Bargain Barn: The Scoop On Santa Cruz's Hidden Thrift Store

     People who don’t mind chaos or putting in a little work to find a good deal have made the off-the-beaten path Bargain Barn into their main stop for recycled goods.

     The daily opening of the Bargain Barn is pandemonium, reminiscent of the unveiling of a new iPhone. Shoppers wait outside the warehouse sometimes for up to an hour before opening time. Around 10:00 a.m., an employee stands at the entrance and non-verbally signals opening time by looking at the crowd or moving an entrance barrier. At the signal, customers stampede into the store one at a time, headed for the crates.

     Located in a warehouse near the Goodwill processing plant on Pioneer Street, this thrift store’s secluded cul-de-sac location and disorganization make for a store that embodies Santa Cruz quirkiness.

     Shopping at the Bargain Barn is fun for browsing, but most rewarding for the serious bargain seeker. It is a test of endurance, and the challenge lies in finding high-quality items in the disarray. There are no hangers or clothing racks, so one must be willing to dig through piles to find what they are looking for.

     Despite the persistence required to shop at the Bargain Barn, valuable finds can be discovered unexpectedly. Bargain Barn shopper Elijah Tabb, 21, recalls, with a laugh, spontaneously visiting the store one Easter Sunday near closing time for a quick glance at what was there. He says he found two fur coats in very good condition. Tabb says he started shopping there for clothes, but he and his girlfriend have been looking at the books more.

     Crates are piled with items such as books, electronics, bedding, clothes or shoes. Clothing sells for $1.25 per pound and records are five for $5. Electronics cost $5, while exercise equipment and bikes are $10. Any items not on price list – books, for example – cost $5 if they can fill up a bag.

     Bargain Barn supervisor Dou Sow, who has worked there for 10 years, says he sees all age groups of people and especially college students.