A store with sale tags that change color is waiting for you in Ohio. Those colored tags mean a percentage off, and the hunt is half the fun.
I like thrift stores that give you room to roam. This one is large, with clothing for men, women, and children, plus books, furniture, and a counter of special finds.
I can’t imagine a better way to lose an afternoon in the Buckeye State. Ready to see what a treasure hunt looks like when the hours run late?
Where This Thrift Store Sits And What It Is
VOA Thrift Store – Indianola is a thrift store in Columbus, Ohio. The address is 3620 Indianola Ave, Columbus, OH 43214.
That puts it in the Clintonville area on the north side of the city.
It belongs to the central Ohio family of Volunteers of America thrift shops. The organization lists its Columbus stores on its own website.
Donated goods fill the shelves, so stock changes as people drop things off.
Think of it as a big, rotating yard sale with racks, aisles, and a checkout line. Nobody can tell you exactly what will be on the floor today.
That mystery is the whole appeal.
Drivers will find it easy to reach by car from most Columbus neighborhoods. The store sits right on Indianola Avenue, a well-known north-side road.
Plan a stop whenever you are already out running errands nearby.
A Big Floor Plan Makes Wandering Easy
Size is the first thing shoppers bring up. This store is large, and the aisles are easy to move through.
Several people mention the store layout as a plus.
That matters when you have hours to spend. Wide paths mean you can browse without squeezing past other carts.
A big floor also leaves room for distinct departments.
Clothing takes up a large share of the space. Books, magazines, furniture, and household items fill other zones.
A display counter holds smaller, higher-end pieces.
Start with a lap around the edges to get your bearings. Then circle back to the sections that caught your eye.
That plan keeps you from missing a corner.
The store also has a restroom, which is handy on a long hunt. Little comforts like that turn a quick stop into a real afternoon.
Wear comfortable shoes and settle in.
Clothing Racks For The Whole Family
Clothes are the main event here. Clothing selection is the most talked-about topic among shoppers.
Large sections cover men, women, and children.
Many visitors say the racks are well organized and clearly tagged. That makes sorting through them far less of a chore.
Fitting rooms are available too, so you can try before you buy.
Some shoppers have found classic pieces they love. Others say the selection shifts from visit to visit.
That is normal for a store built on donations.
Check sizes carefully and look over each piece. Thrift shopping rewards a sharp eye.
A quick check of seams and pockets can save you a headache later.
Bring a short list of what you need, but stay flexible. The best finds are often the ones you never planned.
Jackets, jeans, and dresses all show up on these racks.
Decoding The Colored Sale Tags
Colored tags are the secret language of this store. Certain colors carry a percentage off.
The colors rotate, so the deal changes over time.
One shopper says they always find bargains thanks to the sale tags. Another points out that some tagged items have sat on the floor a while.
Both can be true, so check condition closely.
Ask at the register which colors are marked down on your visit. That small question can save you real money.
Then scan the racks for those shades.
It turns shopping into a game of color matching. You hunt for the right tag, then judge the item underneath.
Either way, patience pays off.
Look at the regular-priced items too. Sometimes a piece you love is worth the full tag.
The trick is knowing your own limit before you walk in.
The Glass Case Of Higher-End Finds
Near the front sits a large counter and display area. Smaller jewelry and higher-end items live behind the glass.
Shoppers mention jewelry and nicer goods more than once.
It is a good place to slow down. Ask a team member to open the case if something catches your eye.
Staff can help you take a closer look.
Items in the case are set apart from the regular racks. That makes them easy to find and easy to browse.
You can scan the whole case in a few minutes.
Treat it like a mini treasure chest. Bracelets, rings, and small keepsakes are the kind of thing people look for.
Stock changes with each donation drop.
If you are short on time, check this spot first. Then wander off to the racks while you decide.
A second look never hurts.
Furniture, Frames, And Household Surprises
Need a couch? This store has a nice area for furniture and larger items.
One shopper reported scoring a recliner couch and a love seat at friendly prices. That is the kind of story that keeps people coming back.
Picture frames and canvases also get mentioned by shoppers. They are handy for refreshing a wall without spending much.
Home decorations fill out the housewares side of the store.
The household section varies. Some visitors call it amazing, while others say it has shrunk.
Kitchenwares in particular can be hit or miss.
That is thrift life. Check what is on the shelves today and enjoy what you find.
A mug or lamp might be waiting.
Measure your space before you shop for furniture. Bring a tape measure and a plan for getting it home.
Large pieces are a great reason to take a vehicle with room.
Prices And What To Expect
Prices spark plenty of talk. Some shoppers feel they have risen lately, especially on name-brand clothing.
Others say they always find bargains.
The honest answer is that it depends on what you pick up. Compare tags with what you would pay elsewhere.
Use the colored sale tags to stretch your budget.
Condition matters as much as cost. Look over each item for stains, holes, or chips.
A quick inspection keeps surprises out of your closet.
Shoppers have also noted that selection can feel thin on some days. Visit a few times before you judge.
Stock turns over as donations arrive.
Go in with a flexible mindset. Know what a fair price looks like to you.
Then enjoy the thrill of a deal when it appears.
The Mood On The Floor
Mood counts when you are shopping for hours. Several visitors describe the checkout and counter staff as nice and helpful.
Others mention friendly floor associates.
One shopper even noted the music was lively. That adds a little energy to the aisles.
It makes browsing feel less like a chore.
Experiences vary, as they do at any busy store. Some visitors have had a rougher time with service on certain days.
The owner has said that ignoring a customer is not what the training teaches.
A friendly attitude from you can go a long way too. Ask a clear question and keep it simple.
Team members are juggling donations, racks, and registers.
Treat it as a community space. Everyone is hunting for something.
Patience makes the trip smoother for all.
Who Will Love This Place Most
Hunters will love it here. If you enjoy digging through racks, this store gives you plenty to dig through.
Patience is the main ticket.
Families can find clothing for everyone in one stop. Students and first apartment builders can look at furniture and housewares.
Readers can grab a stack of books.
Style seekers will like the classic pieces people mention. Decorators can check the frames and canvases.
Jewelry fans can scan the case.
Someone who wants a quick, polished retail trip may feel differently. Thrift stores reward time and curiosity.
Go in with a loose plan and a free afternoon.
If you are a donor, the store also accepts donations at its donation door. Giving and shopping in one trip is handy.
It keeps the cycle of goods going around Columbus.
Hours For Planning Your Visit
Plan around the hours. Monday through Saturday, the store opens at 8 AM and closes at 8 PM.
Sunday hours run from 11 AM to 6 PM.
Those long weekday hours are a gift. You can swing by before work or after dinner.
A free afternoon fits easily inside that window.
Hours can change, so check the official VOA Ohio website before you go. A quick look saves a wasted trip.
Holiday schedules may differ.
Weekdays may feel calmer than weekends, though crowds are never guaranteed. Pick a time that suits your own pace.
Morning shoppers get first look at what was put out.
Bring a bag or two and some patience. Leave yourself at least an hour or more.
The aisles are big enough to reward it.
Parking Beside The Gym
Parking takes a little strategy. The lot is shared with a gym.
Some shoppers say spaces can be tricky to find at busy times.
Accessible spots are available, though a shopper noted only two or three. Arrive with a little extra time.
Circle once and be patient.
Another visitor still called the visit worth it. That sums up the mood.
A small parking puzzle does not stop regulars.
If you are donating, plan where you will unload. The donation door has its own flow.
Keep your items organized in the trunk.
Traveling light helps. Bring a sturdy tote for finds.
Then enjoy the walk from your car to the entrance.
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