Help fund a much-needed new building for Berkeley Humane (5/5 Green Stars)…read moreIn early November, the Berkeley Humane opened a second thrift store - right here in the Elmwood! I was already a fan of the Solano store - I think it's one of the nicest thrift shops in Berkeley. This branch is smaller but it's really focused on the nicest things, arranged beautifully. If you've never wandered into a thrift store and have reservations about going in, then start right here. Many items are brand new, with tags still attached, and I think the prices are reasonable, considering this. A large portion of the clothes are women's (although that hasn't stopped me shopping for a winter jacket) but there is also a small men's section behind the changing room. Check out the cool collection of Christmas ornaments, right now! 100% of proceeds benefit the Berkeley Humane nonprofit - particularly to help fund a new building that they need after a fire in 2010 destroyed a large part of their building on 9th and Carlton. As you may know, back in the 1970s, the BH made a commitment that no healthy or treatable shelter animals in the Society's care would be euthanized. It's amazing that the BH got started almost 120 years ago - in 1905, the Berkeley branch of the SPCA was set up with a mission to improve conditions at the "pound" (which were reportedly not good at the time). The current facility on 9th and Carlton was acquired all the way back in 1933. The new building will be named the Bay Area Animal Resource Center (BAARC), and will include a veterinary medical hospital and adoption center and will include more services for people with pets who might be in need of a little extra support. It will feature significantly enlarged space for cat adoptions, including several "catios" that will provide felines with natural light and fresh air. Berkeley Humane is a private non-profit organization that does not receive government funding, so community support is essential to its mission. I'm giving the Berkeley Humane Thrift shop 5/5 Green Stars for social and environmental impact. This takes very little explaining. Buying clothes and other items from thrift shops is one of the best ways to reduce your environmental footprint and improve your social impact. You are avoiding the production of new materials, with all problems of the fast-fashion-driven textile industry. At the same time you are supporting a nonprofit that has taken care of local neglected or abandoned animals for more than a century. This year, Berkeley Humane will have over $400,000 in expenses to medically prepare over 1,000 animals for adoption. Your support will save lives.

A well-curated charity shop in an upscale neighborhood, supporting a cause close to my heart. Since…read moreit opened I've invested in a some nice vintage pieces priced somewhere between thrift stores and Etsy. Something that happened on my last visit left me unsettled. It was a Sunday, and the manager I usually have a nice chat with wasn't there. I browsed around and found a good older Lands End barn jacket for $55. Unfortunately it was missing one of its logo buttons in the back flap, making the $55 seem kind of high. I took it to the counter to discuss. The staff member present that day pointed to the "no negotiations" sign next to the counter, and said that damaged goods like the coat would have been put in the garbage. I begged to buy it for $55 just to rescue the poor thing, just like I did with my shelter dog. Seriously brought up the stories of the Great Depression when big corporate farms dumped good produce and milk into the ground, rather than feed the hungry, in a move to fix pricing. Also, my 81 year old mum resigned from her volunteer position at a local church-run charity shop because they were throwing away perfectly good vintage clothing just because of some small flaw. Truly, if the manager of this shop wants to reassure me that this ISN'T store policy, it would make me more comfortable to come back and shop again.

When nothing is the same and everything is closed, the few remaining vendors, musicians and artists…read morethat continue to sale their wares, burn incense and play live music give me nostalgia, and small comfort that some things may never change, The Flea Market is a fraction of what it used to be, the years and times have not been kind to it, sad to see it go.

I used to go to this often before the pandemic and was in the area today, so I stopped by when I…read moresaw the sign The sign is about all that's left. There might've been five tables. No food, no performance no music. Hope it comes back

We had the best experience shopping here for a baby gift!!! Tati Wade was so patience and helpful…read moreas we were having a difficult time deciding what outfit to buy for a friends' new grandchild. There were SO many beautiful things to choose from this artistically curated shop. Intimate and inviting, I recommend it without hesitation or reservations... NOTE: Dimples is located at 1442 Walnut Street in Berkeley! We, too, went to the original address (See Kasey L.'s review) and just by luck found the new location. What's up with that GOOGLE?

Dimples has moved across the street from their old location. Beautiful children's clothes and…read moreaccessories. They also have stuffed animals and mini shades for the coolest of children. A great store for gifts in Berkeley. A must to visit.

I've been shopping at this Grocery Outlet for something like 25 years--typing that out gives me a…read morelittle shock! But there's a reason for my continued patronage at this store: it slashes my grocery budget by at least 50 percent, if not more. It makes a big difference during these inflationary times. I used to stick with packaged goods, but in more recent years I've also been getting as much produce as possible at this GO. It's quite a bit less than at the other grocery store I often frequent, a family-run business in the Dimond district. It's not hard to find quality produce here, and they have a respectable amount of organics. The one thing that keeps me from giving this store a full five stars is the fact that they allow signature gatherers to set up shop by the front door, and these people thrust their their damn clipboards and pens in your face when you try to walk in. Today, when I politely declined to fork over my signature, the woman told me, "You should try to give a hoot about this," which was quite annoying. I'm not going to put my signature on something I haven't researched beforehand. These things are not always what they seem to be. In any case, I go to Grocery Outlet to do my shopping, not to debate ballot initiatives with people I do not know, and certainly not to be shamed by them when I don't give them what they want. I really, really wish the GO would not allow these signature gatherers to harass their customers, who are not there to engage in political discussions. In fact, I wish they wouldn't allow these people on the property AT ALL.

Friendly staff with a smile. This location has a friendly staff; particularly the register staff.read more

A great all volunteer operation for the community. The best way to get involved with your…read morecommunity.

Honestly a good, classic little thrift shop. Prices for regular clothes* are very reasonable,…read moreselection is okay (it's not a big place), things are organized, and there's usually volunteers around to help you look if you're in search of something specific. Believe me when I say it's very small and not suitable for strollers or dogs. Small to no kids clothing section but there are some games and kids books. Limited hours so plan your time wisely. Checkout time can be a wait. *There are a couple of "special" racks which are priced accordingly.

Great value store! Everything is 248 unless otherwise priced! Hard to find Japanese dinnerware,…read moreJapanese knickknacks, Japanese card, making items, gardening items, etc. it's plan on taking a couple hours to look through everything. I always enjoy my items purchased! Will continue to shop at the store because I love it!

The broken fridge door slammed onto my fingers. I let the employee know but she seemed to not care…read moreand just said, "Oh." I like this store but I didn't like this experience or treatment. I like this store and the prices and variety of items but I really didn't like this experience or treatment. I still say come here and shop but be aware because that same fridge door has been broken for quite some time. It never gave me any issues before but now I see it as a safety hazard.

I brought my pearl necklace to be restrung since the clasp broke. When I picked it up, it didn't…read morefit around my neck anymore. In response, the woman then pulled and stretched it to fit like a choker, which is way smaller than before. It made the spacing between the pearls wide, uneven, and frayed the threads. One side of the necklace is quite shorter now too. Make of this what you will but I would never trust them again. Count your pearls and take photos of them holding your stuff if you dare to leave it.

I've been here a few times. The owner is super helpful, friendly to talk with, in addition to being…read morea magician. She repaired my earring and bracelet in a blink of an eye. On another occasion, she repaired a necklace; it took a little longer, but worth the wait for excellent service.

It's hard to describe the experience of walking inside and being so surrounded and swallowed by…read morefloor-to-ceiling books. It's something you would think only exists on a film set because it is the ultimate fantasy of old bookstores which inspire films, television, and our own imaginations. Definitely a place that everyone must visit at least twice. Locating something specific might be tricky, so just pick anything that grabs your attention and enjoy!

This is such an awesome book store, somewhat organized (alphabetical/genre), but also not so much,…read morea bit of randomness to it. Shelves and piles of books everywhere, it took us a while to explore both levels, finding some really funny and unique content, as well as classic novels, and playful gift items too. The staff was patient and helpful, answering our many questions to help us make our selections. Our picks for the day... some russian literature (Yevgeny Zamyatin), and of course, Disapproving Rabbits! For purchases, visitors need to pay at the comic book shop next door (the Escapist). Cool bookstore, not your typical mainstream stuff.