This used to be a favorite little thrift store of mine. But lately their prices have been ridiculous for a thrift store. They've jumped on the overpriced bandwagon that goodwill does lately. We still found a few things for 50 percent off and made some purchases. They have some great finds but their prices lately are a deterrent for me. Everyone who works there is nice though. read more

Great variety of items...fantastic group of employees who are always ready to help you!

Stopped by there for the First time, first impression of store, I'm pleasantly surprised. I was there Wednesday 2/5/25 after 4:00pm, didn't get out of there until like 530. It's like once you're in there, you get into the abyss of thrifting. Lots of stuff to look to choose from. Way better prices than goodwill & way better selections too. I spent over $100 on my first trip there. Found a lot of cool things there. Sadly I forgot a whole bag of purchase there of big trays I was hoping to use at my house. Hopefully my big size trash bag of purchase is still there at the register. Store keeper please contact me & let me know I can pick it up as soon as you open up today. Thanks. read more

McAlister's thrift store is a hot mess express. It always looks like someone drove a truck up to the front door and just dumped a bunch of stuff inside. It's hard to navigate, and is it visually overstimulating. There is a hodgepodge of clothing, home decor, and last time I was there a lot of adult diapers. The prices seem OK, but it's such a mess in there. Drive down the street to the veterans thrift store instead. read more

This is not a for profit thrift corporation. Every dollar goes to help our neighbors. Not to fill the pockets of CEOs and share holders. It's not a front like the Goodwill and other corporation. There's a big difference between thrift stores. We can help our neighbors. Our make a CEO richer. read more

I go to this thrift store or should I say it I went to this thrift store several times a week for more than a year and I really really miss them! Everybody that works there is so nice. I really wish all of them the very best During these trying times. They're like my family! I can't wait till they reopen. Update. Yea they are open and my therapy has begun again. They have great prices and most of it is 50% off. So I would totally recommend this thrift store if you want to find a great treasure or a perfect little black dress. read more

Very responsive for pickups. While other organizations like ReStore wouldn't pick up for a month or more, or not at all, McAlister came out within a week. They arrived during the window of time they originally quoted and were very communicative on the pickup day. Drivers were friendly and took everything I gave them. Will donate again given the smooth experience. read more

This is the MOST EXPENSIVE thrift store I have ever stepped foot on. For a thrift store, most of the items they sell is ridiculously expensive. Some of them are probably more expensive than an actual brand new item. The place is also a big mess and stinky, so I don't even understand why everything is insanely expensive. I must say, if you like sparkly, high heels, I guess this place is for you. Look at the pictures I posted, it's a colourful line-up. Still, everything is over-priced. There's a pair that is practically brand-new, with a sticker from Ross for $12.99 on the bottom of the (see posted picture), but at the back of the shoes, you'll see their hand written price tag of $20 lol! Ridiculous! Please, save your money and DO NOT go here! Go to the Goodwill that's like 5 minutes away and it is WAYYYY Better. It's way cleaner, more organized and more than half cheaper. Check out my review and pictures from that place. read more

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One of my favorite thrift stores! Prices are decent and the staff is very friendly. Only issue is the parking can be a nightmare at times.

Staff is extremely rude and will unnecessarily refuse good working items depending on their current mood.

What a dirty shame... Mcalister is a medium sized thrift store that offers a typical thrift store variety: apparel, books, videotapes, records, collectibles, furniture, housewares, bric a brac, electronics, footwear, collectibles and more. The store is a mess and horribly organized and really dirty. There's food wrappers scattered throughout the store and there's a fierce stench. If the items in the store weren't so dirty, I'd definitely consider some of their home accessories; there's a ton of really old items here but they're in such horrible condition that I wouldn't ever buy them. If you can, avoid this store. You can thank me later. read more

McAlister Thrift Store - Thrift Stores Near Me - El Cajon, California

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Just tried to drop a donation and was promptly told after a very quick glance that he couldn't take any of it. We had plates, china, glasses, art, golf clubs, baking and cookware, utensils, etc. we have a history with McAlisters, but not a future. read more

I buy jewelry and boutique items. You can never ever find a decent thing in this store because their so called volunteer who prices the stuff is a dealer, herself. An Asian woman that sells at Kobeys swap meet. So when you are donating that type of merchandise, that's who's getting it "AT VERY GOOD PRICES". Taking to the manager James, who's been there for all too many years, and runs the complete show without any intervention from anyone, will do you no good. If there's no oversight on running the store and he has free reign to do what he wants, when he wants to, then this organization is a scam and a sham, the way I see it. I wouldn't donate with this org. if they were the last one on earth. read more

I donated a couch and the experience from start to finish was wonderful! Scheduling a pick-up date was easy and convenient. When the drivers arrived, they were polite and professional, and carried everything out while respecting the property. Great people to work with! read more

I go to this thrift store or should I say it I went to this thrift store several times a week for more than a year and I really really miss them! Everybody that works there is so nice. I really wish all of them the very best During these trying times. They're like my family! I can't wait till they reopen. read more

This thrift store has some of the best finds in the city! If you are looking for perfectly staged vignettes with polished shelves, perfectly displayed products, and price tags with item descriptions along with museum quality lighting and manicured wool carpeting with designer paint color walls- this isn't the place. If you want a boutique experience- with prices to match, there are plenty of other, more expensive, shops in town. Remember, this a THRIFT store!! Okay, so things can be a little disorganized- I think it is part of the charm of this spot. The reason it looks disorganized is because it is PACKED with finds! If you're like me, and you don't mind digging a little to find some diamonds- this is the place! This isn't a store you can rush through and see everything in 5 minutes... you need to really search here to find the gems you are looking for- but they are there! The selection of antiques, art, ceramics, and collectibles is astonishing- IF you are patient enough to put in the time to uncover them, and isn't that the fun of a thrift shop? The prices here are VERY fair, especially since it is 50% off the price tag most of the time. If you find something that you think is priced too high, don't be shy, ask the staff if a price adjustment can be made- you might be surprised at how often they can work within your budget. The staff here is friendly and accommodating... from Cameo and Penny, who greet you with a "hello" and smile when you walk in, to the big tall guy- Don, who is ready to help load heavy items in your car- this staff works hard to be sure you have a good experience in the store. There are also many volunteers who work hard displaying items, organizing and cleaning to help make your shopping pleasant. When you've got a little time to do some thrift store shopping, give this place a chance... you might just be amazed at the diamonds you will uncover. read more

Not sure why there'd be any negative reviews here! I love this place, it's my very first (usually only!) stop to satisfy my thrifting itch. The workers here are super nice, and really will talk with you about items if they have the time. The deals are great and this place has some really cool items they get in! read more

Very nice staff. They were extremely helpful and kind. I bought a perfect patio rug for a fantastic price.

Very small place but they have some cool antiques hidden if you look deep. Today they had 50 percent off on all items. The employee working the front was a cool old guy. Another plus is they have AC here. read more

McAlister Thrift Store - 5 bucks at this thrifty store. EBay it's listing at 30 bucks - Thrift Stores Near Me - El Cajon, California

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They have great finds and the staff are really nice. I went on a half off day so it was totally a bargain. I'd definitely recommend this place if you're looking for some trendy-ish clothes and jewelry. read more

Good prices, very good bargains, sometimes antiques, I like to check it out every now and then

This place has some decent stuff but the lady who is working the front counter is outrageous! I got there and she was cussing out a customer named "George" telling him to stop trying to get over on her. I took the things I found over to the cash register and she was so busy talking to someone else there that she did not even say hello to me. She rang it up and took my money and than gave me my change. No hello no goodbye just give me your money. read more

Best thrift store! Prices are amazing and the staff is very friendly and helpful! Love this thrift store!

Horrible Customer Service at this store ! I witnessesed two seperate cases of handicapped people asking for assistance and the sales lady was very very rude.Man with visual problem asked for help and was told to put item to face to read when he told lady he was legally blind. Women with a steel walker was told to bring help to carry her stuff to car. The Girl working there told both people on different days that she is to busy since there were only two employees working. I have never seen this in my life. Great deals at this store but the one lady with black hair is horrid. Id use another store. read more

I had called another place for a pick up donation. They couldn't p/u a dresser until January 28th 2022! So a friend of mine reminded me of McAlister's. They were able to p/u today Dec 20th between noon & 3pm. They were on time and called ahead for gate entry. Nice guys. Both had smiles. Great job! read more

We have shopped in here before and I can not believe how disgusting its become there now. We have checked out clothes there, sheets, electronics, hats, purses. You name it we have looked at alot of stuff and have also bought stuff. But lately its been like going into a slum house. There is always trash on the floor, they have broken items for sale, and things that dont even have the entire piece ( we got a phone that needed the base to be able to use it and they did not have the base). We have brought to their attention things that have parts missing and all they do is put it on a back counter until you leave then put it back out. The last time we were in there around the second week of September we were looking at purses and WOW did the prices go up dramatically. The sad part, alot of the purses were FILTHY! One purse and a bunch of junk on the bottom of it PLUS change. It was truly gross and when I took it up to the blonde hair girl with glasses she just grabbed it from me, laughed and went back to having fun with the thing in her hands. I asked her what was so funny and she said and I quote "well its in a thrift store how clean do you expect it to be" I said well you guys USED to make sure everything was CLEANED out before you sold it but seeing as these purses are filthy and the furniture is filthy I guess you all dont care what you sell you just sell JUNK at high prices and I walked out. I have TRIED to call the manager several times and every time I call he has left. As a matter of fact one time I called a lady said "he just walked out" I said well is that not ironic that as soon as I call he has stepped out. I guess he does not want to hear the TRUTH about his employees OR how his story and merchandise is sold. The woman actually got rude with me and said "get mental help go take your meds" and hung up. THIS PLACE HAS GOTTEN HORRIBLE!!! you need HAND SANITIZER AFTER YOU TOUCH THEIR STUFF!!!!!!! read more

Big disappointment. Spent hours, went through everything. Couldnt find a good price on anything even when half off. The things I were interested in may have purchased (half of what I looked at) wasnt priced! Will never return read more

Not impressed and not a fan! I think a thrift store should be priced so that the consumer feels that he/she is getting a bargain. Example: shot glasses at $2.00? Shouldn't that be priced at 50 cents,at worse .75 cents to $1.00? Most of their smalls are priced at 3.00 such as a 3" H candle holder made of fake wood and marked Made in China. The greed is apparent, and needless to say , a thrift store should be one! read more

It's a mixed bag here. Not the quality of Goodwill, but higher prices. Though at any given time there might be advertised that certain color tags are 50% off. Then, the prices are about right, but I didn't find a lot of quality items... I would go back if in the area, but wouldn't drive out of my way here. read more

I usually have a very good experience at this thrift store, it's just down the street from where I live and I like to take walks and wander in and buy some things weekly. But it is 5:52 PM on Saturday night... They are open till six but the older guy working behind the counter ,who is always extremely rude , just yelled at me to get out of the store that they were closed! I held up my phone and said it's 552 you're still open for eight minutes and he loudly said in front of the two remaining customers "I'm locking the doors you have to leave now! " I am on linked in connection wwJeanne McAllister and believe me I will be letting her know that that is no way to treat customers with money in their pocket. I tried tellinng him that i just wanted to browse tonight, But he angrily cut me off and made me feel threatened. For people in recovery, he is definitely not working a good program read more

I called in today to schedule an appointment for pick up and the lady I spoke with was awesome. I believe her name was Camio, she was very helpful and so sweet! Great customer service! read more

Really like DONATION: McAlister Thrift Store. They always have a cheerful, friendly way to accept your donation & are prompt in picking up. They will accept everything we have donated VS. Salvation Army on El Cajon Blvd & 70th who send you to the truck they have & whoever works there, will tell, no more donation but when you go back to the store & tell them, you find out they were lying & they will be forced to accept. They also don't have that many time to come & pick up as you are doing them some harm. But DONATION: McAlister are so friendly & make you feel great when you donate. They always are ready to pick up & also have convenient Boxes in front to drop your Donation. Thank God for them.. read more

Outstanding thrift store that I love going to. It's as lot better then that other store down the street. This place is nice and very clean love this place great deals read more

My elderly mother called to make a large donation to this thrift store. When the truck and the three drivers came they took more items than she had told them she was going to donate. They also robbed her of $600 in cash that she had in her purse. I called the owner Jeanine McAllister and was told she would call me back on Monday as to whether or not she would reimburse my mother for the loss. She never called back to date I have left her nine messages not one has been returned. I was able to get two of the items returned to us that should never of been taken to begin with. I have never been into the store and I'm sure it's for a good cause but overall this is a horrible way to run a business. read more

I love this thrift store! The crew that works her is always friendly & welcoming. The prices are great and I always pick up great items

Good little thrift store. We are constantly donating to this store because of the cause and the people who are working there. They really appreciate the donations and often times I leave with something. There are a couple of large-scale "thrift stores" in this general vicinity, so competition is tough. I don't know about you, but I like to support the small local shops while we we still have a choice. read more

Great thrift store. Hit or miss but i always leave with at least one thing! Mondays and wednesdays are 50% off tag price. Amazing!!

I went to this thrift store I was looking for a dresser and I found one for a good price and the guy who helped me was very nice and very generous I went back again and I bought a shelf for my brother so it was a good fine and bought a rose blanket that was for good price and very beautiful I'm very happy about going to the store the people are nice and friendly and very helpful they have good finds that you can never find anywhere else this store has the best things you can't even find read more

I love coming here to get the best deals. The last time I came here it was 50% off of everything. I always find things here too so this is by far my favorite place to come. The owner James Zatarian has such a warm friendly smile. At the bevy of registers up at the front, James checked 3 of us out at the same time and answered questions and gave price quotes, a multitasking master! read more

As far as east county thrift stores go, this one is poorly stocked, poorly organized, and the staff are not too friendly. You can go up or down the same street and find some better ones. This store is pretty small and the selection pretty sparse. Don't mean to be too critical of the place, but it is what it is! read more