Thrifting is a budget-friendly, sustainable way to shop that’s exploded in popularity. And Santa Cruz is a uniquely great place to do it! With a wide range of thrift stores catering to all kinds of tastes, you’re bound to find some treasures.
Let’s explore some of the best thrift store options in Santa Cruz.
Goodwill Santa Cruz: A Local Favorite
Goodwill is a go-to thrift store for many Santa Cruz locals, and for good reason.
Location and Accessibility
Goodwill Santa Cruz is easy to find, located near popular attractions. The store’s address and contact information are readily available online. It’s open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Unique Offerings
If you’re hunting for retro clothing and accessories, Goodwill is the place to go. Not only does it offer affordable finds, but shopping there also supports the local community.
Community Impact
Goodwill employs 16 people, including people like Matthew Jelten, who’ve advanced within the company. Donating to Goodwill helps make a difference by supporting their mission.
Abbot’s Thrift: Community and Sustainability
Abbot’s Thrift is more than just a place to find secondhand treasures. It’s a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to giving back to the San Lorenzo Valley and Santa Cruz County.
Supporting the Community
Abbot’s Thrift employs 15 people from the local area and actively supports local schools and charities. For example, they work with Valley Churches United Missions and St. Lawrence Academy. Valley Churches United Missions has raised and given out over $11 million in aid.
Donations and Recycling
Abbot’s Thrift welcomes donations of clothing, household goods, antiques, collectibles, and electronics. You’ll want to call ahead to get approval for furniture and other large donations.
They also recycle electronics (TVs, laptops, and more) at no cost, emphasizing responsible e-waste disposal. Impressively, they recycle more than half of their refuse.
Shopping Experience
At Abbot’s Thrift, you’ll find low prices, frequent sales, and a constantly changing selection of items. They feature a 50%-off color of the week, and many items are half-price every day.
The store itself is huge, spanning over 10,000 square feet, so you’re sure to find something interesting.
Tips for Thrifting in Santa Cruz
To get the most out of your thrifting experience:
- Visit frequently to catch the best new arrivals.
- Look for items you can repurpose or upcycle.
- Donate your unwanted items to support local charities.
- Remember that thrifting reduces waste and promotes sustainability.
The Bottom Line
Thrifting in Santa Cruz offers something for everyone: affordable prices, unique finds, and a chance to support the local community.
When you donate to or shop at local thrift stores, you’re helping to fund local charities and create local jobs.
So, get out there and explore the Santa Cruz thrift store scene! You never know what hidden gems you might uncover, and you’ll be making a positive impact while you’re at it.