Multiple locations, valueworld.net

There is perhaps no thrift store so vast, so well-organized, and so well-priced, as a thrift store in the Value World chain. Each of Michigan's 14 Value Worlds stands at more than 10,000 square feet, housing home goods, accessories, and thousands of articles of clothing. And much like any reliable chain, Value World has streamlined the experience of rifling through stuff that once belonged to someone else by ensuring that all of its stores adhere to the same organizational pattern. Split down the middle by gender — men's stuff to the right, ladies' to the left — with racks broken down by article of clothing and color, each aisle at Value World presents a rainbow of opportunity. Looking to score a trendy silk top on the cheap? Ditch the trip to Urban Outfitters and hit the intimates section in the back corner for a wide selection, all for $5 or less. There are no dressing rooms, however, so be sure to wear some kind of tight-fitting coverall if you wish to try before you buy. —Violet Ikonomova

901 W. Lafayette Blvd., Detroit; 313-961-0622; kingsbooksdetroit.com

While big box bookstores shutter by the numbers and mom-and-pop operations struggle to compete with Amazon and, well, the fact that most people these days seem to digest information in 140 characters or less, one iconic Detroit establishment is king — John K. King Used & Rare Books, that is.

If you're headed downtown on the freeway, it's hard to miss this literary giant. Since 1965, John K. King has become a labyrinthian treasure trove that houses a collection of 1 million books in more than 900 subjects. Upon entry, visitors are greeted with a map detailing the contents of each of the four stories. While you may go in with a list of must-find titles, the more seasoned bookworms will tell you that titles will find you.

More than the collection itself though, what John K. King offers is an experience. From the coveted old-book mustiness, and the charming handmade cardboard aisle descriptions and illustrations, to the walkie-talkie equipped staff who are ready to assist you in even the most impossible of searches, when you visit John K. King you are bound to leave with something special. —Jerilyn Jordan