Sustainability has been a popular buzzword lately when it comes to environmental conservation, but what does it have to do with shopping? It’s all about reusing and upcycling old items into treasures that are new to you. And in Arroyo Grande, that’s easier than ever. Introducing: The Arroyo Grande Thrifting Trail!
Our little town on California’s Central Coast isn’t big, but we’ve got an outsized amount of stores devoted to vintage clothing, antiques and consignment items. Not only is this thrifty shopping approach easy on your wallet, but it’s also picking up steam with younger generations who want to reduce the waste of consumerism and stay stylish, too. So, let’s hit the trail!
Rhonda’s Relics
148 W. Branch St.
Photo courtesy of Rhonda’s Relics
Rhonda’s Relics is the perfect shop to get lost in if you’re a classic antique lover. Packed with booths that seem to go on and on in a meandering maze, this store has a whimsical collection of, well, just about everything. You’ll find lots of home and garden decor, jewelry, furniture, clothing items, books and much more depending on the day you visit. They have a very active Instagram page, too, if you want to stay up to date on the latest finds.
The Haven
103 E. Branch St.
Photo courtesy of The Haven
You’ll find trendy second-hand clothing and accessories galore at this cool shop right in the heart of The Village. This is really the perfect stop for a fashion-forward outing with the pals that you can also feel great about. The Haven says their mission is sustainable fashion and community connection. They also buy gently used goods and ask that we all do our part to help reduce waste in the industry.
Hello Village
127 E. Branch St.
Photo courtesy of Hello Village
Shopping sustainably for little ones? Hello Village is a colorful and eclectic shop with a great consignment section specifically for kids’ clothing, shoes and accessories. It’s a great stop for parents who want to keep their ever-growing children looking cute and fresh. You’ll also find a small selection of teen and adult clothing and shoes, as well as new toys and gifts.
Branch Street Antiques
126 E. Branch St.
Photo courtesy of Branch Street Antiques
You’ll feel like you’re transported into another dimension when you climb down the stairs of Branch Street Antiques. Another packed treasure trove of a store, this place has a little bit of everything, from beautiful antique furnishings to vintage books, dolls, toys, holiday decor and more. You’ll find lots of glass cases filled with jewelry and other trinkets, as well as unique items from around the world.
A Glance into the Past
410 E. Branch St.
Photo courtesy of @globetrekkr
A Glance in the Past bills itself as the largest antique mall in the region, a place you’ll never leave empty handed. Their professional dealers consider themselves antique and collectible purists, and they specifically do not include gifts, crafts or reproductions. Although they are very focused on high quality, the prices are reasonable at this large store. A great stop for decor like art glass and historic paintings, furniture, old photographs, toys, pottery and lots more.
The Green Vase
200 Nelson St.
Photo courtesy of The Green Vase
The Green Vase is a quirky stop on the Thrifting Trail, but only in the best way, of course. It’s housed in a restored 1886 cottage and has an ever-changing inventory of “international antiques and unusual pieces to decorate your home.” A more curated selection than other Arroyo Grande shops, The Green Vase has a delightfully colorful vibe with mid-century furniture, linens, lamps, paintings and other items. Although the selection is a bit smaller here, it might just be the place you score your next find.
IN 2 IT
1314 E. Grand Ave.
Photo courtesy of IN 2 IT
For the last two stops on the Thrifting Trail, we’re heading out of the historic Village area and across Highway 101 to the West Side of Arroyo Grande. IN 2 IT is a funky second-hand store that’s small in size but absolutely packed with well-organized goods of all sorts. The friendly owners always have a smile and a story to share, and they tend to set up whimsical mannequin displays and funny handmade signs out front to attract shoppers. Lots of cute and clever finds in this welcoming and well-priced boutique.
Achievement House
1446 E. Grand Ave.
Photo courtesy of Achievement House
Our last stop takes us to Arroyo Grande’s Achievement House, operated by a wonderful local nonprofit devoted to providing jobs and housing to adults with disabilities. They have a network of thrift stores around the county, including here in A.G. In addition to fairly priced furniture, clothing, kitchen items and children’s goods, you’ll also find a lot of handmade greeting cards and works of art produced by the friendly employees. For many reasons, the Achievement House is a fantastic feel-good stop for any thrifter.
Thanks for joining us on the trail! Book a stay in Arroyo Grande for your next sustainable shopping spree. During your stay, take the opportunity to explore the other delights of Arroyo Grande such as the divine culinary scene and beautiful outdoor spaces that our area has to offer. We look forward to seeing you soon!
