When asking yourself about something to do near me in Atlanta with a group of friends or family, consider
Cathedral Thrift House
Why Cathedral Thrift House is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Cathedral Thrift House, located at 1893 Piedmont Road NE in Atlanta, has been a beloved community institution since its founding in 1947. It started humbly in the basement of the Cathedral of St. Philip and has since expanded into a spacious 6,600 square foot warehouse. The Thrift House offers a remarkable shopping experience with a wide range of quality goods including vintage and luxury items like Baccarat crystal, collectible tea sets, designer clothing such as Brooks Brothers and Prada, fine jewelry, furniture, artwork, and home décor—all priced affordably. The store is not only a place to find unique and upscale items at thrift store prices but also serves as a welcoming, well-organized space where shoppers enjoy Christian hospitality and the camaraderie of community. Beyond offering great merchandise, the Thrift House contributes all profits back to local charities, emphasizing a mission of service and generosity. Staff and knowledgeable volunteers even assist customers with styling tips and pricing insight, often aided by local antique dealers. The Thrift House is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with donations accepted during designated hours, making it a great destination for thrifty shoppers and donors alike.
Here's what people think of Cathedral Thrift House
As of recent, Cathedral Thrift House holds a 3.3-star rating based on 59 reviews.
Customer reviews of Cathedral Thrift House paint a picture of a generally positive and unique shopping destination, with a rating around 3.3 based on 59 reviews. Many patrons appreciate the store's organized, clean, and well-decorated environment, describing it as a charming and enjoyable place to shop. Positive reviews often highlight the variety and quality of merchandise available, including clothing, books, glassware, antiques, and luxury items at affordable prices. Shoppers frequently mention the friendly and helpful staff who foster a welcoming atmosphere that enhances the overall experience. Some also commend the store for its role in community support and charitable efforts, adding a meaningful dimension to their visits. On the other hand, negative reviews mainly focus on operational issues, such as inconsistent hours leading to unexpected closures, which can inconvenience visitors. A few customers have also pointed out pricing concerns and occasional difficulties with customer service. Despite these criticisms, the consensus is that the Cathedral Thrift House remains a notable Atlanta thrift destination with unique finds and a mission-driven approach. Overall, the reviews suggest it is worth a visit for those seeking distinctive items and a sense of community spirit.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Ron Mayfield
A very unpleasant experience when donating very nice items.Nellie was extremely rude and ungrateful. I observed her berate another volunteer for taking a cardboard box. She had a very nasty attitude when I asked her for a receipt.There wasn't a "Thanks for your donation". I liked donating here, but will never bring items to the Catholic Charity again.
Nadirah
The staff were rude to us. One volunteer followed me and my mom around the store. Very unpleasant experience. We will not be returning.
Ansleigh E
Staff was friendly and selection was fine - However the staff should be aware of basic laws. As a diabetic I have a service animal and although many workers stopped to comment on how well-behaved my dog is (maybe unaware that he’s a service dog?), a man at the checkout told me that they don’t allow dogs. I responded, “He’s a service animal.” And he said “Well we don’t allow dogs, I'm going to have to ask you to leave.” Rather than argue, I left politely, but it seems the staff is unaware of service animal laws. Please update staff: In Georgia, individuals with service dogs can bring their animals to any public accommodation.
paushali bhattacharya
Me and my partner often visit this store, and we love it there. It's a fantastic spot with an old-world charm. If you know what you're looking for— I have found many a collectors' pieces at ridiculously low prices. The staff is helpful and kind, and are genuinely informed and invested in the products and customers.
A Perez
I wanted to check out this thrift store and first tried to donate some clothes and children's toys at 1:45 today, and the woman in the back donation area very rudely told me they stopped taking donations at 1:30 and they don't accept any toys. I do not plan to go back since she was so rude about it.
How to reach Cathedral Thrift House
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Website: None
Why Cathedral Thrift House may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Cathedral Thrift House with your friends?
Gathering with friends at Cathedral Thrift House offers a unique and rewarding experience beyond typical meetups. This thrift store, located at 1893 Piedmont Road NE in Atlanta, is not just a place to shop; it's a vibrant community hub where friends can explore a treasure trove of carefully curated secondhand items in a charming, clean environment. With items ranging from clothing and accessories to home décor, art, and books, the store invites you and your friends to share a collective adventure of discovery. The thrill of finding hidden gems—whether vintage clothes, rare books, or stylish home accessories—turns shopping into a fun, shared experience. Moreover, Cathedral Thrift House's commitment to supporting local charities infuses your visit with purpose, allowing groups to bond over doing good. The relaxed atmosphere and well-organized displays encourage leisurely browsing and conversations, making it an ideal spot to spend quality time together. Whether you're vintage enthusiasts, bargain hunters, or simply looking for a casual, engaging outing, Cathedral Thrift House is a distinctive venue for a meaningful and enjoyable group meetup.
What activities can groups enjoy at Cathedral Thrift House?
Cathedral Thrift House offers a variety of engaging activities for groups, making it more than just a thrift shop. The primary activity is shopping, where you can browse through an eclectic mix of donations including clean, wearable clothing for men and women, shoes, jewelry, hats, scarves, and ties. For those interested in home styling, the store has a sizable collection of home accessories, linens, small furniture pieces, lamps, mirrors, rugs, and artwork, both fine and decorative. Book lovers will appreciate the range of books, CDs, DVDs, and even monthly magazines. Groups can plan a treasure hunt-style activity, challenging each other to find unique or useful items within a budget or time frame, which makes the visit interactive and social. Beyond buying, visitors can donate their own items as part of a community effort to recycle goods for charity, turning a meetup into a purpose-driven event. The shop keeps the environment friendly by promoting reuse, so your visit also supports sustainability. Importantly, the knowledgeable and friendly staff are available to assist, making group visits smooth and enjoyable.
Why is Cathedral Thrift House perfect for a group meetup?
Cathedral Thrift House’s layout and offerings make it ideal for group meetups. The store is clean and well-organized, allowing multiple friends to explore different sections simultaneously without congestion or hassle. Its operating hours—Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.—provide ample opportunities for flexible scheduling to fit group plans. The welcoming atmosphere encourages relaxed browsing rather than rushed shopping, perfect for groups who want to catch up while exploring. Additionally, the store’s affiliation with The Cathedral of St. Philip and its focus on charitable work adds a meaningful community dimension to the meetup, inspiring conversations about social good. For friends who enjoy unique and affordable finds, the thrift house's selection represents a fun way to discover treasures that can become shared stories or gifts between friends. Also, its location on Piedmont Road is easy to access for most Atlanta residents, and the availability of parking helps groups arrive without stress. These elements together foster a comfortable and engaging environment for a memorable outing.
What attracts repeat visitors and enhances group experiences?
Many patrons appreciate Cathedral Thrift House for its consistent quality and variety, elements that enhance group experiences and encourage repeat visits. Reviews describe the store as impeccably decorated and spotless, which is rare for thrift shops and adds a touch of elegance to the browsing experience. The careful pricing of items enables groups to shop without overspending, which supports longer visits and the possibility of multiple purchases. The monthly rotation and influx of donations mean that every visit can reveal new treasures, making it exciting for regular shoppers to bring friends as well. Seasonal donations also enable groups to find items special for holidays or events, helping them prepare group gatherings or charitable donations together. The friendly staff contribute to the welcoming vibe, offering assistance and making each visit a personalized experience. Over time, friend groups can develop a tradition of thrifting here, blending social bonding with sustainable shopping and charitable support.
How does donating at Cathedral Thrift House add value to your group outing?
Donating items at Cathedral Thrift House offers an enriching addition to a group outing, making your meetup not only fun but impactful. The thrift house accepts a wide range of clean, wearable clothing for adults, accessories, small furniture pieces, art, books, kitchen items, and garden tools. Groups can coordinate a donation drive by encouraging each member to bring items they no longer need, turning a simple meetup into a charitable event. This collective effort helps support local community charities that benefit from the profits of the thrift store, creating a sense of shared accomplishment and purpose. Donations are tax-deductible, and the staff assist with unloading, facilitating a smooth and stress-free process for the group. By combining shopping and donating, your friends contribute to a circular economy that reduces waste and promotes reuse. This dual approach gives your meetup an added dimension, strengthening bonds through shared values while creating lasting positive impacts for those in need.
What should visitors know about the Cathedral Thrift House’s reviews and reputation?
The Cathedral Thrift House holds a moderate rating of around 3.3 from nearly sixty reviews, reflecting a range of customer experiences that potential visitors may consider. Many patrons praise the shop for its cleanliness, organization, and quality of merchandise, often highlighting pleasant staff interactions and reasonable pricing. Positive reviews mention that the store is impeccably decorated and has a good selection of clothes, books, and glassware, making it a highly recommendable spot for thrift lovers. However, some reviews note occasional early closing times or shorter-than-advertised hours, which visitors should plan for carefully. This feedback underscores the importance of checking current hours before visiting. Overall, while some experiences vary, the store’s strong community focus, variety of goods, welcoming ambience, and affordability contribute significantly to its identity as a good place for group shopping excursions, especially for those interested in thrifting and giving back.
How accessible and convenient is Cathedral Thrift House for hosting group meetups?
Cathedral Thrift House is located in Atlanta at 1893 Piedmont Road NE, a central and accessible location suitable for groups coming from different parts of the city. The shop's proximity to major streets makes it easy to reach by car or public transit, and parking options are reasonable for groups arriving together. Operating hours from Tuesday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., allow for mid-day and afternoon meetups, which can fit around other group activities or meals. However, since the store is closed on Sundays and Mondays, planning ahead is essential for groups. The physical layout inside the thrift house supports comfortable group browsing, minimizing crowding and allowing friends to spread out exploring without losing track of one another. These practical considerations make Cathedral Thrift House a convenient and straightforward place to hold a group meetup that combines socializing with shopping and charitable giving.
What kind of atmosphere and community connection can groups expect at Cathedral Thrift House?
Visitors to Cathedral Thrift House experience a warm and inviting atmosphere that distinguishes it from typical thrift shops. The store operates as a nonprofit venture affiliated with The Cathedral of St. Philip, which fosters a strong community connection rooted in charity and support for local causes. This relationship creates a sense of purpose and belonging among patrons and donors alike. The welcoming staff are not only helpful but also enthusiastic about the store’s mission, enhancing the communal feel. Many shoppers return not just for the merchandise but because they feel part of a meaningful cause, making the outing resonate beyond shopping. For groups, this translates into a relaxed, friendly space where people can share positive conversation about sustainability, community support, and personal style finds. The atmosphere encourages a slower pace, where friends can engage deeply with each other and the environment, making meetups enriching and memorable.