The selection is terrific, but the pricing is, and always has been, outrageous. These are not thrift store prices - they're as higher or higher than consignment or antique store prices. They actually have items they think are "high end" hanging on the walls for HUNDREDS of dollars. Who would spend hundreds of dollars in a thrift store? As a result, the same stuff is often on the racks after months. If they priced things reasonably, it would actually move. And they would make money. And isn't that the point of a charity thrift store??? read more

I recently went over to the Alpha Thrift Store on Hollister Ave. to drop off some items that my wife and I no longer needed after our move to our new home in Goleta. I needed to make three trips and each time the young man in the back greeted me with a smile, helped me take the items out of my trunk, offered me a tax receipt and thanked me for my donations. The last time that I dropped off the items, I decided to go into the store and see what it looked like and what they had to offer. I was very impressed with the selection and the cleanliness of the store. And I actually found a couple of items to purchase (a book and a lamp). I felt like the prices that I paid for those two items was very reasonable. The cashier was also extremely courteous and friendly. I will definitely keep giving my items to Alpha and will also go back in to shop on occasion. read more

Come here for a laugh, not to spend money. To put it clearly, I've been thrift store shopping my entire life; in childhood for financial reasons and now for practical reasons and this place laughably bad, and it appears that all the 'Alpha' thrift stores are. Long story short, the people here have no clue what they are doing and price things well above retail. Like some thrift stores are beginning to do, they believe staffing people with a computer or an iPhone will yield sales of items closer to the going rate, be it collectible, designer, etc. How they can screw it up, I have no idea but they continually price things either at retail or above. No, I don't want to pay $10 for that children's toy that retails for $6. No, that old book is not worth $65; old does not mean valuable! No, that cast iron pan sells for $15 less BRAND NEW. The last time I came here I inquired about a 30 inch Apple Cinema Display they had for sale. And they wanted more than $450 for it. Ok I'll bite. Oh, it's missing its external power supply, the one that costs $150, so no, I'm not buying a $450 monitor that you haven't tested, are selling as-is and I can't return. On and on it goes, it's lunacy throughout the store and it's difficult to know whether the people working are just idiots or whether they are so ignorant that they just don't know better, but it's been like this for years. The large Alpha thrift store in Goleta recently had a pair of Vandersteen model 2 speakers for sale and we're priced at $700. Sure, they're high end, but as an audiophile and collector, I know it's a ridiculous price to ask. Why? Because I know if I had them, refoamed, refinished, regrilled them and tested all the drivers, I could barely get that, but at least they'd be buying from someone who's gone the extra mile and know what the hell they are doing. You want to give to the the charity? Go ahead, but there is nothing 'thrifty' about this place. read more

Oh, the Alphas are Thrift Stores alright. It's just that their prices are WAY too high. $9 for a generic used t-shirt? Meh. They need to get real when it comes to pricing. Everyone is driving to Ventura because their thrift stores have realistic prices. Both Alpha Thrifts are missing the point of what a "thrift store" is. They are looking too closely at eBay and deciding that much of their junk is more valuable than it is, just because someone might be "asking" a certain price. Well, an "asking price" is NOT indicative of what an item is actually worth. A true thrift store should price their items for a quick sale that will benefit the charity that they're representing. Trying to be a resale boutique, or trying to compete with inflated eBay prices, will get you nowhere, Alpha. And it will stop people from visiting your stores, as such visits will only end in futility. When you were in Santa Barbara on State Street, you were a true thrift store (and you had fair prices). The fact that you moved to Goleta (much lower rent) yet raised your prices three-fold does not shine favorably upon you. It just makes you a pariah that shows disdain for its customers, and will be shown disdain in return. read more

Way too expensive to be called a thrift store!! I work with children with special needs and am always looking for inexpensive toys and games to use in therapy, Alpha is not teacher or budget friendly!! I try and support it because that is my line of work but find it increasingly difficult to do so especially since they don't feel they need to be a support to the community by providing a resource to those struggling, the poor and teachers who serve the same group they claim to. They should be ashamed! read more

Tried to give them a desk. Solid wood, well made, used - the top needed to be resurfaced and a pull knob was broken. They declined. Apparently they only want brand new stuff for their overpriced store. They'll never get another donation from me. I'm selling all the stuff I would have given them and giving the proceeds to the Rescue Mission. read more

Anyone that has donated to this place quickly understands that they are worse than telemarketers when it come to asking for donations. We started getting one or two phone calls a month. Went to once a week. Now as many as three times a day. All my donations and buying will be elsewhere from now on. Very rude when I asked them to take me off their call list. Never donate to this place unless you are lonely and/or just want phone calls. Last time I checked, I was donating because I wanted to or could. Not because I was forced to. read more

i am giving one star due to the absurd and ridiculous PRICES! some items are more expensive then going to the regular store and buying new. It is supposed to be a thrift store, all of their inventory is donated, thrift stores are supposed to help low income folks buy things. you might as well go to a new store to shop...seriously high prices. read more

The prices, particularly on clothing are ridiculous. I saw a pair of used jeans for $60 and most are around $30. A used t-shirt from Target was $12.99. I may as well buy new. read more

I love thrift stores. This one is pretty good in terms of variety, but VERY PRICEY for a thrift store. Often you will find used clothing that can be purchased FOR LESS at either Macy's, Ross or Marshall's. My favorite example is a white, button up Oxford shirt my son needed for one school event. I went to Alpha thrift and found a well-used one for something like $6.50. The shirt was gray from so many washings. Giving up, I went to Macy's and found a brand new one for maybe $9 on sale. read more

My favorite thrift store. Every time I stop in they have new items. Great selection of treasures! Low prices too! So glad they lowered all the prices - the staff is amazing too!!! read more

Alpha Thrift has lately become more affordable after bringing prices lower, offering 20% off sales, offering 50% off on certain stock on certain weeks. I like how organized their stock is; by size, etc. I can actually find items that I am looking for. read more

I have found many prices are similar to new, many items are far cheaper at the "dollar stores", but I'm glad the store is around for those things that you might not find anywhere else. There are discounts if you watch for them, and that helps somewhat. read more

I LOVE Alpha! Prices here are a bit higher than more junky thrift stores tend to be, but "you get what you pay for." This store is well organized, clean, well lit. If you know your stuff and have an eye for design you can find wonderful housewares here, occasionally some good furniture, and some interesting vintage clothes. Among the reviews here I see many "out of towners" complaining about the prices and claiming stuff "sits on the shelves for years," but that's not accurate. Stock changes often and things that don't sell get cleared out. I collect Mid-century architect-designed classics and ALL the small decorative items in my house come from ALPHA! 2 beautiful lamps, two sets of Eva Zeisel china, Heathware, A NEW, unused Alessi tea kettle. A vintage teak dining room table. Know your stuff, visit often, and you'll be amazed! read more

Alpha Thrift is a Great store! We go several times a month, and have gotten some beautiful treasures here, including a beautiful mission arts and crafts style couch, and a huge antique English dresser. Dishes, clothing, we've found it all! read more

This is the BEST thrift store! Lots of great clothes and furniture. Many household items, purses etc. at great prices.

nice customer service. Elizabeth is a wonderful and nice employee. Wonderful place to shop best in town!!!

Alpha used to be my favorite thrift in the area and a regular stop, but the past few years it has really gone downhill. It's reasonably clean and organized, but the pricing has escalated to unreasonably high levels. They ask way too much for items, especially considering the condition of them. There is a striking lack of knowledge on how to price items for condition and market, and a sense that they price items high without any idea of actual value. I can't tell you how many times I've seen items in there I can buy cheaper used on eBay, which is saying alot. read more

Excellent place to shop for gently worn clothing I went in just to check it out and came out with a load of great bargains! The quality of items is amazing and the store is so organized, I was so happy to have just walked in to browse but came out with so many great items at good pricing. I felt good knowing that the proceeds of my purchase is going toward the cause for Alpha Resources and the money is staying locally to support families. read more

Great place in Santa Barbara to get good quality clothing, furnishings and belongings at reasonable prices. Staff are friendly and welcoming. The managers give good support and training to the employees. They have been very helpful when bringing heavy or bulks loads to donate. I appreciate the organization's charitable work with individual's with disabilities. As an educator, I have see the positive direct results of their charitable work. The organized and clean facililties are a big plus. read more

Enjoying the ecoupons and alerts Still a little more expensive than the other shops in town but I've found some great deals if I take the time to really look ($2 for a cashmere sweater!) Great cause, too! read more

Alpha's new set-up/system is working so much better than before. I love the coupons, the organization by sizes, the dressing room option. They are still a little pricey for a thrift store, but if you shope the sales/coupons, you can find great deals! read more

I go to Alpha primarily for clothing, although I have purchased furniture for my son, who has disabilities, as well. I can always find some really unique things at a good price and I like to know that my purchases are helping the people who benefit from the Alpha services, like my son and his friends. In addition, the prices are much lower now than they were. I have one casual shirt that I bought at Alpha which I wear to dinner, concerts, etc. Every time I wear it, I get a compliment! No lie! That doesn't happen to any other shirt I own. People are friendly, store is clean and well organized. Haven't had a bad experience yet! read more

Very good stuff i like to buy every days nice person

I know the prices are little high but there are discounts every day. All the items are well arranged and neatly organized unlike the unity thrift store that drives me crazy!! Its very rare that I walked out without buying anything. There is something for everyone... The bric- brac items and other kitchen things, I guess are priced reasonably. Again there are seasonal sales like Halloween, Christmas and by the end of each seasonal sales there are mark down items racks where you can buy the best items for the best prices. read more

I like the alpha thrift store because I am low income family and when I want to buy myself something nice but in expensive I go to alpha. They have designer brands for great deals. Also when its 50% off day I go on a shoping spree. read more

Yes...the merchandise is nicely organized but I think the Alpha Thrift stores are starting to forget that what they sell is secondhand and is DONATED! Prices are getting outrageous and the workers have an attitude that everyone is trying to steal from them. The policy of not selling items if an item is not priced is ridiculous! I've seen so many people, including myself, turned away because they would not sell an item if the tag was missing. The assumption that if a tag is missing it means someone is trying to CHEAT them is so arrogant...yesterday we wanted to purchase a briefcase with a tag that was partially ripped. Tag said 9. so we were willing to pay 10.00 (outrageous but we needed it for a show) but they would not sell it. We were also going to purchase about $22.00 of other merchandise but decided against it because of this attitude. So they lost a $32.00 sale because of the 'we won't sell it' policy! Maybe if we all stop shopping there, the prices will again become reasonable and they will change this policy! read more