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 stands out as a unique destination for those who enjoy thrift shopping while supporting meaningful community causes. With a rich history dating back to 1934, this resale store offers an inviting environment where shoppers can find a wide range of gently loved items including women’s, men’s, and children’s apparel, shoes, jewelry, and accessories. Beyond clothing, the shop also features home décor and art pieces, making it a treasure trove for diverse tastes. What truly distinguishes The Council Shop is its mission-driven approach—proceeds from sales are reinvested into programs that support economic justice and equity, particularly empowering women and families in the community. Operated by dedicated volunteers and staff, it fosters a warm atmosphere perfect for meeting up with friends, discovering unique finds, and contributing to a greater cause. This combination of social impact, variety of products, and community spirit creates a highly appealing shopping experience for visitors looking for value, sustainability, and social connection.
Here's what people think of The Council Shop
As of recent, The Council Shop holds a 3.9-star rating based on 41 reviews.
Reviews of The Council Shop reflect a mixed but generally positive community sentiment. Many shoppers appreciate the store’s extensive selection of quality resale items and its role in supporting important community initiatives, which adds a rewarding purpose to their purchases. Positive feedback often highlights helpful and friendly staff, decent pricing, and the joy of finding unique, vintage, or designer goods that are both affordable and stylish. The store’s commitment to reinvesting profits to help women and families also resonates strongly with customers who value social entrepreneurship. On the other hand, negative reviews occasionally point to issues such as inconsistent inventory, pricing that some find high for a thrift store, and the variability in store organization. Some customers mention limited locations as a drawback and note that certain items may require more thorough quality checks. Overall, despite these critiques, The Council Shop maintains a solid reputation as a community-centered resale shop where shoppers can enjoy a meaningful and enjoyable thrifting experience while supporting impactful social programs.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Ben Park
Nice selection of clothes and CDs. Pricing could be a bit better though and they may want to separate out the media missing items (e.g. just the case where someone stole the CD or DVD).
Hannah Whiting
Joseph & Samuel are super nice and helpful. Just discovered this store near work and it’s such a lovely place to shop where the vibes from everyone are positive! Definitely coming back to shop here!
Zaidey Fandey
Staff and regulars alike all agree, they pricing person over prices things. Not like it once was where everything had a chance to find a nice home, and everyone had a chance to find something nice.
MilkKefir
I never know exactly what I will find here at this very tidy thrift shop. I come back often, so I don't miss anything!
Saeed Ghadessi
Convenient place to donate goods that still have some use left in them
How to reach The Council Shop
None
Website: None
Why The Council Shop may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at this place with your friends?
Gathering your friends or family at The Council Shop offers a uniquely engaging experience that goes beyond typical meetups. This thrift store is not just a shopping destination but a vibrant community hub where shared discovery and sustainable style collide. Its eclectic and extensive collection of designer clothes, fine jewelry, art, books, and furniture transforms a regular outing into a memorable treasure hunt for you and your group. Whether you’re all vintage fashion enthusiasts, art lovers, or simply enjoy exploring quirky finds, The Council Shop guarantees variety and surprise at every turn. Moreover, the shop’s welcoming atmosphere and staff’s flexibility in pricing create a relaxed, friendly environment, encouraging interaction and camaraderie among visitors. By rallying here, you and your friends can bond over shared interests, swap fashion tips, and even engage in friendly bartering, making it a perfect place to create lasting memories together. Coupled with the knowledge that your spending supports local charitable initiatives, this gathering spot offers a meaningful blend of fun, community impact, and style exploration that few venues can match.
What activities can you enjoy at The Council Shop?
At The Council Shop, the primary activity is exploring its vast and diverse array of thrifted treasures, making it an ideal spot for groups who enjoy hunting for unique and affordable finds. You can spend hours sifting through racks of designer clothing, perusing vintage jewelry collections, or flipping through shelves lined with intriguing books and art pieces. This makes the shopping experience interactive and highly social, as friends can share opinions, suggest items, and celebrate each other’s finds. Beyond shopping, the store’s layout encourages leisurely browsing, with well-organized sections allowing your group to split up according to individual tastes, then regroup to compare discoveries. The thrill of uncovering that perfect vintage dress or rare collectible heightens the excitement of your meetup. Additionally, the store often offers special discounts on certain days, such as senior discounts on Wednesdays, providing further incentive to return regularly with your friends. This makes every visit feel fresh and rewarding, with the potential for new surprises each time you come together.
Why is The Council Shop perfect for group meetups?
The Council Shop’s environment is designed to foster connection and community, making it an excellent venue for group meetups. Its welcoming staff are known for their helpfulness and willingness to negotiate prices reasonably when needed, which ensures a smooth, enjoyable experience even for large groups. This personalized service reduces any stress over pricing, allowing your group to focus on enjoying the shopping adventure and social time. The store’s spacious and well-laid-out interior facilitates easy movement for groups, giving space for everyone to explore comfortably without feeling crowded. Moreover, The Council Shop’s commitment to supporting charitable causes through its proceeds adds a shared purpose to your visit, enriching the group dynamic with a sense of giving back. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, catching up after a long time, or simply enjoying a day out, this spot is flexible to accommodate diverse group needs and interests. It’s a place where conversation flows naturally, discoveries are celebrated, and collective experiences make for great stories to share later.
How does The Council Shop support community involvement during your visit?
Visiting The Council Shop is an opportunity to participate actively in community support and charitable giving. The shop is a project of the National Council of Jewish Women Los Angeles (NCJWLA), and the revenues help fund various local initiatives that empower women, children, and families. This means your meetup doesn’t just result in buying cool items but also directly contributes to meaningful social causes. By hosting your group at this location, you demonstrate collective social responsibility, which adds a positive, compassionate dimension to your gathering. It turns a casual outing into a way to support community programs, enhancing the satisfaction and sense of purpose among your group. This charitable aspect is a conversation starter, often deepening the connection between attendees as you share stories of the causes supported and consider future group activities that could further help your neighborhood. The Council Shop turns socializing into a chance for impactful community involvement.
What makes the shopping experience at The Council Shop unique and engaging?
Unlike typical retail stores, The Council Shop offers a dynamic, treasure hunt style shopping experience that engages groups actively. The thrill lies in browsing through a broad and constantly changing inventory, where every visit promises new surprises. The variety—from vintage designer wear to art and home furnishings—caters to all tastes and sparks lively discussions among friends or family about style, history, and potential uses for the items found. The store’s layout aids this exploration, making it easy to navigate and encouraging shoppers to linger and dig deeper into the collection. The staff’s open and friendly demeanor further sets this shop apart, as they often assist with historical context of items or help in price negotiation, which adds a personal, interactive element to your visit. This approach transforms shopping from a routine task into an entertaining group adventure filled with shared excitement, discovery, and fun challenges of finding the perfect gem before anyone else does.
What practical amenities support hosting a group meetup at The Council Shop?
The Council Shop ensures practical conveniences that support group gatherings and contribute to a seamless visit. Located in accessible areas in Los Angeles and Canoga Park, the shop is easy to reach and offers street parking, facilitating convenience for groups arriving by car. It accepts credit cards, so your group can shop without hassle regardless of payment preferences. The store hours are generous, with openings typically from mid-morning to early evening, allowing your group to plan meetups at times that suit everyone’s schedules, from weekend outings to weekday excursions. Additionally, the store's organized layout minimizes overcrowding, which makes it easier for groups to enjoy their time together without feeling rushed or cramped. For those planning regular meetups, the store’s rotation of items and special discount days provide a recurring point of interest, ensuring each visit offers something fresh and enjoyable for everyone involved.
What should visitors know before visiting The Council Shop for a group event?
While The Council Shop offers a rich and rewarding experience for groups, some practical tips can help maximize your visit. Since the store is popular, it can get busy, especially on weekends or special discount days, so planning your meetup during off-peak hours can provide a more relaxed atmosphere. It's a good idea to agree on basic ground rules within your group for browsing and checkout, as the shop carries many small and varied items that can be stacked or mixed. The staff are approachable and willing to assist, so don’t hesitate to ask for help or information about items and pricing, ensuring smooth transactions. Remember that the store’s inventory varies constantly due to donations, so keep an open mind and enjoy the hunt, rather than expecting specific items. Lastly, since the business supports charitable causes, consider the impact of your purchases and share this aspect with your group to enrich the experience with a sense of shared purpose and goodwill.
How can The Council Shop enhance your social gathering experience beyond shopping?
Beyond being a retail venue, The Council Shop offers a meaningful social context for group gatherings. Shopping there transforms into a collective adventure where stories of unique items spark conversations and laughter. You can plan themed meetups around particular interests, such as vintage fashion days or art exploration afternoons, elevating your social bonding. This shared activity cultivates deeper connections, as group members collaborate to find treasures, compare tastes, and create stylistic or decorative visions using the items. The shop's charity-driven mission also allows your group to celebrate social responsibility together, making your outing more purposeful. Additionally, the frequent arrival of new stock means your group can look forward to returning for fresh experiences, fostering traditions or recurring get-togethers around this community hub. In this way, The Council Shop is not just a store but a catalyst for memorable and meaningful social interactions.
What kind of group is best suited for a meetup at The Council Shop?
The Council Shop caters to a wide range of groups, from close-knit friends and families to hobbyist clubs and socially conscious community groups. Vintage and fashion lovers will appreciate the diverse clothing and jewelry collections, while art enthusiasts will find unique pieces that inspire discussion or creative projects. Families can enjoy a casual day out that blends entertainment with education about sustainable shopping and charitable giving. Social groups focused on community impact will find satisfaction in supporting a cause-driven business while mingling in a friendly, inclusive environment. Because of the store’s layout and welcoming staff, groups of various sizes can be accommodated comfortably. Those who relish collaborative activities, such as cooperative bargain hunting or style swapping, will find The Council Shop particularly rewarding. Ultimately, any group looking for a relaxed, stimulating, and meaningful social outing with a purpose will find this venue ideally suited to their needs.