When asking yourself about something to do near me in Los Angeles with a group of friends or family, consider
The Council Shop
Why The Council Shop is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Council Shop, operated by the National Council of Jewish Women Los Angeles (NCJW|LA), is a premier resale and thrift shop known for its expansive collection of gently loved items across multiple categories including women’s, men’s, and children’s clothing, shoes, jewelry, kitchen appliances, home décor, and more. What truly sets The Council Shop apart is its mission-driven model that combines thrifting with social impact: proceeds from each purchase fund vital programs supporting financial resilience and economic justice for women in Los Angeles. With seven locations throughout the city and generous donation centers, The Council Shop invites shoppers to embrace the thrill of finding unique, one-of-a-kind treasures while directly contributing to community empowerment. The store is praised for its friendly, community-focused atmosphere, providing an accessible and stylish alternative for those looking to shop sustainably while supporting a meaningful cause. Furthermore, The Council Shop proudly reallocates 100% of profits to local programs that assist women in need, facilitating direct cash assistance and goods to enhance lives. From its thoughtfully curated inventory to its commitment to inclusive community support, The Council Shop offers a welcoming and impactful setting for friends to meet, explore, and contribute to social good together.
Here's what people think of The Council Shop
As of recent, The Council Shop holds a 3.9-star rating based on 135 reviews.
Customer reviews of The Council Shop illustrate a mix of positive and critical experiences, reflecting its reputation as a valuable community resource with room for improvement. Positive reviews commonly highlight the shop's wide range of high-quality donated items at affordable prices, the opportunity to discover unique clothing and home goods, and the rewarding feeling of supporting a cause that benefits women’s economic advancement. Shoppers also appreciate the shop's organized displays, friendly staff, and the joy of thrifting sustainably while contributing to local services. However, some negative reviews mention issues such as inconsistent inventory availability, limited parking or accessibility challenges, and occasional disorganization or clutter in some locations. A few customers express frustration with pricing perceived as high for resale goods, or limited variety in certain product categories. Despite these critiques, the overall sentiment remains that The Council Shop is a worthwhile place to shop if you value both quality thrift items and supporting meaningful community programs. The positive impact of the store’s proceeds on women’s financial resilience programs reinforces many visitors' loyalty and makes The Council Shop a respected staple in the Los Angeles community.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
CA Shopper
If you're looking for a place that combines great service, fair prices, and a welcoming atmosphere, the Jewish Council Store at Granville and Santa Monica Blvd is the perfect spot. Under the management of Gilbert, the store is a standout. Gilbert is not only attentive and friendly, but he's also open to suggestions and genuinely compassionate and patient, especially when it comes to interacting with the homeless in the area. The store itself is clean and well-organized, offering a variety of items. The staff is always helpful, making shopping a pleasant experience. It’s a fun place to browse and find unique treasures.
Helen Xu
Good size, unique pieces and decent pricing for the most part. The employees should be given credit for handling customers lol
Samantha Gravity
Great selection, ok prices. Brand names and designer, plus your regular ol men's and women's goods. Everything is in good shape, more women's clothes than men or children. Parking in rear. Prices are "not negotiable," but the regulars seem to toy with that rule frequently.
Ana Pastor Pérez
They accept donations without checking if the objects really belong to their real owners, then they do not even register them and they cannot even check if they were bought. My flatmate donate a precious lamp that I had, by mistake yes, not in purpose, and when I came back to check if it was there, in less that 24 hours it was gone. No traces, no way to recover anything. I felt completely stolen by this place and how this charity's are organised. How can I know if the lamp was really sold? How to know if any volunteer has it in their house instead of there? I hope this kind of business are revamped in the sense that they can prevent these events or closed (inventories/ preventive time before putting an object to be sold, like a week) because this is absolutely unfair to people like me. I want my lamp back, or at least any compensation, but all that they told me is that this is how it works. Improve they way your charity works or close it.
Bonnie
Depends on who's at the counter. One lady prices the free stuff they receive way too high. I got some nice stuff for a good price the second time I went there. The first time I didn't get a good deal. Jacket was about $4 or $5 which is good to me!🖒
How to reach The Council Shop
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Website: None
Why The Council Shop may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at The Council Shop with your friends?
Gathering friends for an outing calls for a place that offers both uniqueness and a shared experience, and The Council Shop in Los Angeles fits this perfectly. This store is not your typical shopping spot; rather, it combines the charm of a thrift store with a vibrant atmosphere that encourages exploration and discovery. When you bring your friends here, you’re not just shopping – you’re embarking on a collective treasure hunt through an eclectic mix of items, from vintage clothes to books and art pieces. The Council Shop's location in the bustling Fairfax district adds to its appeal, offering an energetic neighborhood vibe that makes your gathering feel lively and full of possibility. The experience of browsing through carefully curated secondhand goods sparks conversations and nostalgia, turning a simple meetup into a memorable social event. Additionally, supporting this local business offers a satisfying sense of community involvement, adding depth beyond mere shopping. For those looking to blend social time with an adventurous spirit, The Council Shop is a compelling rally point to connect, explore, and enjoy together.
What activities can groups enjoy at The Council Shop?
At The Council Shop, group activities revolve around the joy of discovery and the thrill of finding unique, often one-of-a-kind items. Friends can spend hours browsing through the extensive assortment of fashionable apparel, accessories, and vintage collectibles, making the experience interactive as you discuss potential finds and share fashion tips. Beyond clothes, the store features sections with books, vinyl records, paintings, and home decor, transforming a simple shopping trip into a diverse cultural outing. This variety ensures that every person in the group, regardless of their interests, can find something intriguing. The store's somewhat compact yet vibrant layout encourages close-knit interactions, fostering team-like atmospheres where friends can help each other hunt for hidden treasures. For those who enjoy supporting causes, shopping here means contributing to local charitable efforts, creating a shared sense of purpose among your group. Combined, these activities make The Council Shop more than a store — it’s a space for social engagement and collective enjoyment.
Why is The Council Shop perfect for group meetups?
The Council Shop’s environment is ideally suited for group meetups because it cultivates a relaxed and welcoming ambiance that invites socialization. Unlike larger, impersonal retail stores, its thrift shop nature encourages slower, more mindful interactions as you and your friends explore together at your own pace. The diversity of available items allows for multiple conversation starters, ensuring the meetup never feels dull. The location on Fairfax Avenue places the store within a trendy and walkable neighborhood, so groups can extend their outing beyond just shopping, enjoying nearby cafes and eateries afterward. The moderate pricing structure, while sometimes noted as slightly higher than typical thrift prices, reflects the quality and variety of offerings, making it appropriate for group members with varying budgets. Convenience factors such as street parking and credit card acceptance further ease logistics for meetups. For anyone aiming to enjoy a social experience combined with a little nostalgic fun and charity support, The Council Shop offers an excellent meeting ground that balances activity, comfort, and purpose.
What types of items can groups explore together at The Council Shop?
One of The Council Shop's greatest strengths for group meetups lies in its rich inventory that spans multiple categories. Fashion lovers in your group will appreciate the assortment of secondhand clothing ranging from casual wear to more distinctive vintage pieces, allowing friends to give fashion advice and share styling ideas. Accessory hunters can sift through collections of handbags, jewelry, and hats, turning shopping into a collaborative style session. Music and book enthusiasts will enjoy browsing the shelves stocked with vinyl records and literature, perfect for sparking discussions about favorite genres and authors. Additionally, the store offers art and home decor items, which can inspire creative conversations and decorating tips. Because everything is preloved and unique, each visit can yield different discoveries, making repeat visits an exciting prospect for groups who bond over shared experiences. This diversity ensures that any group, regardless of their collective or individual interests, finds meaningful ways to engage while visiting The Council Shop.
How does shopping at The Council Shop support community and causes?
Shopping at The Council Shop is not just a fun social event; it also supports meaningful community efforts, adding a layer of purpose to group gatherings. The store operates as part of a nonprofit or community-oriented organization, and proceeds from purchases contribute towards charitable initiatives or community programs. This means that every dollar spent aids local causes, making your meetup indirectly impactful beyond entertainment. For groups that enjoy adding a social responsibility angle to their outings, this connection to philanthropy is a strong motivation. It transforms a casual shopping trip into a statement of collective goodwill, potentially inspiring conversations about community needs and volunteerism. Furthermore, because many items are donated, patrons participate in a sustainable shopping culture, reducing waste and promoting environmental consciousness. Thus, meeting at The Council Shop blends pleasure with purpose, creating a feel-good vibe that resonates throughout your gathering.
What should groups expect regarding the store ambiance and customer experience?
The Council Shop offers an ambiance that is both quaint and bustling, characterized by the eclectic mix of goods and the intimate setting typical of thrift stores. While the interior might feel a bit cramped or disorganized due to the sheer volume and variety of items, this lends itself to a treasure hunt atmosphere that many shoppers find exciting. Groups should anticipate a lively environment that fosters interaction, with enough crowd flow to maintain social energy but not so overwhelming as to be chaotic. Customer service is generally friendly, although experiences may vary, so groups are encouraged to explore cooperatively and assist one another during the checkout process. Given its popularity, the shop can get busy, especially on weekends, so visiting in smaller groups or flexible times could enhance comfort. Despite some mixed feedback on pricing, the quality and selection tend to justify the experience for many visitors. Overall, the ambiance encourages curiosity and shared discovery rather than rushed shopping, making it a suitable venue for relaxed group interactions.
What practical tips can groups use for planning their meetup at The Council Shop?
To maximize the fun and ease of organizing a meetup at The Council Shop, groups might consider a few simple tips. Planning a visit on weekdays or off-peak hours can help groups avoid crowds, allowing more comfortable browsing and social interaction. Since street parking is available but limited, carpooling or using ride services might reduce parking hassles. Groups should set a budget for their shopping spree, as prices vary and some items can be higher than typical thrift store costs. Bringing reusable bags will also be useful for carrying purchases sustainably. Lastly, since the store’s layout is somewhat compact, a plan to split into smaller units or designate times to regroup can keep everyone engaged without feeling overwhelmed. By considering these practical points, groups can enhance their time spent at The Council Shop, turning an ordinary shopping trip into a standout shared experience.
What else can groups do nearby after visiting The Council Shop?
The Council Shop’s location on Fairfax Avenue places it in a dynamic neighborhood with plenty to offer after your thrift shopping adventure. Groups can stroll to nearby cafes or eateries for a coffee or meal, extending the social time in a relaxed setting. Fairfax is also known for its trendy boutiques and street art, perfect for casual wandering and photo opportunities. The area periodically hosts local events and pop-up markets that might coincide with your visit, adding cultural value to your meetup. For those interested in entertainment, movie theaters, and music venues are accessible nearby, enabling an easy transition from shopping to other recreational activities. Whether your group wants to continue exploring the creative spirit of Los Angeles or simply unwind together, the neighborhood surrounding The Council Shop complements your meetup with additional options to deepen the shared experience.
In summary, The Council Shop offers an ideal blend of social interaction, diverse activities, and community contribution that make it a standout choice for hosting meetups with friends or family. Its unique atmosphere and varied inventory encourage group engagement and discovery, while the community-oriented nature of the business adds meaningful context to your gathering. Located in a lively and accessible neighborhood, it also serves as a gateway to further enjoyable outings, all while supporting sustainable and charitable causes. For groups looking to combine fun, purpose, and connection, rallying at The Council Shop promises a rewarding experience.