The Salvation Army Family Store & Donation Center

Category:	Thrift Store
Address:	7000 Grand River Ave, Brighton, MI 48114, USA
Phone:	+1 810-534-5060
Site:	semichigan.satruck.org
Rating:	3.7
Working:	9AM–9PM 9AM–9PM 9AM–9PM 9AM–9PM 9AM–10PM 9AM–10PM Closed

Location

Photos 33

Reviews 7

A Private User

Location Blight. The Salvation Army moved here from its warehouse designed location a mile up the road to this new construction commercial property. Within a few years, lack of planning and management have already began its toll on what would have been a profitable property. Located on the commercial easement of Grand River Avenue the once new strip mall start with ambitions of creating a profitable addition to the area. Due to what many consider a recession, it is assumed the owner had no choice but to accept a lease from the Salvation Army. Tax write-offs and other incentives included. Additionally, The Salvation Army only takes up 3/4 of the entire building. The remaining quarter was once used by "Last Chance Rescue", a local non-profit slinging unwanted animals. Reason and result of the adjacent lessee was nothing unexpected. As of late 2011 the remaining quarter has been under renovation, quite professionally. Over 3 months to date, the partially finished space has 24/7 well lit scaffolding and empty space. An Unfortunate coincidental neighbor is hardly evidence of such a harsh term as "blight", right? Now consider the additional damage to the surrounding area and populace. The "thrifty deals" offered by Salvation Army effectively, in our current economic downfall, result in a large amount of business. So large, in fact, the designed parking lot to overflow onto the side-street. Unfortunately this side-street is also traveled daily by residents from over 40 households. The "side-street" of Hubert Rd. was designed to be a connector for residential traffic, and it was upgraded from a country road to to a paved residential road because of the development of 3 subdivisions. This once used to be an entrance to a somewhat secluded and safe suburban community. The additional traffic is barely enough reason to consider this location a blight. Blighted - To have a deleterious effect on; ruin. The above listed transgressions have been a basis for what would be considered the epoch of Salvation Armys blight on this location. Thanksgiving 2011: reported armed robbery. March 5th, 2012: masked man robs Salvation Army at gunpoint. It is of unfortunately foreseeable that that crime can be connected with a "business" who is primarily listed as an "Adult Rehabilitation Center". Consider the large concentration of court ordered employees and a good deal of cash transaction. Just outside of a few subdivisions. The Salvation Army does a great service to a lot of areas, but this storefront only harms. This location was chosen without consideration of the local welfare. Ill drive to the many other stores that are located in areas suited for such an established. Where else can you get a moderately used suit for >$40. And personally: I completely sympathize with the necessity of a township meeting over other complaints directed towards this Salvation Army Location. I can take the wife complaining about the so-n-so cutting her off when leaving this store, as much as I can take the so-n-so eventually turning left while blocking the right-turn lane. I can barely take the creative use of washable paint on the windows(sanctioned graffiti) and multitude of poster-board signs. I CANNOT STAND CRIME IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD. When your neighbor calls you asking why the police are shining lights into your backyard. Bad location. Boycott.

Kathy C.

I have been going here weekly for years. I buy certain items to donate to charity. In the past few months, their prices have almost doubled. They have weekly "specials". for certain colored tags; colors change every Monday. Good luck finding items with that color tag, even on Monday. I went today (Monday) a half hour after they opened. There were 2 (TWO) items with the sale color in the department in which I was shopping. When I complained to the worker in that area, she snottily said "they were all bought already". Highly doubtful as the store was quite empty. The cashier, whom I spoke to also, who is familiar with me and my buying habits, just shrugged her shoulders as well, non interested. They used to be packed, so packed that people would be annoyed. No worries now... The store is now always noticably not as crowded, and many people have also made the comment how high their prices have become. It is showing in the amount of people who shop there now. I am disappointed in what they have become. Greedy and unappreciative of customers. The personnel have poor attitudes as well. Sad.

A Private User

Plenty of organized expensive rags. Much of the mens clothing is beyond obviously used and ridiculously priced. I did find a pare of slacks that where so new they still had the tags on them, Priced $2.00 more than the original wal-mart price tag. Wireless guitar hero controllers missing the the revivers and beaten to frell priced $5.00 more than complete reasonably looking controllers at game stop. Could they be reasoned with on any items and reduce the price? NO. "Once the price is set it is non negotiable." If you look hard enough you may.... may find a good deal but even when you are on a budget as tight as mine (I barrow net access and dont own a TV) time is money, and wasting hours to save a dollar when I can to to Ann Arbor and get the same stuff 25%+ cheaper (at non salvation army thrift stores) doesnt make sense or save dollars.

Aaron Hirschman

Went in for some work shirts. Nothing fancy, just a basic t-shirt or whatever. OMG!! $6.99 for the basic shirt cost. Blue jeans were $8-$12. The "nick-nack" stuff is super over priced! A basic stove top pot averages $9-$14. Really?? A throw blanket, whatever its called was $9.99! Sure there are some things that are around $3. Found a scratched up picture I thought would be cool for my kitchen. $7.99. The corners were badly scuffed with scratches on it. I cant believe the prices at this place. It used to be an o.k. priced place. But its all about the money, money, money now! Salvation army? More like Salvation Armani. I wont be going back any time soon!

A Private User

I just dropped off a number of boxes and bags filled with clothes, shoes, household items and toys. The full-sized van was packed! The guys who helped me unload were SUPER helpful, had great attitudes, and were working VERY fast! They have a very quick and easy way of getting donations dropped off and receipts handed out for tax purposes. The ONE little negative....bigger signs pointing to the donation area....I did see one on the door, but would have appreciated a more substantial sign leading me to the gracious gentlemen ready to help! Thanks!

pop tart

worst place ever not even at fair prices and the way the management treats their employees is horrible, i have never work there and wish no one to and feel sorry for the people who do. your a manager of a thrift store stop acting as if you some how important and your selling diamonds. and for people who have to work for manager Ashley i wish you the best to find another job. people please if you want to really save money hen use the little extra gas find a salvation army down river where their prices are 3/4 cheaper than Brightons

Sarah Naggie

would rate zero if possible. WAY TO EXPENSIVE. Youre items are DONATED stop trying to charge more than retail stores. Its absolutely ridiculous. Spent a long time there when they do 5 for $5 tag deals. Guy up front said "these tags have been tampered with. i have to re price." they more than triped the price of the original tag. oh..my.....god. Left everything up front and left. SCREW THAT. I dont want your smelly used clothing for $15.