Thrift Store Showdown
Crimson Journalist, Brian Arndt Reviews Thrift Stores in Paso Robles
The thrift store industry has grown at a rate of 3.7% per year during the last five years with a large spike during the pandemic in 2021, according to IBS world. Thrifting provides a way to save money buying clothes while helping the environment by reusing clothing that might have otherwise gone to waste. Personally, I started thrifting right around 2021 when it was a trend on social media, and over the past four years I have built my wardrobe around used clothing. Along with this, I have been renovating my room using items such as shelves and paintings I have bought at thrift stores.
I reviewed some of the main thrift stores in Paso Robles to find where you can look for the best deals in town.
Review System 1-5
- Price
- Quantity of Clothes
- Quality of Clothes
- Organization of store
- Changing room Yes/No
Paso Robles Map of Thrift Stores
NCI
Price - 5
Quantity - 3
Quality - 2.5
Organization - 2
Changing room - Yes
The NCI affiliate thrift store has clothing, furniture, and an array of other items. This store had a clothing special while I was there where sweaters were $1 and all other clothing was $3. The usual clothing prices range from $5-7 which still makes it the cheapest store I went to. While the prices were cheap, it didn’t have a very large selection of clothing or many pieces that my friends and I found appealing. Though, I did find a quarter zip sweater, which I bought for $1, and a painting which I bought for $5.
Goodwill
Price - 1
Quantity - 5
Quality - 4
Organization - 4
Changing room - Yes
Goodwill had a great selection of clothing and shoes which are frequently restocked, but are very pricey. Most times I have gone to Goodwill it is crowded, so it doesn’t give the same relaxed vibe as the smaller thrift stores in town. I bought a pair of running shoes for $10, and a pair of pants for $12.
One Dollar & More Thrift Store
Price - 2.5
Quantity - 1
Quality - 3
Organization - 3
Changing room - Yes
One Dollar & More Thrift Store is packed full from the entry to the far corners of the store. For its small size it has a very large furniture section taking up almost half the store. It has clothing, but it seems to be more focused on home appliances and furniture. While I was there I didn’t find any clothing pieces, but I bought a “blender bottle” that I have been wanting for $5.
Spring Street Thrift Store
Price - 3
Quantity - 2
Quality - 2.5
Organization - 3
Changing room - Yes
The Spring Street Thrift Store had a small selection of clothing, but felt like a friendly neighborhood thrift store. The prices were very reasonable and the smaller quantity of clothing didn’t stop me from finding some nice pieces of clothing. I bought a pair of black track pants for $7.
Earthy Treasures
Price - 3
Quantity - 2
Quality - 3
Organization - 4
Changing room - Yes
Earthy Treasures thrift store is very well organized and very pretty inside. The natural light makes it seem like the whole store shines. The prices for clothing are generally pretty cheap, but they do not hesitate to mark up a piece of clothing that still has tags or is known to be expensive. I bought a pair of Levi jean-shorts for $12, which was more expensive than the other shorts because it still had tags.
And The Winner is...
NCI Thrift Store
Overall NCI had the best combination of great deals and a great selection of clothing and other items that one might look for. It is spacious inside so it doesn't feel as cramped as it's competition and it makes it easy to find the items you are looking for. Junior, Joseph De Liema, says that NCI is his favorite thrift store in town because of the connection he has with the employees and the friendly environment.
