money actually go?

David Phelps

Really reasonable prices with wide selection. Not super organized and a little chaotic, but to be expected from thrift shop. we found this great chest for $14!!

Clemens Wetzel

Great store! All profits go to charity! Used to work in a charity in this area and this store was really good and all our clients where well respected there.

Vince Lemetti

Loved it ad much as one could love a thrift store. The only downside is its location. I can never find a slow time to navigate a non-skuttle trip there...

Brrths Bathey

This is a gteat place to shop found lrg cabinet for a very reasonable price people working there are so friendly great place to find treasures

Manuel Colón

The one thing I took away from shopping here was that its a good place for glass and dishware, and larger items. But, not really impressed.

Steve Dani

Found the perfect antique dresser at a very fair price. Staff was very helpful in wrapping it and loading it into our car.

Paul Mcdowell

Nicest people you could ever meet and theres always something interesting to find...they truly deserve more then 5 Stars

Tomer Yogev

Thank GOD for the Ark without whom I know a LOT of people would have had a VERY rough run of it. Thanks for all you do!

Edward Cabral

Used to be a great spot, but prices on last visit were essentially the same as buying the goods retail if not more.