Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, I really wanted to assist the small businesses in our community, so I decided to check out some thrift stores around Westwood. Thrift stores are great places to shop at because most are nonprofit and their proceeds are donated — so in addition to supporting small businesses, your purchases also support homeless shelters, food banks and other organizations. Additionally, you can donate your old clothes or household items to most thrift stores.
Since I don’t have a lot of money to spend on new clothes, thrift stores have been vital for my fashion needs. Thrift stores are great places for college students trying to subsist on a limited budget. The clothes are cheaper, and if you take the time to look around, you will find something that fits your taste. However, I know that college students are usually short on time, so I decided to review some thrift stores to make your shopping easier. Here is my review on local thrift stores, ranked from best to worst. I did not include chain stores such as Goodwill or Savers in my review because I wanted to shed light on some small businesses in our community that could really use our help. (For details on how to donate your clothes or items, please check out their websites.)
Trove
- 2008 Westwood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025
- (424) 256-2861
- Rating: 4.7 out of 5
Upon entering Trove, I was super excited because I immediately saw items that I loved. Trove mostly sells women’s clothing, with a large selection of coats, tops and bottoms. I found many leather jackets on resale that I wanted to buy. They also have a small selection of children’s clothing that looked very cute. The store is very neat, and everything is in good condition. They even carry some name brands like Gucci, although these items are more expensive than Trove’s other clothing selections.
Unlike some thrift stores, Trove does not carry shoes or bags. However, they do have a lot of jewelry, as well as decorations and vintage home goods. Various other knick-knacks include lamps, plates and photo albums. Unfortunately for the Bruins reading this review, the store features a few items from a certain school for spoiled kids located across town — but the other items in their selection are still top-notch!
You can also shop at Trove online.
Photos via Naomi Holmes
Timeless Treasures Ticktocker Thrift Shop
- 9441 Culver Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232
- (310) 559-8338
- Rating: 4.5 out of 5
I had a really nice experience shopping at Timeless Treasures. The store is very spread out and neat, whereas most thrift stores are very crowded and messy. Timeless Treasures does not have as many clothes as other thrift stores, but they do have a wide variety of quality furniture, including cabinets, chairs, rugs and desks. The clothes they carry often seem dated, and I could not find anything I liked enough to purchase. However, if I needed furniture, I definitely would buy some from here.
The selection is old, but that’s what makes it great. The items hold a beautiful vintage look and are also in great condition. Timeless Treasures also carries a lot of silverware and dishware, as well as other home goods. They even have a whole section for books in case you’re looking for some pleasure reading. The store also has a section called the “Gold Room” which offers designer clothes, bags, shoes and jewelry, as well as art pieces. The art section particularly stood about to me, as I had never been to a thrift store that sold art before.
Photos via Naomi Holmes
Council Thrift Shop
- 10960 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025
- (310) 477-9601
- Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Council Thrift Shop is very large for a thrift store but not as aesthetically pleasing as one would hope. Their clothes are older and not as good quality compared to clothes at other thrift stores; that being said, there are definitely still some good finds at really good prices. I recall that this store had the most clothes and accessories out of any store I visited, and I could have spent hours going through their selection.
The store additionally has a variety of shoes that definitely catch your attention. They were so diverse in styles that I think everyone would be able to find a pair they like. This place, however, would not be my first choice for furniture shopping. They have some small kitchen appliances and pieces of furniture that look like they came out of the ’90s.
Council Thrift Shop also offers a small selection of books, hats and bags. You can shop at this store at their location in Westwood or online through eBay.
Photos via Naomi Holmes
Love The City Thrift Store
- 4325 Sepulveda Blvd., Culver City, CA 90230
- (310) 437-0090
- Rating: 3.0 out of 5
In general, Love The City Thrift Store was very similar to Council Thrift Shop, with the sole exception of its size. The store is very cramped, and they have less to offer in terms of clothing. However, they do make up for this by having a variety of small appliances and silverware. Love The City also sells games, books and stuffed animals, which can make ideal gifts for a younger family member. They also have antique cabinets worth checking out.
The entertainment side of their store was impressive, with their large selection of DVDs including some modern films. This section additionally carries records and CDs for the music needs of shoppers; I found a CD I particularly loved called “Love Battery.” This store is also very popular for their bag sale, where customers can fill a shopping bag full of clothes and shoes for $10.
You can also shop at this store online through eBay.
Photos via Naomi Holmes
