When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
Village Discount Outlet
Why Village Discount Outlet is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Village Discount Outlet is a well-established discount store operating four large locations throughout Ohio, each averaging over 20,000 square feet. Founded in 1980, it primarily offers a wide assortment of used merchandise, making it an excellent place for friends and families to meet up and explore together. Shoppers can find an extensive variety of items including clothing, shoes, linens, housewares, home décor, accessories, purses, small appliances, jewelry, pet products, books, and other miscellaneous goods. A unique aspect that enhances the shopping experience here is the store's commitment to sourcing its inventory from charitable organizations such as Amvets of Ohio and the National Juvenile Diabetes foundation. This not only supports various causes but also ensures a constantly changing stock, adding an element of surprise and discovery to every visit. Additionally, the company is veteran-friendly and environmentally conscious, emphasizing community values. Prices are set according to the style and condition of items, making the outlet an affordable yet diverse treasury of goods. While the outlet does not offer refunds or exchanges and encourages customers to carefully inspect merchandise, it remains a favorite spot for bargain hunters and thrift shoppers looking to meet, browse, and find unique deals.
Here's what people think of Village Discount Outlet
As of recent, Village Discount Outlet holds a 3.8-star rating based on 403 reviews.
Customer reviews for Village Discount Outlet reflect a mixed but generally positive perspective, with a cumulative rating around 3.8 out of 5 from over 400 reviews. Many patrons appreciate the breadth of merchandise available and the thrill of thrift shopping where rare or valuable items can be uncovered. Positive reviews often highlight the store's friendly staff, the variety of products, and the affordability compared to buying new, which appeals strongly to budget-conscious shoppers and those who enjoy bargain hunting. The fact that the stores receive merchandise from charitable organizations resonates well with customers who value socially responsible shopping. However, some negative feedback centers on issues such as pricing perceived as too high for used goods in certain locations, a lack of refunds or exchanges, and occasional concerns regarding merchandise condition or safety. Additionally, some customers note inconsistencies between the stores, including how well the inventory is managed or how helpful the staff can be. In summary, while there are areas for improvement, particularly concerning pricing transparency and product quality checks, Village Discount Outlet remains a viable and popular spot for shoppers seeking diverse used merchandise in Ohio's discount retail landscape.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Dave Bleitner
Don't park in the lot, they will fine you $170 even if you are going into the store. I walked towards the Village Discount Outlet sign, and by the time I realized I went the wrong way (2-3 minutes) and turned around, my car already had a boot on it. I showed the trainee parking officer texts that said I was going thrifting from a few minutes earlier minutes earlier, but he said he wasn't familiar with the term thrifting even though he works in a thrift store parking lot. I told the cashier I got booted and was upset and he laughed, so I assume this happens all the time.
Graham
This village discount used to be my absolute favorite. I used to find so many well priced deals. I’m not sure if they got new ownership, but the prices are outrageous. Dirty T-shirts with stains for 8.99, everything is so expensive. I found shoes full of dog crap for 18.99. I understand times are tough, but considering these are all donations, prices need to be more fair and need to reflect used merchandise.
Stacy A
There’s a lot to browse! If you’re looking for a certain color of clothing, you will find it. Be patient and you might be rewarded.
Courtney Burrows
Overall disappointed Pros +tons of stuff! +some good brands, new with tag items +prices seemed fair Cons - no fitting room (this was a major issue for me wanting to buy jeans) - not organized by size so you have to look though so much - bottom level not accessible (went in with a stroller and couldn't go down there) - I couldn't even fit my standard single stroller in the checkout lane... -A worker thought about helping me when I was searching for fitting rooms, but then replied she didn't speak English and walked away
It's Me
The place has a lot of nice items but they are very greedy and their prices are ridiculous for used pair of pants they want $40 for a used T-shirt they wanted $12.99 and a dress was actually priced at $80. Nothing that's worth that much and all the stuff is donated so they're greedy and the prices are outrageous. There was a brand new two-piece baby outfit that they had put a price of $12.99 but the original tag was $10.99 marked down to $7.50 down to $3.50 by the store that originally sold it. Enterprise news 1299 are you kidding me buying itbrand new is cheaper
How to reach Village Discount Outlet
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Why Village Discount Outlet may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Village Discount Outlet with your friends? Village Discount Outlet offers a unique and exciting destination for friends and families looking to spend quality time together while exploring a vast selection of second-hand treasures. With over 30,000 new items arriving each week at multiple locations throughout Chicago and Indiana, this thrift store is not just a place to shop but an adventure waiting to happen. Whether you and your group are bargain hunters, vintage lovers, or simply eager to hunt for one-of-a-kind finds, the store’s constantly changing inventory ensures there’s always something new and exciting to discover. Importantly, Village Discount Outlet has a welcoming atmosphere where you can bond over shared discoveries and savvy finds, making it perfect for social meetups. Plus, the affordable prices enable everyone in your group to find something special without breaking the bank. Coming together here turns shopping into a memorable group activity full of surprises and fun interactions.
What activities can we do at Village Discount Outlet during a group visit? When you gather with friends or family at Village Discount Outlet, the primary activity is thrifting—exploring rows of clothing, accessories, footwear, jewelry, and home goods sorted neatly by category, color, and brand. This organizational system makes it easy and enjoyable for groups to split up and hunt for their favorite items or collaborate on finding treasures together. You can create friendly competitions like seeing who finds the best vintage jacket or the most unique home décor item. Additionally, Village Discount Outlet’s new daily arrivals mean repeat visits with friends can keep the excitement alive as each trip offers fresh surprises. For those who appreciate sustainability, thrifting here is also an environmentally conscious activity that encourages reuse and reduces waste. Beyond shopping, groups can share style tips, try on outfits in-store (at select locations with fitting rooms), and even participate in sharing their favorite finds on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, where the store has active communities.
Why is Village Discount Outlet perfect for group meetups? There are many reasons why Village Discount Outlet serves as an ideal place to bring a group for a fun and productive outing. Firstly, the store’s generous operating hours, typically from 9 AM to 9 PM Monday through Saturday and slightly shorter hours on Sundays, provide flexibility to fit a meetup into almost any schedule. The welcoming environment encourages group browsing with wide aisles and plenty of space to roam without feeling cramped. Since new inventory arrives daily, each group visit offers a fresh experience, ensuring no two visits feel repetitive. Moreover, the store’s price points are very reasonable, appealing to all budgets and making it stress-free to shop together. The thrill of uncovering hidden gems creates a natural bonding experience, while the friendly staff are always available to assist, making the whole outing enjoyable and convenient. For groups that enjoy supporting local communities, shopping at Village Discount Outlet also helps promote sustainable consumption patterns.
What should groups expect to find in the Village Discount Outlet inventory? Village Discount Outlet boasts an extensive and varied inventory that caters to all ages, styles, and needs, making it a treasure trove for groups with diverse tastes. Visitors can expect to encounter a wide range of second-hand clothing and shoes from well-known and emerging brands, including casual wear, formal attire, activewear, and specialty vintage pieces. Accessories and jewelry sections complement outfit selections and allow for creative mix-and-match fun with friends. Beyond apparel, the store offers household goods, decorative items, and occasionally furniture (depending on the location), expanding the appeal to those interested in home styling or gifting. Because items are priced based on condition, brand, and market value, shoppers can find everything from budget-friendly basics to rare, high-quality collectibles. The assortment changes frequently as new merchandise comes in daily, which means group members can explore multiple departments and discover distinct items matching each person’s individual style.
How does Village Discount Outlet support an enjoyable and safe group experience? Safety and customer convenience are priorities at Village Discount Outlet, which contributes to a positive atmosphere for group outings. All stores adhere to health and safety guidelines to provide a clean shopping environment, and the layout minimizes overcrowding even during peak hours. Customers should note that all sales are final, so groups will want to manage purchases carefully and try items on at stores with fitting rooms before committing. Staff members are approachable and willing to help locate specific items or departments, enhancing the group’s ability to navigate the store efficiently together. While the store does not offer onsite donation pickups, friendly staff can guide customers to local services that support charitable giving. With clear communication channels available by phone or email for customer support, groups can feel confident that any questions during their visit will be promptly addressed. This combination of organization, support, and responsiveness helps ensure that your meetup is enjoyable, stress-free, and memorable.
What practical tips improve the group thrifting experience at Village Discount Outlet? To maximize fun and success during your group visit, consider planning a few strategies. Arrive early or during weekday hours to avoid crowds and have more browsing space. Divide the group into smaller teams to explore different store sections and then reconvene to share your favorite finds and perhaps swap items. Use your phones to photograph interesting items and get instant opinions from other group members or friends who aren’t present. Take advantage of the store’s social media presence by tagging your finds and participating in the online thrift community, which adds a digital layer of engagement. Lastly, allocate a budget per person to keep spending in check while still encouraging adventurous shopping, ensuring everyone returns home happy with meaningful buys. Planning ahead like this turns a simple shopping trip into an interactive group event that fosters connection and creativity among friends or family.
How does shopping at Village Discount Outlet benefit groups beyond finding bargains? Beyond the obvious perk of scoring incredible deals, thrifting together at Village Discount Outlet carries social and environmental benefits that deepen the value of your meetup. Socially, it encourages communication, teamwork, and joyous discovery, strengthening relationships through shared interests and experiences. Environmentally, choosing second-hand items supports sustainability by extending the lifecycle of goods and reducing demand for new production, which helps conserve resources and reduce landfill waste. For groups conscious about impact, this adds a meaningful dimension to the activity. Additionally, many items at Village Discount Outlet have their own unique history and character, lending a sense of nostalgia and personal storytelling to your group’s purchases. This aspect can inspire conversations and memories, enriching your outing. By choosing to rally here with friends or family, you’re fostering community connection, encouraging responsible consumer habits, and creating lasting shared memories.
Where can groups find Village Discount Outlet locations and plan visiting hours? Village Discount Outlet operates multiple stores primarily in the Chicago area and one in Indiana, providing convenient access for many local groups. One well-known location is at 4898 North Clark Street in Uptown Chicago, open Monday through Saturday from 9 AM to 9 PM, and Sundays from 10 AM to 7 PM, which fits most group schedules easily. Other stores follow similar opening times, ensuring that groups can find a convenient time to meet up without hassle. Checking the official website before visiting can provide the latest updates on hours and any special holiday schedules. Since the inventory refreshes daily, groups are encouraged to visit regularly or plan multiple meetups to experience the full variety of items on offer. Accessible parking and public transit options nearby most locations also add to the ease of gathering a group for a fun day of thrifting adventure.
What makes Village Discount Outlet stand out compared to other thrift stores? Village Discount Outlet distinguishes itself through its massive selection, daily new merchandise, and clean, well-organized layout, which creates a premier thrifting environment. Many thrift stores can feel overwhelming or cluttered, but Village Discount Outlet’s department-based organization sorted by item type, color, and condition allows groups to browse strategically and efficiently together. The sheer volume of items—over 30,000 weekly at each store—means there’s always a treasure to be found for everyone, regardless of style or budget. Their active engagement on social media platforms encourages a lively community of shoppers who share finds and tips, enhancing the group outing both onsite and online. The retailer’s commitment to affordability combined with variety makes it easy for any group to have a stimulating and satisfying shopping experience. This understanding of their customers’ desires for value, quality, and community truly sets Village Discount Outlet apart in the thrift store landscape.