This is one of my favorite thrift stores in El Cajon. They have two tag colors on sale each day, they have a great selection, not only of clothing, but of housewares, toys, and shoes. I have gotten all sorts of merchandise here. I got two pair pairs of brand, new Birkenstocks, clothes with tags for my kids, and a lot of really great fabric and craft supplies. They are open 7 days a week, and the parking lot is pretty big. read more

This has always been a great thrift store. Enjoyed the disco inferno playlist. All clothes are tidy and cleaned up and employees were handling items put out, with care. Cashier was very nice and friendly as well as the manager working. Hadn't visited in years since I moved away from the area, but will donate and visit more often! Only disappointment is that TRUE vintage clothes are basically non existent. It's all fast fashion and SHEIN clothes for the most part :'( read more

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I had gone in today and found a couple things . When it was my turn to cash out , the cashier proceed to grab my items out of of my hand . Once i payed she threw the coins aggressively at me . I didnt wanna cause a scene , but it was very rude . read more

I always find something here. Additionally, I always donate here. Support veterans!! Fairly well organized, clean, and nice customer service. read more

Favorite thrift store! Prices, selection and organization of the store are consistently good.

This is a Great Thrift shop. They have it well organized and they have a great selection. A lot of the merchandise is newer than Goodwill. I purchased some things that still had the tags on them. This is a treasure. We will go back soon. read more

This is not my first time at this store. I would love to tell you that this is the cleanest Thrift Store I have even been to. The lines are never too long and they have great deals. It is very clear that they understand the idea of a Thrift Store. Their prices are always very reasonable and never over priced from what I have noticed. I came back today to look for some cool things for my Grandson. I left here today with a small outside lounge chair ($2.95) for Hummingbird Watching and a pair of roller skates ($12.00) that were high quality. I also found a really nice shoe stretching mechanism for $2.95. I came here a month or so ago and found some awesome living room curtains a set of four for the sliding glass door of my home for only $19.99. Their employees are very nice and the manager is amazing. I don't remember his name but I think he may have been African. Thank you Amvets! read more

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They're asking $150 for a gaming chair in poor condition that's on Amazon for $140 brand new. T shirts used to be $1-$3. Now they're not. And the same shirts are on the racks every week. Jackets are all expensive and even more expensive if they're behind the cashier. Those don't sell either. Same jackets for months. Toy cars behind cashier too much! Also don't sell! This place is becoming a museum of junk rather than a thrifty store. All the bikes are $60+ and need tires tubes and chains and brakes etc. These are entry level bicycles that are no more than $200 brand new read more

Veterans Thrift Store - This chair is $140 on Amazon brand new. They're asking $150 with wear and tear. - Thrift Stores Near Me - El Cajon, California

Got a small tv for my grandson for his first tv. Was in good condition he is able to play his PlayStation with. His next tv will be a brand new one of his own read more

Clean store. Fair prices for gently used items. Depending on the tag color some items are on sale.

I'm sure this is a "hit or miss" place! Little messy when we were in on 6-10-2014 Clothing prices seem to be a little high. Don't know if they offer any special sales days or senior discounts either? Staff is friendly and one employee showed my daughter a very cute pair of Van's she was just putting out on the shelf. We ended up taking them! Best Of Luck in your adventure to find treasures. read more

I tried to donate some things on a day I was told they were only accepting clothing because a lot of upper management people were there. I was told to come back later. I later dropped of my donations. the next day I tried to drop off a solid oak dining table with 4 matching chairs and a large mirror with an oak frame but was told that I was too late and come back another day. I arrived 5 minutes before I was told they stopped taking donations. I could have unloaded these items in 2 minutes by myself. I chose your store because I always try and support our Vets. I told the young woman who told me to come back that they are not the only store in n town and that I wouldn't be back. She had no response. I am taking the rest of my donations to Goodwill. read more

Great place to come shop at. I love shopping here. I always find lots of good things for a fair price. I always find good deals here all the time. It could be a little bit more cleaner and they should have a bathroom available ,but they don't for some reason ,but that's okay I don't mind it I still shop around and looks at good deals at this store. read more

Let me start by saying that El Cajon will be missing a valuable asset. The employees at this Amvets are always friendly and courteous. I go there every week a couple times if not more. They always have great prices and a new inventory regularly this store makes great money for the Vets and I personally donate money pretty regularly when making purchases. I cannot imagine why Amvets would close this store. Really loyal employees. They always greet me with a smile. And that have been laid off from one of the busiest stores in El Cajon. I am really sad it's like moving away from everybody in a small town. I do not understand but I really hope you reconsider closing mine and many others favorite El Cajon thrift store. Sincerely Ellen A. Costa Thank you all of the employees you are all wonderful! I wish you all the best! read more

I used to enjoy coming here. They had SOME good finds, if you dig. I can find more good stuff at Rock Thrift, Goodwill and Plato's Closet, but my full time job involves helping veterans, so I like the cause. I went yesterday to get a drawer set for our guest room and it will be my LAST time here. First issue was some ratchet girl who cut me in line and when I politely pointed it out to her, she said "well, I didn't see you, so sucks for you" and continued to talk crap about me to the person she was with. That's ghetto, and the girl at the register didn't interject, but whatever. Then, I bring the drawers home, after carrying them all the way up a flight of stairs, and IT'S CRAWLING WITH BUGS. Are you kidding me? That was in my CAR and in my APARTMENT! I hauled it out of there outside my door and used a whole can of bug killer in my new car and in my apartment after vacuuming and doing a load of laundry due to being grossed out. I called them and asked if I could exchange the item for something not infested with bugs, since I don't want them to give me the money back since it goes to help veterans. The legit response I got back "Um, yeah, you're kinda stuck with it." No sorry, no professional response, no offer to retrieve a manager. I said "Okay, then you will want to tell your manager to tell the guys who bring in donated items to check them thoroughly because that's disgusting and unacceptable." The response I get "...okay." Hangs up. This store is a horrible excuse for a veterans organization and I will not shop here again. DO NOT buy furniture here, unless you don't mind bugs and mostly broken items. read more

I love Amvets! I used to go to the one in the Mission Hills/Downtown area but now I live in La Mesa, so I go this one instead. Key differences: 1. The El Cajon location is cleaner and more organized.+ 2. It is a bit smaller, but still really big for a thrift store- 3. This one seems to have bigger Men's and Children's departments.+/- (I don't really care) 4. You don't have to park in front of a strip club.++ I have seen many reviews saying this place is expensive...I just went today and got two skirts, two nice dresses and three shirts...I spent $22. The best part about Amvets is the way they overlook some brands when they price. I found a BCBG dress for $7 and it was in perfect condition! I find H&M and Urban Outfitter shirts there all the time for $1.99 and $2.99. They price stuff like Tommy Hillfiger and Jones New York really high, but who the hell cares? Are you really going to buy a pair of Tommy jeans...really? Some insider tips. People aren't kidding about cash. If you forget, they do have an ATM but it will charge you fees out the ass. Avoid Amvets on Fridays and Saturdays and on the first of the month. It is so crowded that it isn't fun. Also, know your sizes! There is no dressing room so sometimes you have to wing it. I have two complaints (why I did not give 5 stars): 1. They attach their tags with two staples and sometimes they attach them right to the clothes. I have had a few things get holes in them from trying to remove tags. 2. Every day they select a tag color to be on sale, and I can almost guarantee that nothing you will have in your hands will be on sale. In fact, I don't think I have ever seen anything with those colored tags when I am there. Happy Amvetting! read more

If I could give this place a half star I would have. I hate this thrift store. I have tried coming here 3 times and the line is always out the door for stuff that isnt even worth the wait and is priced to be in a department store. Their prices are rediculous even with sales. I was recommended this thrift store by many people but being a very avid thrift store visitor, this place was a huge letdown. Be prepared to be treated rude by other customers and the crowds for whatever reason. read more

Easily the dirtiest, nastiest, smelliest , most unorganized thrift store in the world. I do not understand why these people are giving it 4 star reviews. My god, I will never ever go here again. The electronics and pots and pans sections looked like a nuclear bomb was dropped in there, and the next day business just continued normally, without cleaning up a single thing. Look i get it, thrift stores may be a bit unorganized, and thats fine with me... but Amvets is plain and simply.... doing it wrong. Skip it, there are plenty of other thrift stores in the area. read more

Been here twice and loved it both times. The last time, this past Saturday, was just browsing to see what I saw. I typically don't go for clothing, but I found 3 new with tags blouses for $4.95 a piece. They ended up being 50% off, so I literally paid less than $7 for 3 blouses with tags that were all from Macy's and retailed at 49.99 and up. Gotta love it. Word to the wise (or those that didn't know, like myself) they only accept cash. They have an ATM but I really dreaded using it, if I were you I'd hit up the bank or a trusted ATM first! read more

This store is not bad but not great either. Parking is convenient and they have plenty of shopping carts. The prices are kind of high for the quality of the items. They staple the clothing instead of the labels so they put holes in there clothes. Not good. Kind of shady neighborhood. read more

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Amvets is wonderful; they're a great organization and their thrift stores are a cut above larger chain thrift stores (I.e. Salvation Army and goodwill) Amvets offers a huge selection of typical thrift store items: clothing, shoes, furniture, toys, electronics, books videotapes, housewares, bric a brac and even an odd assortment of new things (hello bras and lip gloss) As mentioned earlier, the store houses a huge array of merchandise. For the most part, the store is organized incredibly well and it's pretty navigate to and through the section you are looking for. Most of the items are of relative newness and from my experience finding vintage or even really dated clothing is a long shot. My favorite selection was the book department. Books here are organized by category and the dig isn't too bad. I found there to be a pretty good selection of books that I'd actually read and best of all, they were ten for a dollar. Can't beat that! Prices are hit or miss. I've found the clothing to be a bit pricier but most of the items to be very well priced. This Amvets (like many other Amvets) receives a ton of random overstock and although most of the stuff is pretty undesirable, the discounts are deep- and sometimes you get lucky. The staff at this location (like all the other Amvets I've visited) were super upbeat and helpful. There's plentiful parking. Also, bring cash! If you don't enjoy carousing thrift stores and are looking for a one stop shop you might want to check out this Amvets; there is nothing stellar about this place but it does the job. read more

I have a lot of friends that are "thrifting connoisseurs" that love this store, but I have visited a lot of shops all over San Diego, and its not all that great. First off, its HUGE. I do not have the patience to look through so much stuff. I have come here dozens of times, and I have never found any gems here. I do like that everything is color coordinated and very well organized, it makes the hunt a little more pleasurable. Prices are so so. read more

Ladies and gentlemen the rules have changed all thanks to the people who decide to cheat and get an even lower price then it already is. From now on if it doesn't have a price they won't "price" it for you right then and there at the register. Now you gotta wait the next day and hope you get it before someone else does lol. Still love this store and their discounts. For every dollar you spend you get a point, get to 100 you get a $10 credit read more

Veterans Thrift Store - Super cute boots for only $3.95 score!! - Thrift Stores Near Me - El Cajon, California

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Before "Team Amvets" this store would have long lines waiting to get in... Once it had great prices, a clean and organized store.... NOPE... NOT ANYMORE! NOT COMING BACK! read more

I went to this Amvets on a Tuesday at 2pm and it was STILL busy but the up side is they still have great stuff! I found so many thing i was in love with there I'll definitely be visiting again! The pricing was a bit off though. I say some Forever21 jeans for 9.95 and they're only 9.50 in the store brand new. However they don't separate the designer jeans from everything else so you get a great deal on those! PROS: Great selection including electronics and art Store was clean & Did not smell 50% off sale everyday Great Parking CONS: No Dressing room & only 2 mirrors Cash only (ATM Present) Usually busy San Diego Thrifters Group.. JOIN! -- https://www.facebook.com/groups/331819670173271/ read more

Not as sketchy as the Middleton location but it didn't steal my heart like the one in Spring Valley (on Cardiff) has. Thrift and used/vintage/consignment stores are always a hit or miss but I did manage to find a Dooney & Bourke vintage purse and a fake Louis Vuitton purse on my first visit here. AND it was 50% off all departments so I left with both purses for less than $9. The shoe section's pretty dirty and unorganized (some aisles more than others). Despite the 50% off discount on all departments that day, I just couldn't get past that dirty chaos. But with all thrift stores, you gotta have patience and diligence if you wanna find something worth your while. Decent selection of clothes but like I said, the Cardiff location is still my favorite Amvets location. Thank goodness parking isn't much of an issue; there's a decent-sized parking lot plus street parking. read more

I LOVE Amvets! We go there every so often and have scored many treasures there. It can be a bit hectic, and make sure that you always bring cash to pay. But...this is the only place where we've been able to find rare treasures (according to us) such as a giant Snorlax, giant Pikachu, and giant Scooby Doo. We've also gotten plenty of other more regular finds such as good deals on kid clothes, halloween costumes, and more. See my blog posting on it here: http://www.elcajonmama.com/2011/04/our-saturday-afternoon-epic-walk-amvets.html read more

Amvets is definitely a great thrift store, it is huge! I have shopped at the Amvets downtown for years and I just stopped in to check out the El Cajon location. It seems to be better organized than the downtown one. I didn't really find anything on this trip but I'm sure I will be back. read more

Some of their prices can be laughable but I find that to be rare. I go for the clothes, and they offer amazing discounts. I've only checked out Possibilities in Santee once and I was appauled by their prices ($2 for each pair of soiled, used socks!). I'll have to see if they've changed that because I'd love to find an even cheaper store than Amvets. I used to be a snob about wearing used clothing until I discovered this store. Many of their items are new. You really have to scan the whole store to get a good find. The customers tend to be pretty rude but I guess you'll have that. It's very crowded and nobody has a problem taking up a whole aisle with their cart, or ignoring you when you say "excuse me" to pass them. Nevertheless, it's always worth the bargain price I pay for the two huge bags I leave the store with. Yay. read more

Thrift stores are becoming more and more popular. This is a great one. There is always a treasure to find at a great deal. Be careful with what you bring in. My daughter's hat was confiscated once. I had to pay to retrive back :) I am serious. My five year old was crying and manager did not care. However this has become a great story between my daughter s and I . Yes management is shady and there are suspicious deals wth the regulars or employess. All I have to say about this is I WISH I WAS their FRIEND to be in on it!! The store is clean as thift stores go. DO NOT expect friendly service. THis is not that kind of place. Remember you are going for the deals. New stuff is always coming in. read more

For very limited budget but in need some furniture, adult or kids clothes, records or books, linen, shoes, kitchen tools, this is the place for you. Store is large, bright. read more

If you are not a snob and can get over the stigma of wearing used clothes, this is the place to shop for kids. 1st off, your kid is just going to outgrow whatever you buy them at an unbelievable speed or they will barf on it and stain it so why pay a lot? I have found name brand clothes in like-new condition for under $1. It is so fun to be able to buy a ton of stuff for such a low price. Hello, just put it in the laundry and it is perfect! ** Bring cash - it is cash only read more

Dirty dusty and made my lungs hurt with my asthma for days after I came here. I seriously felt something was horribly wrong with my lungs. No dressing room and there is only a mirror to try things on and you have to dodge the guys leering at you. At least they dropped some of the ridiculous prices down (that's why they get one star from me). I remember when everything was$ 4.99 just about even for a plain top. Also I experienced a rude employee and her name was Cherevas and as I was getting out my dollar bills and it wasn't that long she said "Hurry up we have customers in the back of you, they are gonna think you are here for a reunion" She said it really rude and rolled her eyes as she said it. I won't be coming back. read more

A year ago it was one of the best thrift stores in San Diego. Now they over charge for everything, and put all the valuable stuff on the Internet. It's not worth going to this thrift store anymore read more

Went here for the first time the other day they were 50% off all clothes and certain color tags were 50% off also. The items were in OK condition. Didn't buy much but it was a nice store overall. read more

This use to be the place to find wonderful deals on just about everything. Not anymore since they have changed management. But the one thing that is very off putting is the parents who bring their children in and just let them run wild. I was hit in the ankles by a kid who was pushing the shopping cart and his mother was totally oblivious to it since she was too busy talking on her cell phone. I also had other customers in the store try to take items out of my shopping cart that they wanted but hadn't bothered to find................. Go to Goodwill in Santee, it is clean and the prices are decent. read more

Ok so the first two times I came here.. It was so so. The first time I did leave with some 1940's silver earrings. Second time nothing. But today I totally scored and it was half off everything in the store. I got a silver plated ice bucket that goes for 90 bucks on eBay for 5 dollars, a set of unused porcelain corn cob handles for a dollar, the cutest bikini from Abercrombie with tags still attached for 7 bucks, a tablecloth with beautiful embroidery from the 40's unused for 4 bucks, and two cute black tops for one dollar each.. A vintage adorable top for two bucks aaaannnddd a extra bowl for my kitchen aid mixer for only two bucks. They are usually 30-40 bucks new. I got all that for only 30 dollars!! Yay! read more

I was recommended to go here from a friend who was able to find a new polarized camera (which usually go for $80 and above) for $20. In hopes of find one, I ended up coming across a barely touched beautiful film camera for $24. Just happened to be the day they have 50% green tags and walked out spending $13 on it. Looks brand new. The fact all profits go to veterans is an even bigger plus to the great items they provide. Staff was friendly and helpful. Though I wasn't shopping for clothing, it's a bummer they don't have dressing rooms. read more

This use to be the place to go to a few years ago but now sad to say it's gone down hill.the parking lot use to be filled with lines of people waiting to get inside now it's empty .it's just not how it used to be back in the day .at first I like some of the changes but the new owners or manager took a great thrift store and tried to turn it into a goodwill and it didn't work. I use to come here twice a week and now I come here twice a year. read more

Finally a thirt store I can donate to and feel good about who they are serving. Met Justin at a drop location. He's the real deal. DONATE HERE! AMVETS! read more