Out of the Closet Thrift Store

Came here with a television stand that was originally $ 400, only 2 years old, and in «like new» condition. I did not ask for any money in return, simply that they could take the stand, knowing the proceeds of the sale would be pure profit and donated for AIDS research. I was told «nah, we’re good, this wouldn’t sell on the floor, we’re good». This would have been the nicest piece in the store so I was a little confused at what the issue was. I used to enjoy coming to this place, but unfortunately, after this experience, I will not be back. Posted a picture of the stand on Craigslist moments after, for cash, and was sold instantly that day…

thrift sotre that supports hiv aids causes what more must i say im a fan

Do not ever try to donate to these jokers. They schedule pickups weeks out, give you multi-​hour windows, then show up late.
And then, comically, after all that, and after costing me an entire Saturday waiting for their team of rocket surgeons, the driver says he’s «not comfortable parking,» either on the street (half of an entire city block was open) or in an open driveway which had been specifically reserved for their truck. He says this while chewing a mouthful of cheese crackers and spewing crumbs.
Umm…what? It’s a city. How often is it possible to do a pickup in an urban area without parking either on the street or in a driveway? Total waste of time.

The manager there is SCAREY, RUDE and just plain
we saw THE MANAGER of out of closet on folsom st. pick on a fellow customer.(we have never seen anything like it actually-​the customer who had maybe 100 $ +items looked like cool stuff too) and actually threw the lady out for no reason! The lady just wanted to buy some clothes and THE MANAGER bullied her into leaving WITHOUT PURCHASING HER ITEMS … even called the cops on the lady… WE SAW THE WHOLE THING AND THE MANAGER IS WAY OUT OF CONTROL TO TREAT A CUSTOMER (who obviously shops in real stores too. you can just tell… so a «GOOD CUSTOMER») LIKE THAT! The lady wasnt a «crazy». Any upper management seeing the ridiculous and unprofessional antics would have served up walking papers on the spot. We hope the lady takes time to complain.

It’s the only thrift store I go to, honestly… HIV/​AIDS is a fantastic cause and these stores are a good way to contribute. Tax-​deductible donations too, which is a good thing.
REALLY miss the Castro location, it was two blocks from home. The two remaining SF locations are a bit of a schlep for me.

I’m a really big fan of thrift stores and consignments stores. Out of the Closet is definitely a major contender in my books!
I love that 95 cents to every dollar is used for research and advocacy for AIDS. This is great, because you can do guilt free thrifting. (My constant thoughts are «Oh crap, I’m spending a lot this weekend, do I really need these items?», but at this thrift store I think «Well, the more I spend the more I’m giving back, so hell yeah I’m gonna get it!»)
Another great thing is most of their items, clothes, shoes, and books, are under $ 10! I got a BCBG button down top for $ 4.50 and a beautiful two tone business kirt for $ 4.50. Most books are less than $ 3 each, depending if the books are hardcover, softcover, etc.
They also have a great furniture selection. If you just moved to the city, they have reasonable couches, dining tables, etc. I saw a dining set for $ 65!
My main concern is the «fitting rooms». Literally it was the sketchiest fitting room ever, it’s not even a cube, there’s just a bar that goes around and you’re only covered due to a flimsy curtain. Also another thing is the location is kind of dingy looking; it’s very big and bright, but it’s hot and the location looks «old”/tacky due to the color scheme.

I’m a athlete — I does this. I DOES this. But you know what I need? A boisy ball. You know the boisy balls? Where it’s all wobbly? Y’all need the boisy ball. It’s ALL about the core.
…Witnessed as I was shopping.

Thank the thrift gods for Out of The Closet because I was starting to think the only thing I could afford in San Francisco was beer…
I am quite addicted to thrift stores and visit them frequently and I was quite impressed with this store. I feel two factors play into this:
1. I’m from Michigan and I’m bored of the brands I find in local shops
2. I was on a biz trip and didn’t make it to any other thrift stores in San Fran
None-​the-​less I was very pleased! Their selection of clothing is great, and the prices of all their clothing items were generally lower than the thrift prices in Michigan– SHOCKER! The only thing that was priced higher was their jeans, but when you come across a pair of excellent condition designer jeans who can say no?
Michigan thrift stores tend to be slim pickings when it comes to jackets because our winter is no joke, so I got super excited when I saw all of the lonely adorable jackets hanging on the rack. Basically, I was like a kid at a candy store.
I was very satisfied with my purchases and afterwards I made my way to check in at the hotel I was staying at, turns out my hotel was in a creepy alley off of Folsom, but that’s another review…

I found very little here to interest me, only a pretty scarf and a book. No luck with the clothes, and their selection was very sparse. I had better luck at the Church Street shop. Super-​nice clerk, though.

Consistently good. Some weirdies drift in here for sure but that’s not a big deal. I go here frequently and have found many good deals. The staff has always been very helpful and polite.

We love this thrift store. We stop in every 3 to 4 months when we are in town. Staff is helpful and the selection is great. W probably purchased 6 to 7 work outfits and some art work and spent about $ 65 today. This is an excellent place to shop.

2 stars, only because I went to this store right after the big Memorial weekend sale at Thrift town and here, a thin henley is priced at $ 7.99, no thank you. Though they did have some nice sweaters, as I remembered. The «changing room» is a bit sketchy, as it really is just an area with some shabby curtains located right by the register.
They also have a box by the register that has free condoms. Just saying.

It’s that time of year, it’s anonymous HIV testing time. Where am I to go? Well I’m thinking anonymous HIV tests are the way to go. Always go with anonymous HIV testing. I wake up saying «today is the day». I hike on over to the Glide Memorial clinic, well I’m not a tweeker, or a sex worker I’m JUST a WOMAN, so I was turned away. I was offered the option of «Out of the Closet» on «10^th & Folsom» So I continue and backtrack my hike back into the SOMA to find «Out of the Closet». It’s actually on 9^th not 10^th. For years I’ve wanted to step foot in an «Out of the Closet», maybe seeing a musty old hat I’d consider buying. I say «Sure I’m up for the Out of the Closet HIV testing experience», I’m nervous, I’m anxious… hmmmm and kind of tired of the «clinics». I might as well make the most of the HIV testing experience and give this a try.
So I show up to look for this «booth in the back». I walk in and find a clerk in the back. I say is this where the testing is done? She looks at me like she doesn’t know what I’m talking about. «HUH?», no only clothes back here. So I walk out. I walk 2 blocks away and think NO, OUT of the CLOSET IS where the testing is done, I’ve seen the signs in the window before. I took mental note. I walked back and asked the woman working the counter, «Is this where the HIV testing is done?», the 2 workers had to think about it…“Ohhh not today — tomorrow”. Glide sent me they said «today at 3:30PM-10PM». Then they changed their tune and said «Ohhh yeah today at 3:30PM come back in an hour» I walk around the block to find a spot to have a beer and a smoke. I return at 3:45PM and I walk back in. «It’s the ORANGE Van outside». I look outside to find a satellite van, no one is inside the van. I walk back inside the store and ask «Where are they? Who am I looking for?» No one knows anything. I know these people are not nurses and now this all the more clear. «Ohh they must be on break or lunch come back in an hour», and there was some rude attitude, like I have nothing to do but wait on the SOMA streets waiting for my free health care to show up in a thrift store. what a joke. This is what Out of the Closet is supposed to be about supporting the community through Aids awareness and HIV TESTING… I left embarrassed and kind of shamed.

Out of the Closet has only a few things in abundance: clothes, shoes, ceramics, and some furniture. 4 stars for these
other items: books, dvd’s vcd’s, electronics, etc. are slim pickings.
3 stars.
things are well organized. one can see where everything is at instantly when one steps into the store.

This place was kinda surprising. I wasn’t expecting to find anything that I would like out of a thrift store, let alone one aimed towards the gay community. The stock was a little weird, but I was able to find some gems out of the random clothes. I found an awesome ugly sweater and suit jacket for a total of 16 $ and I can’t wait until I get to come back later on and do some more shopping. I feel that a lot of the better stuff is just so bad its fashionable and everything I bought really makes me feel like I am turning more and more into a hipster.

I’m currently sporting my $ 12 Juicy Couture velour pants. I would not have paid full price for these but they fit great, were almost new, and I’m super attached to them. This store is near my office and often comes in handy too! I bought gym shorts one day for about $ 4 when I forgot mine, cool sunglasses for about $ 2, and more! They have great designer jeans too and the employees are so nice. It’s great having an Out of the Closet in close proximity to where I work!

Got a few pieces of furniture here and absolutely love this place! They price everything to sell and the staff is incredibly friendly and helpful. Bought a queen bed frame in great condition for $ 5.50 and a nice solid wood coffee table for $ 15!
There is a 48 hour window to pick up things you can’t carry away with you immediately. They are very proactive about making sure to get your name and number and protect your purchase. Be nice to them, make friends with the cashier, and you’ll be golden. They really are happy to help.

My last visit to OOTC:
Entered store at 10 AM. Immediately overwhelmed by the music. It was loud and I liked it. Double Dutch Bus by Frankie Smith blasted on the speakers.
I perused the aisles and bought a hoodie (5 dollars) and pair of used socks (50 cents). I paid with a 10 dollar bill, which the cashier checked to see if it was counterfeit.
I asked if it was cool if I put on the socks right then and there. He said «Go ahead. I’ve seen worse. And to tell you the truth, that sock bin saved my life. I’ve dug through there a hundred times» (not sure what he meant by this). He also told me that he hated the song Double Dutch Bus.
Closing Thoughts:
OOTC is a special store. Not only because it’s painted a hideous shade of pink but because it has a great vibe for a legit thrift shop. It doesn’t have the selection of the Goodwill Superstore up the road, but it definitely has more character.

I flippen LOVE this place, and the staff is so nice and friendly, things i’ve found here…
real black coach purse

I rate thrift stores, not only on what I’m personally looking for, but by organization, tidiness, etc.
This Out was well organized, clean and spacious. I mean really spacious… think lots of empty space.
However, they had more of what I’d buy, ie black work slacks, black t-​shirts and DVD’s.
I’d have to give it a four, since I didn’t find anything I was looking for, but was seriously tempted by the Sleeping Beauty DVD.