Atlantic Community Thrift Shop in
Ocean View (DE)

What a lovely place! I was amazed at the vast selection of gorgeous furniture with tons of life left in it. This is a must-stop location for anybody. Why not buy second hand before contributing to a massive corporation? This is the place! I learned while making a donation that these folks only accept high quality items. They will actually come take a look at proposed large donations to ensure they meet ACT’s standards. I really appreciate them going the extra mile. Buying second hand is always a bit of a gamble, so the fact the items have been well-vetted first is comforting. That way, you know you aren’t inadvertently bringing any fleas, smoke, or weird stains into your home. You also know your new rocking chair won’t fail and send grandma to the floor. It’s a win win. I personally think that this should be everybody’s go-to when it comes to furnishings. They also had a great selection of pots and pans. I found that their clothing section was large, but I didn’t have time to browse it. I saw many women carrying what looked like nice, clean, high quality shirts and dresses. The glass section located near the clothing was not immense, but had lovely vintage crystal sets. Excellent selection of previously loved bicycles, outdoors kids’ toys, and assorted beach-going wares. Tourists should check here before buying these on the boardwalks. One mirror donation unfortunately had a collection of stickers on it, with some having adult themes like “I LOVE COOTER.” A little whacky to find, but I’m assuming the donation was denied, and the donor snuck it into their trailer anyway. Either way, that’s a very easy oversight to have happen. It was funnier than anything. I think if it’s your first time, you might *perceive* staff as rude simply because they are beyond busy, but I’m the world’s most anxious person - I always think people are mad at me, and I never once felt like the staff was rude in the slightest. They didn’t stop to ask me my life story, or offer me a five course meal, but they were plenty kind.

I would give zero stars if I could! I have never come in contact with a cashier as rude as the one I met today. Their customer service needs some work at this place! Although this was my first time shopping there, I have donated many times. Sadly, that will be the last for both. The one cashier was semi-decent but the other made my friend and me feel like we were little kids being reprimanded by a parent. In the amount of time it took her to berate us we could have had the hangers off of our handful of clothes. Instead she chose to tell us to get out of line so she could help the next customer that was ready. After being made to feel ashamed and removing the three hangers from my items, I kindly asked a woman in line if she allow me to get back in line. She rudely said what about all of the people behind me?! How would they feel if I let you do that? A kind gentleman restored my faith in humanity after this horrendous experience and allowed me to check out with my items. I thank him because at this point I was about to put my items down and walk out. I have never left a store feeling as ashamed and demeaned as I did today. Shame on those rude volunteers. If you feel the need to be rude to paying customers maybe you should stop volunteering altogether!

I have volunteered at ACTS for 100 hours over the past 2 summers, and in doing so I have received $4,500 in scholarships toward college. This is such a generous gift that will help me for the rest of my life, and I can’t thank the ladies at ACTS enough!! They are always in need of volunteers so please consider letting any high school/college student know about this opportunity! It is a great place to be:)

The ACTS is a wonderful community resource! Not only does it provide an outlet to buy used items at a minimal cost, and a place for people to donate items, but it serves this community by donating money to local charities and supports local education. I have been a volunteer for several months and am amazed at the time and dedication of the volunteers who work there. Many of these women and men are there multiple days a week! Most shoppers at the store are pleasant and grateful to have this great thrift store. And for those who can’t appreciate the hard work and dedication of the volunteers, please find another place to shop.

*A must stop for us and others, always many patrons looking for the quality, reasonably priced, repurposed ‘finds’ offered. *Friendly, Professional staff of volunteers & students led by Karen & Priscilla. *All proceeds go to charity & scholarships. *Stop on by, you’re shore to ‘find’ something.

Acts is a store like no other. They have a wonderful selection of items with very personable and sincere staff. Volunteering here has been a privilege and I strongly suggest everyone to take a peak at this wonderful establishment!

Wish I could give zero stars. My mother was berated by a cashier who insisted that the price listed on an item wasn’t right. Then the cashier said a pair of shorts was $5 because they were “new.” When my mom said she didn’t want the items, the woman yelled at her and told the other volunteers not to let her in the store again! Someone rushed out after my crying mom and explained that the cashier was the president of 7 years who makes everyone miserable and refuses to step down. Looking down on people and berating them is unacceptable behavior, especially for someone running a charity.

They are getting too greedy and impolite. The price in the back is different from when you get the register. Shorts were $1 in the back and when you get the register, they are $3 Also, the old ladies are bossy, impolite and make you feel like they are doing you a favor by being there. A little courtesy goes a long way. The lady was giving me a speech because I did not put the hanger when I got to register. I would not go back there and would not suggest patronizing them.

Avoid donations on Wednesday, at least during the summer. Absolutely jammed with predominantly out of state cars. And please be advised that they cannot accept clothing on Wednesday but this is not stated on the website.

Zero stars if I could. I went in about 10 minutes before they were to close for a specific thing and knew I was going to be quick, as soon as I get passed the “locked” door the women checking people out (volunteers) begin with “you need to leave we are closed” and I simply said you have 10 minutes left I believe and was handed a paper with their hours that listed till 12. Was told rudely told that they have been here since 8 and still have things to do. Those women in there volunteering are nasty and miserable and I will never be back and would never recommend anyone to this place.

Absolutely horrific - the few times I’ve been there I’ve watched workers berate shoppers over a variety of things, but notably: not taking hangers off the clothes before getting to the cashier, asking if they could hand over two small items to donate, and not realizing it was only cash (cashier annoyed, even though customer had cash anyways..). I understand this is staffed by volunteers and customer service can be challenging, but why bother “volunteering” if you’re just going to make people who are excited to shop uncomfortable and upset when you easily could have just been nice..? Strongly suggest reevaluating who you have staffing this place - I’m sure it’s difficult to find the help, but it doesn’t seem worth it considering the countless reviews all citing the same unpleasant, concerning behavior. Don’t waste your time.

This place is a local treasure. I have found so many things for myself and my home. The volunteers (yes, they do not get paid) spend countless hours going through donations; sorting, storing, and keeping the store well stocked. I love shopping here.

If i could give negative stars. I arrived at 10:48 on Saturday with my wife and two children, and was greeted by "we close at 12 you need to hurry". I found a really cool lego stand for our son and asked to keep it off to the side as it was big, so I could continue shopping. Was told to buy it and take it to my car. The worst was my 2 year old daughter was riding on a Minnie push toy next to me and a woman named Donna started "yelling at her she needs a parent wheres your parent your in my way move". Since I was standing next to my daughter I replied "I am her father and she isn't in your way theres room to go around" as my daighter was off to the side looking at Halloween costumes. I asked to speak with the manager in charge which was a woman named Karen (not making this up) and she proceeds to tell me the reason Donna was rude is bc she is a school teacher and principal retired. That is not a reason to yell and berate a 2 year old. Overall experience is horrible with rude service. A simple apology or an attempt at one would have been somewhat normal instead was met with excuses. Very unprofessional.

I will never return to this place. I encoutered the most disgusting, rude people I have ever met. Sure hope Jennt ,Ginny or whatever her name is, feels better now that she completely flipped out on me. I asked if I could add up the white tickets that came off my jewelry and she just went nuts!!! I asked to speak with a manager and she wouldn't even talk to me. Unbelievable rude, mean and nasty lady.

I will never return to Acts after being humiliated, my character assassinated, my item torn, by one of the cashiers (who was NOT waiting on me, left her station to attack me) while checking out! The bizarre behavior blatant hatred was beyond description. This woman was not waiting on me... left her cash register instead of waiting on others came over to my bag and began to take my items out.. while accusing me of hiding something??? My cashier has placed the items in the bag and I was about to pay. She then suggested that maybe I shouldn't shop there if I did not like to be insulted and or accused? Even after I wrote the owner of this demoralizing event she never responded. Many years of support putting up with rudeness as indicated in other post... This incident was unprovoked, I was about to pay...epitome of discrimination, pure hatred and abuse. I was so shocked by this woman's actions I left the store rattled to the core, had I not been, I would have reported this "cashier volunteers" actions to the police. Never in my 75 years have I been assaulted in this manner for no reason. It took weeks to be able to warn others.

First and last time I will ever shop here. The women working there were some of the most rude and down right disgusting humans I have ever met. They were slammed, incredibly busy but when you only open for three hours a day for less than half a week, guess what you’ll be busy. We asked for some jewelry out of the case, a total inconvenience. I was debating on a purchase and didn’t even hold up the line, teeth sucked at me and eyes rolled. But the absolute worst part that made me have to be pulled out of there by my best friend was when a family whose first language wasn’t English, had a basket blocking the way. The lady in front of me rudely screamed “Is this your basket, you need to move it” which the lady apologized for and immediately moved. After that as I followed behind the worker, she said to another associate, “you can’t even talk to them because they can’t even bother to learn English” I was MORTIFIED AND SO DISGUSTED. We are in 2023, that that toxic behavior is not going to fly anymore. I work and live in Sussex county and I just could not believe the behavior of these women. If I could give negative stars I would. I wish my review would reach the people that run this store and can make better selections on the volunteers. Which I also would like to add, my friend volunteered for two weeks there and left because the ladies were so rude, which if I would have known prior I would have never gone in the first place. No wonder they are short staffed if that’s the people you keep. Just down right despicable, disgusting, and disrespectful.

hours are annoyingly inconvenient since i work m-f but it will be my new favorite saturday morning place place

Great! I scored 3 pairs of cargo shorts for my hubby for $5!

I was so excited to come here as a friend in PA told me about this awesome place. I quickly lost interest as I walked up to the door and was screamed at by an employee. Their willingness to create Covid-19 structure was great, however Their communication structure is less than desirable. As the old sayin goes, you can catch more flies with honey than vinegar would stand to be tested here. You need a number with a time to get in which is great so not too many people are gathering at one time, however there are no signs or designated person to communicate that to us visitors. Also, instead of screaming in demand at customers, it would be a nicer representation of this business to gather the groups ready to go into the store, pause, take a moment to share the rules NICELY to everyone before they enter. I was not left with any good first impression of visiting here, I dont think I will go back.

I love thrift stores and being I just moved to the area, this was my next planned visit. I have a whole house to decorate/furnish and lots of stuff to donate. After reading these reviews, not so sure I'm hesitant to go! I hope whoever is in charge reads these and at least talks to the volunteers who run the store, but doesn't sound like they are people that would take constructive criticism very well!

Wonderful caring volunteer ladies, we love them! Yes, the store has rules, what place of business doesn't? We go just to chat with the volunteers some days, very kind , personable people. Acts helps out 29 local charities. They are the first to know about families in the community who need help and supply that help.

This place has very good items and prices, however I have noticed that the employees are VERY rude! Everyone of the women that work in this store, especially at the register are old miserable women that would be better off just not interacting with anyone! I have never shopped at a thrift store and felt, so disrespected as I have at this place! It took everything in me to maintain my own composer with these people today, because their spirits are completely ugly and just because they volunteer their time does not give them a just reason to be ungodly! I think the people that are defending the behavior of these mean Granny's are their family and friends, or the old bitties themselves. Also the store has no shopping carts which creates an unpleasant shopping experience.

The people complaining about ACTS clear do not realize they are all volunteering to help the community. It is a completely charitable thrift store that offers an invaluable service to the community and great deals for those who enjoy shopping there. I have gone there for the past 10+ years and have NEVER had an issue with any staff being rude; everyone has been so helpful and friendly. The people that are complaining are probably the same people who mob the place and make it a bad experience (which still won't stop me from coming because I have gotten so many great deals). Stop complaining about the volunteer, unpaid workers (who put up with all the nasty people coming there to shop) and find somewhere else to bargain hunt, more deals for me!

This is truly my new favorite thrift store, and I've shopped in 2nd hand stores from Arizona to Pennsylvania. Many thrift store prices are higher than new items at stores like Gabes or Kaufmans, but the ACTS outlet offers goods at prices that are reasonable and affordable. It's a cash-only store, so make sure you wallet is up for the green challenge ahead of time.

I am a frequent shopper of ACTS thrift store and love the bargains I find there. The "mean ladies" , (who are all volunteering their time for charity) , are faced with keeping order in the mob scene they see everyday. I for one appreciate their efforts in making the shopping experience better for those of us who are courteous to others and follow the rules.

We went into this thrift shop today. We had been there before and enjoyed it. However, after the display that was put on there today I do not think I will ever go back. Someone apparently parked in a place they should not have been. Instead of talking to the person in a professional manner, one of the head people, put on a huge shouting match with their so-called customer? And from what this miserable old lady said apparently this lady had forgotten her hearing aid. This lady then proceeded to tell others around if they didn't like it don't come back. And then to top it off she took the Lord's name in vain. Really makes others shopping there feel like they're welcome. Extremely poor. And while this person in charge may have had valid reason, you just don't carry on like that in front of your customers.

Extremely rude volunteers. I walked in at 2:45 to simply browse, knowing that they close at 3. Instead of a greeting when I walked in, they yelled at me that it was time to get in line. A few minutes later(2:50), another volunteer told me it was time to leave. I told her that I thought they closed at 3. She told me the gates close at 2:45 and I obviously came in the exit (which I did not). I told her I would leave and would not be coming back. They were rude to other customers as well who, under their breath, told the volunteers to 'get a life'. Not a friendly place and will not be returning.