KARM Stores

Category:	Thrift Store
Address:	731 US-321, Lenoir City, TN 37771, USA
Phone:	+1 865-521-0770
Site:	karmstores.com
Rating:	3.8
Working:	9AM–7PM 9AM–7PM 9AM–7PM 9AM–7PM 9AM–7PM 9AM–7PM Closed

Location

Photos 36

Reviews 26

Edward Nigma

I used to work for this location in Lenoir City at one point. Obviously under another name, but still. I just wanted to give an idea of what goes on within the inside of KARM Stores. I can tell you that they do not care at all about the customers or people that come in to shop there. The only people they care about is themselves, regardless of what they advertise their stores as. They are extremely picky when it comes to donations. Half the things that come in, we didnt even keep. We threw them away in the dumpster. The reason I say they dont care about the customer, however, is because of two reasons that I think is wrong: 1) One time, a woman came to the store to drop off some things and there was an old desk sitting over by the dumpster that was to be carted off whenever the trash man came to get it. "It wasnt fit to put in the store" is what the Manager stated. Anyway, this woman asked if she could have the desk since it was just going to be thrown away anyway. Its not like they were trying to get any money out of it. The Manager proceeded to tell her no...but that there were a few desks inside the store that she could BUY. I know KARM is a business and all businesses have to have profit, but this was an old desk that wasnt going to be sold anyway, in fact its probably sitting in a landfill somewhere under tons of garbage. There would have been absolutely NOTHING wrong with letting this woman have that desk. They say they care about the customer and people, but when it comes to showing it, they really dont. 2) They wont give people free stuff if they have a natural disaster. If you walk into a Goodwill or a Habitat for Humanity store and say that your house burned down, or you just got out of a domestic violence relationship and need furniture, dishes, clothes for your new house and life, those places will just let you go through the store and grab what you need. Often times, they will even go around and pick stuff out for you to have. You may have to prove that your story is true, but they will help you if you need it. With KARM, if you go in telling them that your house burned down, they will SEND YOU AWAY and tell you to go down to the central office and fill out a form. IF you are lucky to get that form approved, they will give you little coupons with a dollar amount on it that you can take into any KARM Store and trade for any merchandise. Whatever the sticker price is on that item, it will be subtracted from the amount on the coupon. If they give you $500 in coupons and you want a couch for...lets just say...$300, you basically have $200 left over to buy dishes, clothes, and whatever else you need. If you go over that, or run out of money, you run out of luck. They wont just give you stuff for free. I saw a new employee in the back get lectured for days for giving a customer a free coat because it was cold and the person coming in had a windbreaker on. I have ABSOLUTELY NO respect for KARM and what their mission is, no matter what they say. They say they are doing it to help with the people in the Homeless Shelter in downtown Knoxville, and that they are a Christian organization. Christian Organization, my foot! Proverbs 19:17: "Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed." What does that say about a "Christian Organization" that wont even give a cold person a coat when there are many more in boxes back in the Warehouse. Or a desk. Dont trust KARM or the mission that they stand for. They may preach a good sermon, but at the end of the day, actions speak louder than words. Selfish prices, zero interest in helping the less fortunate is what KARM is all about. Somebody had to say it. Im just glad it was me.

W Davis

Rude sales staff. When asked if they have maternity clothes, I was pointed to the pajama rack and was told, "we dont have a section for those types of clothes but you can look here". Will not be back and will tell my friends.

Kimberly Campbell

New Karim management is pushing the prices way too high. I think they need to remember that they are relying on the kindness of the community. Even though we donate a lot, we still enjoy the treasure find at a low price.

Angela Beck

Great place to drop off your slightly used stuff once you are finished w/ them and great place to find some really nice bargains all for a great cause in helping people in the community that are less fortunate.

Laurie

prices are to high. i understand its for a hood cause but when i can go get stuff new for the same price or cheaper at Ross or tj max Wal-Mart then i feel theres issues. shouldnt price gouge on used stuff.

Terel Hutto

Great place here they have a great selection of things to browse at and there prices are pretty low

Lynette Miller

Very nice used clothing, a little more expensive, but worth every penny. Great book corner

Cheryl McCuistion

Clean, organized and polite employees. Thank you Karm Thrift Store for all you do.

Nick Jordan

Really nice people, and some great finds. They can be a little on the pricey side.

jay patterson

Well very overpriced for used clothing considering it all donations.

J Redmond

Nice Karm store