The Salvation Army in Bakersfield, California has two locations. The location that I am reviewing is located at: 200 19th Street, right off of Union Ave. The Salvation Army on 19th street recently closed and then reopened their store after remodeling it, which it was desperately needing. The store was really starting to look run down and after remodeling, it looks new again. I’ve gone here several times over the years and have never been that impressed with this thrift store, even after the remodeling. However, sometimes it is nice to go to, to see if they have a special item. Thrift stores are always hit and miss, you never know what treasure you’ll find unless you go check them out.
1. Clothing and bedding
The Salvation Army has a large selection of clothing for women, men and children. Sometimes it is a little expensive, but still cheaper then buying it new. What I like, is that after it’s been in the store for a while the prices on certain color tags on reduced. I’ve never found a lot of clothing for my children here, only a few things over the years. The time to buy clothing from The Salvation Army is during their Moonlight Madness sale which is held on the last Friday of every month.
2. Books
I hate buying books at The Salvation Army. They used to have paperbacks for fifty cents and hardcover books for a dollar. They’ve recently gone up to books are now seventy five percent off the cover price. That may sound cheap but for a used book it is not. For example, if you see a book you like and it cost twenty dollars when it was new, then you’ll be paying five dollars for it. At a thrift store I think this is unacceptable. If you go to Rad, or the Goodwill, you will pay a LOT less for books. I would only buy a book from The Salvation Army if I couldn’t find it anywhere else. I know that they use the money for charity but I can’t afford to pay five dollars or more for every used book I want from them.
The furniture selection is nice. It’s spaced out and easy to walk through as you look around. They have couches, tables and other miscellaneous furniture. To be honest though, the prices are often high. Once in a while you will find a super good deal.
4. Toys
I would have to give them an F on their toy selection. Before they closed to remodel, they didn’t have the greatest toy area. Now that they are open again, they don’t even have a toy section! You’ll see a toy spaced out here or there on the knick knack shelves but the last few times I’ve gone, they’ve had no toy area at all. That seems silly to me because most thrift store shoppers have kids.
5. Knick Knacks and Dishes
They have several shelves full of knick knacks and dishes. They even have a special section for items they thing are old and worth more money. Again, some stuff is overpriced. I’ve often seen stuff from the dollar store for two or more dollars at The Salvation Army.
5. Moonlight Madness Sale
The Moonlight Madness Sale is held on the last Friday of everything month from 6 to 9 pm. They are not usually open during that time so this is a special treat. Almost everything in the store is on sale.
6. Donations
The donation area is right off to the side of the main thrift store. If you have a lot of items to donate, you can
call (661) 325-2605 to arrange a pick up.
Overall, I’d have to rate this Salvation Army a 3 of out of five. While the store is nice and clean after their remodel, they are to expensive on several items in the store.
