The Los Angeles Times today has an excellent article written by John Lippman. Read it here:
https://articles.latimes.com/2009/jan/25/business/fi-cover25
House of Return in Culver City is the featured store. Where you can buy a men’s suit outfit for under $50. Arlene Ford who is the manager is at House of Return offers some good advice. you have to keep coming back to find the good deals.
The article categorizes stores into three categories:
1. General Thrift Stores – like Goodwill and Out of the Closet.
2. Boutique Charity Thrift Stores – Hospital and Foundations. House of Return, Council Thrift Shops, National Council of Jewish Women, Beit T’Shuvah, American Cancer Society’s Discovery Shops. Upper end, Aardvarks, House of Return on the higher end.
3. Specialty Vintage Clothing Stores – It’s a Wrap(Burbank and West LA).
One of the best tips, is go in on Monday-Tuesday because that is when most of the donated merchandise makes it to the store for sale.
Also, be sure to look over the item very close in good light, as there may be discoloration, I remember buying a shirt that I did not notice the shoulders had be exposed to sun and faded. Hard to notice under the dim flourescent lighting.
Buying clothes on ebay(the largest thrift shop), can be somewhat challenging especially when you can’t try it before you buy it.
Be patient and don’t give up and you will surely find a deal or even a steal at the thrift store next time you need some clothes.
Beit T’shuvah Thrift Shop
10409 Washington Blvd
Culver City, CA 90232
(310) 204-4058