Rescued Treasures-Community — Local services in Walnut Creek

I usually wouldn’t write a negative review about a thrift store — especially one that claims to support a good cause — but this was absolutely ridiculous.

I’ve shopped at Rescue Treasures for years and have spent thousands of dollars there over time. But during a recent visit, I had one of the most disrespectful and bizarre experiences I’ve ever had in retail.

I was looking at two inexpensive electronics — a no-name security camera and a wireless backup cam, totaling maybe $28 with discounts — and simply holding them while researching whether they were worth buying. A staff member came over and made what I now realize was fake small talk, then abruptly asked what I “intended to do” with the items. Before I could even finish explaining that I was still deciding, she physically pulled them out of my arms and insisted on keeping them behind the counter.

I told her clearly I wasn’t done with them — I was still looking them up — but she dismissed that and said, “People steal these from this section all the time.” Excuse me? So because of other people’s behavior, I get treated like a potential thief?

Meanwhile, there were other customers walking around with much more expensive items in their hands — none of whom were being followed, interrogated, or manhandled. I made it very clear: I don’t need to steal. If I wanted to walk out with something, it certainly wouldn’t be $20 worth of outdated electronics.

To have my character questioned and my personal space violated like that — over thrift-store junk — was not only offensive, it was humiliating. And to make matters worse, the rest of the staff doubled down and treated me as if I had done something wrong. No apology, no acknowledgment, just cold condescension and a complete lack of accountability.

I walked out disgusted, and frankly, I expected better from a place that claims to serve the community.

That said, I will continue to shop here — but on my terms. I expect to be treated with basic respect and not to be followed, interrogated, or physically grabbed again. Next time, I won’t...

(TLDR: They allow some incredibly rude people to work/volunteer here.) After donating and shopping at this location consistently for years I am still in shock with the treatment I received today. The woman accepting donations publicly humiliated me. Let me be very clear: I in no way planned to donate items that broke store policy. I did not maliciously choose items of low quality. I was doing my best. I was trying to do something good. I was under the impression that the items I was providing followed the policy. Yet she took it upon herself to chastise me in the middle of the store, while holding up an item I had brought in. She spoke down to me in an incredibly cruel tone of voice, and took it upon herself to publicly embarrass me. I left immediately and proceeded to cry in my car in the parking lot. This woman should not be treating people, who are only trying their best to support to a local charity, so incredibly rudely. I am left horrified by my experience, and would caution anyone donating/shopping here. I can't imagine I'll feel safe here again...

I have been donating here for close to 15 years, including when they were located in Pleasant hill. Love that it goes to spay, neuter and take care of the Community's feral cats.

Large, well organized space. Good quality items, many good brands on the racks. No "thrift store" smell like other places. Glassware and kitchenware are especially good as many people donate here when they are moving or downsizing.

Free parking and shares a parking lot with a Dunkin Doughnuts and Jersey Mike's so plenty of food options before or after shopping.

I have never had a problem with their customer service but i have noted there have been some changes in staff recently (November 2024) so definitely worth a stop if you...