for starters, I don't know why this is listed under thrift stores this is not a thrift store. They do have some used items, but they're very specific very curated and for military, survivalists and campers. I cannot emphasize how well organized this story is whoever is in charge of it must be hard-core OCD. It is brilliantly laid out. Everything is clearly marked and organized and neatly placed on shelves. The majority of the items here are new and practical if this is the kind of stuff you're looking for this is the store to go to they will have it. They will know where it is. They will show it to you right away. The price will be reasonable and you will go away satisfied read more

Best workwear spot I've seen, let alone in LA. Carhartt, hats, shoes, jackets coats bags. All super well kept and clean.

This place is awesome. I come here for camping supplies and just to give it a gander in general. Prices are great and it's fun to try out MRE's, even if it's in the comfort of my bed while I lazily put it together whilst watching YouTube or something. Otherwise, if you need basic camping stuff or you like military memorabilia as well this is the place. Wish they were closer to me haha read more

I live nearby and have never been inside. After six months, I showed up. Wowza! This is the center of Carhart and Dickies apparel! Every style and color imaginable! read more

The selection here continues to be great as it has been for decades, the staff is amazing and helpful, the only issue is no returns or exchanges you will be stuck with merchandise that does not meet your needs. I came to grab hats, emergency whistles, field glasses and canteens. Everything is great except the canteens! At approximately $12-18 each the strap is far too short to wear comfortably as a crossbody, which means the blanket canteens were a total financial loss for me! Wanting to show my grandchildren how to go out and hike safely and carry what one needs to be safe or call for help, every other item has met our needs. Ask to open packages and see the product, they may have a display piece, don't get the blanket canteen thinking you can wear it across your body, it is a shoulder carry at best. At approximately $200 spent I am woefully disappointed BUT another lesson I was able to teach my grandchildren about policy signage, asking to touch and see merchandise ensuring items meets your needs prior to purchasing. read more

The Surplus Store - Hats galore! All styles types and colors even Steampunk!!!! - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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This is a great uniform store. They have them in most sizes and decent prices. I have a friend that lives in the area and purchases his uniforms here. Service is good, and they are just the best on the Westside. read more

The Surplus store has a great selection. I have been several time the staff is very friendly and helpful. read more

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Highly Recommend this Shop! Great prices and super friendly Staff!! Family run business with a INSANE work wear selection! Their backpack section is very large also! I go here for my camping stuff or need to upgrade my Fit! Awesome store!!! read more

The Surplus Store - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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The Surplus Store is one of few military surplus stores in Los Angeles county and I came here looking for earthquake kits. I didn't find earthquake kits that fit my needs, but I was quite an impressive surplus store. [Parking]: Small and tight private parking lot, but I was able to find a spot at 1:30 PM on Saturday and it was free to park. [Pros]: 5-star on bag selection (e.g. Jansport campus packs, duffle packs, fanny packs, cooler bags, shoulder bags, etc), jackets, boots (steel toe boots, snowjogger boots, mukluk boots, etc.), hats, and military clothing. The store is very organized. [Cons]: A bit disappointed with earthquake emergency kits. They have one prebuilt 3-day emergency for 2-person kit with food/emergency water + blanket only ($32.95), one prebuilt emergency bag (food, emergency water, blanket, poncho, first aid kit, vinyl gloves, LED pump flashlight, AM/FM radio, light stick, dust mask, safety whistle, and tissue pack - not cheap over $70+), and one 16 x 12 x 8 grab and go emergency kit for two. The staff also suggested DIY emergency kits. Yes it will probably be cheaper to create one for myself, but individual selection on MREs (Meals Ready-to-Eat) was limited and I simply did not have time. I value convenience over researching on what's the best MREs to eat. Come here for boots, jackets, and especially backpacks; however don't have a high expectation on prebuilt earthquake kits here and check out Major Surplus & Survival in Gardena for more options. read more

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Gotta love this place, man, I've been here more times than I could count. Grabbed an Iwo Jima poster from here and still have it hung up in my room. Plus, if you like military-themed shirts, this is the place. I also bought a really cheap Carhartt jacket here and wear it basically on the daily. read more

Good people, products are exceptional. Was looking for authentic Dickies for my nephew. Great place

Love this store. Always come here for my outwear needs as they have a nice selection to try on. They even carry Ben Davis in almost every size so you can try them on. The workers are always friendly and helpful. read more

Good service and great selection. Highly recommend for all your needs from uniforms to camping gear

I returned to The Surplus Store today for the first time in years. I wanted army/cargo pants, for style. I used to purchase them from this location long ago, starting in my teens. (I was a bony little thing.) I'm not the Skinny Minnie I once was (not Fat Pat either), so I wanted to try on a few styles of pants. I didn't like the styles on me as much as I had in the past, but I think they're a bit different than what they once were. I also had an idea in mind re: how I wanted to wear them and they just weren't giving what I wanted them to give. The selection for the men's pants is good, but the women's selection is slim. By God's grace and favor, I fit a women's small. Don't ask. But the zipper portion is too low for someone my height. I definitely needed a medium, which they didn't have in that style. Oh, well. I did not leave with my pants, but I found a few smaller items that will work for now. I thank Victor for his assistance in looking for sizes for me. I shall return soon! read more

I love this place, cheap and good compared to other stores. I buy most of my clothes here.

Great store if ya need to put together a Go Bag. Everyone should have a go Bag. Ya never know when ya gotta get out of a Urban environment quick. Especially with current DA. read more

This is a great little surplus store,I have shopped there many times before I have always been able to find what I need and I forgot about the story and was looking for some garden boots so I got in my car and drove up there and found exactly what I needed at a great price $. read more

The Surplus Store - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Needed an ammo can in a pinch and... The Surplus Store came to the rescue! Glad they're open until 7pm too! Easy parking. Great service. Sale is final. Will have to come back and browse around. read more

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Don't get me wrong I love the family owned Surplus Store the people who run it and everything in it and I would give it 5 stars Buuuuuuut The dressing rooms where you try on clothes are smaller than the metal shed punishment hut where Alec Guinness was held captive in the film Bridge in the River Kwai... I am not exaggerating ~ today I was trying on jeans and literally developed claustrophobia ~ I wanted to try on more jeans and clothes but I am not a masochist ~ No room no shelves for your wallet keys and change ~ only a wobbly patio chair and one hook The Surplus Store opened in 1946 It's time to PLEASE build proper dressing rooms ~ you've had the same try on dressing rooms for 70 years read more

The Surplus Store - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Great little gem of a General Store carrying everything from military surplus items, sweats, shirts, jeans, and shoes with size to small to XXXL all at reasonable prices. Friendly staff that are happy to assist you in finding what you are looking to purchase. The store is located at the corner of Motor Ave and Venice Blvd with plenty of off street parking which you enter from Venice Blvd. read more

So helpful! We found great hiking boots for my sons camping trip. The sales lady that helped us was beyond helpful. Thank you so much! read more

Stopped in here with my brother for some carhardt items. He found everything he wanted and some more stuff. He was happy and therefore I was happy. Parking was easy and cheap. We even ran over the road for a donut afterwards. read more

I've been going to this place for 20 years now. Wow. They are solid. Always have a good selection, considering the space restrictions. Very decent prices. A solid surplus store. A great asset to the West Side. Go for the surplus, then stay for the Versailles. MMM Pro Tip: Try to park on Venice instead of the lot. Just makes life easier. read more

Love this place all kinds of interesting military camping and survival things. They have a great selection of backpacks and large range of clothing. The only thing is all sales are final so make sure it fits. read more

Stuff, lots of stuff. Lots of great items here, surplus and new items. Military shirts, camo, medals (dont wear them if you didnt earn them), security badges, random holsters for IDs, flashlights. Some survival and emergency preparedness items. Sleeping bags knifes, handcuffs etc. You can get custom dog tags here. The parking can be kinda tough some times but there are usually spots. Staff is not overly friendly. This place is like a giant closet of military stuff, tshirts, camo facepaint and other items. read more

This place is great for all kinds of stuff. The reason I shop here is for their Carhartt Shirts. The person who was working the floor when I was shopping was very helpful. Bottom line this place has a lot of camping stuff, Duffel Bags, work gear and soooo much more. The building is a classic at almost 100 years old. read more

The Surplus Store - From across the street - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Los Angeles, California

So I've been walking around looking for lab coats and it's so hard to find them everyday I passed by the Surplus Store never did I figure it out so I finally go in there after work and I found lab coats and scrubs so I'm truly happy that this surplus store is here and thank you Lola for helping me out read more

The Surplus Store - I love bought lab coats - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I love this place. I've come here a lot over the years. It's a treasure trove of goodies! Love to look for emergency kit gear and hiking gear here. read more

Military Surplus stores are not really abundant in Southern California. However, this one does have a large variety of survival items. It is well cataloged. I wish they had the type of camouflaged bag that I wanted, but I suppose you can't have everything right? I was still able to find a comparable bag that was utilitarian. They have mostly everything that you will need if you were going to an outdoor expedition. I saw an abundant of rain boots, snow boots, etc. I also saw some nice authentic aviator jackets that I may purchase if I come back here next time. It is interesting to even come to a military surplus store because the items in the store have a special kind of nostalgia to it. I mean, some of the items are used, but they have history to it that makes it special. Parking is abundant in their own lot adjacent to Versailles (the Cuban restaurant) read more

This place is jam-packed with all kinds of cool gear. I came in for a new pair of boots and they had a pretty decent selection to choose from. It was a bit difficult to find the pair I saw on display - kind of like when you're at a DSW or discount shoe store - but I found my size and I love em. Best part was the price. They've got some pairs over $100 for the hardcore cadets, but I was able to find a solid pair for about $55 with tax. Super comfortable and don't take long to break-in, just a couple wears. Could never find a better pair of boots elsewhere. I was tight on cash so I didn't let myself browse around too much, but you're inundated right when you walk in with cool shiz. Screen-print T's, pants, coats, heavy duty jackets, jewelry, stickers, etc. Fun place to get lost in. read more

I have passed by this place countless times over the years. My wife and I were searching around for survival supplies to replenish our emergency go-bag. There is one aisle with everything you need. MRE, boxed water, canned water, radios, lights, candles and all. They also have pre-made kits. To my surprise, the store just keeps going...and going... There is a room dedicated to just bags and backpacks. If you need a bag...they probably have your solution here. The store layout is a little weird, but once you find your section (or just ask the front desk) everything is really well organized and laid out! The person who helped me was a very nice gentleman at the front. I'll have to come back for rain or camping gear. read more

Great store. Simple, well organized, straightforward. You can come in, get what you want, and go. No money spent on fancy floor space or displays. Have a wide variety of gear. read more

Great place to buy stuff. I would definitely go here again. I used to Go here a lot sometime ago and then I forgot about it and then went back there recently and I was thinking I should really go here a lot more. read more

Me and my friend had a field day here!! I originally went in for mase and a taser and found much more. Great selection of boots, outdoor cooking ware, hats and lots and lots of fatigue. I got this super cute mini taser that's rechargeable and a gel pepper spray for my keychain. Also purchased a fatigue jacket that has great patches on it and was a steal at $17. It's was so much stuff there I'll definitely be going back. It was clean and the staff were especially very helpful and accommodating. read more

The Surplus Store - I keep that THANG on me! Can't wait to give some assailant the shock of their life (no pun intended) - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Los Angeles, California

We came here looking for Army uniforms from the 1980's to the mid 1990's. Found almost everything we needed. Had lots of help by the employees who knew where almost everything was. I was in a pinch getting everything for filming the next morning and they came through for me!! My only complaint was that nobody would give me a piggyback ride around the store. read more

I have literally driven past The Surplus Store well over 1,000+ times but never stopped until yesterday (09-05-2015). What brought me to the 'The Surplus Store' is I have been looking for a heavy duty canvas duffle bag online for a new purchase but could not tell how sturdy/tough the canvas was without getting my hands on the actual fabric. I arrived during mid-afternoon on Labor Day weekend and was able to secure parking directly in front of the business. I walked in and was taken back to day 1 indoctrination at boot camp. The Surplus Store had military uniforms, military pins, military rank insignia, patches, flights suits, MRE's, rucksacks, belts, jungle boots, boonie hats, camping equipment, earthquake preparedness kits, seabags and of course heavy duty duffle bags. FYI I am leaving a lot of stuff out, this store literally stretches into three separate rooms and stacked floor to ceiling. I was looking around and finally came across the room that contained bags and was pleasantly surprised at the selection. In that area they not only just have the bags all folded in plastic wrap but they have actual display models. The display models are stuffed with foam so you can pick them up, see how much they will stretch and how the bag looks fully stuffed. They do not have this just for the large bags but every size and every model. I came across a female employee who was extremely helpful / knowledgeable about the bags. With this help I was able to select a bag quickly. I selected an extra-large heavy duty canvas bags with pockets on both ends, heavy duty canvas hand strap as well as a shoulder strap. As for price it was in the $50 range with tax which matched the prices online while supporting what I believe to be a family run business. If I am ever in need of anything bag, luggage, camping etc needs I will without question be coming back here. I wish I would have stopped here before because they have basically every outdoor need that you need. If you are also an outdoors person walking in these doors will be like visiting Patagonia without the sticker shock=) read more

This store is great. If I was not short on time, I could spend hours there. There are so many cool stuff to look at. I found what I was looking for but I ended up checking out so many things. If you planning a camping trip, forget going to REI. You can find all your camping needs here at a lower price. They have a big selection of backpacks and bags. Great place to show for Halloween costume. I will go back. read more

I've been coming here for years. I used to buy my school backpacks here. They're super durable and still in great condition. They have an awesome assortment of bags & packs to pick from for whatever you need them for. I recently went back for camping supplies. I'm going back again today for more which prompted me to finally review them. Their prices are very good and the employees are really helpful. You can pretty much find anything here for outdoors activities. If I ever become a drifter I'll pick up some stuff here beforehand :) read more

This has been my Surplus Store of choice for years! Before, during and after my time in service,. Prices are average for what you expect from a surplus store, so don't go expecting tax free deals that you would get a Military Base's PX. Not the greatest of return Policies, but when you think about it if you go out to buy some Cammies, belts, T-shirt or PT gear, wouldn't you already have in mind what size of style you want? I seriously doubt you want to return "used" MREs. When purchasing surplus goods, I'd like to think of it as buying a used car...Make sure you know what you what you want before you pay for it. The customer service here is pretty decent, and in the many years I have been coming in, I really haven't had any problems. As of lately they really don't have much in the sense of used gear, though they do have a few boxes of used Combat, Jungle, or Moon boots and some older stuff like bags and what not. Parking lot, although small usually has at least one open spot every time I have come in. read more

okay. wanted: real surplus combat boots In the late 90s, I bought a pair of combat boots at the now gone santa monica surplus store on lincoln. I paid $20. Then, with my sewing machine, I added side zippers and a few buckle straps to make some awesome real leather punk boots. One day, they went missing from my closet, and, now, I felt the yearning to make a new pair. Frustratingly, most surplus stores should be called "army knockoff stores," instead. This one is better than some, but still carries a lot brand new military-style retail stuff. The store has three rooms. The first and largest has four aisles stocked 85% with new stuff. Mostly clothes and hats, with two pressboard changing closets. The second room has one side with all surplus clothes and boots and new army boots filling the rest. The third the room has bags and knapsacks. Of the fifteen or so black gi boots, there none that fit me. Although there were only about fifteen pair of black leather surplus boots, there were nearer to fifty pair of the desert leather and nylon ones. I was able to try on new boots to find my size, which was a size smaller than in normal shoes. Regarding parking, there is a small front lot that enters only from the westbound venice side, turning in front of the restaurant next door. From the outside, I would say this store was a post office in a previous life. I was going to give it three stars, but just now decided on four. My opinion went up while writing because describing it made me realize that it was better than the three other surplus store I tried. Also, being able to size up the new boots will allow me to search ebay for the right ones. I'm a women's 10, but my combat boot size was a 7 regular. And, my god, when the boots are labeled extra narrow, only a pre schooler's foot might fit. Not the surplus store's fault, that. read more