Mostly wanting to see how many places would have some old cheap video games.

I am a thrift store shopper by hobby and competitive sport. Although others might suggest Unique in Merrifield, I think the best deals to be found (and best selection) are out-of-the way, smaller thrift stores. The (elderly) volunteers sometimes aren't so savvy about value and the price will reflect this.

May I suggest:

Pennywise (Vienna)

Innova Fair Oaks (relatively larger, but great prices - Bowl America shopping center/fairfax Circle)

Goodwill (Fairfax - 123 - by Fairfax Square in shopping center where Yesterday's Rose had original location)

Innova Fairfax Hospital (but has a different name) in downtown Springfield/KMART shopping center.

In general, the older thrift stores in old strip malls are where you find the best treasures. I find that collectible items hang around there longer, as many of the patrons are focusing on essentials like clothing and houseware items.

One more: on Brandon Ave. in Springfield there's a very small thrift store near where Talbots used to be. It is in the building perpendicular to the taller medical office building.

The best Good will in the area is the one off of Glebe, but Fairfax is good. Think of who lives nearby and what they want to get rid of. Manassass, not very good stuff.....

How can there be an good thrift store shopping around here when everything is picked over by the central americans?

The merchandise is not picked over; in general, the thrift store hobbyists are not in competition with the shoppers looking to outfit their families with the basics. I am a well-dressed, suburban, middle-class mom who scores bargains on new furniture (!), vintage housewares, decor items and designer clothes for myself. I supplement my kids' wardrobes with new-with-tags clothing items.

It's a win-win: I donate *weekly* to the thrift stores I frequent.

The Closet, Herndon - open 10a-2p on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.

Salvation Army is on Little River turnpike is great. Well organized and really good deals. Word to the wise: avoid Wednesdays - - it is discount day and awash with our undocumented "guests".

I definitely would avoid Unique Thrift...

Unique in Falls Church has a huge selection of clothing, but bring a man with you for safety. The hispanics always look like they are on the verge of rioting.

Walmart. Some of their stuff looks almost new.

The Bargain Loft in Herndon has top of the line furniture and collectibles and the prices are good. The Goodwill in Herndon is very expensive.
There is a thrift store at Old Lee and Rt 50 run by the Friends of Homeless Animals..very good items and prices. The one on Rt 7, Sterling near the movie theaters has good items and prices. Call these places to see if they have video games.