Thrill of the thrift draws shoppers to Sally Ann sale

By Lethbridge Herald on August 9, 2025.

Joe Manio
Lethbridge Herald
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Shop ‘til you drop…or until the bags reach bursting point. 

On Friday morning, hundreds of bargain hunters and thrifters did just that, packing the lower level of the Salvation Army Church on 13th Street South for the Salvation Army Lethbridge Thrift Store’s first garage sale; which featured thousands of both new and “gently used” items. 

“We are clearing out storage and we thought ‘what’s a really great way to help the community even further, than what we do at the thrift store or at the Food Bank?’” said thrift store manager Marilyn James. “ And we said, well, why don’t we just have an old-fashioned bag sale?”

Shoppers paid a flat fee per bag, which they were free to fill to the bursting point.

“We have two sizes (of bags) and the small size is $10, but you get to fill it up with whatever you want. It’s a pretty big bag. The larger size bag is $20.”

Shoppers had a large selection of quality clothes, toys, seasonal decorations and more. Thanks to generous individual and corporate donations, much of the merchandise was new with the labels still attached, or was mint in the box.

“Just because we’re in a thrift store doesn’t mean it has to be junk,” said James People matter, and (because) people matter, they don’t have to have garbage because they don’t have a lot of money. We don’t think that way at all.”.

“Donors help the community so much. I’m not sure if people are aware of just how many great donations we got. Of course, the greatest donations are from the community itself. Walmart donates regularly. And we had a huge donation from Progressive Clothing of brand new coats, jeans and footwear.”

Salvation Army Community Ministries Officer Lieutenant Zach Marshall was the designated cashier from opening at 10 p.m. He says during the first hour alone the venue was filled to capacity. 

“My goodness, it’s been so busy here so far, and I think it’s really even exceeded our expectations,” said Marshall. “There’s a lot of excitement and enthusiasm from people coming to shop for a good deal. Everyone loves a good deal.”

One customer left with two bags chocked-full of items for only $30, describing what she found as top quality she hasn’t seen anywhere else. Seasoned thrifter and Salvation Army Thrift Store regular La Rie Wilson wholeheartedly agreed.

“I have found some amazing deals, and Marilyn is so awesome,” said Wilson. “She seems to know what everyone likes and she’s there to provide inspiration and items for people right off the bat. So that’s cool. Today I’m searching for more artistic stuff… like for example this artist frame. And some beads, jewel types, garland things to make fancy wreaths and things like that”

Proceeds from The Salvation Army Thrift Store in Lethbridge directly fund local Salvation Army programs and services. 

For those who missed the inaugural garage sale, James says they plan on holding it twice a year moving forward. In the meantime, the Salvation Army Thrift Store at the end of 4 Avenue South is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day Monday to Saturday.