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NCJWLA Thrift Shop
Categories: Shopping Fashion Used, Vintage & Consignment Shopping Thrift Stores Used, Vintage & Consignment, Thrift Stores [Edit]
10960 Santa Monica BlvdLos Angeles, CA 90025
Neighborhood: West Los Angeles
(310) 477-9601
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 10 am - 6 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
D L. said: "WORTH THE TREK FROM ANYWHERE. EVEN FROM A LOUNGE CHAIR IN ST. BARTS WITH A PINA COLADA IN HAND. If you are looking for one -of -kind fashionable eye glass frames this is the place to go. They have 3 shops in LA. (I have been to all…" read more »
27 reviews for NCJWLA Thrift Shop
Review Highlights
"The shoe selection was phenomenal for a thrift store."
(in 3 reviews)
"And I'm tellin' you, it's brand new."
(in 4 reviews)
"Designer Sofa - unused - shot silk damask - $120."
(in 8 reviews)
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27 reviews in English
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Review from eugi h.
11/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
I like this NCJW much better than the other, smaller one on the other side of the 405. Their selection is not as nice, I suppose, but at least there is a larger selection, and the prices can be a bit negotiable. You may even score a few awesome items for cheap if you keep an eye out. I got some beautiful china cups for a dollar a piece!
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Review from rose c.
Santa Monica, CA
1/29/2012
Thrift stores are not what they used to be, especially this one. The prices are so ridiculiously high. You can go to Ross, Marshall's, etc and get the same item, but brand new one for the same price or less.
I am actually insulted and apalled by the prices of merchandise in the stores. I understand this is non-profit, but please, get real. I will NEVER donate or buy again to this greedy organization. If a non profit wants to raise money, don't offend people that are giving and donating, they will give elsewhere because there are many wonderful organizations that need help. -
Review from Kristen S.
Los Angeles, CA
2/12/2011
Decent selection, somewhat organized. But $20 for a tank top by some brand called "Vincent"? This is a thrift store, correct? Ugh, eye roll. Someone needs to remind these Los Angeles thrift markets that used clothing, no matter the brand, is still USED (a.k.a. worn, soiled, etc. etc.). We do not come to these places to pay high-end prices for hand-me-downs. The rest of the stuff in here seems to be priced right (books $1 each? You know, I really should read more often...); it's just the clothes, or more specifically, women's clothes.
I ended up spending $30 in here - and half of that was on one "designer" top (anyone heard of tsesurface?...); since it was in pretty nice condition, I gave them the benefit of the doubt.
If you're in the area and in need of a thrift store, this will do, but certainly don't go out of your way.Listed in: Olympic & Sepulveda, Tripping Over Used Clothing LA, NCJWLAnd!
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Review from Helen D.
Beverly Hills, CA
10/2/2011
Awesome. Prices are right for the brands, and remember it does go for a good deed. If you didn't know that read about their mission. It's wonderful.
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Review from Sara P.
West Los Angeles, CA
2/22/2011
I usually come here once or twice a month. It's a thrift shop, but being located in West LA, has some pretty decent stuff, and once in a while you can find a true gem!
Now, like many thrift stores, this place can be smelly, disorganized, crowded, and kind of claustraphobic. Especially on the weekends, it gets very busy and the lines can be long. Don't expect much in terms of customer service -- if you want to know the price on something or ask a question, you'll have to wait in line at the register or be rude and interrupt someone's work to ask.
On to the selection -- their selection of shoes is pretty darn good. Their selection of books is even better! I have gotten some brand new novels here for 25 cents; more popular novels are about one or two dollars. My mom has gotten school-age books for her school from here, and my friend has gotten some coffee table sized books. It's a nice way to get reading material without going to the library or breaking the bank at a bookstore.
Their clothing selection leaves a lot to be desired. It's pretty typical thrift store stuff.
I'd say, if you're in the area and looking for shoes and/or books, take a look! -
Review from all seeing E.
Los Angeles, CA
11/17/2010
I am afraid the prices here are way too high. I was looking at a used shirt and it was the same price that you would pay for a new one at the Nordstrom Rack. The clothing has no prices and they seem to make them up when you get to the counter. There are things just piled up all over and it is a mess. I was shocked by the crappy "art" that looked like junk from a 99 cent store and they wanted $45!
What they do with the money is a very good thing but i think they would have more money if they priced things remotely like the prices of a Thrift Store not an antique/vintage shop. The crap they have is priced the same as the good things!
I won't be back. -
Review from Tara G.
Reseda, CA
8/6/2008
Mom came for a visit and my doctor's appointments at UCLA. During lunch we drove past this place and both remarked at how we should go someday. Well after all appointments were finished I had enough energy to make that "someday" today.
It's a thrift store with a few extra gems hidden in there. Clothing and shoes do have a number of designer brands represented here. The downside is that some of the pricing isn't super cheap. I found a pair of shoes i liked but realized I could probably be patient and find something equally as liked at the Nordy's Rack. I did however see an impecably cared for Channel purse for $80. I'm still considering going back for it. I think every woman deserves a few great pieces and this one really is GREAT!
I did walk away with 3 belts and a kitschy dress that I love. I was happy to find belts. That's one of the harder things for me to fit because I have a m/l waist and huge hips. And the retro kitschy dress is perfect for my figure. It was a custom piece for someone (as stated by the label). I must find this someone who's body will look eerily like my own. It wasn't technically a designer dress so it was only $8. Mom found a great leather purse that fit all of her picky requirements! She's been on a quest my entire life for the right purse. Dare I say she found it at this thrift store? We shall see.
Here's the really fun part. We got to the counter and the cashier asked if my mother was a Senior for applying a discount. Well, she's not; she's still absolutely adorable and wearing her 50's well. Jokingly, I lean in and say "Do I qualify for the senior discount since I have to use oxygen?" She pauses, stunned, and proceeds "Umm okay, sure." How funny and cool is that. At first the store vibe was uptight but I realised they do have a little bit of fun and appreciate good customers.
So the only thing left to ask you-- Go back and get that Channel??? -
Review from Joan S.
9/20/2006 2 photos
Brand new thrift shop! Grand opening! My little Subaru screeched to a halt at the intersection of Veteran & Santa Monica in West LA. (I think it used to be a Pier One at that corner.) Anyway, it's a good-size place with clothes, collectibles, furniture, nicknacks, etc. A tad overpriced, as most Council Thrifts tend to be. But I managed to negotiate a discount on my EXTRAORDINARY HALLOWEEN COSTUME! That's right......it's a jaw-dropper and I am not telling, not even a clue. I took it out of the window and tried it on right over my shorts and t-shirt because they told me they have no fitting rooms. When I went immediately to Aahs to buy accessories for my new dress (whoops, I gave away a teensie clue), my costume caused a sensation there among the employees.
Council Thrift ROCKS!!Listed in: Thrift Shops
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Review from Ashley S.
Virginia Beach, VA
6/3/2007
Right off the bat I took one star off for the security guard who seemed like a foolish addition to a proposed vintage store. While their merchandise was great, albeit on the expensive side, there was no need for the guy standing by the front door attempting to look imposing.
As it was a Saturday morning, the place was packed, which I find disconcerting and hard to deal with. I like quieter stores. Here are some of the things I ran across that were amazing:
HUGE shoe selection which included:
Black Marc Jacobs heels: 45
Black Manolo Blahniks: 40
Purple Manolo Blahniks: 65
Black Manolo Blahniks: 70
Blue Prada heels: 50
Designer racks separated from all the Gap racks which had finds like:
St. John's sweaters in mint condition
Miu Miu blouses
Armani jackets
No designer denim however was to be seen...
There was also a Coach bag that was in perfect condition for 100 dollars right up by the cash register.
The jewelry selection was inferior. The lady behind the counter said they only had two bracelets in a twelve foot long display case that they could prove were real gold. Sad, I know.
All in all, pricey, but if you are looking for designer ware and aren't afraid to pay a little more not to have to search for it, this is the place for you.
Happy hunting!Listed in: Los Angeles
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Review from Megan S.
Santa Monica, CA
10/26/2008
This is a great thrift shop with some really unique and quirky things. It's pretty well organized, with the "better" and "designer" items separated for better browsing. Prices were pretty steep for the designer things ($75 for a St John's sweater and skirt set), but some of the pieces were gorgeous. Most of the clothes were for women, but there was also a rack of designer men's blazers.
The shoe selection was phenomenal for a thrift store. There were like, 10 pairs of women's Ferragamos here when I stopped by (d*mn that girl who grabbed the navy bow flats before I could get to them!), and lots of Stuart Weitzman pumps, priced around $30 each. The one weird thing was that there were 3 "zones" of shoes around the store, so be sure to hit them all up (one area is behind the men's clothes in the back of the store!).
The parking lot is dismally small, and there's practically no street parking around the store, which is minimally annoying. Overall, a very pleasant thrift store experience!Listed in: LA on the Cheap
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Review from Jessica L.
Los Angeles, CA
1/31/2010
I went to their best of the best event yesterday.... it should have been called "eh of the meh".
The #1 main problem with this place is that it's a THRIFT SHOP with VINTAGE STORE prices. So if you think you're gonna come here and "score" it's probably not gonna happen. To give you an idea of what I witnessed yesterday here goes:
1. No name rhinestone brooch $25
2. Marc Jacobs shoes from 4 seasons ago $40 (in good condition but still it's a thrift shop!)
3. No name polyester scarf $18!
4. Funny 80's beaded blouse $45
Another thing here is that if you're looking for a selection of 40's to 60's items, this is not the place. The bulk of their items are from the 80's and 90's with some earlier pieces but not much. The shoe selection was pretty tacky and in big sizes for the most part (8s and 9s).
Even the jewelry was less than inspirational, and for the prices they were charging you'd have to think twice before getting them- and frankly that flies in the face of thrift shops. You're supposed to go in, find treasures, pay like 12 bucks and feel like royalty the rest of the day with your brand new jewels and baubles.
Maybe another day the selection will be better, but the prices will probably keep me from coming back. However, if 80's and 90's is your deal, you love furs, pant suits and an occasional military jacket and brand new piece of BCBG jersey wear, check it out. -
Review from Kristen H.
Los Angeles, CA
8/18/2009
Been in a couple times now and so far it's...ok. But if I was a different size (especially if I had smaller feet) I might be happier.
Finds : couple nice belts, cardigans, scarves
Disappointments : cute shoes, some nice looking designer stuff
I haven't spent a ton of time in the midst of the main clothing racks, especially because I'm reluctant to buy a dress or pants without trying them on and, as noted by others, dressing rooms are sorely lacking.
Also, as a recent transplant to LA, and also recently quite poor, I'm back to thrifting after a hiatus. Back in the day (and in the midwest) thifting was way cheaper than this. oh well. There are still some good deals to be had and i live down the street, so I'll be back. -
Review from Sarah B.
5/12/2011
I don't have the patience for clothes hunting at thrift stores but I do love looking at housewares, and I've been on a thrift hunt lately to stock my kitchen. Unfortunately, this place had very little in the way of housewares, just a couple of shelves. I found a great Pyrex measuring cup but that was the only gem. Parking sucks, just a few spots that are always full it seems, and the free street areas are usually parked up too. Wish the BevMo didn't have threatening "no thrift store" signs, no one was in their lot...
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Review from Heather R.
La Jolla, CA
12/10/2009
On a recent 'get away' to Malibu my husband realized he forgot all his jackets back in San Diego. What to do? Go to a thrift store of course!
We stumbled onto Council as we were driving by going into West LA for dinner.
My husband found the perfect black velvet blazer for a swanky night out ($12) and he also found a FRETTE cotton/terrycloth bath robe. We looked it up online and it retails for $395. He bought it for SIX bucks! And I'm tellin' you, it's brand new!
I, on the other hand, didn't find a damn thing. There isn't a dressing room so you can't really try on pants/dresses unless you get very creative. They did have some cute shoes, though none were in my size.
sigh....
The ladies that run the place are 'all business', but nice enough. We actually bargained with them on a couple of items and they bargained right back!
You sort of have to dig around as it is a bit disorganized but little treasures abound if you just look! -
Review from Oprah W.
Los Angeles, CA
8/14/2008
It's okay, I know. You can only go to the Goodwill on Santa Monica so many times before your facial herpes starts to swell into a pussie little monster named Angelo. This place is totally not like that, it's so clean!
I mean, definitely don't skip the hand sanitizer after wards, but still, it's not like down the street where you have to give yourself third degree burns from a shower in order to feel clean again.
They have a great selection of shoes, jewelry, and dresses, but it's mostly good for women, unless you are a man in search of a blazer, which I never am. Everyone is nice, it's not expensive, and they always get new stuff here that usually doesn't smell like somebody rubbed it all over their stale balls before dropping it off at the back door.
AND it's for a good cause. My only bitch and moan is that the parking sucks and the Goodwill down the street actually has a parking lot, which usually reels me in just because it's so convenient.Listed in: Places I Visit Weekly, Born to Shop
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Review from Ken Q.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
11/1/2008
Positives:
- New, clean space, clean clothes, designer labels
- Ambiance reminded me of a boutique store, with high end items and spotlights
- Friendly staff
The Deal Breaker:
- Be Forewarned...THERE IS NO FITTING ROOM. By the way, how did the previous reviewers try on bottoms? Would anyone care to share that trick with me? Did you all bring beach towels or had a ring of friends to box you out?
Anyhow, I found this out after investing 20 minutes of my time gathering an armload of merchandise, which happened to include 7 pairs of pants. An employee instructed me to try on the merchandise in front of a big mirror next to the cashier area. Yep, so if you're an exhibitionist, you may like this place.
Anyway, hearing that they had no fitting room ruined my experience. What a painful waste of time! :(
Located on the southwest corner of Santa Monica & Veteran.
____________
On a side note:
Why is there no fitting room?
Did they not get around to setting it up? - If so, I can understand this.
OR
Is management trying to thwart potential thieves? - If so, they should incorporate anti-theft devices. According to a previous post, they have a security guard that is already employed there. Although, I didn't see anyone when I went (Sat. around 4pm). -
Review from Megan K.
Los Angeles, CA
12/30/2009
This is a real find--the vintage items here are incredible. Granted, the pricing is "realistic"--I bought a purse for $6 and some gloves for $4. I saw one purse for $50 (and it wasn't even a name brand; it was simply a well-preserved gray pocketbook, like straight from someone's steamer trunk).
But the quality and selection are there. Great furniture--at least two sofas were in the store window, and I was seriously coveting these amazing lamps with animal skin shades (for $95 each, eesh). My sister bought a fantastic mid-century modern couch for a great price. My mom liked the charming Russian ladies who worked there too. Apparently they don't have organized or advertised sales, but in mid-February we were told to come back because there would be some discounts (huh?). Anyway, definitely worth a stop! -
Review from Ricky V.
5/27/2009
When your driving down Santa Monica a Blue Toned building with etch like images on the wall catches your attention for a brief second, long enough to shout out THRIFT STORE.
If you park in the small back lot then you will have found a good place to shop. The store is cramped in a style with Clothes on the Right, Front Back, and Furniture/Electronics on the Left. The all Russian Staff is delightful to watch as no doubt they have their Gossip sessions in open public because after all who speaks Russian on Santa Monica?
The store is pretty disorganized but you will discover some good finds. Sure its nice to easily find things, but THE SEARCH not THE TREASURE is what real thrift shoppers are about. I found 3 great outfits that day. No Price tags can get pretty frustrating, just say no thanks at the counter, maybe the will drop the price. You gotta haggle these women love it. And you as a thriftier better be good at it.
There were lots of funky outfits that seemed like part of a movie or bodacious costumes in the past, so it was easy to think of cool ideas, and get inspiration.
SPASIBA!!!! COUCIL THIRFT
No Fitting Rooms- know how to measure cloths against your body, also a 3 day exchange/store credit policy, NO REFUNDS.
"TRUE THRIFT-ERS HAGGLE"- Ricky-Vegas -
Review from Ellen S.
West Los Angeles, CA
1/13/2010
On the down side: Overpriced. They used to not understand the value of certain items - you could get a steal! But they've wised up.
On the plus side: I NEVER come out empty-handed and I am ALWAYS thrilled about my purchases. -
Review from Sophie R.
Los Angeles, CA
8/20/2011
This is my secret place. It may get picked over but as I am moving and am not buying stuff any more I will let you in on my secret. This is local to me so I pop in once a week. My finds. Designer Sofa - unused - shot silk damask - $120. Italian Cashmere dressing gown - new $18. Vintage Josef earings (Jewelry designer for Hollywood films including the Wizard Of Oz) - $45. Cow horns for the den $10 and so much more. It is lovely to pick over things that you may never buy but are so interesting. At first glance this is expensive but the stuff is top notch. The real strengths are the furniture and the clothes - the books used to be amazing but they have reduced the shelves to a third. Something I find curious is the way American's haggle. That is such a no no in Europe. The money is for charity - you either want it or you don't. You do not haggle. I watched a woman haggle over the price of a vase. The cashier would not budge so the woman smashed it down on the desk. "Oh it's chipped - I don't want it". Then she walked off.
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Review from allison o.
Los Angeles, CA
8/19/2009
well, there were a couple of cool things. notably, a sweatshirt that was on the '5.50 and up' rack. seeing that it had no price, i assumed it was 5.50. the items that weren't 5.50 were marked as such....some things as high as 30 dollars. there was a forever 21 jacket for 30 dollars. forever 21.
i took the sweatshirt to the counter and double checked the price. they looked at me and said, "ten". for a tj maxx level sweatshirt, i declined. -
Review from Carissa Noelle G.
Los Angeles, CA
2/10/2010
So I am one of those shoppers who will take the time to ravage through piles of clothing to find a good deal or valued find. And at the Council Thrift store, you can definitely find some good deals. Cute italian leather bags for no more than $15, designer clothing, cute housewares, etc. However, some of the brand names do get pricier $50 and up. The good thing is that if there are no prices labeled, the ladies may give you a good deal; but it can alos go the other way, where the price point can be a total rip off. I would definitely bring some antibacterial after you leave the place, bc there are a lot of dust bunnies, but I have always left here with some new and artistic piece to add to my wardrobe or house decor.
Listed in: Born to Shop
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Review from Davin D.
2/25/2010
A thrift store with Antique store prices.
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Review from Lona I.
Van Nuys, CA
2/10/2011
I find the staff to be less than welcoming at any of the NCJWLA thrift stores - at least the ones on Victory Bl. in the Valley and this one on Santa Monica Bl. The women who do the ringing up seem to have a stern attitude that is off-putting. Also I've hit my shoulder on the end of a clothing rack at the Valley store so often - it sticks out into the aisle - that they have to be very indifferent about how they arrange the racks. Someone really get hurt. As for the prices - they are silly considering that both these stores are within a block of a Goodwill that is substantially cheaper. I saw a book there - and I'm not talking about a vintage or rare book - that was actually priced higher than the discount sticker on the cover. Why so pricey - they get everything for free.
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Review from Lisa P.
Los Angeles, CA
5/30/2008
My friend took me to this one today also. Loved it. Need to come back often!!!!
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Review from Leonard B.
Beverly Hills, CA
8/18/2010
SCARY! this place if the pits. Literally, there are signs for the prices of clothes on the racks and no tags on the clothes. The old lady behind the counter looks you up and down and then quotes you a price. Not exactly an inviting experience. I also noticed a lot of knock-off merchandise, so don't waste your time.
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Review from Lulu S.
Glendora, CA
5/13/2010
was going to the post office next door one day (i cannot even remember the location, long time ago) the line was long at the post office, so took a stroll at the thrift store next door.
was thumbing through stuff quickly, felt a jacket that seemed really nice with excellent tailoring..
size 2, fits me perfectly. philip lim's development label jacket.
the jacket is definitely exquisite, 10 bux.
