A GUIDE TO

SECOND HAND SHOPPING

             San Diego is full of second-hand businesses and we try to feature all of them -- thrift stores, resale, vintage and consignment shops, rummage sales, swap meets, book stores and book sales, reuse and recycling, auctions, special events, collectible repair -- everyone we know of offering recycled and reusable merchandise. 

       Hidden away in rummage sales and thrift stores (well, not exactly hidden) are antiques, books, CD’s, computers, office furniture, clothing, collectibles, knickknacks, salvage, records, bicycles, cameras, VCR’s, outdoor equipment, household goods, glassware, vehicles, toys, games, radios, art, jewelry, old posters/paper, shoes, baby items, prints, manuscripts, pots and pans, rugs -- everything anyone could possibly need -- all at a fraction of what these items would cost brand new! If you have never visited San Diego County's second hand stores or any of the many local Rummage Sales, you're in for a surprise.  Many of the items sold here appear to be brand new, at a fraction of what you might pay in local malls.  Go see for yourself!  Start with the largest Rummage Sale in town, hosted by the Thursday Club and held annually for 81 years (!) in Balboa Park.  This year the sale is April 12th and 13th (click on Rummage Sale listings to the left of this column).  And go very early; everyone starts lining up around 6 AM! Then send us an email and tell us about all the treasures you found there.