With increasing interest in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in recent years, Guam is home to a beloved local thrift store in the Tamuning area called ‘The Salvation Army.’ This circular system, where unwanted items can benefit someone else, contributes to waste reduction and is gaining attention as an effort to lessen the burden on the global environment.
*The Salvation Army is a Christian Protestant charity that sells items donated by local people, and the proceeds are used to fund disaster relief and drug addiction recovery support, among other services.
Inside the massive, approximately 10,000 square feet warehouse-like store, clothing, toys, dishes, books, CDs, and more are packed tightly. You might even stumble upon valuable military jackets and pants that fetch high prices in Japan. Furthermore, there was a large selection of records, CDs, and DVDs, which are currently experiencing a revival! You might just find a rare, limited-edition CD that has been out of print for a long time or a classic DVD that is now hard to come by, quietly waiting to be discovered.
To find a retro sewing machine and even a video game console that looks like it came straight out of an old arcade – it’s like stepping back in time! Even if they’re not actually usable, their presence alone makes them great for interior decoration or shop displays.
Attention Pokémon card collectors! Incredibly, bundles of Pokémon cards were being sold! Available in both English and Japanese, just imagining what kind of cards are inside is thrilling! You might just find that special card you’ve been searching for.
Here you can find a Starforce version of Captain Marvel from Marvel Comics and even Kristoff from Frozen II! These unopened figures are lined up like they’re in a time capsule!
If you take your time to explore the dishware, you can find some lovely hidden gems! From simple pieces to American graffiti-design mugs, collecting them all would be a lot of fun!
The store might seem chaotic at first glance, but who knows what treasures are hidden within this massive warehouse? As the English proverb goes, ‘One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.’ Value is in the eye of the beholder, and you might just stumble upon an unexpected find! Clothing items start from $2, and while other items vary in price, the charm of a thrift store is that you can easily find affordable fashion pieces and household goods with just a little spending money.
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THE SALVATION ARMY
Location: Tamuning area (3 minutes by car from GPO)
Hours: Monday to Saturday 10:00am-5:00pm
Closed on Sundays
Phone：(671) 647-1569