Sonoma County Thrift Shops

This is a Frugal Shopper’s list...

if we’re missing your favorite - please let us know!

I'll walk you through my favorites of these stores -on the Small Shops of Sonoma County Shopping Tour in the December Gazette. In the mean time, take Thrift Shop Shopping Tips from Carol Russell, Mayor of Cloverdale (see below) - she's an expert!

Happy frugal shopping!!!

Let's Go Thrifting!
By Carol Russell, Mayor of Cloverdale

Got lots of new clothes for Roz and myself this week: 2 eye-catching jackets, 3 casual tops, a nifty tee plus a pair of classic khaki slacks and chic “skinny” jeans. Had budgeted no more than $12; but racked up $13.64. Sometimes you just need to splurge!

My total cost may look like a typo that’s missing a few zeros but it’s very real and so are the quality and style of everything I bought. How’d I do it? Simple. I “thrifted” at both Goodwill Industries and Heaven’s Closet.

While visiting these popular non-profit Cloverdale thrift stores, I was able to save even more than usual by taking advantage of one of the two additional “discount days” available every week at the Goodwill plus a fabulous, twice-yearly, end-of-season sale at Heaven’s Closet that lets all of us thrifters fill up a whole shopping bag of fashion-forward apparel for just $2. (Yes. Really. 2 bucks!)
 
Around Cloverdale, as around our nation, being frugal while contributing to worthy causes is an irresistible draw for anyone looking for savings and who isn’t? For the truly savvy, thrift store patronage is both a status symbol and a sport since nothing’s greener than the practical recycling accomplished by donors and buyers, while nothing’s more satisfying than bagging a brand new “brand name” at a steep discount – up to 95% or more off retail. (Yes. Really!)

Over the years, I’ve typically paid only 10-15% of the original price for about half my clothes, not to mention all my other great finds – from replacements for broken place setting pieces to designer handbags and suit cases.

 That’s why, along with most of my friends, I thrift whenever I’m looking for new (often with the tags still on) and gently pre-owned popular brand or one-of-a-kind adult and kids’clothing, shoes, accessories, household and decorator items, collectibles, books, DVDs, toys, appliances, furniture, crafts products, and much, much more.

 Recently, I asked for background on their organizations and some tips from Charlie Stamps, VP of Retail Operations for Goodwill Industries of the Redwood Empire (www.gire.com; 792 So. Cloverdale Blvd.; Mon-Sat., 10-7, Sun. 10-6), and Marilyn Michelon, Board Member of Heaven’s Closet (439 No. Cloverdale Blvd.; behind the historic United Church; open Thurs. & Sat. 10-3.) www.uccloverdale.org/heavens-closet.html

Goodwill’s been around since 1902, when Boston’s Rev. Edgar J. Helms first collected clothes and trained impoverished people to repair and sell them. The all-volunteer Heaven’s Closet is named in memory of beloved United Church member the late Lavonne Van Zante’s consignment shop.

Of course, for a Thrift to give good bargains they need to get good donations. Department and specialty stores donate new items to Thrifts as do individuals, like us, who have no use for them. Genuinely grateful for all clean and saleable donations, when it comes to used items, Charlie suggests we donate only “what you would give to a good friend” and Marilyn suggests: “If something should go to the dump please do not leave it here.” It costs non-profits too much time and money to dispose of our junk!

The following tips sum up Charlie’s and Marilyn’s advice along with that of us seasoned thrifters:
1) Shop regularly. Bargains come in and go out fast, so merchandise isn’t predictable. Carry a list of clothing and shoe sizes plus any specific current or future needs.
2) Spot something you need or collect? Grab it! Hesitation just lost me a new $3.99 paper shredder.
3) However, resist mere impulse! Buy only what you or someone else will truly use and appreciate. Clutter being neither bargain nor gift.
4) Check everything carefully for damage and test appliances. When in doubt, pass.
5) Learn how merchandise is displayed so you can find favorite or needed items quickly, saving time for exploring all the rest. As Marilyn says: “Look in the corners of the shop.”
6) Ask about senior and other discounts and special sales. Check return policies, too. Staffers and volunteers are delighted to help.
7) Above all, when it comes to everything you buy: Wear it, use it, gift it proudly!

Thrifting is more than spending; it’s giving, too. Every day of the year Goodwill, which employs seven Cloverdale staff members, is “helping people and changing lives” while Heaven’s Closet helps the United Church, Wallace House, the Food Pantry and other missions.


Thrift & Consignment Shops of Sonoma County:

A Vintage
1190 Gravenstein Hwy S
Sebastopol
707-829-3822
www.avintage.biz
vintage & consignment

Alphabet Soup Benefit Thrift
213 Western Ave
Petaluma
707-778-4818
http://www.senoritahollywood.com/skirtchaservintage
thrift
Mon-Sat 10-5:30
100% proceeds donated directly to Petaluma Educational Foundation

Angel’s Attic
411 E Street
Santa Rosa
707-284-8659
thrift

Anna’s Family Tradition Thrift
211A Southwest Blvd.
Rohnert Park
707-921-8965

Ann’s Bargain Store
6525 First Street
Forestville
707-887-1734
thrift - some consignment
Mon - Sat 10am - 5pm

Aubergine
755 Petaluma Ave
Sebastopol
707-827-3460
vintage

Bodega Thrift
17125 Bodega Ave.
Bodega
707-824-0912 - Rosina Kroner
Open Sat & Sunday 11-6
Thrift - Specialize organic materials - silk, etc. wool

Church Mouse
15 E Napa Street
Sonoma
707-938-9797
thrift

St. Francis School
10-6 every day
Church Mouse
10 Boyes Blvd
Sonoma
(707) 938-9839
thrift

Church Mouse
18068 Sonoma Hwy
Sonoma
(707) 938-0188
thrift

Church Mouse Thrift Shop
16885 Highway 12
Sonoma
(707) 996-5115
thrift

Deb’s Unique Boutique
9890 Main St
Monte Rio
707-865-2527
thrift & consignment
Sat and Sunday 11-6 and by appointment

Favorites
435 Center Street
Healdsburg
707-433-2660
no web site
consignment

Funk and Flash
228 South Main St
Sebastopol
707-829-1142
www.funkandflash.com
vintage & consignment

Garbage Reincarnation Thrift
949 Sebastopol Rd
Santa Rosa
(707) 527-0770
www.garbage.org
thrift
9am - 5pm
Toys, Books, Clothing, Building materials, household items,furniture, Los manos goodies

Going To The Dogs
135 Southwest Blvd
Rohnert Park
(707) 794-9025
thrift

Goodwill of the Redwood Empire
651 Yolanda Ave
Santa Rosa
(707) 523-0550
www.gire.org
thrift
8 am-3:30 Mon-Sun
Outlet Center “the dig” Goodwill Industries creates employment training opportunities for people with disabilities and disadvantages

Goodwill
792 S Cloverdale Blvd
Cloverdale
(707) 894-5200
thrift
10 am-6 pm Mon-Sun

Goodwill
680 Sebastopol Rd
Santa Rosa
(707) 570-2392
thrift
9 am-8 pm Mon-Sat 8 am-7 pm Sun
Roseland area

Goodwill
6591 Commerce Blvd
Rohnert Park
(707) 585-0300
thrift
9 am-8 pm Mon-Sat 9 am-7 pm Sun

Goodwill
1000 Lakeville St
Petaluma
(707) 778-7485
thrift
9 am-8 pm Mon-Sat 9 am-7 pm Sun

Goodwill
6826 Sebastopol Ave
Sebastopol
(707) 823-3551
thrift
10 am-7 pm Mon-Sat 9 am-6 pm Sun

Goodwill
3535 Industrial Ave
Santa Rosa
(707) 545-2492
thrift
9 am-8 pm Mon-Sat 8 am-7 pm Sun

Goodwill
513 Healdsburg Ave
Healdsburg,
(707) 431-8408
thrift

Heaven’s Closet
439 No. Cloverdale Blvd
Cloverdale
Open Thurs. & Sat. 10-3.)
www.uccloverdale.org/heavens-closet.html
helps the United Church, Wallace House, the Food Pantry and other missions.
thrift

Heavenly Treasures
576 Mendocino Ave
Santa Rosa
707-569-7448
thrift
M-F 10-2
Church sponsored supports social causes the Living Room

Heritage Salvage
1477 Petaluma Blvd S
Petaluma
(707) 762-6277
www.heritagesalvage.com
Salvage resale
Tues - Fri 9am-5pm Sat 10am-4pm Mon by appt
Green Building Source offers a cornucopia of reclaimed Building Materials for your home, garden and commercial projects.

Hospice VNA Thrift Store
748 Gravenstein Hwy N
Sebastopol
707-824-4712
www.suttervnaandhospice.org
thrift

Hospice Foundation
Mon-Sat 10-6 Sun 11-5
not-for-profit supports home health and hospice care 
Hospice VNA Thrift Store
1620 Piner Road
Santa Rosa
707-523-1775
thrift

Hospice Foundation
Mon-Sat 10-6 Sun 11-5
Hospice VNA Thrift Store
510 Lewis Road
Santa Rosa
707-528-9310
thrift

Hospice Foundation
Mon-Sat 10-6 Sun 11-5
490 Mendocino Ave #105
Santa Rosa
707-542-3800
Thrift

Hospice VNA Thrift Store
6350 Commerce Blvd.
Rohnert Park
(707) 588-8015
Mon-Sat 10-6 Sun 11-5
Thrift

Kidz Swap Store
821 Petaluma Blvd., N. Unit C
Petaluma
707-763-5439
ww.kidzswapstore.com
consignment
tues - Sat 10 - 5
safe kids-play section inside, bi-monthly art openings

Kimble
8200 Old Redwood Hwy
Cotati
707-665-9401
www.kimble.com
new &  used + Consignment

Launch
971 Gravenstein hwy
Sebastopol
707-829-3312
www.golaunchgo.com
We sell designer, beautiful, unique, funky clothing & accessories
Mon-Sat 11-7 Sun 1-5

Little Launch
200 S Main St
Sebastopol
707-829-3312
www.golaunchgo.com
consignment
Mon-Sat 10-5 Sun 12-5
Trendy, hip, stylin’ clothes for kids - owned my Mom Shana of Launch Clothing

Love Your Neighbor
2150 Bluebell Dr
Santa Rosa
707-542-0446
thrift
support services
10 A.M. to 6 P.M. Tues Sat
Find loads of great stuff at great prices. Many rooms to explore. The longer stuff is there, the cheaper it gets! One of the best thrifts around!!

Mill Street Thrift
14075 Mill St
Guerneville
707-869-8393
thrift
Mon-Sat 11-5:30
”By the Community, for the Communiy” Donations accepted - affordable clothing and home items - benefits Russian River homeless and anyone in need.Feeds the homeless every day

New to You/Assistance League
5 West 6th Street
Santa Rosa
707-546-9484
www.sonomacounty.assistanceleague.org
thrift
Nonprofit community

Paper Doll clothing Consignment
748 Montecito Center
Santa Rosa
707-539-2727
www.paperdollsconsignment.com
consignment
Tues-Sat 11-6 Sun 1-6

Pick of the Litter
1701 Piner Rd #A
Santa Rosa
707-570-2590
www.forgottenfelines.com
Thrift & consignment
nonprofit

Pine Grove General Store
149 N Main Street
Sebastopol
(707) 829-1138
Consignment
HUGE selection.  Always a lot of inventory marked down - The prices are not as cheap as thrift stores, but the options and quality are better.

Plato’s Closet
1880 Mendocino Ave
Santa Rosa
707-566-8400
www.platoscloset.com
Buy - Sell - Trade
Mon-Sat 10-8 pm Sun 12-5pm

ReCycle Town
500 Meacham Rd
Petaluma
(707) 795-3660
http://permie.net/2009/01/13/recycle-town-and-sonoma-compost/
Aalvage - resale
Perpetual yard sale, where you’ll find all sorts of building materials and other goodies at rock-bottom prices. Find something you want? Just ask at the window for the price

Red Umbrella Consignment
120A Kentucky Street
Petaluma
707 778-3499
www.redumbrellaconsignment.com
Consignment
Mon - Sat, 10am -6pm Sun 12noon-4pm
We accept women’s seasonal clothing, footwear, handbags, jewelry and accessories. Tue.-Fri. 11-4, Sat. 10-1

Redwood Gospel Mission Thrift
1821 Piner Road
Santa Rosa
707-578-3512
www.srmission.org
Thrift

ReStore
1201 Piner Road
Santa Rosa
(707) 568-3228
http://socohabitatrestore.org/
Thrift
non-profit
Mon - Sat 9 AM to 5 PM.
supoorts habitat fro Humanity housing programs - takes donations - encourgaes volunteers

Sack’s - Hospice of Petaluma
128 Liberty St
Petaluma
(707) 765-2228
Thrift
Hospice Foundation
Mon-Sat 9:30-5 pm

Sacks on The Square
116 4th St
Santa Rosa
(707) 541-7227
Thrift
Hospice Foundation

Salvation Army
200 Lytton Springs Rd
Healdsburg
707-433-5177
www.salvationarmyusa.org
Thrift
Mon-Sat 9:30-5 pm
Five buildings plus a car lot - everything from $1 ties to anitques &  collectables

Salvation Army
1020 Third St.
Santa Rosa
707-578-3924
www.salvationarmyusa.org
Thrift
Christian charity
Mon-Sat 9:30-5 pm

Sharon’s Main Street Emporium
16390 Main St Suite C
Guerneville
707-869-0393
call for hours

Skirt Chaser Vintage
208 Davis Street
Santa Rosa
707-546-4021
www.shirtchaservintage.com
Vintage resale
Sun-Mon 12-4 Tues-Sat 11-6

Sprout
177-A Healdsburg Ave.
Healdsburg
707-433-7355
www.sproutchildrensclothing.com
Consignment
10 am-5:50 pm Mon-Sat Sun 11-4 pm
buy-sell-trade: offering high-quality used clothing and gear to babies, kids, and women at prices that don’t make them shudder. hand-selected items

St Vincent De Paul Society
5671 Redwood Drive
Rohnert Park
707-584-1579
www.svdp-sonoma.org
Thrift
Mon-Sat 8:30-6 Closed Sunday

The Consignment Cottage
44 Mill Street
Healdsburg
(707) 433-3180
Consignment

The Legacy
781 Gravenstein Hwy South
Sebastopol
(707) 823-7520
www.sebastopolseniorcenter.org/legacy.htm
Thrift - some consignment
Benefits Sebastopol Senior Center
10 am-4 pm Mon-Sat Thurs til 6 pm
Fabric, notions, craft - all volunteer - benefits Sebastoipol Senior Center. almost everything you need to make clothes, costumes and beautiful crafts for your home and family.

Treasure House
700 Wilson Street
Santa Rosa
707-523-1188
Consignment< Vicki's Secret
108 Petaluma Blvd. No., Petlauma
Mon-Fri: 11am ~ 5:30 pm, Sat: 11am ~ 5pm, Sun: 12 ~ 5pm
707-765-2801
Consignment
Thousands of couture designer clothing & accessories on consignment
www.vickissecret.com

Welfare League Shop
126 4th Street
Santa Rosa
707-542-7480
Thrift

Yard Sale Thrift Store
177 Southwest Blvd.
Rohnert Park
(707) 795-7776
Thrift