Indiana’s Thrift Shop That’ll Make You Question Why You Ever Paid Full Price

Walking through the doors of Humane Indiana PAWS Resale Plus in Highland feels like stepping into a treasure hunt. Every visit promises something unexpected.

This thrift shop at 8149 Kennedy Ave is more than just a place to find bargains. It supports animals in need while offering shoppers an incredible selection of unique items at prices that make retail shopping seem wasteful.

From antique glassware to locally made goods, from books arranged by genre to furniture priced fairly, this resale shop has earned its 4.6-star rating through quality merchandise and genuinely kind staff members.

The friendly faces behind the counter, especially Daniel and Danny who customers rave about, create an atmosphere that turns a simple shopping trip into a warm community experience.

Whether you are hunting for hidden gems or simply want your money to support a worthy cause, this thrift store offers compelling reasons to rethink ever paying full price again.

Your Purchases Actually Save Lives

Every dollar spent at Humane Indiana PAWS Resale Plus goes directly toward helping animals in need. Unlike big-chain resale stores where money flows to executives and shareholders, this shop channels 100% of its proceeds to support Humane Indiana’s mission of animal rescue and care.

When you buy that vintage lamp or gently used book, you are funding medical treatments for injured pets, providing shelter for abandoned animals, and supporting adoption programs that connect furry friends with loving families. The connection between your purchase and its impact feels tangible and meaningful.

Customers consistently mention this aspect in their reviews. They note how good it feels to know their shopping supports such a worthy cause.

One reviewer enthusiastically shared how they would rather donate to PAWS than Goodwill specifically because the money helps animals instead of enriching higher-ups.

The shop’s transparent mission creates a shopping experience that goes beyond finding deals. You become part of a community effort to protect and care for vulnerable animals in Northwest Indiana.

Located at 8149 Kennedy Ave in Highland, the store operates as a vital fundraising arm for Humane Indiana’s broader animal welfare work. Staff members genuinely care about the cause, which shows in how they run the store and interact with customers.

Shopping here transforms from a transaction into an act of compassion. You walk out with treasures for your home while knowing you have made a real difference in an animal’s life.

That feeling of purpose makes every purchase more satisfying than any retail therapy session ever could.

The Staff Makes Every Visit Feel Like Coming Home

Walking into PAWS Resale Plus means being greeted by some of the warmest, most genuinely kind people you will encounter in retail. Multiple customers specifically praise Daniel and Danny, the young men who work at the front counter, describing them as sweet, charming, attentive, and wonderful.

One shopper wrote that this staff member makes their day every single time they visit. Another called out Daniel by name for being so attentive and kind.

You can really tell everyone cares about both the mission and the people walking through the door. This level of consistent positive feedback about specific employees speaks volumes about the culture at this thrift shop.

The staff does not just process transactions. They create an atmosphere of genuine welcome that turns casual browsers into loyal regulars.

Even reviewers who had concerns about pricing still praised the staff’s helpfulness and welcoming nature. The employees clearly take pride in their work and understand they represent something bigger than just a store.

Their knowledge of inventory helps shoppers find exactly what they need. Their friendly conversations make browsing more enjoyable.

Their obvious dedication to the animal welfare mission behind the shop adds authenticity to every interaction. In an era when retail workers often seem disengaged or rushed, the PAWS Resale Plus team stands out.

They make customers feel valued and appreciated. That human connection transforms a simple thrift store visit into a pleasant social experience.

It keeps people coming back week after week, eager to see what new treasures have arrived and to chat with staff who remember them.

The Selection Rivals Stores Triple the Size

Stepping inside PAWS Resale Plus reveals a surprisingly vast inventory that defies expectations for a thrift shop. The selection spans categories from antique glassware and vintage books to modern air filters and fish tanks.

Literally anyone can find something interesting.

One customer who works at a fish store noted that the aquarium tanks were priced extremely fairly compared to retail, showing the shop’s commitment to reasonable pricing on specialty items. Another shopper discovered everything from beautiful antique glassware to quirky finds like a civilian guide to nuclear preparation.

The book section deserves special mention for its organization by genre. It makes it easy to browse for specific interests rather than sorting through random piles.

During sales, the book selection expands even further, offering literature lovers incredible deals on their next great read.

Locally made goods fill dedicated sections, supporting area artisans while giving shoppers access to unique handcrafted items they would not find at chain stores. Pet supplies naturally feature prominently, connecting back to the shop’s animal welfare mission.

Furniture rotates regularly, with pieces ranging from small accent tables to larger statement items. The quality tends toward the higher end, with staff carefully curating donations to ensure customers encounter worthwhile merchandise rather than junk that should have been trashed.

Cleanliness and Organization That Puts Other Thrifts to Shame

Forget the musty, cluttered stereotype of thrift stores crammed with dusty junk piled haphazardly on sagging shelves. PAWS Resale Plus maintains a level of cleanliness and organization that multiple reviewers specifically call out as exceptional.

One customer emphasized they love not having to sift through broken items or things that should have been trashed. They praised the quality control that keeps only worthwhile merchandise on the floor.

The organized layout means you can actually find what you are looking for instead of giving up in frustration.

The store’s cleanliness creates a pleasant shopping environment. You do not worry about getting your hands dirty or encountering unpleasant odors.

Everything feels cared for and thoughtfully displayed. This reflects the staff’s pride in their work and respect for customers.

Items are arranged logically by category, making browsing intuitive rather than overwhelming. Books sit grouped by genre, glassware clusters together, and furniture occupies clearly defined spaces.

This thoughtful organization saves time and reduces frustration.

The maintained appearance extends to display areas and even the checkout counter. Staff keep things tidy and professional.

This attention to presentation elevates the entire shopping experience. It makes the store feel more like browsing a curated boutique than digging through a typical thrift shop.

For shoppers who avoid thrift stores because of cleanliness concerns, PAWS Resale Plus offers a welcome exception. It proves secondhand shopping can be both affordable and pleasant.

Hidden Gems and Unique Finds Await Every Visit

he thrill of discovery keeps treasure hunters returning to PAWS Resale Plus week after week. New donations constantly refresh the inventory with unexpected surprises.

One enthusiastic reviewer mentioned finding prized gems there. You never know what you will discover on any given visit.

Antique collectors appreciate the higher quality glassware that appears regularly. It is often priced well below what specialized antique shops charge.

Vintage enthusiasts hunt for retro items and nostalgic pieces that spark memories. These finds add character to modern homes.

The shop stocks unique and interesting items every week according to regular customers. What you see on Monday might be completely different from Thursday’s offerings.

This rewards frequent visits with fresh opportunities.

Beyond typical thrift store fare, shoppers have discovered unusual items like old books on obscure topics, locally crafted goods unavailable elsewhere, and specialty items that solve specific needs. One customer found an air filter for their vacuum, saving money while supporting animals.

The unpredictability forms part of the appeal. You might arrive looking for kitchen items and leave with vintage jewelry and a fascinating book.

This serendipitous shopping experience offers excitement that predictable retail chains cannot match.

Regular Sales Make Already Good Prices Even Better

Smart shoppers know that timing their visits around sales at PAWS Resale Plus can yield incredible bargains. The store runs regular promotions that make their mission-driven pricing even more attractive to budget-conscious buyers.

Book lovers particularly benefit from periodic book sales. Prices drop dramatically on an already extensive collection.

One visitor mentioned encountering a book sale during their first trip. They discovered a huge selection organized by genre at prices that made stocking up irresistible.

Another long-time customer specifically praised the great sales the shop offers regularly. This is one of several reasons PAWS Resale Plus became their favorite place to support in Northwest Indiana.

These promotions demonstrate the shop’s commitment to accessibility while still funding animal welfare.

The sales strategy creates win-win situations. Customers get exceptional deals, items move quickly to make room for new donations, and the store still generates funds for its animal rescue mission.

Following the shop’s social media or signing up for notifications helps shoppers stay informed about upcoming sales and special promotions. Staff members at the counter can also share information about planned events and discounts.

Seasonal clearances make room for new inventory while offering deep discounts on previous months’ donations. Holiday sales provide opportunities to stock up on decorations and gifts at fraction-of-retail prices.

Combined with the baseline fair pricing that reviewers mention, these regular sales create a pricing structure that truly makes you question why anyone pays full retail. The value proposition becomes undeniable when quality merchandise gets marked down even further at a shop where your money supports homeless animals.

Supporting Local Community Beyond Just Animals

While animal welfare drives the shop’s primary mission, PAWS Resale Plus serves broader community functions. Its positive impact extends throughout Highland and Northwest Indiana.

The store provides an affordable shopping option for families on tight budgets. They can still find quality household items.

By featuring locally made goods, the shop supports area artisans and craftspeople. This commitment creates a marketplace for regional talent while offering customers unique handmade items.

This strengthens the area’s creative economy.

The shop accepts donations from community members. This offers an easy way for people to responsibly rehome items they no longer need while supporting a good cause.

It keeps usable goods out of landfills and gives them new life with people who will appreciate them.

For volunteers and staff, the shop provides meaningful work connected to a mission they believe in. Customer reviews suggest employees find genuine satisfaction in their roles.

Located conveniently on Kennedy Ave, the store draws shoppers who then visit nearby businesses. After browsing PAWS, visitors might grab lunch at nearby restaurants or run other errands in Highland.

The shop creates a gathering place where community members connect over shared values of animal welfare and sustainable consumption. Regular customers build relationships with staff and each other.

Educational opportunities arise as shoppers learn about animal rescue work and responsible pet ownership through materials available at the store. The visible connection between shopping and animal welfare raises awareness and inspires broader community engagement with Humane Indiana’s mission.