Thrifting second-hand is often the best way to find unique clothing and cool items on a budget. Some of the best thrift stores in Long Beach, CA feature the classics, a few reliably cheap options, and some boutique spots as well. Thrifting has definitely changed since “vintage,” and “resale” apps and pop-ups have scouted out a lot of the high-quality merchandise. The New York Times goes as far as saying that fast fashion has ruined much of the thrifting experience since you’re less likely to find high-quality clothing at a discounted price. This trend, in tandem with the spiked prices of “vintage” or “in-demand” pieces, means that thrifting is definitely not what it used to be. But, that doesn't mean it's not worth a try!
The best way to enjoy a thorough thrifting experience is to try out a bunch of places. Whether you know exactly what you’re hoping to find or take a more open-minded approach, there are for sure some treasures to find if you know where to look. Read on as we talk about some of the best thrift stores in Long Beach, CA. We’ll cover a handful of the more discounted options, as well as some of the pricier choices. If you’re up for shopping hand-selected vintage, some of the options further down this list should provide what you’re looking for. Happy bargain hunting! May all your Long Beach, CA thrifting dreams come true! Be sure to comment if there are more places that should be added to our list.
Classic Options
Saint Vincent De Paul
2750 Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach, California 90804
Saint Vincent De Paul is a pretty classic thrift store. The organization started initially in France as a charity organization. It was established in the United States in 1845, with the help of local religious institutions. Nowadays the Saint Vincent De Paul organization works to help families in need of housing and social services. They have 13 retail thrift stores, as well as several recycling centers across the United States. The one in Long Beach sells all kinds of discounted clothing, second-hand furniture, kitchenware, and books. Reviews are positive with an emphasis on a “good selection,” and “fair prices.”
Long Beach Goodwill Stores
- 2610 Atlantic Avenue, Long Beach, California 90806
- 1130 Redondo Avenue, Long Beach, California 90804
- 800 West Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach, California 90806
As you can see, there are three Goodwill Store & Donation locations in Longbeach, California. Goodwill is also a pretty common thrift store throughout the United States. While Goodwill used to be a prime bargain-hunting location, recently more boutique, hand-selected Goodwill outlets have cropped up that drive up the pricing of these second-hand stores. Especially in an area like Long Beach, California, you might run into some pricier pieces even though it's second-hand. Still, these spots are worth a stop-through if you're up for some thrift-store combing in the Longbeach region of California.
Assistance League Thrift & Vintage Shop
2100 East 4th St., Long Beach, California 90814
This thrift store has some rave Google reviews. Some people have referred to it as the “best thrift shop in Longbeach,” with lots of comments on its cleanliness and organization. This store has quite an active engagement with any feedback on their review section, and from their pictures, it looks like quite a nice shop. The Assistance League Thrift & Vintage Shop sells second-hand clothing, knick-knacks, jewelry, and furniture. They have accessories, home décor, books, toys, accessories, and housewares. Overall, they seem to be an affordable and unique option when it comes to the best thrift shops in Longbeach.
Clark and Atherton Mercantile
1772 Clark Ave, Long Beach, California 90815
The Clark and Atherton Mercantile offers a unique array of designer, vintage and second-hand items. Located in East Long Beach, at this shop you'll find housewares, furniture, and all kinds of knick-knacks. They also sell books, music, live plants, and clothing This location has a great $2 sale as well as lots of greatly discounted items. All the Google reviews that relate to price point say that this spot is quite affordable. All the proceeds for the shop go towards local community charities.
Beacon House Thrift Shop
3220 East Anaheim St. Unit 3240, Long Beach, California 90804
The Beacon House Thrift Shop sells all kinds of electronics, home goods, furniture, clothing, tools, and sporting equipment. The profits from this particular thrift stop go towards the Beacon House Association of San Pedro, a drug and alcohol rehabilitation program for men. A few reviews mention some items being overpriced, but given that the proceeds go towards a worthy cause, perhaps it's worth a trip to see for yourself. Maybe the price is worth the charity, and you never know what you might find.
LBRM Mission Thrift Store
702 West Anaheim St., Long Beach, California 90813
The Long Beach Rescue Mission Thrift Store gives its profits to helping the local homeless population. This location offers clothing, house décor, kitchenware, furniture, books, accessories, and more. Reviews mention great prices for lightly used items, friendly staff, and lots of unique inventory.
AMVETS Thrift Store
3315 South St., Long Beach, California 90805
The American Veterans Thrift Store is located in South Long Beach. They have another location in Fresno and two locations in San Diego. These retail thrift stores have all kinds of goods for sale. Though some Google reviews mention some overpricing of items, they have great discounts for military members, and seniors. They have weekly color sales, and if you're up for return trips, things are likely discounted over time. Sign up for the AMVETS Thrift Store newsletter to be updated on weekly discounts and sales.
Boutique Options
Out Of The Closet
3500 CA-1, Long Beach, California 90804
Out Of The Closet is a boutique-style thrifting experience. This means that the selection is more curated than your typical donation-based thrift store. While, in some cases, this can mean that the prices are much higher, a lot of the Google reviews of this store suggest it's very affordable. Their website notes that they've got great vintage finds at prices that “won't break the bank.” They accept specific donations and 96 cents out of every dollar goes to HIV testing services both in-store and in the outside world. They work to provide a safe space for the LGBTQIA+ community.
La Bomba
2222 East 4th St, Long Beach, California 90814
La Bomba is a vintage store in East Long Beach that definitely leans into the curated feeling of upscale thrifting. While their Instagram does mention a “pile sale,” on Saturdays and Sundays (11 am – 4 pm), reviews mention their prices can be a bit steep in comparison. Keep in mind that, for some folks, the thrill of thrifting comes with truly searching for discounted treasures among lots of other donations. Boutique-style thrift spots do the work of the search for you, so it's just a matter of framing the whole experience.
Meow
2210 E 4th St., Long Beach, California 90814
The Meow Vintage Clothing Store offers all kinds of vintage goods, clothing and accessories straight from the 1940s-1980s fashion. They're reviewed as “reasonably priced,” for vintage items, and lots of comments mention their very wide selection of goods. This shop may not be in line with classic thrift simply because it sells predominantly more niché “vintage” pieces. If you're looking for discounted clothes, some of the other options on this list of the best thrift stores in Long Beach, CA, might be more up your alley. However, if you're looking to explore some curated vintage wear, stop by Meow!
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