Treasure Hunting in the San Fernando Valley-Thrift Surprises

Overlooked in the search for treasure are the various thrift stores that dot the landscape.  Various organizations support noble causes in our community and operate stores that raise money for that cause.  The Discovery Shops sell second hand and donated merchandise and use the money they generate to further cancer research.  Goodwill Industries and the Salvation Army have rehabilitation programs to bring errant souls back into the good graces of society.  There are many others that are worthy of your time and effort.  Support the ones that best serve your needs or purpose.

Check out your neighborhood, community or your phone directory for stores in your proximity.  Often, well to do homes donate items to reduce clutter or family members die and some of their belongings find their way into these thrift stores for re-cycling.

The stores have everything.  Furniture, art, decorative items, china, jewelry, books, clothing, DVDs, CDs, electronic equipment or appliances, it’s all there.  Choose you pleasure, then nose around.  While you might not strike pay dirt every time, regular visits are sure to generate their share of bounty at the most affordable of prices.  Watch for their special sales as the better merchandise seems to pop up at them.  Life gets recycled here at a fraction of its original cost.  Also, don’t be too uppity to shop in these stores as I have often noticed some of the finest labels available such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci ad infinitum.

Shopping at thrift stores is a form of twenty-first century prospecting.  Keep looking and the nuggets are sure to find you.  My favorite haunts which I frequent on a regular basis are The Discovery Shops in Toluca Lake and Sherman Oaks.  Their stores are attractively displayed; their merchandise rates up there with the best, and their managers are without peer. 

When you’re in the Toluca Lake area, stop in and ask for Amy.  They are located on Riverside Drive, just across from Trader Joe’s on the south side of the street.

If your shopping takes you to Sherman Oaks, acquaint yourself with Beverly.  Her store is located in the large shopping center at Moorpark and Van Nuys Boulevard, just behind and across the alley from In and Out Burger.

You can leave most of your money at home, because a little goes a long way here.

Next time……looking at 19th Century America