Review Highlights

    Location & Hours

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    993 E Main St

    El Cajon, CA 92021

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    Ask the Community

    • Q:

      Can you donate clothes here? Women's, men's and baby clothes?

      A:

      Yes

      Jenni T. 
      6 years ago

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    Overall rating

    48 reviews

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    • Photo of Ray B.
      Ray B.
      San Diego, CA
      120
      367
      1121
      Oct 7, 2018

      Very small place but they have some cool antiques hidden if you look deep. Today they had 50 percent off on all items. The employee working the front was a cool old guy. Another plus is they have AC here.

      5 bucks at this thrifty store. EBay it's listing at 30 bucks
      Helpful 6
      Thanks 0
      Love this 9
      Oh no 0
    • Photo of Abby K.
      Abby K.
      San Diego, CA
      214
      176
      3
      Feb 4, 2023

      McAlister's thrift store is a hot mess express. It always looks like someone drove a truck up to the front door and just dumped a bunch of stuff inside. It's hard to navigate, and is it visually overstimulating.

      There is a hodgepodge of clothing, home decor, and last time I was there a lot of adult diapers. The prices seem OK, but it's such a mess in there.

      Drive down the street to the veterans thrift store instead.

      Helpful 0
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    • Photo of Glenn M.
      Glenn M.
      El Cajon, CA
      0
      5
      Oct 1, 2022

      This is not a for profit thrift corporation. Every dollar goes to help our neighbors. Not to fill the pockets of CEOs and share holders. It's not a front like the Goodwill and other corporation. There's a big difference between thrift stores.
      We can help our neighbors. Our make a CEO richer.

      Helpful 4
      Thanks 0
      Love this 1
      Oh no 0
    • Photo of JL S.
      JL S.
      San Diego, CA
      3
      454
      9
      May 10, 2023

      Very responsive for pickups. While other organizations like ReStore wouldn't pick up for a month or more, or not at all, McAlister came out within a week. They arrived during the window of time they originally quoted and were very communicative on the pickup day. Drivers were friendly and took everything I gave them. Will donate again given the smooth experience.

      Helpful 1
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    • Photo of Ellen C.
      Ellen C.
      El Cajon, CA
      0
      12
      1
      Oct 1, 2022

      I go to this thrift store or should I say it I went to this thrift store several times a week for more than a year and I really really miss them! Everybody that works there is so nice. I really wish all of them the very best During these trying times. They're like my family! I can't wait till they reopen.
      Update. Yea they are open and my therapy has begun again. They have great prices and most of it is 50% off.
      So I would totally recommend this thrift store if you want to find a great treasure or a perfect little black dress.

      Helpful 1
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      Oh no 1
    • Photo of Somer H.
      Somer H.
      El Cajon, CA
      0
      2
      Aug 30, 2023

      Staff is extremely rude and will unnecessarily refuse good working items depending on their current mood.

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    • Photo of Caleigh N.
      Caleigh N.
      East Rockaway, NY
      67
      30
      39
      Jan 22, 2023

      One of my favorite thrift stores! Prices are decent and the staff is very friendly. Only issue is the parking can be a nightmare at times.

      Helpful 1
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    • Photo of Jane R.
      Jane R.
      San Diego, CA
      6
      378
      622
      Feb 9, 2017

      This is the MOST EXPENSIVE thrift store I have ever stepped foot on.

      For a thrift store, most of the items they sell is ridiculously expensive. Some of them are probably more expensive than an actual brand new item. The place is also a big mess and stinky, so I don't even understand why everything is insanely expensive.

      I must say, if you like sparkly, high heels, I guess this place is for you. Look at the pictures I posted, it's a colourful line-up. Still, everything is over-priced. There's a pair that is practically brand-new, with a sticker from Ross for $12.99 on the bottom of the (see posted picture), but at the back of the shoes, you'll see their hand written price tag of $20 lol! Ridiculous!

      Please, save your money and DO NOT go here! Go to the Goodwill that's like 5 minutes away and it is WAYYYY Better. It's way cleaner, more organized and more than half cheaper. Check out my review and pictures from that place.

      Helpful 0
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    • Photo of Jane G.
      Jane G.
      El Cajon, CA
      0
      4
      Jul 2, 2022

      Very nice staff. They were extremely helpful and kind. I bought a perfect patio rug for a fantastic price.

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    • Photo of Michael C.
      Michael C.
      San Diego, CA
      7
      7
      Apr 13, 2021

      I donated a couch and the experience from start to finish was wonderful! Scheduling a pick-up date was easy and convenient. When the drivers arrived, they were polite and professional, and carried everything out while respecting the property. Great people to work with!

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    • Photo of Nancy S.
      Nancy S.
      San Diego, CA
      0
      11
      Apr 13, 2022

      Good prices, very good bargains, sometimes antiques, I like to check it out every now and then

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    1 other review that is not currently recommended

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