So, you’ve heard the news repeatedly from MySA that a new national thrift store chain, which is lauding a big claim as the “best thrift store in the USA,” is coming to town. But before you gear up for opening day on Thursday, April 23, you may want to run by the ATM. We know… cash?
In visiting Red White & Blue Thrift Stores’ new digs on the Northeast Side of San Antonio – it’s very first foray into the Alamo City – MySA was surprised (if not left scratching our heads) over a one of a few signs plastered across the front door. Interviewees take the side door and a sign announcing the opening date are no brainers, but what do you mean cash only?
“Cash only. ATM inside,” one of the signs along the glass storefront read, protruding out from the aisles and aisles of clothes ready for bargain hunters. “Small fee applies.”
Turns out, there are lots of Red White & Blue Thrift Stores across the country that don’t accept credit or debit cards. Of course, you can get your cash once you’re there. But who wants to shell out an extra few bucks for an out-of-network ATM? However, it could come in handy after seeing some of the pricier items listed on social media platforms.
On Reddit, one puzzled shopper in Tampa found it insane his local thrift was asking up to $3,000 for a Fender guitar but only accepting cash. But there are far more accounts of reasonably, if not low, priced items at their locations across various cities. For the most part, folks say the ATM fee in-store isn’t exorbitant – we’ve seen those $4 or $5 shady corner store ATM fees – but also suggest stopping by your local bank.
MySA reached out to Red White & Blue Thrift Stores for comment, asking why some locations are cash only and how much money on average folks should prepare to bring, but did not hear back by publication time. A good rule of thumb based on modern thrifting prices, the average shopper could get by on $20 to $60. Worst case scenario, you fall in love with something pricier and have to put up the couple bucks at the in-store ATM or you leave with some cash in your pocket to put back in your bank account.
Regardless, it’s an exciting addition to Walzem Road which is beginning to see a bit of a shopping center renaissance as new businesses plant roots. You’d be hard pressed to find a local in this city who doesn’t have a gatekept list of favorite thrift stores on far flung edges or tucked away shopping centers in San Antonio. But a lot of those names can start to feel repetitive. But Red White & Blue Thrift Stores is joining the herd and may be bringing some special deals.
The official grand opening date. At 9 a.m. on Thursday, April 23, Red White & Blue’s first San Antonio location will open its doors at 5722 Walzem Road.
The $1.8 million renovation project for Red White & Blue Thrift took over the old Goodwill storefront in Windcrest. So, we’re nixing one beloved — though sometimes debated — chain for San Antonio’s first foray into a different national competitor. This new discount retailer is different from other San Antonio staples in a major way: Red, White & Blue Thrift is openly marketed as for-profit, while many, if not all, of San Antonio’s beloved brands are nonprofits serving the community.
Plus, the company has 31 stores across 11 states from the East Coast down to Florida and over to California. Is San Antonio, it’s 32nd location, suddenly going to have access to some California reject digs?