Columbus bin stores boom as shoppers chase bargains
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Shopping bins at Retail Rush, Columbus' new bin store off Morse Road. Photos: Alissa Widman Neese/Axios
If you don't mind doing a little digging for a good deal, consider a bin store this holiday shopping season.
Why it matters: Everything seems to be getting more expensive, but bin stores are gaining popularity by selling returned items for a fraction of their retail price.
The latest: The nationwide craze is catching on locally, with another store, Retail Rush, recently opening in Northland.
- The modest spot inside a former Big Lots is anchored by online auctions, and its website says this is the first of more planned locations.
Other local options:
- Where Ya Bin, 6020 Sawmill Road, which we featured last year.
- 7 Days Dealz, 4831 E. Main St.
- Binable, 1141 Columbus Pike, Delaware, supporting people with disabilities.
- Bin Mania, 663 W. Coshocton St., Johnstown.
- Rt. 42 Bargains, 235 S. Jefferson Ave., Plain City.
How it works: Each store has its own rules, but items are typically priced on a weekly schedule and gradually become cheaper to encourage clearing out stock.
- For example: Where Ya Bin's merchandise starts at $10 on Friday and drops to 25 cents by Thursday.
- Items are often in boxes, which you may or may not be permitted to open.
- Lots of goods come from Amazon returns, but other big-box retailers also funnel overstocked, returned or discontinued items to bin stores through liquidators.
Stunning stat: Retailers estimate that 15.8% of their annual sales will be returned this year, totaling nearly $850 billion, per a National Retail Federation report.
Between the lines: If you prefer neat and orderly shopping, this isn't for you. Expect to bump shoulders with other savings-seeking shoppers digging through piles.
- And if you're seeking a specific item, it's unlikely you'll find it.
- You'll also be competing with professional resellers trying to turn a profit.
Yes, but: There's no rush like finding a good bargain, right?
The bottom line: If you've got the time and enjoy the thrill of the hunt, it's worth stopping by to see what you discover.
- At the very least, you may find the perfect inspiration for a white elephant party.