When asking yourself about something to do near me in Ann Arbor with a group of friends or family, consider
The ShareHouse
Why The ShareHouse is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The ShareHouse is a unique and meaningful place focused on helping individuals through recovery and support. Established since the late 1970s, it offers a mission-driven program that emphasizes caring for those who seek sobriety or assistance with mental health and addiction challenges. This makes it an ideal venue for friends and loved ones to gather in a supportive atmosphere, whether for those in recovery or those providing encouragement. Many appreciate its emphasis on autonomy for staff and a caring environment, highlighting the personalized and attentive nature of its programs. The ShareHouse environment features busy, caring staff dedicated to client wellness, fostering a community where positive change is encouraged and supported. Flexibility and work-life balance reported by employees suggest an engaged team committed to the ShareHouse's goals. However, the work can be emotionally demanding, as the staff often deals with complex personal challenges. As a gathering place, its environment reflects compassion and patient-centered care, making it a meaningful spot to connect with friends or support someone on their healing journey. Overall, The ShareHouse stands out for its deep commitment to service, supportive culture, and role in providing a structured foundation for recovery and personal growth.
Here's what people think of The ShareHouse
As of recent, The ShareHouse holds a 3.5-star rating based on 481 reviews.
User reviews of The ShareHouse reflect a diverse range of experiences with a rating averaging around 3.5 stars based on over 480 reviews. Many positive reviews emphasize the caring nature of the staff and the genuine support offered to residents and clients. Former program participants and volunteers note the transformative impact of the services provided, describing the environment as rewarding and the staff as truly invested in clients' recovery journeys. The leadership, with clinical expertise, and a flexible work culture are frequently praised, alongside benefits and competitive wages for employees. Conversely, some negative reviews point out challenges such as low pay relative to the responsibility, occasional poor communication between shifts, and workplace atmosphere issues including favoritism and periods of high stress dealing with complex mental health problems. Additionally, some clients mentioned difficulties related to insurance acceptance. Overall, the reviews suggest The ShareHouse is effective and valued by many but faces internal challenges that affect employee morale and operational consistency. The consensus is that The ShareHouse remains a vital and caring organization with meaningful impact, especially for those committed to recovery, despite some organizational obstacles.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Amanda Skapnit
I’ve been in here a few times. Tons of items, as many other reviewers have noted, no prices. When I was there on 4/4 there was a line of customers and it seemed like every single one was shocked by the prices the woman at the counter was quoting. Fake leather jackets for $30. Shirts for $20. I saw someone walk away saying “they’ll take you for every penny you got”. I had a strange encounter with the woman at the register when it was my turn concerning a basket. She priced it at $10 and I said “oh that’s fine I don’t need it for $10” and then she tried to force me to buy it for $8. I said “if you can sell that damaged basket for $8 who am I to stand in your way, I was thinking less than $5. I am not absolutely set on it I was going to use it for an art project” And she became really snippy with me, snatching the basket out of my hands. I am an artist who works with found items. My budget is not the same as everyone else’s. If that basket sells for $10 power to you, but making me feel bad for asking the price on an item… not very nice. Price things if you’re going to be rude about people having a low budget. It is, after all, a thrift store.
Sierra S.
This is such a huge thrift store!! The tall man outside was friendly and helpful and sold me a bin for a good deal. They have a sweet black cat walking around in the store. Bad thing is that they don't have prices on any of the items.
Michelle Schneider
This place is literally the worst thrift store I've ever visited. Today we went in as a group of girls to go shopping. As we were standing in line, a nice man in front of us was waiting for his turn, the woman at the cash register was so rude to him, apparently she did not see him waiting his turn in line all that time, very patiently mind you, because the line was a bit long. She basically accused this man of cutting in line, we told her that he was there first and she was still flat out loud and just plain nasty to him! Everybody in line noticed it, to the point where we all felt like we should just walk out. She got mad that she had to price his items that do not have prices on them and was literally tossing his stuff around. I hate to pull the race card on anything, but I can't help but wonder if she was like this to him because he was a man of color, a 'large black man' as stated by himself when he questioned her on how she did not see him in line. I cannot for the life of me figure out why you would treat a customer who is standing there with merchandise in his hand in such a way, other than his race! This place is already overpriced, most things don't even have a price tag on it and the woman that was working the counter has been more than rude in the past. Not sure how this business is staying afloat and I know that personally I will not be returning and neither will my two girls. This was really appalling behavior on her part to be perfectly honest.
Richard Crawford
Dont listen to the bad reviews. This place is awesome, I just bought a very good silverware set and a set of high quality plates for like 20-25 dollars total. The prices aren't marked on most things, but the prices are typically so good that you don't need to worry about it. It's a little cold inside, but wear a sweater or a coat. This is a great place if your just getting started and want to get some basic stuff for a new home.
Jasmine Simms
My husband and I were so happy to have found this hidden gem, so bummed out that the reviews aren’t higher than what they are. We went two times in the same week, and scored the most amazing finds. We were pleasantly surprised to see a lot of new things added in/ a lot of things sold within just a couple of days timeframe. Both gentlemen in the basement were so kind and offered extremely reasonable prices. We encountered very kind workers, one in which explained how it all works, both women who worked the counter offered very reasonable prices that we didn’t even negotiate. Such an incredibly fun treasure hunt!!
How to reach The ShareHouse
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Website: None
Why The ShareHouse may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Rallying at The ShareHouse with your friends offers a unique blend of camaraderie, discovery, and value. This thrift shop located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, serves as more than just a place to browse secondhand goods—it’s an experience that brings people together through the thrill of unexpected finds and the joy of sharing memories while exploring. Whether you're looking for vintage treasures, budget-friendly items, or simply a change of scene to catch up with your favorite people, The ShareHouse offers an inviting atmosphere where the hunt feels like a group adventure. The unpredictability of what you might uncover fuels lively discussions and shared stories, making the outing about much more than just shopping; it becomes an event that strengthens bonds. Plus, the reasonable prices make it easier for everyone to participate, encouraging groups to linger and enjoy the experience together without feeling rushed or pressured.
What activities can you expect at The ShareHouse that make it a top spot for group meetups? The core activity is, of course, thrifting—searching through racks of clothing, shelves of household items, and bins filled with curiosities that spark curiosity and conversation alike. Each visit offers a new range of items since inventory constantly changes, perfect for repeat visits with friends who appreciate the thrill of the find. Beyond shopping, the atmosphere encourages interaction—whether you’re giving advice on what to buy, sharing stories about past experiences with similar items, or challenging each other to find the quirkiest object. Many visitors appreciate the staff’s friendliness, who maintain a welcoming environment even when things get busy. The ShareHouse also frequently hosts special sales or events, providing a further reason to plan a group outing around these occasions. These events often add a festive feel that is perfect for socializing and making new memories with friends and family.
Why is The ShareHouse particularly ideal for group gatherings? First, the space itself encourages relaxed exploration rather than a hurried retail experience, creating a social atmosphere rather than just a transactional one. The setting is informal and laid-back, eliminating pressure and making it easy for groups to spread out and explore at their own pace. This flexibility suits groups that may have diverse interests or differing shopping styles, from those who want to dig deep into bargain bins to those casually browsing. Additionally, the pricing structure is favorable for groups since nearly everything is affordable, allowing everyone to pick up something special without breaking the bank. This inclusivity makes it easy for friends or family members of varying budgets to fully participate in the fun without awkwardness.
How does the environment at The ShareHouse support a positive group experience? The staff at The ShareHouse are known for being helpful and approachable, creating a friendly backdrop to the shopping adventure. Even with the constraints that sometimes come with running a thrift shop, such as limited staffing or an ever-changing inventory, the team focuses on making visitors feel welcomed and supported. Customers often mention the safe and comfortable environment, which is ideal for groups wanting to spend a few hours chatting and browsing without concern. While the shop can get busy, it never loses that community feel, which encourages interaction not only within the group but also with other shoppers. This shared environment can spark spontaneous conversations and connections that enrich the outing.
What other aspects make The ShareHouse a special destination for group meetups? Besides the core thrift shopping, the element of surprise in what you’ll find each visit keeps every group trip fresh and exciting. Friends can bond by sharing their finds, offering styling tips, or discussing the histories and possibilities behind unique items. For families, it’s a chance to teach kids about recycling and reusing while engaging them in a hands-on activity. The variety of items available also means there is something for everyone, regardless of age or interest. Plus, the shop’s location in Ann Arbor is accessible and can be combined with nearby cafes or parks for an extended day of socializing, making The ShareHouse an anchor point for a full-fledged day out with friends or relatives who want more than just a typical meal or movie meet-up.
Overall, The ShareHouse is a fantastic choice for those looking to rally with friends because it’s affordable, interactive, and full of surprises. Its unique combination of eclectic merchandise, a welcoming environment, and a community-oriented spirit makes every visit feel like a mini adventure worth sharing. Whether you’re a seasoned thrifter or someone looking for a fun, relaxed way to reconnect with your social circle, The ShareHouse provides a setting that promotes connection, discovery, and lasting memories. As a gathering spot, it stands out as a venue where entertainment and meaningful time spent with others come together seamlessly.