I have always discovered some great finds when visiting this fun thrift store/non-profit. The staff are super friendly , the merchandise well organized and everything is priced fairly. read more

Alphabet Soup Thrift Stores - A fantastic thrift shop that benefits the schools - Thrift Stores Near Me - Petaluma, California

Run!!! Don't walk!!! Rude and Impatient sales associates- yikes! My mom and I are visiting Petaluma for the first time on vacation, and to see a store that specifically caters to helping educators, we were so excited. Immediately as we walked into BOTH locations, the sale associates both YELLED, "we close in 5 minutes" No "hello", no "welcome in" no "how are you" lol, which is just ridiculous. If you are so eager to leave your job that you are shooing out customers who are exciting to shop, I really suggest an alternative career. Shopper beware!!! read more

Visiting from Maryland, my favorite part of sunny Petaluma was walking out of Alphabet Soup. This was one of the worst shopping experiences I've had in a long time. The store is crammed wall-to-wall with so much merchandise that browsing feels more like navigating an obstacle course than shopping. Instead of a curated thrift store, it feels like a cluttered warehouse where everything has been squeezed in without regard for the customer experience. The prices are completely disconnected from reality. For a store that markets itself as a thrift shop, many items are priced as if they're high-end boutique pieces. The value simply isn't there. To make matters worse, the atmosphere was uncomfortable and uninviting. The staff appeared exhausted and unhappy, and the outdated music only added to the overall sense that the store is stuck in the past. I left frustrated, empty-handed, and genuinely confused about how this place has earned its reputation. read more

I love their children's clothing section $1/ piece and free of stains and tears. My little one loves the toy section and staff is always polite read more

What has happened to Alphabet Soup? I hadn't been in a couple months or so and popped in yesterday. Wow! The selection and inventory is around 1/4- 1/2 less than it has been for years. The store is now displayed as if they are trying to be an upscale boutique or something. The selection was not great- it seems like the same person that did the display layout also picked what should be sold. Seems like one persons taste and not the selection /unique choices they had before. They have fallen way short. The prices are now astronomical now for what they are selling. (Even in Petaluma terms). Usually the store is filled with customers. This is the first time I've been inside and It was only myself and another customer. What a disappointment. read more

Great little thrift shop with so many treasures! I got a giant stack of fiction books. Paperbacks were $1 and hardbacks were $2. There is a lot of funky glassware and kitchen gadgets. There is a clothing version down the street. read more

We were passing by and found this thrift store. They had some things that were on sale outside. There were some pretty cool antiques inside. I noticed the prices were pretty good. We were able to find some things. We had a pretty good experience. read more

Love this thrift store located just outside the main downtown Petaluma area. Everything in it is well kept, organized and of a better quality than a goodwill. Slightly higher than Goodwill prices but definitely more of a curated collection. My favorite find here was a few years ago-an emerald green mid-century decanter that was under $20 and is a center piece of my mantle. This time in, their holiday offerings were on full display. Cute pointy glass trees that normally retail $15-$20 were being sold for $6, still with the price tags on. They have two locations-one is home goods and books. The second is clothing and accessories. Fun second hand finds at great prices! Review #87 of 100 review goal in 2021 read more

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Both the clothing store and the home goods store are very clean and well organized. There is not a huge inventory, but what is in both of the Alphabet Thrift stores are obviously clean, upper scale items. read more

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One of my favorite thrift spots in town. I always find so many great things here and for dollars. Name brand, cute, hardly worn really great stuff! Recently out shopping with my SIL's one of which from out of town, she ended up with two full bags of clothes! Super excited to find deals unlike the things in her own area. We joked and said...guess you'll have to come back just to do all your shopping. They have kids items, women's and men's. Give them a look! You will probably find something you like too! read more

My first time in to this wonderful thrift store. I found a few wonderful items . The store volunteer was very friendly and a wealth of information regarding the proceeds and who they benefit. I will be back for the lovely people and items in store! read more

NOTE: This review is for the housewares "annex" only, located at 203 Western at Keller. For several years now I've been periodically dropping into the Alphabet Soup location on the corner of Western and Liberty. Each time, I've done a quick once-over and left because there aren't any housewares. And each time, I've wondered to myself, "What kind of thrift store doesn't EVER have housewares?!" Yesterday as I pulled out of the short end of the Petaluma Market parking lot onto Western, I came face-to-face with what? Alphabet Soup HOUSEWARES! It's an entirely different storefront facing Western at Keller! I'm sure any locals who happen to read this will roll their eyes, which I accept because I deserve it. Hot damn, this is a nice thrift store! Lots of high-end glassware and new-in-the-box items, all clean and pretty and displayed with care. It looks more like a boutique than a second-hand store. My favorite thing was the section of drawers packed with kitchen utensils. Plenty of really nice, high-quality, brand-name stuff, priced at $2 apiece. I picked up some Circulon and Oxo items that retail for at least 3 times as much, and they were in near-new condition. I would have stayed digging in there for another 20 minutes but there were some ladies breathing down my neck. Which is only fair, after all the mad-dogging I did at the woman who was ahead of ME. Don't get in the way of a lady lookin' for a bargain. read more

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Super staff at this store today! Both staff members were helpful, kind, and very LGBTQ friendly. A super shopping experience, and scored great pants too! read more

By far my favorite thrift place in all of Petaluma. Prices are always very fair and I find at leastttt one item to purchase each time a visit. I see myself being a forever customer especially at their furniture store read more

I enjoy stopping in to Alphabet Soup regularly to see what new items they have in stock. I usually come away with some nice things, often at great prices. I would give this place 5 stars, if not for the customer service. Today I entered with a backpack on, due to walking into town for groceries at Petaluma Market beforehand. Big mistake! I have never felt so unwelcome in a store, and I believe this must have been the reason. Perhaps they should consider implementing a "backpack at the counter" policy so that good paying customers aren't treated like criminals. read more

I was in this thrift store today and the woman working there came over to me and YELLED at me because I was not carrying a basket? I did not see the sign that you are supposed to carry a basket?? She just assumed I should know what ever their rule is and was SUPER RUDE! If that is their RULE someone should have told me that when I walked in. If this store is supposed to be raising money for schools then they should have nicer people working there. I will NEVER donate and probably never go back. This used to be a great little store, today it looked messy and unorganized. I left feeling VERY UNCOMFORTABLE!!!!! read more

The selections of books and CDs here fit my taste perfectly. I left with so many that I could hardly carry them. Fortunately, parking was easy and my car was nearby. I am a 72 year old semiRetired academic, and all I can say is that, for any person a bit like me, this place is practically heaven. It will be half a year before I am through reading the books and going through all of those first-time listening experiences. The people behind the counter were just wonderful. Petaluma itself was wonderful. How come we Sam,Joseans had never visited as tourists before? I already yearn to return. In fact, I would love to live there. read more

Oh man, I just walked out with a J Crew dress, Athleta dress, Banana Republic sun hat, and a Soybu athletic dress for $40. All in great condition. Small but a great selection. read more

This place was really nice! I heard they get a lot of furniture in and it sales quickly. I also overheard they try to get mid-century pieces, so if you're into that - here's your place! They have a collection of fine goods, furniture, books, planting plots, and more. I ended up with two planting pots for less than $5. They are going to be a great addition to my collection! The woman that rang me up was a little confusing though and seemed more interested in talking with the woman who she helped before me. Just know, put your stuff to the left of the register, then they will wrap it there or on the table to the right of the register (weird I know). Once you have paid for your stuff, know you're helping the local schools for Petaluma, so great job! :) You should definitely visit Alphabet Soup stores! read more

Was just trying to visit store for the first time ! I look at my clock and notice that the store closes in 2 minutes! As I'm attempting to walk in some younger lady walks up to door as I'm attempting to walk in and she locks it turns around not to say anything! She should next time not be so rude in locking the door in a potential customers face and should inform people that they are closed ! read more

They have a wonderful selection and the displays are inspiring!! Great prices for Quality clothing!! Thank you Alphabet Soup, looking forward to my next shopping extravaganza!! read more

Woah, I've never been treated so rudely by someone. I asked about a coat I had seen in there earlier in the day and the lady working there (seemed like a manger or owner?) yelled at me. I would have had no problem if she just politely told me she did not know where it was, but she just yelled instead. Then she also yelled at another customer as they walked in. It was strange how angry she was and it made everyone uncomfortable, don't go here. read more

First time in the store. Was looking for a coffee table and dining room chairs. Was excited to see what they had and walked in smiling. Smiled at one of the women who worked there - she didn't smile back, didn't say hello or ask me if I needed help. She had a look like, "I don't know you and I don't care that you're here." Wow. Woman behind the counter was reading a book, seemingly paying no attention to anything or anyone, but the book, but at least when I interrupted her reading to ask a question, she was kind. People need to feel welcome when they walk into a store, but this unfortunately was not the case today. I hope they read this and change. Notice I didn't say anything about the merch? Overall, it was nice. Only good thing about my visit. read more

Kindly remember that you have been GIVEN most of your items FOR FREE. I fail to understand why MOST of the thrift stores I shop at have employees that seem to forget this. I resent being looked upon as a potential thief instead of a potential customer each time I walk through the door. So, you have DONATED items for sale at high prices, AND you treat customers as thieves. How is that working for you???? I have gone from shopping her eon a weekly basis to shopping here almost never because of the employee/volunteers behavior. My money seems to be a lot more welcome at Crossing the Jordan Thrift Stores. read more

I'm hesitant to call this place a thrift store. I think the term 'second hand' is more fitting (yes, I know... it's the same thing!). It is clean and well organized, as some of the other reviewers have mentioned. I absolutely love that the money made from donations/sales goes to the local schools and benefit the kids. AWESOME! I have been frequenting this shop (and its clothing shop a few doors down) for a couple of years now and have made some great purchases. A few that I'm totally proud of are a mid-century inlayed dresser, a 1960's commercial Waring blender that works perfectly (just needed to add a bit of electrical tape to the cord), and my most recent purchase of a mid-century china hutch. I've scored various other items as well at great prices, but these I mentioned take the cake! Oh... and I can't forget to mention my Camelbak backpack in near new condition for only $5 at their clothing shop! They don't sell junky items like you will find at places like the Goodwill. All the items I've come across so far have been well cared for by their previous owners and are... CLEAN. read more

This place is great to get simple items at: It's cheap and re-used...a way to save the world from buying more stuff. The people are super nice and it's a great cuase....go in there and find something from the past. read more

I had such an unpleasant visit at this store. My boyfriend and I went in because we were looking for ugly Christmas sweaters. We went in around 2 pm and the lady working at the counter was glaring and staring at us as we were walking around the store. She made me feel extremely unwelcome and almost like I was being supervised. I think she might had thought we were going to steal something as we are both people of color. So sad really. read more

Awesome Thrift store, great prices, lovely items. This is a keeper! Nice shoes and I got some jewelry. Not a huge store, but fun selection. They Also have a home goods store down the street. read more

Amazing store! You can find so many cheap furniture items and dishwater. Sometimes, there are some thing that are honestly cheap and I'm like new condition. I once found a beautiful bird cage that was online for $65+ and $15+ shipping and got it for only $50 there. They have such beautiful items like ceramic figurines and even cloth! The staff can be nice sometimes too. The deals are sometimes definitely a steal, depending on the item. read more

Small, but really cool thrift shop! All kinds of items at very low prices. They were having a half off clothing sale the Saturday I was there, which meant most things were $1-3. I got a great retro casserole dish for 1/3 the price it cost at the consignment/antique shop up the street. It's just a few doors down from Jacqueline's Tea, which is where we had lunch earlier that day--a fun way to spend a weekend afternoon. read more

I like shopping here. However there have been more than a couple instances where a woman who is in charge (maybe a manager or something?) had just plain terrible customer service. And not even to me! As a witness I was very uncomfortable and left. Twice I have heard her say to a person "excuse me I don't have drinks allowed in here" in a tone that firstly is just not acceptable for a person who is working with a customer. And secondly ...um... I? You own the store now, ma'am? This is basically the perfect example of her power-tripping attitude. She was so condescending and acted like she was doing this person a favor by taking their money for second-hand clothes? And another time she got very upset with a man for personal reasons, I don't remember what but it certainly did not have to do with work and he also acted as if he was just an acquaintance... but anyway save your personal disagreements for outside of work, not loudly telling off some guy super passively? I felt like PTSD from domestic disputes from childhood was triggered for me, honestly. Then he even said sorry and backed off but she just was being so unprofessional and inappropriate. This woman is hurting your store. I've overheard her discussing lazy employees...all of it. I have avoided this place now but feel the store should know the kind of environment its had lately... read more

Not huge, but enough variety and turnover that I swing by here at least once a week hoping for a steal. Supports a really great organization (Petaluma Educational Foundation). read more

This review is for the shop that has clothing. I would have given it no stars but the store was attractive, neat. The lady at the front was not friendly at all, never said hello or have a nice day. They are price gouging. Are they nuts??? I looked at an Irish Fisherman sweater and they wanted $90!!!! I find them at other thrifts for $10 and even less and in great shape. I think to make money for the schools , they would be better off selling more items for much less money instead of having the items sit there. I had the same issue in the furniture store by the same name but the lady in there was friendly and smiling. A knicknack was about $30. Will not return. read more

Nice stuff. Well displayed, and they do a great job of staging it so it looks like an antique store rather than a thrift shop. I like coming here on sale days. Word to the wise, if you like something, get it right then and there, because the next person who walks in will probably snap it up. read more

Great variety, clean, lots of vintage pieces, reasonable prices. What irritated me the most is that the place is packed with stuff, and it is difficult to navigate without getting in people's way read more

I love both shopping at and donating to Alphabet Soup. I always find gems there when shopping, and the staff are very friendly. Also, I love knowing that proceeds go to Petaluma city schools, which is why I choose this place over others when making donations. read more

It benefits our schools so I shop there often. The staff is really helpful and enjoy working there. Since they have added the other space for furniture I have purchased a child's bed and a great old trunk. And I donate frequently. They will even pick up large items read more

WHAT A SCAM!!! The Alphabet Soup/Alphabet Soup @Home stores have a good selection of stuff--though I rarely shop here since they are on the expensive side (eg, used cookbooks are CRAZY expensive, in the $10-$20 range; or a baking pan with rust spots for $3.50 that retails new at CVS for $4.39). However, my respect for them has been even more compromised since I just realized they are actually cheating customers. I was really shocked & disappointed today after I bought a piece of art at their 50% off sale. When I was taking the price tag off once I got home, I saw that it had been marked up from the original $55 sticker (that was dated from last month) up to $85 TODAY!! That's right, the date on the new price tag was from the same day as the sale. So the "50% off" was actually less than 25% off. I always suspected that stores do this kind of thing, but I never thought that a charity thrift store would stoop to this level. But there it was, plain as day, one price tag stuck right on top of the other. Future customers be warned! read more

The relatively new Alphabet Soup@Home is a great addition to Petaluma's thrift store shopping. Kitchen ware, furniture, art, books. Amazing quality for a thrift store and unusually fine product displays. I'll definitely be back. read more

Excellent items, reasonably priced and clean well lit store. A true find. Everything was clean, well organized and felt more like a boutique than a thrift shop. No funky odor or junk shoved about. The shoes and purses were in near new condition. I did go to the sister store of furniture and housewares. Well organized and amazing prices on the furniture and collectibles. A true find!! Will definitely go back. read more