Tucked away at 614 Alabama St in Redlands, California, The Redlands Thrift Store is a local gem that shoppers keep coming back to. With a massive inventory of clothing, furniture, books, and household items, it’s the kind of place where $25 can genuinely fill your cart to the brim.
Whether you’re hunting for a vintage find or just need everyday basics on a budget, this store has something for everyone. Get ready to discover why this Redlands staple has loyal fans driving from all over central California just to browse its shelves.
A Massive Store With Room to Roam
Walking into The Redlands Thrift Store feels like stepping into a treasure hunter’s paradise. The sheer size of the place sets it apart from your average secondhand shop.
Rows upon rows of clothing, stacks of furniture, and shelves packed with random finds stretch as far as the eye can see.
Shoppers who visit for the first time often say they wish they had more time to explore everything on offer. One reviewer described it perfectly as “organized chaos” — meaning it rewards those who are patient and love to browse.
Coming in with a relaxed mindset makes all the difference.
Plan to spend at least an hour here, maybe more. The store is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM and on Sundays from noon to 4 PM.
Give yourself plenty of time to uncover something truly special.
Clothing Deals That Can Stretch Your Dollar
Few things beat the thrill of pulling a great shirt off a rack and seeing a price tag that makes you smile. The Redlands Thrift Store carries a wide variety of clothing for men, women, and kids, making it easy to refresh your wardrobe without spending a fortune.
Styles range from casual everyday wear to more unique vintage-looking pieces.
Some shoppers have noted that certain name-brand items carry slightly higher price tags, similar to what you might see at Goodwill. Still, with a budget of $25, you can realistically walk out with multiple clothing items in good condition.
Mixing and matching pieces is part of the fun.
One happy customer mentioned finding a couple of nice shirts on a recent visit and raved about the friendly checkout experience. Keep an eye out for sale days when discounts run even deeper across clothing sections.
Furniture Finds Worth Hunting For
Furniture shopping at a thrift store can feel like a real gamble, but The Redlands Thrift Store has pulled off some impressive scores for lucky visitors over the years. From dressers to chairs and decorative tables, the furniture section tends to attract a steady crowd of bargain hunters.
Pieces move quickly, so checking in regularly pays off.
To be fair, some reviews have pointed out that certain furniture items carry prices that feel steep for used goods — a dresser with damage priced at $350 raised a few eyebrows. However, not every piece carries a high tag, and patient shoppers do find reasonable deals mixed in.
The store also hosts special events that bring in fresh inventory, giving furniture hunters even more opportunities to score big. Following their website at theredlandsthriftstore.com or calling ahead at 909-793-6470 helps you stay in the loop on new arrivals.
Books Galore for Classroom and Home
Book lovers, take note — The Redlands Thrift Store runs a weekly book sale that has become a highlight for many regular customers. One shopper excitedly shared that she found a great deal on books for her classroom during a recent visit, proving that teachers and students alike can benefit from browsing the shelves here.
Hardcover books are typically priced around $6.91, which some shoppers feel is a bit high compared to other area thrift stores. That said, sale days can bring the price down significantly.
The famous “10 books for $1” deal on the last Wednesday of every month is a must-know for any serious book hunter.
A word of advice: the book section can get a little disorganized, so patience is your best tool. Titles are not always shelved neatly, but hidden gems are absolutely waiting for those willing to dig through the stacks.
Vintage Items That Catch Your Eye
There is something undeniably exciting about spotting a vintage piece on a thrift store shelf. The Redlands Thrift Store has built a reputation for stocking a solid mix of vintage and pre-owned items that appeal to collectors and casual shoppers alike.
One reviewer praised the “balance between vintage and pre-owned items” during their visit.
Pricing on vintage-looking goods can vary widely. Some items are priced to reflect their age and character, while others may feel a little steep.
Knowing your stuff before you shop helps you recognize a true bargain when you spot one — not everything labeled vintage is actually worth a premium price.
Still, the thrill of the hunt is real here. Shoppers have turned up kaleidoscopes, retro decor, and other quirky finds that you simply cannot get at a regular retail store.
Arriving early on weekdays tends to give you first pick of freshly stocked shelves.
Special Events That Bring Fresh Inventory
Regular visitors to The Redlands Thrift Store know that special events are where things get really exciting. These events bring in larger-than-usual quantities of donated items, meaning the shelves and floor space overflow with fresh finds that have not been picked over yet.
Shoppers who time their visits around these events consistently report their best hauls.
Details on upcoming events are usually posted on the store’s website at theredlandsthriftstore.com. It is worth bookmarking the page or giving the store a call at 909-793-6470 so you never miss a big sale weekend.
Arriving right when doors open at 10:30 AM on event days gives you the best shot at the top picks.
One longtime fan who relocated to central California mentioned that special events were a major reason she kept making the drive back to Redlands. When the inventory is fresh and the energy is high, $25 goes incredibly far.
Household Items and Random Treasures
Beyond clothing and furniture, The Redlands Thrift Store stocks a constantly rotating collection of household items that makes every visit feel different. Kitchenware, decorative objects, small appliances, and random curiosities line the shelves in a way that keeps shoppers guessing what they might find next.
It is genuinely one of those places where you come in looking for one thing and leave with five others.
Prices on smaller household goods tend to be more wallet-friendly than the bigger ticket items. This is where your $25 budget can really shine — grabbing a mix of practical and fun pieces without breaking a sweat.
Keep an eye out for items without price tags and ask staff to help you get a number before committing.
A quirky fact worth knowing: some items here carry the oddly specific price of $6.91, which has puzzled more than a few shoppers. No one seems to know exactly how that number came about, but it has become part of the store’s charm.
Donation Drop-Offs That Keep Inventory Fresh
One of the reasons The Redlands Thrift Store stays stocked with such a wide variety of goods is its active donation program. The store accepts donations from the community, and staff members work hard to sort and display incoming items so shoppers always have something new to discover.
This cycle of giving and finding is what keeps the energy of the store alive.
A particularly touching story from a reviewer described arriving with a rental truck full of furniture on a Sunday afternoon after being turned away elsewhere. The Redlands Thrift Store stepped up, inspected the pieces, and called out a team of polite, hardworking teenagers to unload everything.
That kind of community spirit is hard to find.
If you have items to donate, the store welcomes drop-offs during regular business hours. Your donated goods directly support the store’s staff and community programs, making every drop-off a meaningful contribution to the neighborhood.
Sale Days That Make $25 Go Even Further
Savvy shoppers at The Redlands Thrift Store have learned to track the store’s sale schedule like a second hobby. Certain days of the week or month unlock deeper discounts across different categories, and knowing those dates can turn a $25 budget into an absolute cart-filling victory.
The last Wednesday of every month, for example, features the legendary 10 books for $1 deal.
Beyond books, the store runs 50% off sales on select days that cover clothing, household items, and more. Confirming the current sale schedule before your visit is always a smart move — a quick call to 909-793-6470 or a check on their website takes just seconds and could save you a significant amount.
One shopper shared that she paid just $4 for 30-plus items on a sale day, which perfectly illustrates how powerful these discount events can be. Timing truly is everything when shopping on a tight budget.
Standout Staff Members Who Make a Difference
Any experienced thrift shopper knows that great staff can completely transform the shopping experience. At The Redlands Thrift Store, several reviews have spotlighted a cashier named Cris as a standout employee whose energy and helpfulness leave a lasting impression on customers.
Multiple shoppers mentioned her by name, which says a lot.
One customer who relocated from Redlands to central California said she makes the drive back specifically because of the positive experiences she has had with Cris. According to her, Cris never makes customers feel like a burden, always goes the extra mile to find answers, and genuinely seems to enjoy helping people — a rare quality in any retail setting.
Another shopper praised Cris for informing her about current sales and packing her items with care. Small gestures like that create loyal customers.
When you visit, do not be shy about asking staff for help — the right team member can make your trip unforgettable.
Location and Hours That Work for Most Schedules
Convenience matters when you are planning a thrift run, and The Redlands Thrift Store delivers on that front. Located at 614 Alabama St in Redlands, CA 92373, the store sits in a central part of town that is easy to reach whether you are a local or driving in from a nearby city.
The surrounding Redlands area has a charming small-town feel that makes the outing feel like a full experience.
Hours run Tuesday through Saturday from 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM, with Sunday hours from noon to 4 PM. Monday also follows the standard 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM schedule, giving you six solid days per week to plan a visit.
That kind of availability is genuinely helpful for busy families and working shoppers.
For any questions about hours, sales, or donations, calling 909-793-6470 or visiting theredlandsthriftstore.com will get you the latest information quickly. Knowing the schedule ahead of time helps you plan the perfect thrift trip.
Community Roots That Run Deep
The Redlands Thrift Store is more than just a place to find cheap stuff — it is woven into the fabric of the Redlands community. Several reviewers mentioned shopping there for years, even decades, calling it one of their favorite local spots.
That kind of long-term loyalty does not happen by accident; it reflects a store that genuinely means something to the people around it.
The store’s owner responses to reviews reveal a team that truly cares about its customers and community. One response thanked a shopper warmly, noting that customer support helps keep staff employed and community programs running.
That transparency about where the money goes adds a feel-good layer to every purchase.
Supporting The Redlands Thrift Store means putting money back into a local business that reinvests in its neighborhood. For shoppers who value community-minded spending, that backstory makes every $25 cart feel even more worthwhile and meaningful.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Visit
Getting the most out of a trip to The Redlands Thrift Store comes down to a few smart habits. First, check the website or call ahead to confirm any active sales or special events before you go.
Showing up on a discount day without knowing it is one of the best surprises a budget shopper can have — but planning for it is even better.
Second, bring patience. This is not a store where everything is perfectly organized and easy to scan in five minutes.
The inventory is vast and somewhat unpredictable, which is exactly what makes it exciting. Shoppers who embrace the browse mentality consistently walk away happiest.
Finally, set a loose budget and stick to it. With prices that can be surprisingly low on the right day, it is easy to go overboard.
A $25 limit is a fun challenge that keeps the experience sharp and satisfying, especially when your cart is full by checkout.