I'll pass on this store. I usually spend an hour or two inside each thrift store that I go to, but I was in and out of this store super fast. It was really dirty and messy inside and not a lot of good inventory. The Veterans Thrift in Spring Valley is a better location. read more

I'm sure this is a "hit or miss" place! Little messy when we were in on 6-10-2014 Clothing prices seem to be a little high. Don't know if they offer any special sales days or senior discounts either? Staff is friendly and one employee showed my daughter a very cute pair of Van's she was just putting out on the shelf. We ended up taking them! Best Of Luck in your adventure to find treasures. read more

I tried to donate some things on a day I was told they were only accepting clothing because a lot of upper management people were there. I was told to come back later. I later dropped of my donations. the next day I tried to drop off a solid oak dining table with 4 matching chairs and a large mirror with an oak frame but was told that I was too late and come back another day. I arrived 5 minutes before I was told they stopped taking donations. I could have unloaded these items in 2 minutes by myself. I chose your store because I always try and support our Vets. I told the young woman who told me to come back that they are not the only store in n town and that I wouldn't be back. She had no response. I am taking the rest of my donations to Goodwill. read more

Great place to come shop at. I love shopping here. I always find lots of good things for a fair price. I always find good deals here all the time. It could be a little bit more cleaner and they should have a bathroom available ,but they don't for some reason ,but that's okay I don't mind it I still shop around and looks at good deals at this store. read more

I'm giving only three starts because 2 important things ... First there is no room to try the cloth you want to buy Second there is no rest room although everything is great ... prices are perfect and you can find your needs in a good condition for a perfect price ... read more

Great Service and fast Checkout - We found a very nice refrigerator at this thrift store. The staff was friendly, especially Rodney who helped us measure the size. When the check-out line got long they called up several other cashiers to speed things up. They even offered delivery at a nice price. read more

Sign Up For Email Coupons The DAV has done a great job! Re-hired the previous workers and made Shannon the Manager. (That was a good move). I'm a firm believer in re-hiring good staff. I always find what I'm looking for and the prices can't and I mean can't, be beat. This absolutely gives the shopper the best product, for the value. Lots of vintage treasures! Give it a try because the prices are better than Goodwill. P.S. True, there's no public access to the restroom but, if they had one it would have to be ADA & OSHA approved. Which would mean higher prices and work overload for the multi-tasking employees that already are a jack of all trades. Use it before you shop.. :) read more

Great place to get one of a kind gifts that others donated, plus they help with veterans. I had a storage unit with bulky items that I couldn't empty out myself. I called the Veterans thrift store for pickup & they brought a truck to the storage unit & emptied it all out. What a relief. Please donate here.... they do go work! read more

One of my favorite thrift shops. THE best in El Cajon/East County if you ask me. Cant believe I've never reviewed this place before, I go all the time. It is a bit disorganized compared to some but its BIG so its worth the browse. They have a good selection of housewares, shoes and books. Clothes are a hit or miss since everything is so disorganized, it doesnt make browsing very easy. I usually give up after awhile since its just too messy. But definitely worth a stop. They take credit cards so no need to bring your cash! read more

Let me start by saying that El Cajon will be missing a valuable asset. The employees at this Amvets are always friendly and courteous. I go there every week a couple times if not more. They always have great prices and a new inventory regularly this store makes great money for the Vets and I personally donate money pretty regularly when making purchases. I cannot imagine why Amvets would close this store. Really loyal employees. They always greet me with a smile. And that have been laid off from one of the busiest stores in El Cajon. I am really sad it's like moving away from everybody in a small town. I do not understand but I really hope you reconsider closing mine and many others favorite El Cajon thrift store. Sincerely Ellen A. Costa Thank you all of the employees you are all wonderful! I wish you all the best! read more

I used to enjoy coming here. They had SOME good finds, if you dig. I can find more good stuff at Rock Thrift, Goodwill and Plato's Closet, but my full time job involves helping veterans, so I like the cause. I went yesterday to get a drawer set for our guest room and it will be my LAST time here. First issue was some ratchet girl who cut me in line and when I politely pointed it out to her, she said "well, I didn't see you, so sucks for you" and continued to talk crap about me to the person she was with. That's ghetto, and the girl at the register didn't interject, but whatever. Then, I bring the drawers home, after carrying them all the way up a flight of stairs, and IT'S CRAWLING WITH BUGS. Are you kidding me? That was in my CAR and in my APARTMENT! I hauled it out of there outside my door and used a whole can of bug killer in my new car and in my apartment after vacuuming and doing a load of laundry due to being grossed out. I called them and asked if I could exchange the item for something not infested with bugs, since I don't want them to give me the money back since it goes to help veterans. The legit response I got back "Um, yeah, you're kinda stuck with it." No sorry, no professional response, no offer to retrieve a manager. I said "Okay, then you will want to tell your manager to tell the guys who bring in donated items to check them thoroughly because that's disgusting and unacceptable." The response I get "...okay." Hangs up. This store is a horrible excuse for a veterans organization and I will not shop here again. DO NOT buy furniture here, unless you don't mind bugs and mostly broken items. read more

I love Amvets! I used to go to the one in the Mission Hills/Downtown area but now I live in La Mesa, so I go this one instead. Key differences: 1. The El Cajon location is cleaner and more organized.+ 2. It is a bit smaller, but still really big for a thrift store- 3. This one seems to have bigger Men's and Children's departments.+/- (I don't really care) 4. You don't have to park in front of a strip club.++ I have seen many reviews saying this place is expensive...I just went today and got two skirts, two nice dresses and three shirts...I spent $22. The best part about Amvets is the way they overlook some brands when they price. I found a BCBG dress for $7 and it was in perfect condition! I find H&M and Urban Outfitter shirts there all the time for $1.99 and $2.99. They price stuff like Tommy Hillfiger and Jones New York really high, but who the hell cares? Are you really going to buy a pair of Tommy jeans...really? Some insider tips. People aren't kidding about cash. If you forget, they do have an ATM but it will charge you fees out the ass. Avoid Amvets on Fridays and Saturdays and on the first of the month. It is so crowded that it isn't fun. Also, know your sizes! There is no dressing room so sometimes you have to wing it. I have two complaints (why I did not give 5 stars): 1. They attach their tags with two staples and sometimes they attach them right to the clothes. I have had a few things get holes in them from trying to remove tags. 2. Every day they select a tag color to be on sale, and I can almost guarantee that nothing you will have in your hands will be on sale. In fact, I don't think I have ever seen anything with those colored tags when I am there. Happy Amvetting! read more

I called DAV for a large donation pick up. I was assigned a date and told I didn't have to be home. I could leave the items outside. I hired 2 men to help me move furniture, desks, etc. to my driveway. DAV never showed up. Then when I emailed and asked... what happened. They tried to lie to me and say they were there, rang my doorbell - no one was home and that they called and left me a voice mail. I never received a call or voicemail and my property cameras did not pick up anyone coming to my door or on my driveway. DAV needs to have better employees that are honest. It is a shame that I am unable to donate to them, my dad was a Disabled Veteran from Vietnam. SHAME ON YOU DAV!!!!!! read more

If I could give this place a half star I would have. I hate this thrift store. I have tried coming here 3 times and the line is always out the door for stuff that isnt even worth the wait and is priced to be in a department store. Their prices are rediculous even with sales. I was recommended this thrift store by many people but being a very avid thrift store visitor, this place was a huge letdown. Be prepared to be treated rude by other customers and the crowds for whatever reason. read more

This store was ok... it is a thrift store, and since I have worked in this business, I just wish they would get into the 21 century.. They still staple things to items, which is a huge no-no.. nothing is organized as far as v clothes. no colors no departments..just hung on racks.. would have liked to find exercise clothes and not have to go through all tops and pants.. The prices were not bad.. the staff was friendly.. read more

Three stars because the staff is friendly only. I've been coming here since it opened last year and I've seen a drastic difference in pricing and how long items sit in the store. Hell, there's a dress that's been on the racks for a year... I kid you not. The prices have gotten progressively higher and the racks are cram packed because merchandise just isn't moving. Many times I've heard the associates comment that they have no room to put out new stuff. Also, more than once the cashiers tell me that something was "priced wrong" and changed the price on me at checkout to a higher price. I'll be back but making fewer trips and spending less each time. read more

Easily the dirtiest, nastiest, smelliest , most unorganized thrift store in the world. I do not understand why these people are giving it 4 star reviews. My god, I will never ever go here again. The electronics and pots and pans sections looked like a nuclear bomb was dropped in there, and the next day business just continued normally, without cleaning up a single thing. Look i get it, thrift stores may be a bit unorganized, and thats fine with me... but Amvets is plain and simply.... doing it wrong. Skip it, there are plenty of other thrift stores in the area. read more

Ive come here a few times to look at DVDs books etc and my last two purchases have been a bit scary cuz they were electronic and every sale is final no returns or exchanges or anything... I was in desperate need for a microwave but didn't have 100 bucks to waste on one since it's so close to christmas so I took a chance on a microwave. It was a big one and super clean and looked pretty much new for 25 bucks... Took it home and it works great and heats up super fast and hot as heck too.... Microwave would of cost about 150 brand-new and it looks like it is.... Also bought an electric pan to cook incase we run out of propane in the middle of cooking also looks brand new worked amazing got it for 7 bucks... Overall I'm very happy with this place..... I would recommend putting an outlet somewhere or something so we can check that our appliance works and turns on before purchasing it.... read more

Been here twice and loved it both times. The last time, this past Saturday, was just browsing to see what I saw. I typically don't go for clothing, but I found 3 new with tags blouses for $4.95 a piece. They ended up being 50% off, so I literally paid less than $7 for 3 blouses with tags that were all from Macy's and retailed at 49.99 and up. Gotta love it. Word to the wise (or those that didn't know, like myself) they only accept cash. They have an ATM but I really dreaded using it, if I were you I'd hit up the bank or a trusted ATM first! read more

This store is not bad but not great either. Parking is convenient and they have plenty of shopping carts. The prices are kind of high for the quality of the items. They staple the clothing instead of the labels so they put holes in there clothes. Not good. Kind of shady neighborhood. read more

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Amvets is wonderful; they're a great organization and their thrift stores are a cut above larger chain thrift stores (I.e. Salvation Army and goodwill) Amvets offers a huge selection of typical thrift store items: clothing, shoes, furniture, toys, electronics, books videotapes, housewares, bric a brac and even an odd assortment of new things (hello bras and lip gloss) As mentioned earlier, the store houses a huge array of merchandise. For the most part, the store is organized incredibly well and it's pretty navigate to and through the section you are looking for. Most of the items are of relative newness and from my experience finding vintage or even really dated clothing is a long shot. My favorite selection was the book department. Books here are organized by category and the dig isn't too bad. I found there to be a pretty good selection of books that I'd actually read and best of all, they were ten for a dollar. Can't beat that! Prices are hit or miss. I've found the clothing to be a bit pricier but most of the items to be very well priced. This Amvets (like many other Amvets) receives a ton of random overstock and although most of the stuff is pretty undesirable, the discounts are deep- and sometimes you get lucky. The staff at this location (like all the other Amvets I've visited) were super upbeat and helpful. There's plentiful parking. Also, bring cash! If you don't enjoy carousing thrift stores and are looking for a one stop shop you might want to check out this Amvets; there is nothing stellar about this place but it does the job. read more

Way over priced junk. Everything is just thrown all over the place. All the furniture is beat up and priced like it's new. The old place was much better run and had much better deals. That's why the parking lot is always empty unlike when it was amvets it was always full. read more

So let me tell you I just had a horrible customer service experience here.... I really wanted to see some glasses but they were in the locked glass so I asked them to call someone to help me, when the associate ZEBA\ZIBA came finally she had skipped me to help other ppl when I had told her I was the one who had called for service. I def do not recommend this thrift store. read more

This is the WORST Thrift Store ever!!!! The workers are miserable and incompetent (well the cashiers). They OVER PRICE items, it is a THRIFT store and they charge like you are buying it new. One item I purchased, the made it appear as if it was new/sealed and when I opened it, several components were missing. But I'd like to reiterate, they over charge and it sucks because I love to support Veterans but again this place has poor management! read more

Ladies and gentlemen the rules have changed all thanks to the people who decide to cheat and get an even lower price then it already is. From now on if it doesn't have a price they won't "price" it for you right then and there at the register. Now you gotta wait the next day and hope you get it before someone else does lol. Still love this store and their discounts. For every dollar you spend you get a point, get to 100 you get a $10 credit read more

Veterans Thrift Store - Super cute boots for only $3.95 score!! - Thrift Stores Near Me - El Cajon, California

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Before "Team Amvets" this store would have long lines waiting to get in... Once it had great prices, a clean and organized store.... NOPE... NOT ANYMORE! NOT COMING BACK! read more

It is getting better! I have encountered many issues over the months with this store. My current main issue is the lack of consistent fair reasonable pricing. It is extremely frustrating to see something from a 99cent store priced $1.99 or a chipped plate $2.99 BUT like I said it is getting better!! Toys could really use some work as well. The bags of toys, kitchen gadgets, office supplies, etc., REALLY REALLY need to GO. And just one price point used for like items. And why not DONATE pencils/pens/crayons/spiral note pads etc to local schools/homeless shelters/vet centers/hospitals??????? just a thought. Anyway like I said the store is getting better & better & employees seem happier & friendlier. read more

I went to this Amvets on a Tuesday at 2pm and it was STILL busy but the up side is they still have great stuff! I found so many thing i was in love with there I'll definitely be visiting again! The pricing was a bit off though. I say some Forever21 jeans for 9.95 and they're only 9.50 in the store brand new. However they don't separate the designer jeans from everything else so you get a great deal on those! PROS: Great selection including electronics and art Store was clean & Did not smell 50% off sale everyday Great Parking CONS: No Dressing room & only 2 mirrors Cash only (ATM Present) Usually busy San Diego Thrifters Group.. JOIN! -- https://www.facebook.com/groups/331819670173271/ read more

Not as sketchy as the Middleton location but it didn't steal my heart like the one in Spring Valley (on Cardiff) has. Thrift and used/vintage/consignment stores are always a hit or miss but I did manage to find a Dooney & Bourke vintage purse and a fake Louis Vuitton purse on my first visit here. AND it was 50% off all departments so I left with both purses for less than $9. The shoe section's pretty dirty and unorganized (some aisles more than others). Despite the 50% off discount on all departments that day, I just couldn't get past that dirty chaos. But with all thrift stores, you gotta have patience and diligence if you wanna find something worth your while. Decent selection of clothes but like I said, the Cardiff location is still my favorite Amvets location. Thank goodness parking isn't much of an issue; there's a decent-sized parking lot plus street parking. read more

I LOVE Amvets! We go there every so often and have scored many treasures there. It can be a bit hectic, and make sure that you always bring cash to pay. But...this is the only place where we've been able to find rare treasures (according to us) such as a giant Snorlax, giant Pikachu, and giant Scooby Doo. We've also gotten plenty of other more regular finds such as good deals on kid clothes, halloween costumes, and more. See my blog posting on it here: http://www.elcajonmama.com/2011/04/our-saturday-afternoon-epic-walk-amvets.html read more

I Always find something good for reasonable prices. Friendly staff and they keep the store clean as well which is a plus.

Amvets is definitely a great thrift store, it is huge! I have shopped at the Amvets downtown for years and I just stopped in to check out the El Cajon location. It seems to be better organized than the downtown one. I didn't really find anything on this trip but I'm sure I will be back. read more

Some of their prices can be laughable but I find that to be rare. I go for the clothes, and they offer amazing discounts. I've only checked out Possibilities in Santee once and I was appauled by their prices ($2 for each pair of soiled, used socks!). I'll have to see if they've changed that because I'd love to find an even cheaper store than Amvets. I used to be a snob about wearing used clothing until I discovered this store. Many of their items are new. You really have to scan the whole store to get a good find. The customers tend to be pretty rude but I guess you'll have that. It's very crowded and nobody has a problem taking up a whole aisle with their cart, or ignoring you when you say "excuse me" to pass them. Nevertheless, it's always worth the bargain price I pay for the two huge bags I leave the store with. Yay. read more

For very limited budget but in need some furniture, adult or kids clothes, records or books, linen, shoes, kitchen tools, this is the place for you. Store is large, bright. read more

Only go here if you have tons of time to dig through the clothing as nothing is in size categories.

This thrift has improved by leaps and bounds since it was Amvets. Amvets went downhill and now you can find amazing items here. Just a few of the steals we have found here: Coach hobo bag 12.99 Michael Kors leather studded hobo bag 20.00 Chico's tops for 2.99 Chico's jackets 5.99 Banana Republic Wool Jacket 8.99 14kt gold aquamarine and diamond pendant 90.00!!!!!!! 1940's tulip base glass shade lamp 10.00 The selection of DVD's and CD's is amazing but make sure you check both to see if the correct movie or cd is in the case. They have good deals on linens and bedspreads. Found an all linen table runner for 1.99. The book section is great, have found some really great reads from this store. As for the issue of not having a bathroom, Goodwill doesn't have one either so plan ahead. As far as trying on clothes, do what another lady suggested, wear leggings and a tank top and there are ways to know if something will fit you, look it up on Google. read more

Thrift stores are becoming more and more popular. This is a great one. There is always a treasure to find at a great deal. Be careful with what you bring in. My daughter's hat was confiscated once. I had to pay to retrive back :) I am serious. My five year old was crying and manager did not care. However this has become a great story between my daughter s and I . Yes management is shady and there are suspicious deals wth the regulars or employess. All I have to say about this is I WISH I WAS their FRIEND to be in on it!! The store is clean as thift stores go. DO NOT expect friendly service. THis is not that kind of place. Remember you are going for the deals. New stuff is always coming in. read more

I called the DAV to remove 5 large items of furniture, including a monstrous hospital bed. The were here in two days and removed everything within minutes. These are very efficient workers who know what they are doing. The items will soon be available for people in need. Thanks to all at DAV! read more

Wow. Way over priced for a thrift store. We miss when this place was Amvets! We will go to McAlister's or the thrift shops in Santee instead! read more

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