All Things and More — Attraction in Los Angeles

All Things and More is one of the most aptly named businesses that I have ever come across because you can truly find all kinds of things at this nondescript outpost along the southside of good ole San Fernando Road in lovely Sun Valley, California. Describing this place as a thrift store is certainly an accurate description, it really fails to portray the true nature of this establishment—perhaps “adventure-time shop” would be more accurate.

GETTING THERE Located along San Fernando road, about mid-way between Penrose St. and Sunland Blvd., this store is not hidden but is easy to miss from amongst the auto dismantlers and other industrial businesses that dominate this area. There is limited (free) street parking along one side and the front of the store. If you miss the store it is difficult to “circle the block” and BE VERY CAREFUL if you try to flip a U-turn because traffic can be going as high as 60 mph along this stretch of highway.

WHAT TO EXPECT Chaos. Wonderful, initially frustrating, pleasantly rewarding chaos. As you enter the establishment you will encounter an abundance of costume jewelry ahead and to your right. To the left, you will find several shelf-lined aisles laden with mostly household knick knacks and such. Do not hesitate to go thru the small doorway at the back of the shop which leads to a patio-area where your adventure truly begins.Now, not very much in this store has a “proper” display place but, in general you’ll find clothing to your immediate right (outside), electronics & media to your left, and tools & furniture is straight ahead. Many of the items are offered “swap-meet style” and are often commingled in boxes or buckets. Disposable gloves come in handy while shopping here.

PRICING and VALUE There are no prices displayed for nearly any item. Since for some that may be important, I’ll repeat THERE ARE NO PRICES DISPLAYED in this store. Instead sales are conducted like a garage sale—where a price is given for the lot, which you’ve selected, and may be haggled over. However, rest assured haggling is entirely optional and rarely necessary because for the most part the quoted price is below that which I had been prepared to bargain for. Pro-Tip: My strategy is to add a couple of items that you kinda/sorta want and use them as a sacrifice to get the price you want to pay (although here I often end up taking my sacrificial items home too!)

In the spirit of “full disclosure”, I admit that I did not kindly review other establishments specifically due to their lack of displayed pricing on their fixed inventory of items while shopping. The key difference is that All Things and More does not have a fixed inventory, having instead a plethora of unique items that were once commonplace in someone’s home. To be perfectly honest, it would not be possible, nor practical, to put a price-tag on every item because of the staffing situation. The owner/manager, Zach, generally has three or four people he calls on for assistance but they don’t seem to be employees, maybe volunteers or family members?

Regardless, Zach is the driving force behind this haberdashery for homeless household items that you can no longer live...

"Aladdin's Cave" is a term used for shops where you never know what you will find and the amazing array of things for sale are countless. The adventure lies within the rows and aisles of treasures and stuff piled high and scattered in no particular order. The owner is your host and his sense of humor and cynicism is worth the visit, it's like visiting your quirky friend who lets you roam through their things. On top of that, he offered us donuts, and I assume the treats are different depending on the day you visit.The prices are reasonable and if you think they aren't, the barter is as engaging as the search. His staff are very nice and helpful although they are usually not able to give you a definitive price, but not to worry because the prices are generally very good. It's an eye popping place to visit and you never know what you will find or...

Zack (the owner) is truly one of a kind! His store is like no other if your ready for a dig his store is the place, piles of clothes that doesn’t stop, smalls and other Knick knacks ready to be found, the owner Zack takes care of his community, I seen Zack give back to the homeless plenty of times, giving them his hard earned money from his own wallet, trying to help them in whatever way he can. If a homeless person needs clothes I seen him give them clothes for free right off his racks, he really cares about the less fortunate, What other thrift store does that!? Zack is very friendly and full of energy, very uplifting man we are blessed to have zack in our lives he does so much for the community, he also does good drives every Saturday! So if you come in please support in whatever...