Largest Thrift Stores in Southern California: See Our Top 20

Thrift stores have become increasingly popular over the years, providing shoppers with affordable and sustainable options while supporting charitable causes. Southern California is home to many large thrift store chains, offering a variety of items from clothing and accessories to furniture and household goods. Here are our top 20 largest thrift stores in Southern California, along with examples and relevant historical facts.

Largest Thrift Stores in Southern California

1. Goodwill Southern California

With over 80 locations in Southern California, Goodwill is one of the largest thrift store chains in the region. This organization was founded in Boston in 1902 by Reverend Edgar J. Helms, who started collecting used items and repairing them to provide jobs and training for the poor. Today, Goodwill Southern California provides employment and training opportunities for individuals with disabilities and other barriers to employment.

The Goodwill thrift stores offer a variety of items, including clothing, furniture, and electronics.

2. Salvation Army

The Salvation Army is another large thrift store chain with over 70 locations in Southern California. The organization was founded in 1865 in London by William Booth, who wanted to bring Christian values to the poor and marginalized. Today, the Salvation Army provides a variety of social services, including disaster relief, substance abuse treatment, and employment services.

The stores offer a variety of items, including clothing, furniture, and household goods. The proceeds from the thrift stores support the organization’s social services programs.

3. Out of the Closet

This is an organization that has a chain of thrift stores with locations throughout Southern California. The organization was founded in 1990 by Michael Weinstein, who wanted to raise money for AIDS healthcare services. The stores specialize in clothing and accessories and also offer a selection of furniture and household goods. Today, the proceeds from the stores support the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, providing medical care, advocacy, and education.

4. Savers

Savers’ is a chain of thrift stores and one of the largest thrift stores with locations throughout Southern California. The organization was founded in 1954 in San Francisco by William O. Ellison and his wife, Barbara. They started with a single store and expanded over the years, providing a unique shopping experience and supporting nonprofit partnerships. It will interest you to know that Savers’ thrift stores offer a variety of items, including clothing, furniture, and household goods.

5. The Council Thrift Shops

The Council Thrift Shops are proud owners of a chain of thrift stores with locations throughout Southern California. The organization was founded in 1892 by Hannah G. Solomon and a group of Jewish women who wanted to improve the lives of women, children, and families. Today, the proceeds from the stores support the National Council of Jewish Women, children, and families providing education, advocacy, and community service.

These thrift stores offer a variety of items, including clothing, furniture, and household goods.

6. American Cancer Society Discovery Shop

Southern California is home to chains of thrift stores with The American Cancer Society Discovery Shop inclusive. This organization was founded in 1913 by a group of doctors and businessmen who wanted to promote cancer research and education. Today, the proceeds from the stores support the American Cancer Society, providing research, education, and patient care. They’re also one of the largest thrift stores you can get in Southern California.

The stores specialize in high-end clothing, accessories, and home decor.

7. Buffalo Exchange

With sites all around Southern California, Buffalo Exchange is a chain of secondhand shops. The organization was founded in 1974 by Kerstin Block and her husband, Spencer. They started with a single store in Tucson, Arizona, and expanded over the years, providing a unique shopping experience and supporting sustainable fashion.

The stores specialize in vintage and trendy clothing for men and women. Customers can sell their gently used clothing and accessories for cash or store credit.

8. Crossroads Trading Co.

Crossroads Trading Co. is a chain of consignment stores with locations throughout Southern California. The organization was founded in 1991 by Gerald Block, who wanted to create a new kind of fashion retail experience. Today, Crossroads provides a unique selection of clothing and accessories while supporting sustainable fashion.

This thrift store is known for its trendy, high-quality clothing and accessories for men and women. Customers can sell their gently used clothing and accessories for cash or store credit.

9. Assistance League of Southern California Thrift Shops

The Assistance League of Southern California Thrift Shops is a chain of thrift stores with locations throughout the region. The organization was founded in 1919 by Anne Banning and Ada Edwards Laughlin, who wanted to improve the lives of those in need. Today, has become one of the largest thrift stores in Southern California with the proceeds from the stores offered as support to some organization’s community programs, which include providing clothing and school supplies to children in need, supporting domestic violence shelters, and providing scholarships to local students.

Clothing, furniture, and household goods are some of the things this thrift store offers.

10. Habitat for Humanity ReStore

Habitat for Humanity ReStore is a chain of thrift stores with locations throughout Southern California. The organization was founded in 1976 by Millard and Linda Fuller, who wanted to provide affordable housing for families in need. Today, the proceeds from the ReStores support Habitat for Humanity’s mission, providing affordable housing and home repairs.

Here, you will find a variety of affordable home improvement items such as furniture, appliances, and building materials.

11. St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store

Southern California, a hub of St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store, controls a chain of thrift stores within the region. The organization was founded in 1833 by Frederic Ozanam, a student at the Sorbonne in Paris. He and a group of friends wanted to serve the poor in their community, and their efforts grew into a worldwide organization. Today, the proceeds from the thrift stores support St. Vincent de Paul’s mission of serving those in need.

St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store offers a diverse selection of secondhand clothing, household items, and furniture. It is known to have some of the largest thrift stores in Southern California.

12. Ozzie Dots

Ozzie Dots is a vintage clothing store located in Los Angeles. The store was founded in 1976 by Ozzie Rodriguez, who started collecting vintage clothing and accessories while working as a film extra. Today, Ozzie Dots is a not only a popular destination for vintage enthusiasts and provides a unique shopping experience but, is some of the largest thrift stores in Southern California.

At the Ozzie Dots, you can find an eclectic range of vintage clothing and accessories, as well as costumes and props for film and theater productions.

13. Aardvark’s Odd Ark

Aardvark’s Odd Ark is a thrift store located in Venice. The store was founded in 1980 by Gary and Susan Schneider, who wanted to provide a unique shopping experience for those looking for eclectic items. Today, Aardvark’s Odd Ark is a popular destination for those looking for vintage and unusual items.

Aardvark’s Odd Ark is a treasure trove of unique finds, from vintage clothing to rare books and collectibles.

14. The Way We Wore

The Way We Wore is a vintage clothing store located in Los Angeles. The store was founded in 2004 by Doris Raymond, who started collecting vintage clothing while working as a costume designer. Today, The Way We Wore is a popular destination for vintage enthusiasts and provides a unique shopping experience.

They specialize in vintage designer clothing and accessories from the 1920s to the 1990s, offering a curated selection of one-of-a-kind pieces.

15. Wasteland

Wasteland is a chain of consignment stores with locations throughout Southern California. The organization was founded in 1986 by Cheryl Cohen, who wanted to provide a new kind of fashion retail experience. Today, Wasteland provides a unique selection of clothing and accessories while supporting sustainable fashion.

They offer pre-loved clothing and accessories that are repurposed and upcycled to reduce waste.

16. Jet Rag

Jet Rag is a vintage clothing store located in Los Angeles. The store was founded in 1985 by Larry Kraines and John Jung, who started selling vintage clothing from their garage. Today, Jet Rag is a popular destination for vintage enthusiasts and provides a unique shopping experience.

Jet Rag thrift store features an extensive collection of retro fashion from the 1920s to the 1990s, including everything from costume jewelry to designer dresses.

17. The Wayward Collection

The Wayward Collection is a vintage clothing store located in Los Angeles. The store was founded in 2010 by Brian Hardgroove and Lauren Reed, who wanted to provide a unique shopping experience for those looking for vintage and sustainable fashion. Today, The Wayward Collection is a popular destination for vintage enthusiasts and provides a unique shopping experience.

This thrift store is basically a women’s clothing store that focuses on sustainable fashion, offering a range of gently used and upcycled pieces.

18. El Mercado de Los Angeles

El Mercado de Los Angeles is a marketplace located in Los Angeles. The market was founded in 1968 by Ralph S. Lewis, who wanted to provide a space for local artisans and vendors to sell their goods. Today, El Mercado de Los Angeles is a popular destination for those looking for handmade and unique items.

This marketplace features a variety of vendors selling everything from clothing and accessories to home decor and Mexican crafts.

19. FIDM Scholarship Store

FIDM Scholarship Store is a thrift store located in Los Angeles. The store was founded by the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, which wanted to provide scholarships to needy students. Today, the proceeds from the store support FIDM’s scholarship program for students attending the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising.

They also offer gently used designer clothing, accessories, and home decor.

20. My Best Friend’s Closet

My Best Friend’s Closet is a consignment store with locations throughout Southern California. The organization was founded in 2004 by Heather Campbell and Danielle Payne, who wanted to provide a stylish and affordable shopping experience. Today, My Best Friend’s Closet offers a wide selection of gently used clothing and accessories, including designer labels at affordable prices while also supporting sustainable fashion.

Conclusion

Some of the largest and most distinctive thrift stores in the nation are found in Southern California. Everyone can find something they like at Goodwill, Salvation Army, or independent shops like Jet Rag and The Wayward Collection. These secondhand shops not only offer cheap shopping options, but they also champion significant environmental and social causes. Be sure to visit these top 20 largest thrift stores in Southern California, whether you enjoy vintage items or are just searching for a good price.