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 thrift store primarily offering used merchandise across four large stores in Ohio, including a prominent location in Dayton. Each store spans over 20,000 square feet, providing customers with a wide variety of items such as clothing, shoes, linens, housewares, home decor, accessories, purses, small appliances, jewelry, pet products, and books. The store fosters community connections by purchasing inventory from several charitable organizations like Amvets of Ohio and National Juvenile Diabetes, while also supporting veterans through employment opportunities. Environmentally conscious shoppers appreciate the Outlet’s eco-friendly approach by promoting reuse. Open seven days a week with convenient extended hours, it's an ideal spot for a casual meetup with friends to browse diverse, affordable finds in a relaxed setting. Visitors can enjoy the thrill of discovering unique secondhand treasures while contributing to sustainable consumption and supporting local charities. Though the store has a no-refunds policy, it encourages customers to inspect items carefully before purchasing.
Here's what people think of Village Discount Outlet
As of recent, Village Discount Outlet holds a 3.9-star rating based on 361 reviews.
Customer reviews for Village Discount Outlet reflect a mixed but generally positive experience. Many users highlight the store's extensive selection of affordable, quality items and the friendly, helpful staff who contribute to a welcoming shopping environment. Shoppers value the large store layout that allows for thorough browsing and appreciate the social aspect of visiting with friends in a bargain-friendly setting. However, some negative feedback centers on the lack of refunds or exchanges, which can be a drawback for buyers who are cautious about used goods. There are occasional comments about inconsistent organization or items that may not meet expectations, emphasizing the importance of inspecting products before purchase. Nevertheless, the majority of reviews commend the Outlet for its mission of supporting charities and veteran employment through resale. The overall consensus suggests that while the shopping experience might require some patience and vigilance, Village Discount Outlet remains a popular destination for budget-conscious customers seeking variety and value. Positive impressions of community support and environmental impact contribute to a favorable reputation despite some operational critiques.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Peter A
This specific location is probably one of my favorite thrift stores in the city! Yes, this place is musty and a bit gross, but what do you expect from a thrift store? Whenever I come here I always spend a lot of money because of how much cool stuff is here. Reserve about 2 hours just to sift through everything (especially on the 3rd floor! Some surprisingly good records and vhs tapes up there!)
Desiree Lloyd
I rarely go to this store because yes, it’s unorganized and smells. But when I do, I always find a steal. I’m a lover of designer handbags. I found them a bit pricey than other thrift stores, however I scored a good one. I found a pebble leather Marc Jacobs (with minimal wear and tear) for $60 bucks. Again, not hear much, but score each time.
MG Reyes
I've been coming here for decades...most recently, so disappointed. I go to stock up on little boys play clothes for the summer. I am seeing used tshirts and shorts being sold for $8-$12 each. New clothes can be purchased for less than this. What are the price setters thinking?
A. Anderson
Love the selections available, upset initially that a staff member decided to take my grey cardigan and black scarf out of the cart without checking with us first. ....but after a revisit my items were retrieved. Thanks to Mr. Tracy Robinson, he found my items. I appreciate that he cared. Be mindful of your personal belongings.
Robert Stearns
Best thrift store in Chicago for furniture. Look for half off price days. They have sales throughout the week. 3 floors!
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?
Gathering your friends for a meet-up at Village Discount Outlet isn’t just about shopping—it's about sharing a fun, unique experience filled with discovery, excitement, and great finds. Whether you and your group are seasoned bargain hunters or casual thrifters, this outlet offers the perfect environment to connect over a love for treasure hunting. Imagine exploring thousands of new and gently used items across clothing, shoes, accessories, and home goods, all at wallet-friendly prices that make every find feel like a win. The store updates its inventory daily with over 30,000 new treasures arriving weekly, so every visit feels fresh and full of possibilities. This dynamic atmosphere sparks lively conversations as friends compare finds, swap style tips, and debate the histories of quirky vintage items. The friendly, community-oriented vibe of Village Discount Outlet also makes it a welcoming spot to spend quality time together while fulfilling practical needs. Open for long hours every day, it accommodates group visits comfortably, letting you linger through browsing, chatting, and even planning your next outing. This isn’t just shopping—it’s a social adventure that blends value, variety, and shared memories in one convenient location.
What activities are available at Village Discount Outlet for groups?
Village Discount Outlet offers a variety of engaging activities perfectly suited for groups looking to have an interactive and enjoyable outing. At its core, the outlet is a thrifting haven, where groups can split up or stick together to scour through extensive departments categorized by type, color, material, and condition, making it easy to navigate. This organization helps groups strategize, whether dividing by item type or hunting for specific pieces, fostering teamwork and friendly competition. The thrill of uncovering unique items and name-brand products at discounted prices encourages group members to share discoveries instantly, enhancing the social shopping experience. Beyond shopping, the outlet’s energy and layout promote socializing—friends can pause to discuss their finds, try on select items if available, and plan joint purchases or swaps. The store’s policy of final sales means groups are motivated to make confident choices together, which can add an element of collaborative decision-making and excitement. Additionally, Village Discount Outlet’s longstanding presence and multiple locations in the Chicago area make it an accessible and trustworthy meetup spot where groups know they’ll find consistent quality and new surprises every time.
Why is Village Discount Outlet perfect for group meetups?
Village Discount Outlet’s combination of extensive selections, favorable hours, and community-friendly policies makes it an ideal venue for group meetups. First, the store’s massive inventory means group members with widely varying tastes or budgets can all find something appealing, reducing conflict over where to go or what to do. Its multi-location presence across Chicago and Indiana provides convenience in meeting local groups, and its operating hours—9 AM to 9 PM Monday through Saturday and 10 AM to 7 PM on Sundays—offer flexibility for planning around busy schedules. The inviting store atmosphere, characterized by well-organized sections, encourages groups to explore intuitively without feeling overwhelmed. Although the store doesn’t accept returns or exchanges, this clear policy helps groups avoid confusion and accidental disputes, streamlining the shopping experience. While fitting rooms aren’t universally available, the presence of store associates ready to assist can make group shopping smoother by offering extra support and suggestions. The outlet also embraces a social media presence, encouraging customers to share finds on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, which can add to the fun group ritual of documenting and showcasing their thrifting adventures. Altogether, Village Discount Outlet combines variety, value, and camaraderie, crafting an engaging environment where groups can connect while enjoying an affordable and rewarding shopping trip.
How does the pricing and item quality contribute to the group experience?
Village Discount Outlet bases its prices on several factors including condition, brand, and prevailing market value, which creates an exciting and unpredictable shopping environment for groups. This pricing strategy means that sometimes rare, high-quality items can be found at bargain prices, adding an element of thrill to the group’s exploration. Since the inventory changes daily with thousands of new items restocked weekly, groups will find new treasures each time they visit, encouraging repeat meetups to chase fresh finds together. The variety in item quality—from gently used to brand new—also means the outlet appeals to all budgets, allowing groups to include friends with different spending limits without compromising the joy of discovery. This diversity in pricing and condition can spark interesting discussions among friends about fashion history, brand reputations, and item restoration or repurposing projects. Such shared conversation deepens the collective experience beyond simple shopping, making each visit not only about buying but also about learning and appreciating thrift culture together.
What conveniences and amenities support group visits to Village Discount Outlet?
Several practical features at Village Discount Outlet make group outings comfortable and efficient. With locations open every day and extensive hours, groups can plan visits at times convenient for most members without feeling rushed. The store’s layout, with merchandise clearly organized by department and item category, reduces the time needed to find specific types of products, allowing groups more time to interact and enjoy the outing. Though the stores typically do not offer fitting rooms, the courteous store associates are available to help locate sizes or styles, which can be especially useful for groups helping each other choose items. Additionally, Village Discount Outlet’s refusal of returns is transparently communicated, helping groups manage expectations upfront. There are no donation pickups directly handled by the outlet, but local services are recommended for those interested in giving back, which can provide an added dimension of social responsibility for groups wanting to combine shopping with charitable activities. The outlet’s active engagement with social media fosters a community feel and a way for groups to share their experiences and favorite finds digitally, extending the social aspect beyond the physical visit. Overall, these amenities and policies foster a smooth, enjoyable group shopping environment focused on camaraderie and discovery.