THRIFTING in PASADENA

     Thrifting and swap meets, it's a way of life in Southern California. Exactly what is "thrifting?" It's the activity of frequenting thrift stores in search of useful and sometimes rare items... at very-very low prices. Thrifting is for the person who must or desires to exercise frugality. Thrifting is another level of "the hunt," which on occasion could yield an antique.
      In my case, thrifting became the activity which allowed me to furnish a west coast apartment while my life's possessions remained in storage back east. It allowed me to avoid the big box stores and have a Saturday adventure in my newly claimed homeland.  Of equal importance, my thrifting supports worthwhile organizations. What began as necessity became a passion.
      Pasadena abounds with thrift stores. Following are my four favorites because of the treasures I've found.
     1.  SALVATION ARMY Thrift Store, 56 W. Del Mar Blvd., Pasadena, CA (626.795.8075.)

 
 Good works, great items, best prices.  Let's just call it the Bloomingdale's of thrift stores: furniture, appliances, kitchen wares, tabletop china & glasses, sports equipment, garden & basket items, books, shoes, clothing and all the details in between. They had a commercial Hobart refrigerator priced at $300, but on 50% Friday, sold for $150!  As for my purchases, some of my best finds include:  Two, NWT, Brown Jordan chaise lounge chairs purchased for $14.95 - TOTAL..no tax!  My first piece of California Bauer pottery, an eight inch orange bowl, was found on a cluttered dish shelf and priced at $2.45. Shelves for my office were movie props from "The Adjustment Bureau," and cost $14.95 for three assembled sets. Golf clubs come and go . There are thirfters who search 2-3 times a week for both vintage and new drivers and irons.  Clothes, clothes and more clothes are in new or near new condition. New wedding gowns have been donated from an established Pasadena store. As for books, this is the new Borders! If you want to get out and enjoy "the hunt," this is the number one place in Pasadena.
       KEEP IN MIND: Tuesday is Senior Day with 30% off.  Friday and Saturday rotate between 40% & 50% off every other week. Store Hours: 10 to 8, M-Sat.....NEVER ON SUNDAY. Cash, MC, VISA.
NO TAX.
        VERY POLITE  and helpful store associates. This store is a shining example of the good work performed by The Salvation Army.

     2.  SALVATION ARMY ANTIQUE STORE, 35 Waverly Street, Pasadena, CA. (626.795.0274)

Just around the corner from the main store is a smaller location with what is considered "better" quality. This consideration is highly subjective as it's mostly filled with newly manufactured goods from China. More designer type clothes can be found in this boutique. Furniture may be a better quality and some truly unusual pieces can be found. A good example, the over sized chair with cowboy image imprinted into the leather. It was originally part of a cowboy-cowgirl set but the female chair had been sold by the time I spotted this truly western treasure. It tugged at my heart!  Didn't go with anything I have, but it ended up in the back of "Mae West," my Prius. Final cost at 40% off: $65. So now I have this cowboy chair seeking the right ranch. I wonder who purchased the curved, scalloped Hollywood Regency sofa that was in perfect condition. Tried to get an in-town friend to go-or-it, but she couldn't get past the inappropriate 1990's floral tapestry fabric. Yes, it needed a gold, crushed velvet.
      If you can't handle quantity, this may be the place for you to thrift.
      Same terms as the main store but discounts are less. Maximum is 40% off.

      Associates not as personable and checkout can be a bottle neck.
















    3.  ACTS Thrift Store, 1382 Locust Street, Pasadena, CA. (626.577.4477)                                         Take the Hill Street exit off
the 210 eastbound and it's two blocks to the south on the right hand side of the street. The parking lot is always full so you may want to look for a space on a side street.  As for goods, much less then the quantity donated and sold at The Salvation Army. Most of the furniture looks institutional. Thrifting here is hit or miss....but thirfters do have there favorite locations. Benefits at-risk kids, disadvantaged families and homeless.
     M-Sat., 10-8.  Cash, MC/V.
     


     4.  THE HUNTINGTON COLLECTION, 766 South Fair Oaks Avenue, Pasadena, CA. (626.535.2468)  This is not really thrifting as it's a consignment store benefiting The Huntington Hospital Senior Care Network. In days past, it would have been a function of a predominately female hospital auxiliary.( Kind of still feels that way.) The atmosphere is very "clubby."
       There are two separate establishments in the same building: The Collection and then the Annex.  The Collection is light, spacious and products are carefully selected and very nicely displayed. The clothes definitely appeal to an elderly population and are significantly over priced. Vintage, beaded evening bags that are in abundance were priced in the $90 to $100 dollar range!
      I have found some books and recently a rather rare piece of Native American pottery, a turtle as the fabled storyteller. Books are usually $2 more then other establishments, but the pottery was a find at a great price.
      The Annex presents furniture, appliances and other displaced stuff that didn't make the "cut" for the main store.  All of my visits have produced the same impression: Pricey with attitude. I always wonder, "Who buys this stuff!." You decide. Has a good website: http://thehuntingtoncollection.com
       SALE DATE: Last Saturday of every month, 50% off, 9 to noon.
       M,T,W,F, 10-4. THURS: noon - 6. CLOSED SATURDAY EXCEPT FOR SALE DAY.
       Cash, MC/V.

      Thrifting has always been a way of life for many, but since August 2008, it has become really big business. The Salvation Army and Goodwill are purchasing million dollar properties, filling them with contributions, making a substantial profit that gives back by providing recovery and good work for many.
Perfect examples of sustainability and "green" jobs!
      As containers of Chinese products flood our marketplace, maybe it's time to participate in thrifting: recycle, reclaim, renew.
                                                        Happy Hunting