The unique communities of Carmel-by-the-Sea and Carmel Valley contribute their treasures to a variety of nonprofit thrift boutiques, with my favorites conveniently located in a single shopping district.
Getting to Carmel Thrift Shops: Logistics, Ambiance and Customer Service
Across the street from The Barnyard Shopping Village, a simple turn off Highway 1 just south of Carmel-by-the-Sea, lie a strip of nonprofit thrift shops with plenty of treasures to share. Located on Carmel Rancho Lane, these shops are walkable and easy to find with abundant parking available at The Barnyard.
Many of these shops are primarily staffed by volunteers, so customer service can be unpredictable. However, most of my interactions have been positive.
*It is important to understand* thrift shopping in Carmel, California may be different from what you are used to. Instead of getting lost for hours in endless racks of jumbled t-shirts or diving into a pile of mystery framed artworks, these shops are a heavily curated, boutique experience with prices often starting at $10 – $15 for used items.
Yellow Brick Road Benefit Shops (Main Shop, Furniture and Art Shop, Book Shop)
The Yellow Brick Road Benefit Shop powerhouse operates three benefit stores within a block of each other. The Main Shop features men’s and women’s clothing and shoes as well as small home items, like dishes and serving ware, board games and a small collection of books. For me, the best part of the Main Shop’s selection is the designer rackâyou can find some exciting luxury pieces from the wealthy residents of Carmel here!
I have scored some great baskets, linens and artwork from the furniture and art shop, but the small selection can make it heavily hit-or-miss shop of the three Yellow Brick Road locations. Carmel-by-the-Sea is historically an artist colony, so don’t miss the art room tucked in the back for a unique souvenir!
While I always pass through the Book Shop, I usually save my thrifting budget for small homewares and clothing. However, I like to check out their sale bins for books that are great for crafts and scrapbooking.
Proceeds from Yellow Brick Road turn into grants for local nonprofit organizations and scholarships for students.
Joining Hands Benefit Shop
The smallest of the thrift shops, Joining Hands Benefit Shop’s Dutch doors provide a sunny and easily shoppable experience. One side of the shop holds about three racks of women’s clothing, accessories and a jewelry case, while the other showcases some furniture, dishes, linens and other small home items.
I have found great articles of clothing here and fun costume jewelry, but the small selection makes it heavily hit-or-miss. This shop also boasts the lowest prices for the Carmel Rancho Lane thrift district.
Proceeds benefit Interfaith Outreach of Carmel, a group of local faith-based organizations, and their mission to end homelessness.
SPCA Benefit Shop
The SPCA Benefit Shop offers similar small homewares and women’s clothing as its competitors, but its specialty is (naturally) secondhand pet supplies! Before visiting this store I hadn’t considered thrifting these items too, but why not? My dog now happily wears a SPCA Benefit Shop collar I snagged for only a few bucks.
There are several racks of women’s clothing scattered throughout the store with home decor, artworks and a tiny selection of men’s clothing and shoes located toward the back.
I frequently have good luck snagging clothing at this thrift shop, and it’s not only because this location has BY FAR the best dressing room in the thrift district.
Proceeds benefit SPCA Monterey County’s mission to rehome and rehabilitate animals in need.
Carmel Thrift Shopping: Plan a Visit?
Every few months I make a trip to Carmel Rancho Lane and stop to check out what’s new at each of these thrift shops. While I do enjoy a treasure hunt experience, digging through disorganized heaps of secondhand treasure, a boutique thrift shopping day in Carmel is also terrific.
However, be prepared to adjust your expectations for “thrift” shopping in Carmel. It’s not uncommon to find an item for similar for what you may pay new. In addition to the natural price premium in California, the high propensity for designer and custom-made pieces or clothing with high-end fabrics can make these thrift store prices seem steep. When I found a simple white button-down for $26 at the SPCA Benefit Shop, I skeptically did a bit more research. But it turned out, the brand was luxury and retailed for quadruple that price!
These stores are typically open between 10 am and 4pm and are located near The Barnyard and Crossroads Shopping Centers, making it easy to find lunch or coffee nearby too.
Whether you’re a local or passing through, thrift shopping in Carmel always has something new and utterly “Carmel” for you to appreciate and even take home.
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