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 is a distinctive resale store operated by the National Council of Jewish Women, Los Angeles (NCJW|LA), dedicated to both providing shoppers with a variety of quality secondhand goods and supporting community programs for women. With multiple locations throughout Los Angeles, it offers an extensive selection of apparel for women, men, and children, as well as jewelry, shoes, kitchen appliances, and home décor. This makes The Council Shop an ideal place for friends to gather, explore unique finds, and enjoy the thrill of thrifting together. Beyond shopping, customers participate in a meaningful cycle of recycling and reinvestment—the store relies on generous donations of gently used items from the community, and the proceeds fund initiatives that build financial resilience for hundreds of women in Los Angeles each year. The atmosphere fosters a shared purpose that enhances any meet-up, blending social experience with charitable impact. With store hours from 10 AM to 6 PM on Sundays through Thursdays, and extended hours until 7 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, The Council Shop conveniently adapts to different schedules, ensuring a welcoming place to connect, shop, and support critical economic justice projects.
Here's what people think of The Council Shop
As of recent, The Council Shop holds a 3.9-star rating based on 102 reviews.
Based on a range of 102 user reviews and an average rating of 3.9 stars, The Council Shop has garnered a mix of positive and negative feedback. Many shoppers praised the store for its well-curated selection of clothing and household items, highlighting the affordability and quality of goods relative to typical thrift stores. Positive reviews often mention friendly and helpful staff, a clean and organized shopping environment, and the rewarding knowledge that purchases directly support community programs empowering women. Customers appreciate how the store manages to balance variety and value, making it a reliable destination for thrifters. On the other hand, some negative reviews criticized inconsistencies in inventory availability and pricing, with a few shoppers noting that some items were priced higher than expected for a resale shop. Additionally, occasional complaints about limited parking and crowded conditions during peak hours suggest areas for improvement. Despite these critiques, most reviewers conclude that The Council Shop provides an overall satisfying shopping experience with the added benefit of supporting a worthwhile cause, making it a favored spot among those who value both thrift shopping and social impact.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Dillan Garcia
I accidentally bought a women's jacket. Jenni :) understood my situation and gave me the opportunity to exchange the item. She made my day!
Cavalier Intel
Alan and the entire operation was so awesome. So happy I went there. I'll definitely go back
Ron Streitz
We recently moved into a rental house nearby with nothing more than a few suitcases. Starting over. This place has been a real savior for us! We’ve found some great furniture AB’s other household items, and all of the employees are great! They really go above and beyond to help and assist! We didn’t have a car and they connected us with a delivery person, who was also great!! When we did rent an SUV and could move a couple more things, they helped move things into the vehicle. Absolutely great place!
Shannon P.
Prices are unclear. Tag color means something to one employee and something else at the employee at checkout. My experience was awkward. No fitting rooms but there’s a big mirror.
Laurel Clark
It's ok - I've been in more organized thrift stores before. No rhyme or reason to the book area. Clothes are sorted by color it seems which is something. Employees were very nice. They do have sections of clothes with new tags. Prices seem high to me for used goods.
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
Rallying at The Council Shop with your friends offers a unique and rewarding experience unlike typical meetups. It serves as a vibrant community hub where you can blend social interaction with an exciting treasure hunt through a diverse collection of thrift and vintage items. Whether you’re a group that enjoys discovering hidden gems or simply looking to spend time in a relaxed, eclectic environment, this store offers ample opportunities for shared fun. The Council Shop’s carefully curated mix of fashion, furniture, art, and memorabilia invites conversation and connection over collective discovery. Supporting a business with a community-oriented mission adds an enriching layer to your gathering, creating good vibes and purpose along with entertainment. This dynamic makes The Council Shop an excellent rallying spot for friends seeking both adventure and meaningful moments together.
What kinds of activities can you enjoy at The Council Shop?
The Council Shop is much more than just a thrift store—it’s an active space for exploration, shopping, and connection. One key activity is treasure hunting through its extensive variety of second-hand clothes, accessories, home décor, and art pieces. For groups, this shared experience of rummaging through unique items creates conversation starters and moments of surprise. You might find vintage vinyl records, designer handbags, or quirky collectibles that spark memories or inspire new ideas. Beyond browsing, it’s a fantastic place to bond over sustainable shopping practices and give old items a second life.
Another exciting activity at The Council Shop is organizing themed meetups or swap parties, where friends can bring their own items to trade, adding a participatory element to the visit. Group members can share style tips, swap stories behind their finds, and create a playful atmosphere. The store's uneven treasure trove of items offers something for every interest, making group interaction even more enjoyable as you explore different categories together.
Additionally, The Council Shop sometimes hosts or integrates with local events or markets. These provide extra layers of entertainment, including live music or food vendors, making a group outing multi-dimensional with various experiences. The store supports causes through its sales, so every purchase your group makes contributes to community benefits, enhancing the emotional satisfaction of your visit.
Why is The Council Shop an ideal place for a group meetup?
There are several reasons why The Council Shop is perfect for hosting friends or family gatherings. Firstly, its relaxed and informal atmosphere encourages leisurely browsing rather than rushed transactions. This suits groups who want to spend quality time without pressure. The shop’s layout, which includes different sections ranging from clothing racks to arts and crafts, allows everyone to engage with areas that suit their interests, making it ideal for diverse groups.
Moreover, The Council Shop facilitates conversation naturally. Unlike conventional venues such as cafes or restaurants, this space inspires curiosity-driven dialogue as you examine and share unique finds. It creates a collective experience of discovery that strengthens social bonds. Friends can take turns showing off interesting items or negotiating bargains, turning shopping into a fun, interactive game.
Location-wise, it is conveniently situated at 360 N Fairfax Ave in Los Angeles, a bustling area with street parking and good access for groups traveling together. The shop accepts credit cards and has accommodating hours, open Sunday through Thursday from 10 AM to 6 PM and on Fridays and Saturdays until 7 PM, allowing for flexible meetup planning. These practical benefits remove common logistical barriers when gathering with multiple people.
Finally, The Council Shop’s connection to community causes adds a meaningful backdrop to your meetup. Your group’s collective purchases make a positive impact, supporting worthy causes in the Los Angeles area. This philanthropic angle appeals to socially conscious friends who want their leisure time to contribute to good.
What unique experiences set The Council Shop apart from other meetup venues?
Unlike standard restaurants or entertainment centers, The Council Shop offers a blend of retail exploration and community engagement. It’s a place where nostalgia, sustainability, and style collide, creating an atmosphere rich with stories waiting to be uncovered. This makes every visit distinctive since the inventory changes frequently, meaning each group outing can uncover new surprises.
This venue also appeals to varied tastes and ages, accommodating groups with different preferences. Whether some in your circle are into vintage fashion, others enjoy art, and yet others love thoughtful home décor, there’s something that catches every eye. The tactile experience of feeling fabrics or examining artwork fosters a deeper connection with the items and with each other during your visit.
Furthermore, the casual but busy environment cultivates a lively social vibe. Unlike quieter or more formal settings, the ever-changing bustle reinforces a sense of adventure and collective discovery. This feeling of being part of something dynamic can energize the group and make meetups more memorable.
The Council Shop’s vibe is often described as warm and neighborhood-friendly, giving off an inviting charm that attracts both locals and visitors. This community-based ethos means that your meetup is not just about consumption but also about contributing to local culture and support systems.
How can you make the most of your visit to The Council Shop with friends?
To maximize your group’s enjoyment of The Council Shop, consider planning a few activities around your visit. Start by setting a loose goal like finding outfits for a themed party or searching for gifts that capture your friends’ personalities. Turning the shopping experience into a game or challenge adds excitement and encourages teamwork.
Bring reusable bags so everyone can collect their finds sustainably. If your group loves bargain hunting, allocate a budget per person to keep things fair and fun. Take breaks during your visit at nearby cafés or eateries on Fairfax Avenue to discuss treasures and plan the next exploration phase.
If your group is large, consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid overcrowding and allow more comfortable browsing. Take turns exploring different sections so everyone can focus on their favorite items without feeling rushed. Don’t forget to check out new arrivals or limited-time specials.
Lastly, share your finds on social media or create a group album with photos of your favorite items to keep the memories alive and inspire future meetups. Celebrate the shared adventure of sustainable and stylish thrift shopping while supporting a cause.
What should you know before visiting The Council Shop for a group?
Before heading to The Council Shop, be aware that while the store offers a rich variety of items, some visitors find the layout slightly disordered, so patience and a spirit of exploration are important. The store’s size is moderate, and it can become busy quickly, so planning your visit strategically can make a difference.
Pricing has been noted by some as higher than typical thrift stores, which can influence group budgeting if everyone is looking to score deals. However, the quality and uniqueness of the inventory often justify these prices, especially for those interested in vintage or designer finds.
The shop is committed to supporting charitable causes, so your group’s spending has a positive impact. However, always double-check your purchases, as some visitors have reported billing mistakes.
Accessibility is good, with street parking options available, and the store accepts various payment methods, including credit cards, making it convenient for all group members.
In essence, approaching your visit with an open mind and collaborative spirit will ensure that you and your friends or family enjoy an enriching and memorable time at The Council Shop.