Probably one of the nicest goodwills I’ve been to! Pretty organized and it isn’t cramped at all. The workers are all really helpful. I bought two pairs of BDG jeans for $ 14.
Nicole C.
Place rating: 5 New Haven, CT
Growing up in Los Angeles, I bought everything from thrift and consignment shops. I targeted randomly named and distributed locations – everything from hole in the wall boutiques to giant, disorganized warehouses. I avoided chain thrift stores like Goodwill and Salvation Army because they tended to overprice items. This changed when I moved to San Francisco. «Consignment» stores in the city tend to be highly curated and therefore charge more. In light of this, I’ve begun to go after Goodwill, once more, and have consistently found Bayview to be most reasonably priced with the most hidden gems. Why Bayview rather than a place better known for second hand finds like the Haight? In the Haight, the staff will recognize finer brands and price them higher. At Bayview, the staff doesn’t really pick up on these brand names. I’ve found Madewell, J Crew, Coach, Banana Republic, H&M, Uniqlo, Forever 21, and – best of all – genuinely vintage dresses all hidden among the items here. You will have to dig a bit, but that’s part of what makes thrifting fun – the sense of discovery. A bit of thrifting advice: — Bring one friend that understands your taste and will be honest about how something looks on you — Don’t buy it unless you love it(even if it is very cheap) – if you only feel lukewarm, you’ll clutter your wardrobe and never wear it — Always try on items before purchasing, sometimes they’ve been donated because they’re sized wrong or have shrunk in the wash — Wear black leggings/spandex shorts and a black cami in the case that the dressing room is full – you can try on dresses this way — Alternatively, find an oversized skirt to toss above your pants if you want to try on a pair of pants and the dressing room is full — If something seems underpriced(especially cashmere or wool) check thoroughly for rips and holes – if there aren’t, chances are the item might be a sample(you got lucky!) — Labels actually ARE a good indicator of quality. I wouldn’t pay hundreds to afford something«designer» but I do get a good sense of how long an item will last whether it’s Banana Republic or Forever 21 — Make sure jewelry isn’t cheap or made of metal products that will turn your skin green — Put trace amounts of bleach in your detergent to really kill any lurking bacteria from clothes before you wear them. Especially do this if you’re buying any sort of blanket
Rinky N.
Place rating: 5 East Bay
One of the advantages to going on a Labor Fest event is that you might end up in a neighborhood you hadn’t been to before. Yesterday’s tour/lecture was given by a Hunters’ Point native, Oscar James, who grew up and still lives there. After the tour I explored the nearby strip mall. Although I spent only a half an hour here my first impression was how neat, clean and organized it was. Plus the staff was friendly and welcoming. I immediately made a beeline to their DVD section. There were at least 300 – 400 used DVDs there. There were DVDs in all categories with plenty of kids’ DVDs, comedy, tv shows, action, drama and others. The DVDs sell for $ 2.49. I ended up buying Coraline, Garden State, Charlie Chaplin shorts and 6 other titles. Look carefully, some discs are missing; I only found a couple that had missing discs. There was also a large selection of CDs and vinyls which I did not go through. I also bypassed the book section. There is a lot of housewares and for some reason lots of white cups, plates and serving dishes plus lots of glassware. The clothing section was also neat and well organized. I only took a quick look at the mens’ s and children’s stuff. I took a fast look at the women’s clothing. I found a blue alpaca wool cardigan with cute llamas on it for $ 5! So for all the DVDs and sweater my total bill was about $ 20! I liked this Goodwill a lot. Unlike other thrift stores it was super clean(you can sit or kneel on the floor without needing to take a shower when you’re done) and everything was neat and well organized(all the shelves and racks were tidy – nothing falling on the floor). The staff could not have been nicer. I applaud the staff for having such a clean, organized store and a super staff.
Victor G.
Place rating: 3 Oakland, CA
Goodwill doesn’t have much parking. hardbound books(3.29), paperbacks(1.99) not cheap, not much selection. no buys today. 2.5 stars
Britnee M.
Place rating: 4 San Francisco, CA
Come here all the time for good clothes. Only downside is they don’t have dressing rooms.
Magda G.
Place rating: 4 San Francisco, CA
I think like any other Goodwill store, some days you find some amazing finds and some days, you don’t. Today I found papyrus stationary for $ 2.50 and beautiful bracelets for $ 3.50…yay !
Louis C.
Place rating: 4 San Francisco, CA
I only come here for ugly Christmas sweaters. That is all.
Melisa B.
Place rating: 5 San Mateo, CA
I’m so torn about giving up one of my most favorite top secret spots. Top secret because it’s a rare breed that treks to the Bayview to hunt for treasure on a regular basis! Sigh. However, I want to give it the props it deserves. I hit this spot on my way home from the Flower Market in SF several times a month for two reasons: Treasures and ambiance. I have never been to a thrift store that makes me smile as much as this one does on a regular basis. First of all, they have, hands down, the best freaking soundtrack EVER. Old school soul and R&B without commercials. Love it. Love that at any given time at LEAST three employees are singing their hearts out and dancing to the songs while working. I never had that much fun at work ever. I kinda start singing too and no one stares at me which is a good thing. :) We all got a little TOO funky when some James Brown came on, but that’s a totally different kind of post. So yeah, it’s super fun music ALL the time, which takes away any, «Oh my God I’m sort of in the hood!» fears anyone could have. Treasure. Yes. Lots of it. But let me qualify this by saying it depends what you are looking for. I know they seem to get tons of name brands like Nine West, Burberry, Banana Republic, Seven, Levis, Lucky and so much more, but I’m usually on the hunt for furniture and cool old books. BUT, I did score my daughter an amazing vintage wool Peacoat for 4.99, a vintage leather cowboy belt for a dollar, and a hot ass pair of leather motorcycle boots for 12.99. Yeah, I know you’re jealous but don’t hate. Okay so the staff and the people that come in(including me?) are so worth a visit I can’t even properly describe it. A couple weeks back I went in and there was a very small gentleman(4′?) who might possibly not be entirely free of drugs, and just maybe he might not always be of sane mind, but he was having a conversation with an equally small woman, who was quite possibly Lil’ Kim(in incredible leopard spandex pants with a bleached blonde wig AND blue contact lenses), and they were discussing how he was training to compete in the next Olympics. As a boxer. In the heavyweight category. She was very impressed and was telling him all about her recording career in LA and how she was fixing to do a duet with some big time rapper whose name I have not yet heard(I’m a little out of touch). Anyway it was so awesome I could hardly bear it and wished I had a recording of the whole thing. And that happens ALL the time there! I bought a ton of shit that day just because of my good mood. I got a gorgeous antique table I’ve now refinished and sold, a giant mirror, two side tables and a shit-ton of great old books. Love it. Need it. Will never tire of it.
Rebecca S.
Place rating: 4 San Francisco, CA
I don’t care what anyone says, Goodwill has got some great finds, especially books. Like an indoor flea market. One of the most organized Goodwill stores I’ve come across.
H K.
Place rating: 4 San Francisco, CA
I agree with review I read elsewhere here that this Goodwill’s customer service has greater improved after the«massive personnel change» that took place over a year ago. It’s also seems more organized, and often they even provide a comfortable couch in the book area to sit and relax with a book. I still recall couple of years ago they had this guy, I recall they called him Danny, who acted like such a thug, and word is there were others who didn’t want to go there because of him. For all I know, he may be back in jail by now or something.
Roachie D.
Place rating: 3 Oakland, CA
This place is a bit off the beaten path, so you’re less likely to find trendy clothes here, but every now and then you’ll find a gem. I like this place because its not crowded full of ironic hipsters, or crowded much at all, really. Its a much better location for housewares(bought $ 10 of forks and spoons!), and random crap(how do i even begin to explain the mounted submarine miniature thing i got?!?) But I did find myself the most adorable little red sundress by accident, you’ll do a lot better if you stick to stuff, and away from the clothes.
Michelle A.
Place rating: 1 San Francisco, CA
This place WAS the best thrift store in the city until Unilocalers RUINED this treasure by writing such rave reviews. Although I agree with Maurice C., the staff and store are great, what were you all thinking? Vintage Christian Dior jacket WAS $ 7.49 but is now $ 18.99. Diesel boots USEDTOBE $ 8.49 are now $ 18.99. Get a clue people. The reason these establishments are the BEST is because NOONEKNOWS about them! I’m all for sharing good eats and services, but this is where I simply must draw the line!
R C.
Place rating: 4 San Francisco, CA
Good deal every time my mom & I come here! We never leave empty handed and its truly full of things for all people! Parking, Muni, T line, and in a plaza that has food and a walgreens!
Maurice C.
Place rating: 5 San Francisco, CA
This store sets a positive standard for customer service, and communications. It has a variety of products worth shopping for, however the staff, and management makes this Goodwill store live up to its name«goodwill». it sets the standard that other stores should meet.
Chrissy L.
Place rating: 4 San Francisco, CA
Bargain shopping at it’s best! I was weary of this Goodwill because of its location– clearly I didn’t know what I was missing out on: Hawt J Crew cord blazer(steal!) $ 8 Awesomely bad overalls for a Not Cool party $ 7 See thru pink H&M blouse to wear under awesomely bad overalls for Not Cool party $ 3 I will def. be back in here for costume pieces!
Jocelyn J.
Place rating: 5 South San Francisco, CA
I work right upstairs so I’m in here all the time! I have never seen such a plethora of name brand items at a goodwill before. When they had the $ 1 rack, you couldn’t walk in here without scoring big time! Too bad they did away with that… but can you really beat hardly worn Banana Republic trousers for $ 4.49? I think not. And, of course they get the 5 stars cuz usually you get entertainment while you shop with the random fools trying to steal stuff and getting busted! Classic!
Melissa B.
Place rating: 3 San Francisco, CA
Its a little out of the way but I think thats why it isnt too picked over. There is parking and I have found some good stuff here as far as kitchen, collectable and furniture items.
Alexandra D.
Place rating: 5 San Francisco, CA
It’s out of the way for me but when I’m roughly in the neighborhood I’ll head over here. It’s in a little shopping mall with plentiful free parking, a huge plus. Good merchandise, actually. I’ve stocked up on shoes and clothing, and found some nice dishes. Friendly staff.
Priscilla L.
Place rating: 4 San Francisco, CA
A fun place where I’ve found great Hello Kitty plush toys like Hello Kitty in a bear outfit. Oh my! It looks like she skinned a bear and is now wearing the pelt… wonderful gold lame touches in the bear outfit too M & M/Star Wars stuff … … and cookbooks galore Chas Addams Half-Baked Cookbook Green Eggs and Ham Cookbook — Georgeanne Brennan An Omelette and a Glass of Wine — Elizabeth David Simple Cooking — John Thorne New InterCourses: An Aphrodisiac Cookbook — Martha Hopkins
Lynn G.
Place rating: 4 San Francisco, CA
The best thing about this place is that they don’t seem to have a staff member on hand who knows the good from the bad. Where else in the city can you find a plaid Burberry Suitcase for $ 6? I’ve never been disappointed at this store – my favorite day was when I asked to see a unicorn pin that was in the jewelry case and the sales guy goes, «You like unicorns? Check out my belt,» and he lifted up his shirt to reveal a diamond-studded unicorn belt buckle. If you have a car, they have a parking lot. While you are out here, check out SCRAP(artist re-use store) and Ritual Gardens.