Auction

A couple of weeks ago, I was browsing through some local resale website and chanced upon a posting by the Salvation Army in Nanaimo.  The two stores hold auctions every couple of weeks and people go bid on them.  By chance, I saw a coffee pot in a pattern that my wife started on just a few weeks ago, spurred on by a stack of plates for $1 (1/2 price) at the New West hospital auxiliary store.  This pattern is rare as we've only seen a few pieces in visits to dozens of thrift stores in the past few weeks.

So we made  a bid on a trip to Nanaimo and went it to buy it today (no one else bid on it).  Interesting system as they're trying to eliminate false bids and other rigging systems.  You need an ID slip these days!

Beautiful item 114 - Scraffito by Meakin

Stopped at the Ladysmith freestore on the way back but it was bare....

Crofton, Ladysmith and Chemainus

Three thrift stores in the northern Cowichan valley.

The thrift store at Crofton, a community one on Joan Avenue between York and King, has been in some flux.  Currently it is part of a self-serve laundromat. It's small with a small selection of items. No furniture.  Prices seem to be reasonable.  Lots of free street parking.

Chemainus Hospital Auxiliary

Heading up to Chemainus, one finds a Hospital Auxilliary shop on the corner of Maple and Oak streets.  This store is well-organised but small, reflecting the small community.  Well patronised by the locals.  Free street parking.

Ladysmith Hospital Auxiliary

Up in Ladysmith on the corner of 1st and French is the local Hospital Auxilliary.  They do seem to get whatever the community gives, some of it thrown in the dumpster.  It's on the small side.  Quite an assortment of the usual.  Free street parking.