Brookside Thrift Shop — Local services in Atascadero

Called on 9/17/13 to purchase sofa I had seen. I had wanted to speak to a manager about payment and possible pick up. After being tossed about for minutes I was told someone was "thinking" about buying sofa. I had already expressed my interest and let "Susan" know on the phone that I was ready with credit card information. She proceeded to put her hand over the phone and have a conversation with another "manager"; am assuming it was "Julie" Most of the conversation consisted of "I don't know what to do" and "the lady on the phone saw it first". I was then told that I should call back at 5pm that evening when a decision would be made and that the sofa would be put on hold until 1pm the following day. I call at 5pm only to find out from another volunteer that the sofa had been sold and that "Susan" was not in. Needless to say I was livid. As far as I am concerned it was a legal verbal contract and North County Thrift Store broke that agreement. As far as not taking credit card info over phone or squabbling over when item should be picked up all that is irrelevant since they had an interested party on the line and choose to blatantly lie to me and sell piece behind my back. I would suggest that whomever owns this shop invest in some customer care training and people with decision making skills. As far as I'm concerned the shop is run by incompetent, lying volunteers. I was choose to spend my money elsewhere. I will no longer darken their doorstep and will discourage others from doing so. Go to any other thrift store. North County is full of them. You deserve to be treated with respect. How hard is it to say; "We are going to go with the indecisive woman in the shop as opposed to you who has already made a decision and is willing to buy". If I could give this review and "Susan" negative stars status I would. Dear "Susan", grow a pair and invest in some people skills...

To be fair, I have purchased some treasures at North County Christian Thrift Shop (NCCTS) but it feels like I sell my soul each time I enter. This place burdens me with its negative vibe.

The oppressive atmosphere that permeates this establishment makes any bargain questionable. I am confident Jesus would not shame a shoplifter by calling her a "thief" and posting her picture TWICE on the front door. (I kid you not. Check out the picture I took of the front door on Friday, October 1st.)

At every turn, there are signs about leaving backpacks at the front, opening bags, missing price tags, and instructions to smile because you are on camera. I asked a clerk about all of the passive-aggressive "Smile, you are on camera" signs littered throughout the store. Her comment referenced a "homeless guy" stealing a shirt.

I have shopped second-hand stores for 40 years. I also owned consignment and resale stores and managed a thrift store for a church. My point being I am not your average Joe thrifter. I know this business. Needless to say, I have never ever encountered such hostile undertones in a store. Sadly, this nonprofit purports to be affiliated with Christianity.

In addition to the negative climate, the staff, including the frazzled manager, seems either overworked, underpaid, or just sick of people. Are we a burden to ring up? Do you assume everyone is lying or changing tags? Consequently, I am always apologetic and weary while I complete my transaction. Not once have I left NCCTS feeling positive, uplifted, or encouraged.

The only thing this store does right on the Jesus front is the contemporary Christian...

Everyone is saying how nice these people are?? I guess i went on a bad day. My husband frequents the store a few times a month. I go with him from time to time. Yesterday a sweater i was interested in was missing all buttons but one, so i figured i would just ask for a discount, since it was the same price as all sweaters, and replace the buttons. When i got to the register and started to mention the buttons the woman litterally swiped it off the counter from my had and threw it in the trash, before i could even finish my sentence. I was a bit taken a-back but still wanted the sweater so continued by telling her “you dont have to throw it away, i was willing to purchase it but not at full price”. She then offered 50% off in a very rude tone, i agreed and just got out of there. Wont be going back. And i doubt my husband will either as he said they have become increasingly rude the more he shops there.

Response to “owners reply”, i appreciate you checking each review. That is a great business practice. However your suggestion is not helpful since the manager was also very rude, in a hurry to leave and cut me short of another item i was going to purchase but did not since she had no time or tact. She was rude to my husband in a seperate part of the store while he was trying to load furniture being purchased bcuz of her rush. Then had no time for me inside the store. I dont know if she knew we were together or not but i may have bought more items if the manager would have had the time and courtesy to speak to me. Like i said it must have been a bad day for everyone there because they all seemed angry...