This is a lovely store and they have lots of beautiful collectibles and very nice clothing. I've gone here for years and have bought myself several pair of earrings that I get many compliments on. A little pricey, but not too much over the top. The staff are always very friendly and will answer questions. Their displays are stunning. read more

This store was one of our favorite thrift stores to visit when in Carmel. My Mom, my daughter & I always payed a visit, however, the last few times, we have noticed some exuberant pricing hikes on their merchandise. I don't know why this is, but is extremely obvious that they are overdoing it. Very dated used garments way over priced. I understand some are good brands but some vests & dresses are priced @ i50$ or more even though they are frayed & worn. I honestly hope they reconsider bc most of my local friends that used to rave about this store, no longer recommend it. Someone in there who is responsible for this very obvious price hikes need to stop it back, you are certainly overdoing it; even with your 50% off days, ITS OVER PRICED!!!!!!!!! read more

I stopped by today, and geez, the prices are outrageous! Jackets marked over $235, a fur stole also marked over $200! Not worth the prices they're asking. Used dresses over $30. Fabric priced at $30. I overheard 2 ladies gasping at prices & leaving to the other benifit shops. Please stop looking on Ebay & pricing items based on their comps! Even at 1/2 off sales, these prices are too much. These are donated items. You'd make much more money if you priced reasonably. I won't be going back anytime soon. read more

I always find high quality and brand items!! Volunteers are always so sweet!! They help measure furniture or find other other items that coordinate colors!! read more

A while ago I was here looking through the earrings and the lady working the counter took a glance at me and then put away the other bowls of jewelry under the cash register. I didn't want to cause a scene, but I will never be coming back here and I will warn any friends to not come here, especially if they are Latino/not white in general. Given that there appears to be a history of discriminatory behavior that the staff practices (based on past 1 star reviews and one hidden one), anyone who cares about being an inclusive and open minded person shouldn't come here in general. read more

I used to look forward to shopping at The Yellow Brick Road. Dirty overpriced game bag. Scarves were really pretty but so expensive. I gave up looking and left by the side door to walk over to the SPCA thrift. They had just as nice things more reasonably priced. read more

The thrift store itself is nice. They carry some very nice merchandise, most in great condition, most nice quality. Store is clean and nicely merchandised. We've visited this thrift shop for years, it's a fun shop. My problem was the help that day. I got no friendly greeting or smile when my husband and I walked in. A volunteer decked out in a "tall, texas, big blond hair" wig just pretty much looked like she was sizing me up. Was it because I was brown? Okay...a "Karen". I was wearing nice outfit of jeans and pricey top (it was my birthday afterall) and I carried a small crossover purse. No big jacket, no big purse. I was perusing rounders of womens clothing. "Karen" sidled up next to me pretending to examine the same rack I was. She got too close to me, followed me around the rack making me feel really uncomfortable. She didn't even hide the fact that she was watching me. I know the move, I worked in retail for 20 years. I have never felt so uncomfortable in my life. I stood my ground and ignored her. A normal salesperson wouldn't get that close without acknowledging you with a smile or a friendly comment. I was afraid of becoming fodder for a "Karen" video, so soon after my husband and I left. I know Carmel is mostly white, but shopping in downtown Carmel I have NEVER come across this kind of racist behavior. We proceeded to the next thrift store, Joining Hands. I was greeted with smiles and friendly greetings. Happy people who really value everyone who walks in. read more

Oh my goodness, this is the best thrift store I've ever been in. They have so much good stuff, an attached bookstore with some real gems, and a furniture store that I did not go in. The women working were so pleasant and helpful. Of course, it's a thrift store so their inventory varies, but it seems so be well stocked and selective. Everything was name brand, nice material, and much less than retail. (New Adidas golf pants for $16) read more

Happened upon this shop which is in a little center with multiple thrift stores, convenient for bargain shoppers like me! Like many other reviewers, I found Yellow Brick Road's pricing to be out of whack. We were there on a 50% off day; I was thinking about Lands End shorts for $7 (originally 14), but that just seemed too high for a secondhand pair of shorts from an ordinary brand. Just one example; there were lots more. I also got an impression that the cashier was pretty brusque to a young person making a purchase, but perhaps I misheard what was going on. I'll review the YBR bookstore separately although, confusingly, there's also books at this store. read more

This used to be one of my favorite thrift stores, but they've apparently been bitten by the bougie bug. I understand that they are a benefit shop but when you realize that they are getting their merchandise for free and have a very high volume of business, I can't understand why they are trying to get retail or close to retail for their clothing. I saw a Chanel dress there for $900. Maybe it retailed for close to 2000? But it was dated and out of season. It just seems unreasonable to me that they are gouging people. I found it very hard to find anything that I wanted to buy a couple of things maybe but nothing was a bargain in any way shape or form. read more

Great place for buying used clothing and sometimes collectibles, puzzles and books. The place never disappoints me.

We had bags tired and wrong sized clothes to drop off. We stopped at the store that handles clothes and they both said that the "pod" was next door and then one helped me carry the bags to the pod A man stowed the bags and gave me a receipt and I was on my way read more

Was looking for a great thrift store and this one was recommended online. Walked in, was ignored. Asked a question and was ignored again. The people working there were too busy talking about passports and trips to New Zealand to bother providing any type of customer service. Walked out. Was disappointed to see this business is to benefit the Presbyterian church. Do better. read more

This used to be one of my favorite stores but the supervisors have become very arrigant and they constantly change prices. This is the second time that they raise the price of something I want to buy because according to what they put the price wrong, too bad that is not the customer's fault but they don't care what you want, not very bad customer service, it's no longer my favorite store read more

Yellow Brick Road used to be a frequent stop of mine for second-hand clothes, but as many of the other reviews have stated, their prices have nearly doubled in the past year or so. I understand the want to price high-end items closer to what they're sold for online, but I have consistently found common brands priced almost as they are retail. If the staff are doing their research to accurately price their items, the common brands should be priced lower. read more

Yellow Brick Road is the absolute BEST! Their prices are reasonable, the selection changes all the time, the stores are clean and organized and the staff have always been friendly and extremely helpful. We have donated items for many years and purchased some absolutely wonderful items from the stores that people have generously donated. Their staff are almost all volunteers who kindly donate their time and energy many days every year to enable the receipts to go to our Monterey Peninsula community in the form of yearly student scholarships and grants. Like I said, they are the BEST! read more

I couldn't believe how rude the people are here, if your dark skinned stay out! They were nice to everyone but my daughter and I. We just lost my mom and thought to do some retail therapy. read more

My daughter was in need of a dinette set for her new apartment. We took a chance and happened upon a beautiful blonde dining table (with two leaves) and four chairs. The ladies in the shop were so helpful--they held it until we could get a larger vehicle and even offered to help us physically load the car. I was so happy to find such a treasure and won't hesitate to visit more often. The best part is that the SPCA benefits too! read more

Five Star Non Profit! Volunteer staff is wonderful! Proceeds are distributed to support local programs, benefitting the community. Many quality re-cycled goods can be purchased for very reasonable prices. An all around win-win situation for all parties involved. Being a local Keller Williams Realtor, this is an important attribute to be sought after and appreciated. Kudos to Krissy H. and the staff for their hospitality plus attitude! Thank you! read more

Yellow Brick Road Benefit Shop - Donations welcome! - Thrift Stores Near Me - Carmel, California

I love this thrift shop in Carmel, it is away from the touristy section of Carmel. There is a block that has about 4 to 5 shops that are great. I happened to go when they were having a 50% off day so I lucked out and found great deals. Volunteers are all very friendly! read more

Love Yellow brick Road but it seems the prices have gone up. That's disappointing, the loss of one star. Volunteers are awesome.

As a vintage shop owner, who takes full profit from my items, I am disgusted by the prices here. As a religion based organization, this is simply wrong to be charging these insane prices for clothing that isn't even a decade old. Absolute robbery if anyone was simple enough to purchase from here. read more

With all the quality thrift shops in this area the yellow brick road seems to think that they are the only one in town. Over two years I would say I have been here a few times and their record is intact. I have yet to see the volunteer staff be polite and kind. To ALL. Customers are treated differently in subtle ways. Sometimes it's just hard to miss or look away. I have seen, "Please don't try that on you will stretch the sequins out" I The lady was taking it into the dressing room with her clothes. She said it was not for her that was for her daughter who was not with her. She looks stunned and just put it back. No apologies given. No I have seen the owner of a small dog be told that she must pick her up and carry her, while another lady was walking through with her dog on the leash. I could not see the difference, her dog was just as well behaved as the other ladies. I did notice the difference between the two ladies appearance. She picked her dog up but looked around saw the other ladies dog and just walked out. I wish I had left right then with her, I'm embarrassed now that I didn't. Today a woman was told to take her conversation outside. She was talking on her phone but she could've been talking to a person next to her. She was not loud. She also was not well dressed. I have yet to catch their barbs. But they seem to be directed at the ladies who are a little older, a little darker, and not as well dressed. It's an act of bully ism and racism. The prices are always pretty high too. No bargains here. I won't be back. Maybe someone will see this and work on their customer service. After all it's all for charity. read more

Very quickly ran in to check to see if they had any woodies (wooden rackets). I had no luck but this place was happening... I kid you not, packed with older folk going to town. It was near closing so they had a bouncer! I kid you not! Well, a lady stood by the door with a velvet rope which stopped anyone from entering. Also served as a heads-up they are closing soon so you better hurry your tush up! Hilarious! read more

This thrift used to be amazing. Items were priced fairly and uniformly. A T-shirt was T-shirt price. A blouse was blouse price. Jeans were jeans price. Then, one day things got weird. Someone started googling prices people are ASKING ON eBay. Now you may see $40 for a dress used dress shirt. $100 for a used coat. And $15 for a used T-shirt. Yes $15 for a used T-shirt sad but true. I think management needs to be reminded YOU GET THIS STUFF FOR FREE! AND YOU PAY NO TAXES! I bet the profits haven't even increased. I thought this was a charity shop? It's not very charitable to price gouge the local community. read more

All three of the Yellow Brick shops are great! Very nice employees, cute clean stores, and fun to shop in. I'm an avid thrift store shopper and was happy to visit these stores on my recent trip to Carmel. Such a nice reprieve from all the overpriced Ocean street stores. read more

I use to visit this store on a regular basis. Their prices have always been high, but In the last year or so their prices have gone through the roof. I know this is for charity, but if customers stop coming in due to the high prices, no one wins. $75 for a pair of used jeans and $45 for a used shirt is far more than they are worth read more

The volunteers who work to keep these shops running smoothly are amazing and helpful. I love treasure hunting and love that money spent goes to help those in need. read more

This charity shop is wonderful. The staff are very helpful and friendly. They have so many new vintage clothes, housewares, and furniture all the time. You can find a great bargain and if you visit on fri and sat, you can get half off on all clothes, books and media. Highly recommend making the stop at YBR. read more

Oh, yes, books are 50% off retail prices, big deal! The antique books, as they call them are just as bad. People like deals in this time of depression. Also, there are people that buy and resell. They should give these people a chance too. Don't you think that would be donating to your community that way? Everyone needs to feed their families. One lady behind the counter was trying to sell me something that was sharp and broken. I told her to throw it away! Not too friendly, I must say. Most of these folks seem to be put out by their own customers. I think they need to find another.... read more

The volunteers at this charity shop are over-the-top helpful and caring. I called them in a panic in need of a baby monitor when they had been closed for half an hour. I explained that I was desperate, and they told me to come in; that they had one in stock. I can never thank them enough! read more

They have just expanded to have a book store and separate furniture store!!! Whoohoo! I love books and we have no place in the area to buy books. We also have few places to buy furniture in this area, so this is great! Now there are three stores: boutique, books and furniture. The furniture is around the corner by the nail shop. Go check it out!!! And remember, the net profits go to local charities to help those in need. read more

Very impressed with the quality of the goods and the number of non-profits that the store helps. Be sure and visit all three stores!!

This place is quite simply amazing! One of the best ever! I recently featured it on my blog. Here is my review & pic of the shop: http://therecessionista.blogspot.com/2008/12/year-of-living-frugally-art-of-thrift.html Great holiday deals! read more

I used to love this store, but now I can't go anymore because my husband was so rudely treated and the volunteers are rude and overcharge on everything. They had a men's shirt for $45 and a cheap bracelet from Mexico for $35. Its a thrift store people don't want peoples used stuff for retail prices. We shop used because it economical and better for the environment. The thrift stores across the way SPCA and 2 more, are great! Good prices and nice volunteers! read more

YBR is such a fun place to shop. I love going in the last day of the month when clothes are 50% off. Great clothes, great shoes and much of it is brand new with tags. Lots of great books, kitchen stuff, linens and such. I've gotten really lucky here and found some amazing treats. read more

YBR is the best charity based benefit store I've ever been to. The folks are mostly all volunteers that work there and do a great job! The merchandise is incredible, more items in excellent condition or new with tags, then really worn. They care jewelry, clothing, housewares, books, furniture and more. Great finds on any given day and the price is right. They donate to at least 7 different charities in the area and a blessing to have in our area. read more

We went there based on the good reviews here but were disappointed. It is a small store with just a few pieces of furniture and some antiques. Not worth the trip. read more

Not many items but what you do find you'll love!! A bit pricey, a non-brand name shoulder bag for 10 bucks that barely fits a wallet and dkny shoes for 20 is a bit much for a thrift store, so be willing to dig. read more

I have been going to YBR for years. Bought, donated, browsed. The workers have almost always been friendly. Some items are over priced. But there are sale days. (green tag, yellow tag, etc.) And, you can find things here that you can't in Goodwill. One criticism--the books.its just incorrect. I have gotten similar books NEW for what they want. Apparently, the pricer checks on the internet or something. So--only buy books on Mondays. THanks YBR for supporting our local charities for many years! read more