Customer service needs to improve. Screen the employees better, unless that's the owner being rude to customers. AA might be worth looking into. read more

One of a kind shop and a magical mystery tour for shoppers. You can buy, browse, or just dream up your own art projects inspired by the stuff on display here. read more

Had the one of those perfect shopping trips where I found exactly what I was looking for, a cute planter pot with drain hole. Very inexpensive. The owner was friendly. She takes cash or Venmo payments. It is like a garage sale type place. Many lovely plants. read more

This use go be the spot to gp but now it's turned into greedwill. Didn't want to believe that the owner judges you based on how you look what you can afford but it's sadly true. Shame on you. Don't judge a book by it's cover and assume when you have no clue what someone is going through. If YOU write out the prices and have them listen abide by what you're saying . Not just drunkenly say a number that doesn't add up or make sense , then get upset and storm out of your own business bc you started to escalated . YOU. The business owner. That's scary. I'm sure being intoxicated had something to do with that slightly. That's really cool and good for the community lol. Not to mention it's next level to admit you're drinking on the job! What the bleep! If you were a happy drunk that's one thing but being a mean angry drunk and taking it out on customers is another. Sad to see another good spot go down the drain. Selection of goodies is slim pickings. Selling stuff from dollar tree for $5 bucks bc "you can". Thank you for letting me use the bathroom and for the memories. Hope you get the help you are looking for. read more

I can't believe I've never heard of this place before. Their monthly plant sale fundraisers seem legendary, based on the large crowd I found waiting to get in last weekend. I first heard of Free Oakland UP because I came across their upcoming Sunday sale, which helps to fund their rent and other expenses. If you aren't familiar with their concept, they are a community store that truly helps the people. Every single person is allowed one free item per day. Imagine that! Of course you can get more items by purchasing them but I love the welcoming offer to the entire community. I can't think of a better place to support. The plant sale itself was a lot of fun. I am a plant newbie so I can't tell you the names but the entire front of the store was filled with plants and trees of all kinds. I was looking for an airplant or something else to hang, but when I came across two mini palms, I fell in love. They can fit in the palm of my hands but as someone who loves everything island life, I could not resist. Each palm was $10, which was very reasonable. My only tip would be to go EARLY. The sale began at 12 noon and I showed up at 12:45PM. It took about an hour before I was allowed in, since they were distancing and only letting in 20 people at a time. Please please please support them if you are a plant lover. Every second Sunday - mark your calendars! read more

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Oakland Free up is such an incredible venue, a true gem for scavengers, artists, teachers, gleaners and those dedicated to not throwing stuff into the landfill otherwise known as our home planet Earth. Jocelyn dedicates her weekends to recycling what otherwise would not be reused. Everything is free, but she does pay rent on the store. So runs this free store on donations. Also, inside the store, things are for sale--- plants and cool stuff you'd never find anywhere else. It's heartwarming for me and my dog to go there and see Jocelyn and the Oakland community. As a teacher, I always find something useful for the kids I teach. read more

What an incredibly cool space. Free Oakland UP is a community store where you are allowed to take one item per day FOR FREE. Yes, for free. Just find something you like and walk out. Like those fancy new Amazon stores. Except this experience is truly free and so much more rewarding. My girlfriend and I came on a Sunday afternoon and there were a few other customers inside. The owner greeted us (and offered us homemade shortbread cookies!). After looking around, we were about to walk out without taking anything (we were just window shopping), and the owner stopped us and said "you can't leave without taking something - it's the rule." : ) My girlfriend ending up finding an awesome antique tea set and I found a hardcover copy of Phil Knight's memoir. They also have monthly plant fundraisers where they sell plants to help pay the rent. We will be back for their next fundraiser. They share a small shopping plaza with Loard's Ice Cream, so there is plenty of parking. FYI it isn't in the best neighborhood in the world, but I wouldn't worry. Oakland! read more

Free Oakland UP - Thrift Stores Near Me - Oakland, California

This is a very different kind of store. The first item is free. They are open on Sundays: noon to three. I went there yesterday and the items available to take were on the outside of the building. There were plants on sale inside the building. Jocelyn, the owner, said I could go in and in tothe plant area. There was a nice display of plants. I ended up getting a bouquet/cluster of air plants. She had some that were flowering, and her assistant showed me where my plant was getting ready to flower, and how to take care of it. This is a fun place to check out. I will definitely come here again. read more

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Basically a depressing garage sale with bins of scattered, dirty junk. I felt dirty even walking in.

I've been to this "plaza" if you would call it that typically for Loard's ice cream. For the past year, I've always noticed this parking lot was always empty except for those who drive up for the liquor store or ice cream. Who doesn't love free! The store concept free art and items is such creative way of recycling items and preventing them from the landfill. I think of it as a better setup compared to Goodwill and there's a face to the store. After seeing a couple of posts for their plant sales, I finally made a trip to visit on a Sunday. Boy were we in for a surprise. Note we went during the pandemic, which might explain the extra public interest. The parking lot was full of cars just for this sale! We were in it for the plant sale. The owner did a great job of limiting the time to 20 minute and setting up a wait list so we can all get dips in. With all wonderful sales, selection is limited and the early bird gets the worm. While we did get there right when it opened, there were at least 20 parties ahead of us so we finally got to view the plants an hour later. We left with a plants of our own to decorate our house. Not sure how those items magically appear in the store but the shop definitely has a wonderful process of having new items appear. Best part- you are supporting a local Oakland gem and helping them pay rent with your purchase. read more

I was on a treasure hunt today around Oakland, looking for frames for a set of small, original oil paintings belonging to my daughter. She had spotted the tropical-themed canvases last fall at an estate sale and was so smitten that there was no way we'd be leaving without them. She had painstakingly selected her favorite four from a larger collection of at least a dozen. We brought them home, and the little frameless rectangles were immediately and lovingly propped on her windowsills. For months they remained as naked as the day we got them; she resisted the notion of framing them for some reason...I think she felt that it would be a case of gilding the lily. Lately, though, I had been chipping away at her armor. I compared framing to what the right hair, earrings, scarf, or collar can do to a face...not detract, but enhance. I also explained that the best way to honor these tiny treasures with a story would be to find frames with a story too. I finally got the green light today and before she had a chance to change her mind I took off to Oakland. First stop was an estate sale. SCORE 1...$20 for a high-quality frame. I texted her a pic and she started getting into it. Second stop was a consignment shop. SCORE 2...$9 for a cool, vintage frame. I texted her another pic and she was actually getting excited. Third stop...TBD. I plugged "thrift" into my Yelp app and Free Oakland UP was one of the results. It looked like it had an artsy bent...would this be my lucky place? Would I find BOTH remaining frames here? Aw, yeah...SCORES 3 AND 4! Before I even had a chance to send a pic, the kid was texting me anxiously to find out where I was and whether I had found more frames. Indoctrination complete! I selected two perfect frames, plus a funky little napkin holder. The owner, Jocelyn, told me to name my price...I said $10, not including $30 for a valuable collectible that I had chosen from the fundraiser section (there was some good stuff there, including pristine Pyrex). When I told Jocelyn that I had oodles of goodies to bring her next time, she said my magic words: "I like things that have a story." Yes, girlfriend, yes. Me, too. I also like things that have a story. :-) read more

This store is a treasure of independence. Beautiful plants of all sizes are for sale on Sundays, many in unusual containers. The owner knows her plants and the plants glow with love and attention. If you are unfamiliar with a plant she will tell you how care for it. Outside are tables of donated household items that are free for the taking. A different approach to our consumer culture. read more

I loved this shop! You can't beat $FREE.99! A bunch of nick nacks. I found a few good things. All the books were free! I was able to get my baby some cute/fun hardcover books. I will visit again....oh yeah and if you make a donation you get more stuff. read more

Free Oakland UP - My treasures! - Thrift Stores Near Me - Oakland, California

I love this place, both for finding new awesome items and crafting ideas, and for getting rid of stuff I'm no longer using. We always give them our best and most arty stuff, before bringing the rest of our detritus to goodwill. Newsflash: goodwill is not a great organization anymore, if it ever was. But this place is the real deal and a great way to give back to the local community. They always have records and books and something unexpected that you didn't know you were needing but you suddenly do. read more

Words can't describe how cool this place is or how awesome the owner Jocelyn is. You are literally allowed to walk in here every day and take one free item from anything that's on 90% of the stores floor... These items include real artwork, tools, and tons of other real and or useful and or interesting things. Well I know a lot of people would assume that a store like this would be of use or perhaps overrun by homeless people or some other sort of derelicts, it's not at all... During the hour I spent here, mostly white and older people came in, mostly looking for either small decorations for their home or to find specific tools, or to make donations of items that the owner could sell or offer for free. Her generosity has truly made this door both a community gem as well as a pay it forward heaven. And there is a small section where things are for sale so that the rent can be paid every month... these items are random and pretty damn cool and can be bargained or haggled for. I ended up going in for one free item and I ended up walking out with it being one of my favorite stores, loving the owner, and having paid for a beautiful huge jade succulent plants, a modern barstool, an antique medical book, and a few other really cool items like 1000 W hydroponics lightbulb and a mini wine decanter. All were great deals and everything went to a great cause for a great store in a great neighborhood. Besides the uniqueness of the items I bought, and supporting a great cause, I know that I saved several hundred dollars over normal store prices... Not that I'm rich or anything... Actually the opposite; I would've never allowed myself to ever buy some of these items as normal prices and only bought them because I was able to get great deals here. So I feel very fortunate. And blessed. Thank you God (Selah). Stop here whether or not you have any money and support whether or not you have any money, either by picking something up or dropping something off for somebody else. Or both. read more

Free Up is a great place to find or leave that odd knickknack. Today was magic. I turned a raft of canvases that were sizes I'd never use (small, 8x10 or 11x14 inch) and a paper grocery sack of watercolors, paper, markers...all the experiment detritus of learning new media.. into a single book. Magic. Need a succulent? Check out their offerings. The plants are for sale, as in carry a price, but the sales help keep this funky Dream Depot afloat. Pro tip: yes, bring things to donate, but only when she's open. The landlord will hassle her for littering if stuff gets left out front. Plus, you want to walk in. read more

This little store is a spot of sunshine. If you come in and peruse the curiosities and thrift items, you'll be rewarded. Plus there's art to gaze at and plants for sale on Sundays (and I think plants are sold any day). Great little thrift store and the lady who runs it is a good neighbor and community builder. read more

This place is built on a dream I've had for most of my life, and I'm very happy to find that someone else has had the same dream. The concept is simple: Take a thing, leave a thing... or take a thing and leave a bunch of things. Or occasionally, take a bunch of things and leave money. The things don't have to be art, but they have to be cool. The whole place has basically turned into a giant shadowbox full of wonders, and it makes me happy. They've also set up a section where you can produce art on site and then leave it for others to find. I love everything about this place, except that it's not close to my house. That said, the rents where I live are insane so I can't say I blame them. I can't often make the trip, but when I can it's always worthwhile. I love you, Free Oakland UP. I hope you last forever. read more

There is NOTHING not to love about this wonderful neighborhood art project. Community, creativity, smiling faces and free stuff. Jocelyn Meggait (owner) makes it all happen right here. A must visit. She has local artists in creating art with found objects and you can have anything in the store for free. One items, once a day. She does art/craft workshops for grown ups and kids!!! read more

Such a great concept. I came in for a plant and realized that this was not your usual thrift store. I walked away with a great cactus that helped pay rent and an awesome treasure, a picnic basket that I got to pick out for free :) read more

WOW-ZA! I saw a flyer about this and checked it out. What a great idea and an amazing experience. I love the free crafts area and plan to bring crafty supplies so people (families?) can get together and have a fun, free activity. I will now save the most beautiful, interesting things I donate and bring them here. And when I do, I will look at the amazing, cool, useful things other people have donated and choose 1 for myself or a friend. I've also channeled my inner artist to create a wind-chime, a wreath, and several bracelets with support and encouragement from Jocelyn. I haven't ever felt artistic UNTIL I came here. Part of the art, it seems, is the instant experience of abundance when you participate in receiving a free "gift," donating so others can experience that, or doing both in the same visit. . . Check it out! Namaste! read more

I LOVE THIS PLACE! It's an Art Gallery It's a Makers Space It's a thrift store and YOU CAN TAKE ANY ONE ITEM FOR FREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You have to check it out, I have met some of the most wonderful people here, seen some really original art and taken amazing things home for FREE! read more

Very fun, cool place. Joceyln has everything displayed beautifully, which is important, because STUFF can be overwhelming! Notes: They don't accept donations of clothing or large furniture. As for books, you can take as many as you like - the "just one thing" rule doesn't apply there! read more

I had read about Free Oakland UP but it took a while to finally visit the space. My mission was to find mid-century stools and lo and behold, it was there waiting for me. I also found wonderful items for my altar, which I convinced my kids they needed for FREE. Jocelyn was really good natured about it. I plan to come back for the beautiful live plant arrangements. This art/thrift/free space is an Oakland treasure. read more

First I think it's amazing what this shop is doing. It's totally incredible she takes donations (excluding shoes and clothes) allowing people to come and get one item free (no strings or hidden agenda). You can find antiques, purses, plants, lamps, fabric, fragrance, books, games, movies, wall art, etc... endless options. For higher end or extra unique items they are raffled off. It's $1 to enter the raffle. One item for the raffle I saw was a Kate Spade tote bag. Not a bad deal at all! I heard about this place on Wednesday from my raw foods class instructor. The next day I decided to stop in. I selected a three drawer storage container. Your picture is taken holding your item with your consent to go on the store's Facebook page. Today, July 4th I went back to make a donation of some things I were going to donate to Goodwill. I'd much rather give to where someone isn't interested in profiting off free merchandise. I also found a Osterizer Blender in good working condition. The lid is missing but who cares. It works and it cost me zero dollars. Excited about using it to make smoothies. Week definitely be donating more in the near future as well as seeking items. Check them out! read more

Free Oakland UP - Signage in front of the door. - Thrift Stores Near Me - Oakland, California

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Very unique and exciting concept!!!! Really cool stuff:-) Got a free art piece and a free trinket box:-) The people that volunteer are very friendly and engaging. They had my autistic son excited to create some art! Please drop by and support, the world needs more places such as this where you create art and meet some cool folks. read more

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I like the premise of the shop but felt a bit unwelcome there. First time in and we didn't know exactly how things ran. The woman working there seemed uninterested in our visit and didn't really say anything to us, but kept dialogue lively with another family in the shop. I had to ask how things were done and was met with a rather abrupt and scant explanation making me feel like a nuisance for asking. read more

I love this place!! Who does it like it for "FREE" (with a small donation)? If you want more one item -Just ask for a very reasonable price! Today I picked up a charming little hand made ceramic vase made by a Local Artist. Incredible! Love it! If you have a question how the store works, just ask! I drop in at least once a month! LOVE THIS PLACE! read more

I really like the idea. Free stuff! I frequent Free Book Exchange in El Cerrito after all. They do have some nice stuff, but nothing quite compelling to walk away with. I'm at at time in my life when I'm actively trying to get rid of things, not gain them, so I have to really really like something. Still, the store created art is cool, as well as some of the framed works. I hope to return, maybe I'll find something to my liking. read more

Dope ass place. Everything is free. And they host artists and give away the art for free! You can get one free item per day Check in on yelp to get a second one Fabric you can take as much as you want Details: Small space TONS of random things to dig through Some are random scraps some are full big things Friendly owner I went in and she told us about artists working there and displaying then giving it away for free. I immediately wanted to be part of that! I found my items. She took a picture of us for her fb page. And we were off. I got a nice thick yoga mat and some fabrics. My bf got a comic and bnw film. Definitely coming back :) read more

Where else can you find a set of oversized Joseph Campbell table books or vintage Playboys mixed amongst picture frames and other fancy knick knacks?! I absolutely adore the owner's vision for this type of sanctuary for this community and the store itself is a blast to visit or even donate to. Thank you also for my We Are the World Album and other vintage finds - *one item free per person or $10 rent donation lets u pick out more items read more

Great for art, decorations, knickknacks, books, plants, furniture, and records. In certain areas of the store, you could get ten items for free. In other areas, you could get one item for free. For multiple nicer items, a donation was expected. The plants were not free but generously priced. After getting a free lamp, I bought a plant as a thank you. read more

I drove by Free Oakland UP multiple times a week for about four years before giving in to curiosity and pulling into the parking lot for a look-see. Why didn't I do it sooner? You just have to love the generous spirit of this place--a funky little thrift store in which most items are free (one "treasure" per person per day). In the year or so that I've been visiting, I've picked up books, a few Mason jars, three Christmas cookie tins, many handfuls of matchbooks, a vintage alarm clock (so comfortingly analog in a digital world), several of those nice wooden clothes hangers that don't ruin the shoulders of shirts and jackets, a 9" tart tin, and today, I was delighted to come away with a cast-iron cornstick pan. So great! Visiting this fun little shop always lifts my spirits. Now I give all suitable donate-ables to Free Oakland UP. A deep bow to proprietress Jocelyn for giving items non-landfill homes and for the generous gift of her own time and energy toward this venture. read more

Joselyn is an amazing community-minded artist, organizer, and non-profit businessperson. I'm a regular here and the place never fails to impress and inspire. So much free stuff to make amazing art and artists sharing their ideas, materials, and finished pieces. Today I'll be donating a print that is identical to one I sold for several hundred dollars a few years ago. Come on down and see it! And if you want it on your wall it's YOURS! Just like that! Woohoo! read more

Great Nick Nacks and Treasures. Make a Donation To Pay Rent and Sometimes You Can Get 10 Items.

I loooooove this place! Nothing quite like free. Reminds me of what East Bay Depot for Creative Reuse was before it got super pricey. Always a pleasant experience. The monthly plant sale is amazing! read more

Jocelyn has made Free Oakland UP into a very unique place. It's a thrift store, a community art center, and a good place to give up your unique and quirky items for someone else to love. I like that she has the plant, sales on Sundays to help with the rent. It makes it more of a community place, not an over price thrift store! Yes, it does take some extra info to know how the shop works! Yay to the not your normal thrift store! Thanks Jocelyn. read more

I've found so many special pieces for art projects here! If you enjoy rummaging and making art from recycled knick knacks this is your spot. First item you want is always free and there's a suggested donation if you want anything more. read more

WOW!!! This mini free thrift store is really cool. 1 item per person. There are many items and nick nacks that are very unique. I recommend to check it out this fine jem if your around OAKLAND AREA. Got my self a china tea set thats very cute for FREE!! read more

This place is really great! I have been a handful of times, and every time, I want to take more than the allotted one item, because there are just so many treasures to pick from! The owner is so sweet and is very helpful. The store was built on a solid principle: give something, take something. While the "giving" isn't required, I find myself wanting to help out in any way that I can. I'm so glad this place exists :D read more