I have supported this thrift store for a long time. I am a woman who's experienced abuse and I felt strongly about their platform. I have both donated and spent hundreds of dollars at this business yearly. Today after donating I tried a couple things on. The tag on a pair of pants came off because they are never stapled well. I know they don't sell without tags so I folded the pants with the tag in it. The manager Elizabeth proceeded to call me a bitch at the checkout degrading and abusing me in front of the employees and shoppers. She claimed in front of everyone that I cause a scene every time I come in. Now I imagine she had a bad day one and two that she has me confused with someone else because I have never had any issues in the store. I will not spend another cent in this inconsistent place. You say you support women who've experienced abuse and then you turn around and abuse a woman. I will not only be making a formal report with the owners of the business as well as the police, but the better business bureau as well. You're an overpriced thrift and you have no ethics. read more

I would give this a worse review if I could. This thrift is horrible because their customer service is trash. Pls don't go here it's a waste of time read more

I'm so disappointed!! I've shopped at this THRIFT store for many, many years. Like 15+. I've found many, many things, but in the past few years, I have had to pass them up due to the ridiculous price hikes. It's insane. I've been told that studio folks from the valley buy props and such here, and boy, do the price tags reflect this. The cashier told me that the "pricers" use books to put values on the merchandise, and mark them at half the book value. So that's why the used Patagonia sweater I liked was $40. Wat?! Who pays that for a sweater from a thrift store?! Plenty of people, apparently, according to the staff, and i hope every cent of those proceeds are going to be benefiting battered women. Or paying their wages, whatever, I know, I'm bitter because I couldn't afford a SWEATER FROM A THRIFT STORE. This location was great before it grew too big to take care of its Ventura locals. Kind of the story of Main St. read more

Oh Coalition. I've found some great gems here over the years, so they'll always be close to my heart, but I've been having some major issues with their pricing as of lately. I love and collect vintage and feel their prices are getting out of hand. I understand that they don't want to just give the stuff away, but they have been pricing things as of lately like they are a vintage store in the East Village NYC. Newsflash: you're a thrift store in downtown Ventura. You don't even have a fitting room, so do you really think I'm going to want to risk spending $70 on a dress if I can't even insure the fit? I'll still shop there, but I'm occasionally flabbergasted by their prices (recently, a $200 coat). read more

After surveying the other thrift stores in Ventura, this is the one that my husband and I agree is worth the effort. For quite awhile, hunting for Hawaiian shirts was fun; then, the prices skyrocketed. Through this thrift store shopping process, he has trained his eye to look for defects in manufacture, and to understand what fits. He finds what he wants quickly, thankfully. The Coalition is more crowded now with a wait at check-out. What's interesting is that it's possible to isolate items that are first-run inventory from other stores that are donations to the Coalition, like new towels. It's also clear that customers have created their own businesses by buying here, and then selling elsewhere. Survival. read more

This thrift store, and really all the "thrift" stores on Main, have a good selection of funky clothing, kitchen stuff, sometimes furniture and sports equipment. Avoid the "antique" stores, most are really overpriced, and you won't believe how damages some of the stuff is that they are trying to pass off as antiques. Obviously anything I buy at the the thrift or antique place gets a good cleaning before I bring it into my house. Soap, water and lysol will make most of your finds flea, germ and smell free. read more

I'd give a higher rating, but the pricing--well, let's say they are MIGHTY proud of their wares, and the pricing shows it. Which, as at least one other reviewer pointed out, is ridiculous when you can't try clothes on. That having been said, every once in a while, I snag an amazing deal, like the fuschia silk scarf for $4.95 or the Italian pony driving moccasins (new) for $12.95. It's sort of this Zen experience--if you're looking for something, you won't find it, but if you're not looking for anything, something amazing might come your way. read more

I do think they mostly know what they have but there are still gems. EG guy infront of me had an AWESOME vintage trike with red seat . I found an old (double circle type) 2Qt Revereware saucepan @ $1.99, the mark had been polished off so I think the pricers missed it, but lucky me I know the signature details. The better designer purses are in the register case and are usually priced at $30 to $50. read more

I don't know about the clothes. I don't know about the bric-a-brac. I can't speak for the cutlery, and I have no words for the electronics. But I do know that if you realize that you've forgotten to bring a backpack, this is the place to pick up a Sierra Club commemorative model for 99 cents. Yes. 99 cents. The trip was saved. And the backpack has not yet fallen apart. I know there are some others there. They might cost you $3.99 or $4.99. Gasp! read more

I have two issues about this place: 1. They seem to have forgotten that they are a thrift store. It cracks me up to see all of the $9.99, $14.99, and $40+ price tags for USED clothes. And then I return a few weeks later to see the same items on the racks. It's ridiculous. 2. Whoever marks their price tags gets permanent marker everywhere, and it's never on the bottom of the item, thus leaving them with damaged items. Also, regarding preventable damage - they staple the shoes together with large metal rings. Who does that?! read more

This USED TO be a decent thrift store. NOW it's a predatory, gouging ripoff boutique. $25 for Levi jeans with holes and stains. $50 to $150 for t-shirts. $300 for leather jackets. The place is filthy. There is no dressing room. The man who prices items is rude. Worst of all, there is mold, so for health reasons it should be investigated. Avoid this thrift store. Ventura has many others worthy of your patronage. read more

Bait and switch tactics at the thrift store. They had a sealed box of two items marked as one price, then decided at the register that the price was per item in the box. The two owners were incredibly rude and pretended to not understand the issue of charging for two items in a box with one price. One owner then suggested I need to come to the register and confirm each price for any item in the store, instead of just looking at the price tag. Sorry, but If I see a box of Triscuts at the market, I just assume the price is for the whole box not just one cracker! read more

Great place for treasure hunting! Fair prices, large inventory, efficient staff. Wish they had longer hours, and it desperately needs a dressing room. It's always busy with other frugal shoppers, especially during the weekend! A good, deep cleaning and/or remodel wouldn't hurt... I would definitely recommend shopping here, especially mid-week when it's slower. read more

Way OVERPRICED and privately owned by one person typical private owned thrift store that donates very little to a non profit org. Stuff is donated for free and then they stick it to the community. I wouldn't waste my time here Goodwill down the street and boys and girls club are alot more reasonable. read more

We wanted to check out the thrift stores on Main St. So we stopped in here. Some of the stuff is OK. Its very musty, as per typical thrift stores. The prices seem super high for a thrift store. $40 for a non name brand purse? Seems kinda steep. We found some cool things, I will check back another time to see if it stays the same. If so, we just won't visit this place anymore. read more

I love browsing, but I don't often feel like trying on. If you want to try on wear sandals, leggings, tank tops- that's right no fitting rooms here. Book selection, legit. I saw a copy of a book about the original 'Gidget,' should've bought it, hesitater's remorse... read more

Love this place! It is a treasure trove. I read several reviews claiming the prices were too high. That would only be the case if this was 1979. Imagine a fabulous Yves Saint Laurent bag in great condition for $19.99 or brand new Ecco mens leather loafers for $6.95. The staff was also very attentive and helpful. Overall, this was an absolute pleasure. read more

THIS USED TO BE an AWESOME place to get some great bargains on some name brand items and now it's just an over charge of used items!! Came in today and only left with two pairs of socks, $1.49 each and a shirt and scrub pants all for $7 which I think is still too high!! I perused through the clothing and found. Free people lingerie for $18.89!! Wtf!! C'mon that's insane! It's used and it's almost just better to buy new at that price point! read more

Buyer beware. I bought a coffee maker that it turns out the lights went on but it didn't hear up. I mistakenly presumed I could return it or exchange it.... But NOoooo. $25 in the toilet. Insist on ensuring what you are paying for works in all the aspects you want it to before spending money you won't get back. I generally like this thrift but, it's not like they paid anything for the coffee maker and they priced it like it worked. Now I just feel icky about that place. read more

Coalition Thrift Store - Here's the only place their no return no exchange policy mentioned, on the receipt after you purchase the item - Used, Vintage & Consignment Near Me - Ventura, California

This should not be called a thrift store. The prices are god awful. $69.99 for a t-shirt because it was made in 1993? INSANE. Yes, I understand resellers are a part of the reason prices have gone up (damn you Macklemore), but I feel like that is just something thrift stores need to get over. The whole fun of thrifting is taken away when stores price gouge their customers. Also, for how expensive this dang store is, you'd think they would use A/C. But no, instead it's always 100°. Such a shame because there really are some great finds, but I can't justify spending that price for dirty clothes. read more

This is a decent sized thrift store with a most selection. There was a decent variety and options for women, but I found that lacking on the men's side. There were no Levis brand jeans for men, the main reason that I thrift. While the prices were right, there should be some better merchandise available. There seems to be better variety elsewhere on on E. Main St. read more

I was at this store earlier this morning and I found a nice Patagonia fleece in the women's department. Around the women's department were signs posted that states "all hanging womans clothing were marked down 50%" the Patagonia Fleece was marked at 74.99! I thought I absolutely scored! But alast my attempt to purchase said item was thwarted, because I was told the item was a mens item. I didnt think to much of it. I left with arguing with them. But after I couldnt stop thinking about it. I had to look online. I was not so surprised to find that the exact same fleece was being sold as a WOMANS FLEECE! I was fuming at this point as you could imagine, so I decided I would go back into the store and ask again for the discount. I was then met with the manager, I showed her the evidence of my findings and asked again for the discount she then proceeded to say that the item was "a womans item being sold at a mens price" I couldnt believe my ears. I continued to argue the fact that this was a women's item and should be sold as one. The manager would not budge on her stance. And so I left. And here are my takeaways from this dreadful experience. This store was profiting on an expensive piece of clothing at the expense of women! And sexism strikes yet again as a woman if a woman wanted to purchase this piece of clothing they would have to pay the full price a MAN would have to pay instead of the discounted price every other woman would pay for any other item of clothing. 2 the store "policy" says they wouldnt chance the tagged price on the spot. Even though they knew what they were doing was wrong they wouldnt do the right thing so I could buy this nice gift for my sweet girlfriend. Overall not a very good experience from a store who is still thinks in a medieval mindset and oppresses women. read more

I gotta weigh in on this. I have typically donated over the years many very expensive and new items to various charities. Recently on Yelp I read that Helping Hands for the Blind donated almost nothing from the revenue they received. So I was looking for another charity. When I did my investigation on this one I found it even worse. First they are delinquent in filing their tax forms. Secondly they have their income at over $1.8 million and their salaries at $1.4 million. After other expenses they actually show a loss. So from now on I will take my donations to Goodwill though they are probably the same just more convenient and try really hard not to keep buying in excess just to enrich someone else read more

I've found many gems at this great thrift store. It's always part of my "Thrift binge" when I'm in town. I'm pretty sure this is where I found a real Gianni Versace overcoat for $20. Love it when that happens. Clean and nice too. read more

Amazing I'm an avid antique and vintage collector and this place never lets me down.I stop here first because I always find the best stuff here verses anywhere else.LOVE this place read more

I've been coming here for years, always keep your eyes peeled, there are treasures to be found here. Thumbs way up...

I get really mad when I shop at Thrift stores now days Especially Coalition!!! Do they get their clothing for FREE? yes. Are they supposed to be helping poor people afford clothing? yes. Are they a consignment resale boutique? NO!!!! Lower your friggin prices and I will shop there again! Some of their items are more expensive than a real clothing store! Listen just because an item is an expensive brand does not mean they are worth the same as a new item! They are still USED! And someone donated them! If I donated clothes to this thrift store and then saw how high they marked it I would take it to a resale store and get my cut!!! There should be some kind of regulations!!! read more

I've been coming here for years and I love this place. Always has great deals and great finds! Also the women who work there are awesome! So cool and super friendly! Thank you to this thrift for being the best one in Ventura. Love love love! read more

Another good size thrift store in Ventura. Large selection, cash only, lots of people on the weekends.

This store lost my personal belongings after only being in their store less than ten minutes. I checked my bag in with the front cashier, as they require you to do if you have bags from other stores. While I was in the store not even ten minutes, when i went to receive my bag after I'd finished browsing the cashier claimed they no longer had my items that I had checked in just moments earlier. The staff working there at the time said that it had most likely been given away to another customer on accident. I was told by the manager, " usually when this happens someone will return the items given to them on accident". How often are they giving away other peoples things...? I have shopped at this thrift store since I was little and I made it one of usual stops when going downtown, but the staffs inability to preform simple tasks, and their blatant disregard for other peoples things does not make me want to return to this store. And frankly in comparison to the other thrift shops in the area, this store is extremely overpriced. If you value your belongings or want to spend less cash, try the Child Abuse and Neglect thrift store down the street or the Retarded Childrens thrift store across the way instead! read more

Among several thrift shops I regularly take time to stop and check out while passing though town. Although I liked it more in the past, I still seem to find at least one item per visit making it worth doing so. read more

Used to love coming here buy now they now they're popular and they have raised prices a whole bunch. There is a large array of clothes and pretty organized, you can find some good things if you look hard enough but I would go to ARC across the street for a better bargain read more

Four stars because this place has a pretty good selection of furniture. I got a solid wood dresser in decent condition for $100. After reading some of the other reviews, I have to agree that maybe their prices are steep but I'm still giving a good rating because the staff was friendly and I'm really happy with my purchase. It's definitely really difficult to find decent quality solid wood furniture. read more

I just bought 7 tops for $16.05! How awesome =] you have to take time to look but I've found some great stuff. The only downside is no dressing rooms & the mark up the designer brands. (Sometimes they don't know brands though) for Instance one of my tops was from Truly Madly Deeply for only 99cents! read more

Another one of the old-time thrifts that gave Ventura its reputation. Though it's cleaner, more spacious, and has a bigger layout than the Child Abuse & Neglect Thrift Store (http://www.yelp.com/biz/RnkQReEcuxfNQsFvX1LpYQ) across the street, I find the pickings a little slimmer. There is an excess of the tacky and the gaudy for the women's clothing, and their "collectibles" section is not well curated and wildly overpriced. However, their general housewares section is awesome, and there's a decent selection of books and men's clothing. So, keep on diggin' around -- you'll find something lurking in the racks that will make you happy. Good for Halloween inspiration, too. read more

Living in Pittsburgh (a desert in terms of used and vintage clothing, since a lot of people here don't have the best taste) I've missed thrifting in California terribly. One of the things I most looked forward to being back in my hometown was digging back into some huge racks of clothing and shelves full of household goods, and The Coalition didn't disappoint. It's one of the largest and most well-organized of the thrift shops along Main Street in downtown, and it was always my favorite one growing up. On my last trip here I found adorable Gucci mules, Calvin Klein d'Orsay flats, and a pair of unworn black jeans that fit me perfectly. It's cash only, like pretty much all the surrounding thrift shops, so come prepared and stop by one of the nearby ATMs first. Happy shopping! read more

Store has good turnover, and generally nice stuff, but their checkout system is poor. I've been there twice in the past month, and both times I've had problems. Once I was overcharged for a couple of items. Only realized that when I got home. Today, one of my bags was not handed to me, and I discovered the loss when I got home. I called, and they have the bag, and I will get it tomorrow. Still... I STRONGLY ADVISE SHOPPERS HERE TO CHECK THEIR PURCHASES CAREFULLY AGAINST THE RECEIPT BEFORE LEAVING THE STORE. read more

First off, customer service is great. They are friendly and make people feel welcome. Great deals and good finds. Prices are reasonable and they often have pop up sales. Example, womens clothes half off (no pun intented), etc. Nice furniture, art, books and bric a brac. read more

Much better this time around - great selection, prices much more in line with a thrift store, and nicer employees working up front. I'm impressed! read more

Ifirst time thrifting here. There were some pricey clothing items but I managed to find a a jacket and a kimono for $5.00 total. Definitely better than goodwill. There were cute shoes also but I didn't have time to try on eveything.. I'll definitely come back to look for more. Oh and they take credit cards! read more