The Ultimate Guide to Thrift Shopping in the San Gabriel Valley: 7 Insider Tips from ACTS Thrift Store
Shopping at thrift stores has transformed from a budget necessity to a lifestyle choice embraced by savvy shoppers, eco-conscious consumers, and treasure hunters alike. Whether you're furnishing your first apartment, updating your wardrobe, or hunting for vintage finds, knowing how to shop smart at thrift stores can save you hundreds of dollars while making a positive impact on your community.
Why Thrift Shopping at ACTS Thrift Store Is Different
When you shop at ACTS Thrift Store locations in Pasadena, Pomona, or our newly opened Duarte store, you're doing more than finding great deals. You're directly supporting veterans, disadvantaged families, and homeless individuals in the San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys. Unlike national thrift chains, 100% of ACTS net proceeds stay right here in Southern California, funding essential programs through partners like Door of Hope, Frontsight Military Ministry, Obria Medical Clinics, and Pacific Lifeline.
7 Expert Tips for Maximum Thrift Shopping Success
1. Shop on Tag Sale Days for the Best Deals
The secret to scoring incredible bargains at ACTS Thrift is timing your visit around our tag sales and daily deals. Each day features different colored tags at discount prices, with savings reaching up to 50% off already low thrift store prices. Before heading to our Pasadena, Pomona, or Duarte locations, check our website's sales calendar to plan your visit around the best discounts.
Pro tip: Sign up for our newsletter to receive exclusive deals and advance notice of special sales events.
2. Visit Early in the Week for Fresh Inventory
While weekends attract the most shoppers, visiting ACTS Thrift on Monday through Wednesday gives you first pick of newly processed donations. Our team works constantly to stock shelves with quality clothing, furniture, housewares, books, and electronics. Early-week shoppers often discover the best selection of gently used items before the weekend rush.
3. Join the Giving & Helping Club
Smart shoppers know that ACTS Thrift's loyalty program is one of the best values around. The Giving & Helping Club offers members exclusive perks, additional discounts, and special shopping hours. Membership costs are minimal, and the savings quickly add up, especially if you're furnishing a home or regularly updating your wardrobe.
4. Don't Overlook the Furniture Section
Many thrift shoppers focus exclusively on clothing, but ACTS Thrift Store's furniture and housewares sections are goldmines for home decorators and those setting up new spaces. From solid wood furniture to vintage kitchenware, small appliances, and home décor, you'll find quality items at a fraction of retail prices. Our Duarte location, which just opened in February 2026, features expanded furniture showroom space.
Shopping tip: Measure your space before visiting and bring a tape measure to ensure that perfect couch or dining table will fit in your home.
5. Inspect Items Carefully but Keep an Open Mind
Quality varies at any thrift store, so examining items before purchase is essential. Check clothing for stains, holes, or missing buttons. Test zippers and inspect seams. For electronics and small appliances, ask staff if testing is available. That said, minor issues shouldn't automatically disqualify an item—a missing button is easily replaced, and minor scratches on furniture add character to vintage pieces.
6. Think Seasonally (and Counter-Seasonally)
The best time to buy winter coats is summer, and swimwear bargains appear in fall. Counter-seasonal shopping at ACTS Thrift means less competition and better selection. Stock up on seasonal items when others aren't looking, and you'll build a wardrobe for a fraction of normal costs.
7. Visit All Three Locations for Different Finds
Each ACTS Thrift location—Pasadena (1311 North Altadena Drive), Pomona (232 East Foothill Blvd.), and Duarte (2215 E Huntington Dr.)—receives different donations and caters to slightly different communities. Serious thrift shoppers make the rounds, as what doesn't appear at one location might be abundant at another.
What You'll Find at ACTS Thrift Store
Our three Southern California locations stock:
Clothing: Men's, women's, and children's apparel in all sizes
Shoes and accessories: From everyday sneakers to designer handbags
Furniture: Sofas, tables, chairs, bedroom sets, and unique vintage pieces
Housewares: Dishes, cookware, small appliances, and decorative items
Books and media: Novels, textbooks, DVDs, and music
Toys and games: Children's toys, board games, and educational items
Electronics: When available, tested and working electronics
Beyond Shopping: How Your Purchases Change Lives
Every dollar spent at ACTS Thrift Store directly supports our mission to serve the most vulnerable members of our community. Your purchase of a $5 shirt or $50 sofa helps fund:
Homeless services through Door of Hope and Inland Valley Hope Partners
Support for military families via Frontsight Military Ministry
Women's health services at Obria Medical Clinics
Recovery programs at Hoving Home
Senior services through Pacific Lifeline
This is community recycling at its finest. Your neighbors donate items they no longer need, we make them affordable for others, and proceeds support people right here in the San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys.
Make Your Next Shopping Trip Count
Ready to discover your next favorite outfit, that perfect vintage lamp, or quality furniture at unbeatable prices? Visit ACTS Thrift Store at one of our three convenient Southern California locations. With new items arriving daily, each visit offers fresh opportunities to find exactly what you need while supporting an incredible cause.
Our Locations:
Pasadena: 1311 North Altadena Drive, Pasadena, CA 91107 | (626) 577-4477
Pomona: 232 East Foothill Blvd., Pomona, CA 91767 | (909) 491-3199
Duarte: 2215 E Huntington Dr., Duarte, CA 91010 | (626) 605-2914
Check our website for current hours, today's tag sale colors, and special events. Join the Giving & Helping Club to maximize your savings, and follow us on social media for flash sales and new inventory alerts.
When you shop at ACTS Thrift, you're not just getting great deals—you're investing in your community and changing lives locally. We look forward to seeing you soon!
