I helped out with some decluttering by packing my car with an assortment of clothing, decorative pieces, jewelry, children toys, dog toys, mason jars, water bottles, a humidifier, a portrait of Frida Kahlo... all transported here. Didn't get a chance to visit their storefront but instead drove directly to their back alley, a narrow passage with several cars already parked for donations only. For the sake of unloading, I highly recommend backing into their parking spaces as it was cramp with a few other cars from neighboring businesses trying to pass through. After assessing the amount of donations, two staff members came by with two large pushcarts, essentially separating the clothing from the rest. Both were helpful and careful with the more fragile items like the vases and jars. The only item that was rejected was the Christmas tree, perhaps since it was out of season. Other than that, it was a good experience, and the staff were quick and efficient. read more

The Council Shop - Donation center - Thrift Stores Near Me - Los Angeles, California

This thrift store is located on Fairfax ave, and it carries a lot of varieties although a bit disordered inside. You'll find used clothes, handbags, CDs, vinyl records, paintings, furnitures, board games, kitchenware, toys etc. I think it's a place you really need to dig into to find valuable stuff. read more

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Always a treat to explore--quality finds in every category, reasonably priced (with an occasional steal!) and friendly employees, too!

I'm not sure what I was expecting but this felt like a different kinda place. Parking can be a nightmare - just know that they have parking that you access via the alley behind the building. The place is spacious. There's all kinds of things. The prices aren't cheap. Some items were surprisingly expensive. But, again - buy it or don't. It's up to you. I always find some good values when I come here. The prices always work out. Check it out! read more

I worked at The Council Shop (Fairfax & Oakwood) and I still think about how unprofessional and downright bizarre that experience was. If you're considering shopping or working here, here's what you should know: On my third day, I fainted at home from not eating because I was struggling financially, called to explain, and was still written up. When I showed up the next day (literally after donating plasma just so I could afford to eat), I arrived late because of the train and was pressured to sign the write-up anyway -- even though management knew I had just fainted the day before. You'd think a charitable organization would show compassion, but nope. Training was practically nonexistent. You're thrown onto the floor and expected to magically know their inconsistent "rules," which they themselves don't follow. For example, they had a store map assigning each employee an area to clean. My map clearly said "books & CDs," so I worked hard on that section. The next day, my supervisor Jenny chewed me out publicly for not doing the women's skirts section -- even though the map she made said otherwise. When we walked over to check the map (with another manager watching), she realized she was wrong. Did she apologize? Of course not. She stomped off, changed the map quietly, and kept making snide comments about it later. Speaking of Jenny: she routinely gave big discounts to rude, entitled customers (e.g., certain regulars got hats for $2 just because she liked them), but then refused to honor the posted $6.99 price on a handbag for a plus-size customer because... she just "knew better." Watching her treat customers differently based on who she liked (or didn't) was uncomfortable and unprofessional. Then there was the creepy coworker Peter. On my second day I watched him grab a female customer's hand and kiss it while she looked visibly uncomfortable. Everyone just laughed and said, "Oh, that's just Peter!" Meanwhile, he kept making inappropriate comments and touching coworkers even after being told to stop. Management did nothing. Also had a manager Alan (bald, heavyset) who asked me to "walk for him" in front of coworkers -- like a catwalk -- and then giggled about it with another employee. Completely inappropriate and humiliating. On top of all that, they loved to publicly shame employees for minor mistakes. One time I accidentally left a $50 bill in the till (instead of under the tray). Jenny gathered the entire team, held up the $50 like she was solving a crime, and said, "So I guess the ghost did this?" until I admitted it. All over a $50 that hurt no one. Management also seemed... off. One manager admitted to having a drug past but came into the breakroom clearly tweaking and tried to pass it off as just "too much Monster." Sure. Another time he came into the breakroom, leaned over me and said, "You like energy drinks too, huh?" while his pupils were giant. Oh -- and as a nonprofit thrift store, they charged sales tax on everything (even donated items) and marked things up outrageously (like ugly paintings for hundreds of dollars), while also handing out shady discounts to favorites. In short: the environment was toxic, inconsistent, and embarrassing -- both for staff and customers. If you care about being treated with respect, shop elsewhere. If you care about being trained, supported, and not humiliated at work, absolutely look elsewhere. Management: If you see this review, consider this free advice: stop playing favorites, stop harassing your employees, stop enabling inappropriate behavior, and maybe treat both staff and customers with the dignity you claim to stand for. read more

Ready to walk off that big meal at Canter's Deli across the street? Head into this branch of Council Thrift Stores and I guarantee you won't walk out empty-handed. And your $$$ goes back into the LA community so I say it's a win win. I like that everything is neat, clean and organized. You'll see a staff member or two sliding around, keeping it all together. Of course with any thrift store, you never know what you'll find on any given day. But the selection here is good and the clothing is high quality. Aspirational stuff too, like an amazing Melissa and Doug bird activity contraption -- hard to describe but so cool and too rich for my blood ($199). On my most recent visit, I picked up a pair of pants and three legit Ping golf clubs, including a like-new putter ($7.99). Drive for show and putt for dough, if you get my meaning. No color-coded discount days at this store. But the prices are fair. With the money you save, it's off to Erewon down the street to celebrate with a Hailey Bieber ($18). Cheers! read more

It's true, the neighborhood has become a bit more crime-ridden since the pandemic. So the store is next to many boarded up, empty businesses that could attract transients. That aside, I *have* shopped here and have had a pleasant experience. By definition of being a thrift store, you'll never know what you'll find! I came back this week to do a donation drop-off. According to the website, they start accepting donations at 8am as compared to the 10am shop opening. You have to drive to the back of the property, off the alleyway, and there are parking spots. There's an additional lot next to the shop, but is only accessible via the alley. There are columns blocking off the driveway on the Fairfax side. Donating was quick and easy! There was a large bin the Staffer directed me to drop all my goods in. However, there was no option for a tax receipt, which is no bueno and a star off. read more

The Council Shop - Donation drop-off area in the back, off the alleyway! - Thrift Stores Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Staff here is amazing. Always find hidden gems. Yaya is so nice everytime I come in. Allen is also kind. The girls with the pretty colored hair ( so sorry I forgot your name my pretty Latin friend) but almost all the girls are so nice. Love this store. The prices are high but you can still find some cool pieces. Love this store. Even more their staff! Thanks for being so cool every time. Customer service is so important to me so I appreciate it from this location. read more

I came in here today and I'm so happy I did I love it here. I found so many things. I found lots of baby clothes !! and they have a large selection of great quality clothes for men and women as well I got some plate sets - they have so much here all great prices and great quality. They have furniture, rugs paintings, lots of kids toys, and books and they have some play mats! The two girls that were working today we're also super sweet and really fun to talk to. They had a great energy. I definitely recommend and I will 100% be back! read more

BEWARE. Always count your items and make sure they don't overcharge you!! I stopped by last week for the first time, the store is super small and got busy pretty quickly. As I was checking out I was surprised that my total came out to $65 for just three pairs of jeans, a bag and little plushy toy but just assumed these thrift shops were getting just as expensive as regular stores. As I was paying I got a weird feeling from the guy but gave him the benefit of the doubt. When I got home I realized the guy at the register purposely charged me for an extra pair of jeans! I liked the shop but I don't do business with crooks. People work hard for their money, I don't appreciate being cheated by any store. Won't come here again read more

Me and my bf usually love coming here and have a great time shopping but...today my bf was looking at a rack that was brought out he saw a jacket he liked but was told rudely that he can't touch it and look through the rack at all but another customer was on the rack looking and grabbing items from that same rack and was not told anything. it seemed like they save racks for certain customers which is not fair at all. She then quickly took her to check out and sold the jacket my bf was wanting to look at to the lady. very weird, very unfair, and unprofessional. read more

Staff is generally friendly and I'd recommend this location for furniture and bric-a brac, but definitely not for clothing, shoes and accessories. Their on-site E-commerce office has seen to it that nothing hits the floor above: Zara, H&M, Banana Republic and Target brands level. Their so-called "Popular Brands" section, which is marked up above all the other merchandise because it's supposedly "Designer" is a collection of damaged, out-of date, or Ebay returns that came back to them because the buyer was unhappy with the item. Parking is tricky here. Hipster boutiques line the block, and meters are sometimes hard to come by. They do often run very good Holiday sales, but given the level of the merchandise even at half-off, who wants it? read more

Most items are overpriced, some are more expensive than what you can get in retail. Lots of items to choose from though

I have been a longtime supporter of The Council Shops in LA with my favorite being Studio City (before it closed it doors). Burbank and Canoga Park are close seconds in my experience. I was in the area and saw the Fairfax store and decided to pop in. I found a great small handbag right when entered and eventually, after looking around for a bit, went to the cash register to pay for it. The cashier took the bag, walked away and gave me a higher price than what was posted on the wall. When I asked about it, he said "someone one must have ripped off the price". It felt blatantly accusatory and I declined to make the purchase. Had it been tagged, I would have been happy to pay that but the interaction felt....gross. I will not be back. I truly enjoy my interactions at Council shops but this was horrendous. I hope this store can learn to appropriately represent the level of service and kindness that I am used to in the other Council stores. Also, I just checked out some of the other Yelp reviews and noted several similar experiences. I definitely won't be back. read more

I like this place, I would like to support them more but whomever is doing their pricing should do more market research before pricing. They sell the good stuff on ebay so they have the capability, but they do not apply this to the in-store items. Yesterday there were 2 different unopened Lego items in different areas of the store. One was priced at $3.99, which is the exact price at Target, and the other was priced at $19.99 but you can get it at Target for $12.99. It doesn't make sense for me to make the drive when things are consistently THAT overpriced. Everyone needs to make money but why would you want to pay more than at a retailer? read more

cleanest most organized thrift store in LA found beautiful clothes and gifts ........ read more

THIS IS MY FAV STORE EVER. Shout out to jenni and Perter, and Celina they are the best employees! I'm always greeted with a smile, and they make it pleasant to shop!! read more

I love donating my items there. It's convenient, clean and helps the nearby shelters, etc. Time to clean out your closets!

The best prices and great selection, and the money you spend goes to support excellent causes.

One of my favorite thrift stores in LA! They have many locations throughout Los Angeles - Kinda pricey sometimes but well worth read more

I got lucky today and found two pair of faux leather pants and an Express silk tank top, all new with tags, and spent $16 total. Their prices are super reasonable and if you don't mind digging a little you can get lucky! They had some super cute shoes too, just nothing in my size. Not a huge selection but if you're in the area it's worth checking out for the price alone. read more

Been coming to the Jewish Council on Fairfax for a decade. But today was just insane and sad. As I was checking out, a young woman who was running the register gushed about a very valuable Pizzaro painting they'd just gotten in. Seems it hadn't hit the floor yet. "I *really* want it," she said. I inquired when it was going to be for sale in the store. Initially, the cashier said it *might* be hitting Ebay. But then, the store's female manager walked up to speak to another cashier who was behind the register. So, I asked this manager if this was correct, that the Pizzaro painting would be going on Ebay. Shrugging, she said she didn't know. Then, pointing at the cashier who'd earlier stated she wanted the painting, the manager said to her, "but I thought *you* wanted it." Whereupon the cashier actually suggested that she buy the painting first and then *RESELL* it to me. The manager, standing right there, said nothing. Awkward. Like an idiot, I fumbled for words and all that came out was, "well, if you want it, I'd hate to buy it out from under you." Manager looked bored by it all and still said nothing. Cashier giggled and said, "I'm just trying to help you. Get it?" No, I didn't. When I got home and thought about it, it hit me as 50 shades of weird, so I called down there. The painting-coveting cashier answered. I explained that I didn't understand how employees got 1st dibs on donations. This girl spent five minutes on the phone, talking all over me. Gaslighting me. Telling me she was just tryin' to help by offering to buy and then RESELL me the painting --- "get it? Get it?" She said "get it?" to me 7 times (yes, I counted). At this point, I didn't give a hoot whether I got the painting or not. It was all about principle. When I asked when Alan, an assistant manager, would be in so I could speak with him, I was put on hold & then another cashier came on the line. "We don't give out employees' schedules," Jenny sassily informed me. I'm no stalker but, Okaaaaaay. When I asked her if their policy was indeed first dibs for employees on donations, she 100% confirmed it. Then, told me to "have a nice day" before hanging up. Maybe I'm just old school but, I've never once seen a manager turn to a cashier and say (about an item for sale) "but I thought YOU wanted it," in front of an inquiring customer. And then just stand there in complete disinterest when that cashier offers to *buy & resell* an item to a customer. 50 shades of cray-cray. But hey, it's their stated policy, "GET IT?" Sure doesn't benefit all the charities in need of funds the high dollar sale of a Pizzaro painting could bring in. Insanity. read more

I have been going to "Council" ever since they opened their first store. Yes, they are not super cheap but they have the goods! And don't forget that it goes to charity and a lot of social programs for the needy. You have to hunt and peck, but you will find some gem; I guarantee it. read more

This place was the place to go, but now it has changed. It seems sketchy now. The guys in the back parking lot playing rock music and keeping their spaces dirty. It's a different vibe now. The employees are okay could be nicer. This place used to have a cozy type feel that is gone now. I guess its the sign of the times! read more

TRY THIS I frequent this store often, buying several different items. Everyone in the store is friendly and helpful. One particular woman, Jenny, greets everyone with a smile. The store is always clean and well stocked: furniture, small appliances, jewelry, and clothing, to name a few. Unique and cool items arrive every day. They recently added a section for Children's clothing. Maybe you'll be lucky and run into Jenny, the charm of the store. read more

I was in the store last week and tried to purchase 8 Wine glasses at $30 each. I was told they are only on ebay (even though prominently displayed in the store). I tried but to use my phone but couldn't purchase- I asked if these could be removed from ebay as I could pay cash righ there in the store- the answer was "no". I said so you are turning down a $240 sale- she said "yes!" WOW read more

I love the quality of the clothing. wonderful prices, wonderful customer service above and beyond. I am always treated with respect and dignity. As a Veteran is is important to receive great Customer service as I do here. Thank you!!!! read more

Disorganized. Dishonest. For over a decade or two, I have been donating goods, per tax advisor's suggestion, that this is one of the places out there that price each item you donate and then sends you a detailed list, a receipt as a proof what you've donated. Donated a couple of months ago - still no receipt. Spoke to someone this morning who said that they stopped itemizing donations since Jan 2018 (?!) But why no statement about this is either online anywhere or on their website? She said they will try and "fix it" (two years later?!) on their website at least. Why there is no transparency or honesty for customers/donors? Why not when calling NCJW for a pick up, someone should state that they have changed their policy and don't itemize anymore. The driver will just write e.g. 15 boxes only. Therefore they "take" goods and not hold/give a list of all items, a record in return as proof what you have actually donated. * Therefore no record of the exact list of your donations anymore. * Doesn't update and make public aware of their "new' policies. Disorganized. Dishonest. Don't call there. Find another place to donate. read more

Possible Parking Lot Scam. I've been to this thrift shop several times and have never had any issues until recently. The store itself is always clean and has some cool finds, although a little pricey. However I had a ridiculous experience this past Saturday trying to park there that I want to warn others about. The last 3 or 4 times I've been to this store I've parked on the side parking lot which I presumed was theirs since it's against their wall and has old faded signs indicated it's parking for their store. This last time I go there was a rude elderly Caucasian man dressed in casual clothes who approached my car after I parked claiming its $10 to park at the GOLF store and that I had passed the sign. I did park on the opposite side so at first I thought it was only for the GOLF side of the lot. When I said I was going to Council Thrift he then claims its $5. I say no thanks and ask since when did this parking lot charge money as I've never seen anyone charging to park here before, he says this lot has been in the family for 75 years and it's the "end of story." Rude and hostile - doesn't really elaborate any further. As I'm driving out I see the sign he was referring to and it's literally hand written with marker, doesn't look professional at all so immediately I'm thinking this guy is some fake parking attendant scamming people out of money. I call the store and ask if their parking lot is free to park and mention there's someone out there charging for parking. They say no the parking lot is free, but don't address the guy outside. I would've just parked on the street but it's hectic to park in that area on weekend afternoons. So I come back to the lot, park on their side this time and as he approaches my car again and I tell him no, the store says it's free to park here. He gets visibly angry and starts yelling saying it was never their parking lot (a vendetta apparently), so I tell him to address that with the employees inside. He walks into their store, I'm behind him to witness this altercation. At first the Saturday manager looks confused by him, and ultimately agrees with him saying "there's clearly a sign outside" (which there is not. Is she referring to his hand written sign?) She doesn't specify what the sign says. I assume her reaction was because she's busy and doesn't want to get into it with this guy. He then calls me a "ding dong" lol (boomer insults I guess.) I left the parking lot after that, never even made it into the store to shop that day. I don't appreciate the lack of communication/shadiness and rude treatment from everyone at this establishment. It seems younger employees tend to lack consideration and tact with customers, which is getting tiresome when you're just trying to patronize a store. This man could've explained his situation better (if he really was the owner of this lot) that someone isn't always out there to collect $, or just made the story seem plausible instead of immediately being hostile, which to me indicates it's a scam. I could be wrong and he really owns the lot but seriously every other time I've gone no one was ever charging money to park there. To me he could've been any Joe Shmoe who strolled off the street with some makeshift parking sign to take advantage of a heavily populated shopping area to make a buck. So be aware of that. If someone from Council could clarify this for me it would be appreciated. read more

DO NOT BUY THINGS AND PUT ON HOLD HERE. I bought this beautiful table and was told i had three days to pick it up. I come a day later and then i find out that it was sold. They don't know what happened and assumed that someone else must've taken off the sold sign so they can purchase it and take home that day. The cashier should've taken it to the back along with the other sold items but they didn't. Now I'm extremely furious because I was so excited to come pick it up. And i didn't have the space in my car so my friend came to help me. Now i feel bad for wasting their time and I'm just so mad at the situation. PEOPLE ARE ASSHOLES. never coming back here again because of how stupid this was. read more

The Council Shop - DO NOT SHOP HERE. STAFF WAS CARELESS AND STUPID!! Whole post in screenshot. This is so fucking ridiculous. - Thrift Stores Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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I like the clothes at the store and it's clean and well organized, but there are no dressing rooms. I have twice purchased clothes that were my size but didn't fit. You have to return it within THREE DAYS for store credit only, and can't get money back regardless. This is an unreasonable policy for somewhere with no changing rooms. These might have actually been the only two times I bought clothes there, so it's a very bad track record. This last time my schedule was too busy to go back even for credit, so I'm out $12 and stuck with pants that don't fit. I don't think I'll be going back unless they change their policy or get some fitting rooms. As was noted, prices are higher than at most thrift stores, too. read more

The Council Shop - No refunds, only three days to exchange clothes, and no dressing rooms! - Thrift Stores Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Please be aware. This store is breaking return California law and you are being taking advantage for not knowing the law, CA civil code 1723,. In short the law is as such. 1. Stores require by law to accept returns within SEVEN DAYS of the purchas date with a receipt. 2. The store is OBLIGATED to display return policy of all items. Note: Council thrift store on 360 N. Fairfax display pilicy of no return is ONLY for furnitures and electronics. There is no display of return policy for bags, shouse, accecories, scarves house hold items, art work etc. However they have and will refuse any returns NOT listed on thier return policy there for they are breaking the law and take your consumer right away. The only item they accept returns within 2 days from the date of purchase are cloths while all along they do not display the policy for cloth, by california civil code 1723 you the consumer have the right to return any item within SEVEN DAYS. When I return to the store 2 days after I purchased a woman bag I was giving hell by arogant Jose (i hope I was given the correct name) i got his attention to the law which he was not interested at all of hearing about he kept reffering to the store policy which clearly state no return on furnitures and electronics. Well you don't need to be a genius to know woman hand bag is not furniture neither electronics right? The same happend today. I wanted to return sun glasses I purchased couple days ago and the respond from the same Jose was loud and rude and refusal period. Well Jose I have news for you and the stuff who were less then grecious YOU HAVE TO COMPLY WITH CALIFORNIA LAW JUST THE REST OF US. DO NOT SUPPORT THIS STORE. DO NOT DONATE DO NOT BUY AND INSIST YOUR CONSUMER RIGHTS WILL NOT BE TAKEN AWAY FROM YOU BY WORKERS WHO MAKE THIER ON RULES AS THEY GO ALONG. read more

The Council Shop - No store policy for other items then furnitures and electronics. - Thrift Stores Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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I love the stuff at this store! However, recently I dropped off a bunch of my cool stuff to donate, and someone named "Maralin" was rude. She snapped at me after I donated, which is unacceptable to anyone dropping off free things for the store to sell. She wouldn't have a job without people like me dropping our lovely things off. I went in a second time to drop more nice things off, and she was very bossy and cranky. I didn't deserve that, three times I'm the fool, and I will be donating my things to Goodwill in the future. read more

Buyer, beware! No returns or exchanges and clothes and no dressing rooms. You take your chances. Better off going to Goodwill where you have 60 days to exchange clothes. Just wasted 30 bucks. read more

Great cause and great prices. Always new stock and friendly employees!! Worth a trip!!

Okay, I must admit I was a bit confused when it came to writing a review for this place. This Yelp page is outdated. Out of the Closet was in the SAME location that this thrift shop is. Out of the Closet closed, and this took over the entire space (it RECENTLY opened, not in 2008!). That said, my experience here is not like all the poor Yelp reviews for it's prior store. My Mom and I stopped in here after a delicious lunch at Canter's across the street. This place is spacious and well organized. You can find gems while going through the racks here, which is nice. If you're not familiar with the method of searching through racks to find aforementioned gems, this may not be the place for you. My Mom ended up getting "the best pair of jeans" she's ever had, from here. They were in great condition, and less than $20! She also scored a pretty patent leather purse (from Saks Fifth Avenue mind you), for less than $30. Her other bargains included some cute summer dresses and a few long sleeve shirts. The staff here are friendly and actually care enough to help you out. I especially like that the money they make goes to a great cause, unlike other thrift shops that solely line their own wallets. Erol or Matt (I can't remember his name, but he was a looker) rang my mom and I up, and ended up discounting things even more than ticketed prices (which really helped us out). I don't know why, but when I think of this place, Macklemore's "Thrift Shop" runs through my head. It's a good thing though, and I'll surely be back. My Mom's already hounding me for another trip. read more

Never go to the one on Veteran! RUDE! The "supervisory" ladies (w/the accents) are mean, bitter, and well b*#@*y. they gave me a price on something and when we both realized it had the retail store sticker on it she raised the price at the register!! Trifflin!! read more

Had a great experience today at the Fairfax store. Great team and management that's easy to talk too! Found some really good clothing I'll be back again :) read more

I am writing this review as a. Former customer and. As an former employee. The whole environment is very retro , you can find some very intricate items and pieces of clothing. The staff is honestly. Hit or miss. If you want great customer service, Canoga Park Council Thrift has the best staff. They are all so friendly and inviting . The store is immaculate. And they keep the store full of amazing clothing . They are the triple threat. The rest of the store has there good qualities , but the sour. Attitude that are there kind of kill the vibe. I recommend if. You get a opportunity to work in a. Thrift Store , do it's such a different feel from corporate to something I structure, cool and ready for you to mold. read more

I always feel welcomed when coming in to the store, they play great music, found a couple gems that were a little pricey but I really don't mind because if it's hard to find, then it's worth the pay! the donation center people make it easy for me to donate as well! Quick easy process. read more