Long Beach Thrift Shops
For those of us who love combing through racks for fashion treasures, decorating our homes with vintage pieces, or seeking out great finds for low prices, thrifting can be both a pastime and a passion. Here are some of our favorite thrift stores in Long Beach, which also support worthy causes.
OUT OF THE CLOSET
With its hot pink sign and glamorous mannequins arranged in the window displays, Out of the Closet (3500 Pacific Coast Hwy) is a familiar sight to drivers passing the shop’s highly visible storefront. Merchandise in the shop is changed out frequently, and you can check out more on their Poshmark store. Customers can also use the in-store pharmacy and receive HIV testing, and 96 cents of every dollar spent at the store goes to AIDS Healthcare Foundation’s HIV prevention and treatment services.
BEACON HOUSE
If you’re looking for anything from a dining set to a snowboard, you can find it at Beacon House Thrift Shop (3220 E Anaheim St) a large, brightly lit space with a wide selection of clothing, furniture, sports equipment, housewares, and vintage items. The shop is a social enterprise program of the Beacon House Association of San Pedro, a state-certified, residential substance abuse recovery program for men. Working in the shop gives participants the chance to practice job skills, and proceeds go back into supporting the recovery program.
ASSISTANCE LEAGUE THRIFT SHOP
Make the Assistance League Thrift & Vintage Shop (2100 E 4th St) part of your shopping day on 4th Street’s Retro Row. Staffed by helpful volunteers, the shop offers a well-curated selection of clothing, housewares, as well as a children’s section. Check their shop on eBay for high-end designer fashion, artwork, rare books, and jewelry. Founded in 1940, the Long Beach chapter is the Assistance League’s largest, and proceeds from thrift shop sales support local philanthropic programs, including low-cost orthodontic care and school uniforms for children.
EDGAR & JAMES GOODWILL SPECIALTY STORE
Stocking all the typical categories of goods usually found at a thrift store, Edgar & James Goodwill Specialty Store (4121 Atlantic Ave) in Bixby Knolls also offers a curated selection of donated items, including designer clothing, antiques, collector’s items, and artwork. Proceeds from this shop benefit Goodwill’s vocational and job training programs and services.
CLARK & ATHERTON MERCANTILE
Treasures abound at Clark & Atherton Mercantile (1772 Clark Ave), which stocks clothing, furniture, home decor, jewelry, and more “gently-owned” items. Displays in the shop’s homey interior are arranged spilling out of dressers and wardrobes, like you might find in a grandparent’s attic. Visit the website for info on “Fun Days” discounts throughout each month. Operated by local nonprofit organization Christian Outreach in Action, the mercantile’s proceeds benefit COA’s essential community programs, like daily hot meals and food bank distribution for those in need.
