Kat Schurer: Off the cuff! : Professional Picker (aka, PP)

9231 Lee Highway
Ooltewah, TN 37363
423-238-7777

I'm going to break PP's (Professional Picker) rule #1 and tell you one of my best, good-pickin' secrets.

Tucked away, right outside of Chattanooga in Ooltewah, Tennessee, is one of my greatest guilty pleasures. Let me formally introduce you to the Samaritan Center.

Notoriously closed on Fridays and Saturdays, the line is at least 50+ people deep on Sundays before they open their doors with all smiles at 1:00pm, and the shelves are overflowing.

Taken 8/25 at approximately 25 mins prior to opening

A PP knows to get there by 12:30pm at the latest, otherwise, well, all the good stuff is gone. Secondly, a PP knows not to go there alone, but to work in a teams of 2-3; therefore, once the doors open, one PP goes left and one PP goes right, and ideally, the "mule" (aka, your Mr.,) keeps the buggy and stands in the center of the store, (as the aisles are tiny.)

When you enter, you have 3 choices. Go left to the thrift store, straight to the bargain area, or take an immediate right to the "Toy Connection" area.

Lined up for opening time!
I think they were a little leary about a lady running into the store with her camera

With the system of 2-3 PP's, there better be a game plan in place before you enter so each can run (I mean walk) through the aisles of vintage goodness and beat, well, other PP's. The "mule" keeps the buggy so the other PP's can go quickly where the non-PPs cannot go. This system works flawlessly.

A PP must be willing to shamelessly toss treasures over everyone's head to your "mule" for safe keeping. Lastly, a real PP is not scared to throw a little elbow when needed. (Ok...I'm kidding!) Everyone who shops at the Samaritan Center are FANTASTIC, but I will warn you. It's not for the weak of heart (or the indecisive;) otherwise, you will get ran over!

Furniture galore!

One of the first areas of the store the Mr. runs to is their used furniture area of the store. I do not believe I have ever seen ANY piece of furniture over $30. Seriously amazing, BUT it flies out of the door. DO NOT think twice about a piece. MAKE a decision, otherwise someone will make it for you! Each piece of furniture has a notecard with the price. PULL THE CARD and then think later. Trust me.

So, with that said...I'm about to break PP rule #2, and tell you how much I actually paid for some of my finds!

Picked for $10. Value: $50+ all day long

Vintage doll with green eyes that open and close!
Picked for $5. Value: $25+

Meet Linda and Kimberly! Super friendly workers at the Samaritan Center... They ALWAYS have smiles on their faces. Makes for GREAT pickin'!

Thrift Shop Hours

Sunday • 1pm-4pm

Monday-Thursday • 9am-7pm

(Toy Connection closes at 5pm)

Friday • Closed

Saturday • Closed

The Thrift Shop, on the left side of the building, has more of a "boutique" feel. Here, prices are a bit higher, but so is the quality of the merchandise. Often here, you will discover your name brand clothing, good deals on purses, linens, higher quality glassware, etc.