Baras Foundation Thrift Shops

This is a great place to find household goods and dishes. I usually check here before paying retail.

I usually have a pretty good experience here but today was anything but. Shoes were marked 25 percent off. The shoes I picked out could not have been more than a foot away from the sale sign. When I go to ring up my purchase I’m told those shoes are not on sale and five dollars more than marked. The girl helping me had a rude attitude about it when I was a little taken back by the pricing error. I asked for my bag back that I checked and as I was leaving noticed my bag looked like it had been opened and rummaged through. Not cool. Will not be supporting this thrift store any longer.

I had a bunch of stuff in my storage unit that I needed to get rid of to make my move easier and lower my moving cost. It isn’t cheap to move across the country, and as you know, the cost is based on destination miles and the weight of your household goods. I simply couldn’t use or even want all that stuff I’ve been storing, nor did I want to bother with OR have the time to sell it on eBay. You know how that goes. :)
Anyway, I called several other charities, but they couldn’t set up a pick up date in time before our move. Others had rules that didn’t allow them to pick up at a storage unit, only a residence. I did a tremendous amount of networking, and I’m really happy to say that it really isn’t that hard at all, if you know how to go about it, so I’m going to tell you what I did.
I contacted the people at Baras Foundation, and I was able to get a quick pick up in only 2 days. Great. Baras Foundation is a for-​profit charity organization that has several thrift shops scattered around San Diego. They are not able to take box springs, mattresses, or items that are broken and/​or needing repair.
I had 2 sets of mattresses and box springs, a hutch that had one pane of broken glass and a sideboard. All in excellent condition except for the one piece of broken glass on the hutch.
I did a little more networking and called the owner of the company who moved me into my current home. He and I had developed a friendship over the years, so I went to him for his professional advice. He knew of a guy who would be able to take the items Baras Foundation couldn’t. I called him, and the rest is history.
I then overbooked and scheduled them both at the same time. I was very fortunate to have found the recommendation from my mover friend. The guy my old moving company recommended showed up at my storage locker first, and on time. He was more than happy to take everything, including the mattresses, box springs and sideboard/​hutch. He had an interesting idea about what he would do with the mattresses. I didn’t want them to just be taken to the dump, because they were clean, and in good shape. (Yes, I DO want to know who will benefit from my things.) He would take the mattresses and place them in the alleys of the beach towns. He told me they are always snatched up by someone in an hour; picked up by either someone who just so happens to stumble on it, or a homeless person. My heart warmed over this. I gave him the bulk of the items in my storage, knowing either someone needy would benefit from them, or he himself would benefit from selling the furniture on eBay. After my new acquaintance took the first of 2 loads of furniture to his home, Baras Foundation showed up.
The 2 guys who showed up from Baras Foundation were not very enthused about working. They weren’t enthused about the hutch with the broken pane, either. The sideboard, I was told, was too old. I’m taking one star off for this. They are a thrift shop. They sell OLD furniture. So, the only thing they took was a black lacquer entertainment/​TV stand (from Ikea) and other miscellaneous items. This foundation does a lot for abused children, so I was happy to at least give them something, and get a tax write off in return.
When my new acquaintance returned for the second load, he not only took the hutch and sideboard, he told me that since it WAS so old, and since it WAS such good quality (read: solid wood), and since it WAS in excellent condition, he would fix up the broken pane and be able to get a good price for it. It’s a great feeling giving up these things. A weight (or a lot of weight lol) has been lifted. And I made a new friend who is a very hard worker.

This is only to address the guy that works at receiving the donations a few months ago. He was very rude and didn’t even say thank you when I went to drop off my donations. First he gave me an attitude about where to park, then I got off the car and put the stuff on the table and he seemed very bothered. It was the middle of the day on a weekend and not busy at all.
Other than that, I love this store because they have so much variety. This organization does good for the children as well as the environment. The lady named Sherry is really nice and helpful. Please consider taking your goods there before dumping them in the trash.

I love this place! It’s not too daunting with the selection, but there is definitely lots and I almost always can find at least one cute dress. If you’re looking for random knick knacks it’s much more hit or miss, but for clothing I can vouch for them. I always donate my old dresses there too so I feel like it’s a nice little trade, especially bc it’s only like $ 5. And they accept card! Score!

Does a great job of actually being a thrift store. Don’t understand why people are strict about organization, extreme cleanliness or employees that baby you. That’s not my idea of a thrift store (seems like they’d be comfortable just going at an actual department store, because they’re just not the type to be thrifty shoppers). This is a good alternative to Goodwill, and plenty cheap for whenever you might need some old clothes, rags, good condition furniture, working electronics (or electronics with useful spare parts), and hobby items without having to shell out lots of money for new ones. Of course, the parking is a hassle, but this is Hillcrest. Non-​locals know the parking situation is bogus. There’s probably tons useful things I missed and can’t list, but that’s for everyone else to discover (that’s the fun of a thrift store).

I love this place, and visit every time I’m in San Diego. They have a great selection of books, and it’s well-​organized, which is a huge change from most thrift stores that put their books in mish-​mashed piles. I give away a lot of books, and I appreciate the low prices on theirs.
If I lived closer I’d definitely pick up used furniture from this store. It’s usually in great condition and reasonably priced.
I’ve been shopping here for 10 years or so (dunno. Could be more. My sense of time is pretty fluid.) –and every time I’ve visited I’ve had friendly, helpful service.
I especially appreciate the fans they have strategically placed around the store, especially upstairs. It gets muggy sometimes, so if you’re susceptible to the heat, go early in the day.

When will Baras start hiring people who are friendly and not who hate their jobs or working with the public. My partner likes to go to Baras and I dread the place. I have a message for Baras employees when it comes to those who come into your store; not all of us are low lifes, unemployed or low income. It’s time Baras got some outgoing and energetic folks with some personality to connect with the public.

Found our couch and loveseat recliner on display here. microfiber in almost new condition. My Unilocal check in coupon produced a discount. I used their bulletin board referral service for delivery. Very happy with the product, price and customer service from 3 employees!

This thrift shop has okay prices and decent selection of clothes, furniture, lots of kitchenware, and books. I say okay prices because the books are a steal (.50 for softcover, 1.25 for hardback, .25 for children’s), but the furniture is higher than what I would pay. I haven’t looked at their housewares or clothing sections very thoroughly but I’ll update the review once I do so.

The store is really really gone down in quality and cleanliness and the prices have risen dramatically. Some prices of items are higher than if you were to buy them brand new not used. They no longer seem to care about the customer, employees are unhelpful. I used to get bargains here not anymore.

There’s only one reason I’m a customer of this store: I find stuff at low prices. Everything else pretty much sucks.
EMPLOYEES:
The employees at Baras are sometimes friendly depending on who you speak with, but they’re usually aloof and, as a friend says, have a «ghetto attitude.» This belief was affirmed last night when my girlfriend and I drove up to their donation area in the back of the building with four or five boxes already loaded in the car, ready to donate.
I got out of the car with one of the boxes, and a completely rough-​around-​the-​edges employee who said his name is Bill immediately shut me down and growled, «You can’t drop that off. It’s after hours.» I told him I was hoping we wouldn’t have to haul boxes back into our apartment. He walked over to the outside door and closed it a bit so I could see a sign that read something like, «Donations not accepted after 7:30» (or whatever time).
I said, «Oh. Well, don’t many people drop off stuff at night when the store is closed?» In a super-​low-​class raspy voice, he said, «I knooooow, and customers fuc-​ing screw us when they do that.» So I said something like, «I thought you guys don’t mind after-​hours drop-​offs since it wouldn’t keep any employees after hours.» He gave me this huge grin, and with every sarcastic bone in his knuckle-​head said something like, «OH, WE JUST LOOOOOVE WHEN customers drop stuff off at night and make our lives more difficult.»
I told him he didn’t have to be a sarcastic a – hole about it, and he rattled on with something I don’t remember because, by this point, I was so pissed I couldn’t even hear him and just wanted to leave. So I told him to fu-​k off and left.
Look, I get when there are policies in place, but whether or not I was right or wrong about dropping off donations after Baras’s precious daily deadline, Bill did NOT have to be such a prick. We went to Good Will down the street, and they also said they do not accept donations after a certain hour. But they said it NICELY, then even bent their policy to accept our donation. They even got a dolly for us! Regardless of any policies, good-​ol’ boy Baras Bill can learn from Good Will how to treat customers.
ATMOSPHERE:
Long story short, Baras is gross. The carpets are nasty, and there’s a perpetual musty-​crap stench in the air. I want to take a shower after each time I leave there. And some of the signs in that place are antagonistic and look as if a three-​year-​old child wrote them. (No, scratch that. A three-​year-​old child has much better handwriting.) The place is organized logically enough, but as thrift stores go, it’s kind of a dive overall.
PARKING:
Good luck with that. (Sometimes parking in Hillcrest is challenging, to say the least.)
ON A MORE POSITIVE NOTE:
Some of the employees do go out of their way to help. Guys like Bill give them all a bad name. If last night was my only experience with Baras, I would never shop there or donate anything to them again. But the few good people there, and the low prices, keep me coming back. Also, the place is pretty big. There’s even an upper level with tons of used books. That’s one of my favorite things about the store. They also have tons of office supplies and household knickknacks. See? Not all bad. But if you go there, just try to avoid Bill if you can. And bring a clothespin for your nose.

I have nothing bad to say about this thrift store what so ever! Brand named clothes and shoes!
I purchased a very nice Lanebryant poncho for only 4 $
This is a legit thrift store! They have the clothes, furniture, shoes, books, and much more! I would highly recommend this thrift shop if you are ever up for thrifting!

This place is so big, which is deceiving because it looks tiny from the street. There’s furniture in front, walk through the DVDs/​electronics, into the frames and clothes, to the right into the knick knacks/​kitchen/​games area and then upstairs to more furniture/​well organized books and office supplies. Honestly they have everything and the majority of it was decently priced!
The only reason I docked a star here was their clothes section. They’re got a good amount, but their selection isn’t too large. This is more of a things and furniture thrift store than a clothes one. But seriously their books are insanely well organized! I’ll definitely be back.

I love this store. I already have a tradition: every time I’m in Hillcrest, I go to Ichiban sushi and order, then go next door to Baras and shop while the food is being made.
I have filled my whole cupboard with beautiful wine and beer glasses bought at Baras. I also purchased dozens of really good shoes and purses, sweaters and dresses, which I always get complimented on. I can’t imagine other places selling good condition nine west, j crew, fossil, liz clairborn etc for a couple bucks. My best purchases there were 1 calvin klein and 2 michael kors shoes. It’s true, some days there’s nothing, but then other days it’s filled with amazing stuff. I’m a fan.

I absolutely adore the Baras Foundation. It’s location is perfect, in the heart of Hillcrest on University, and they even have a parking lot!!! The selection is vast, and ever changing. I never know what I am going to come home with. Depending on what you are looking for your experience may vary, but I go in with an open mind and always end up finding several treasures that I need. I am really into the DIY upcycling as well, so I am constantly finding cute new ways to express myself whether it be through fashion or home décor. Thank you Baras Foundation for all the great experiences, as well as the awesome charity work you do in the community!

I stumbled in while killing some Tick-​Tock while Marty was at The Center meeting with the powers that be and picking up items for his nutritional lecture.
===========================================================
Based on my primarily relevant to a customer experience, this is how it went down:
What I look for in a [Thrift Store] are things I really need and not, things I really want, then again, for MP, they might BOTH be the same thing.
That being said I was impressed to see & smell that it had that ‘Thrift Shop Noir” to it, and that, is a sign I just might find items on the cheap, and maybe items for our friend’s dog as in Pooch Toys, snug fitting t-​shirts to stir the imagination and even some aesthetic items.
Definitely a scavenger hunt without a list when I go to these places and, I make the most fun of it.
They have a mega huge selection of items, clothing, and way in the back, there they were, Pooch Toys, small little chew ‘um up little cuties, snagged 2 of them for 75 cents!
Also, I love coming here and getting items to donate to the NOLP Program in Long Beach, sure they give food out there, but I give the items, plates, cups, glassware and other things to Michelle to pass out to clients as many of the disenfranchised don’t have any, or are in need and, they are in very decent condition.
A dining set of 6 plates, 6 bread plates, 6 salad plates, 6 matching glasses & coffee cups with the saucers for under $ 25; 50 blankets, sheets, pillow case sets-​$ 40 all wrapped up in zipper bags, perfect for the colder days ahead, and other items like utensils.
I do this once a month when I go donate my food items to NOLP every Tuesday, I know what it’s like to be down on your luck when it come to the essentials, so I give back as many gave to me-​Rags to riches to rags to rags to riches to rags to riches to rags.
I even scored on 50 glue brushes for my Wendy Williams weaves to glue the front down, and at 25 cents each, 50 glue brushes equivocates a pack, that an art store or the like would run you $ 55 easy!
Now the main reason is 35% of proceeds go to AIDS Programs & Services here in SD for people living with HIV & AIDS.
Baras too, accepts HIV & AIDS medications unopened, to give to AHF Pharmacy so that MDS, Social Workers PA-C’S and other health care professionals quarterly may take them to Africa and other countries where men, women & children have no access to the medication & healthcare as we do here in the USA.
And that, is why I patronize their business and others of the same, because:
October 4^th 1984, (30 years a go to the date of this review) I was diagnosed HIV POZ.
*October 4^th fell on a Friday in 1984-​How could I forget!
I was told-«Michael, you have to cash in your life insurance policies, mutual funds & savings, and anything else, and travel & do all you have ever wanted to do because, you only have at best 2 more years to live, this disease is killing people, there’s no cure and you’re no exception.»
I remember that day, I remember too how many stepped up to help me, and I did NOT die, I’m still here.
I went on to become a program director for a non profits took over AIDS programs & satellite programs that were sinking ships about to lose their funding, wrote grants, lobbied and anything else I was capable of doing, even Act Up, and arrested 27 times at protests.
I now do work with the population in practice as a PA-​C, LCSW & CAS and, if not for businesses like Baras, there would be less help for many.
Even though I stopped counting the number of friends, clients at 500 one evening who died from illnesses associated with this still pandemic virus among these too, many I met when I was just an intern for my PA-​C:

I realize too is, I’d have never met Marty, and that would have been a tragedy.
See, my Unilocalers & Unilocal friends, I WAS there, and I never want to forget, I WAS and so many like me:

Whooooooa.
We wandered in after brunch on Sunday and even my mother, who will shop til she drops anywhere, made a quick loop and was ready to leave. Besides the fact that it was blazing hot inside there, it was also crammed full of… I hate to say it, but junk. I walked through some piles of stuff to see what kind of framed art they had, but suddenly I became paranoid about creepy-​crawlies jumping out at me so I quickly made my way out and towards the exit.
They had a couple of cute mugs and a desk just like one I had growing up, but the state of the store itself made it hard for me to even considering taking anything home with me. A little tidying up would do wonders.
Yeah. No.

This store is great. We found a $ 600 bbq and got it for $ 50. It was barely used.
We find furniture, frames and many more.

The store is very packed full of stuff, but there is a fairly large selection. The store has a ton of stuff and there are two levels.
The stuff can seem kind of dirtier than comparable stores like Goodwill. There are a lot of very old items that seem to have got lost in time. Most of it I can’t imagine anyone wanting to wear, but who knows? The world is full of some very colorful people – I love it!
I wasn’t able to find any treasures here when I came by, but I think ill still stop by when I’m in the area.