When asking yourself about something to do near me in Austin with a group of friends or family, consider
UT Surplus REuse Store
Why UT Surplus REuse Store is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The UT Surplus REuse Store, located at the J.J. Pickle Research Campus in Austin, Texas, offers a unique and sustainable shopping experience perfect for friends looking to meet up and explore interesting finds. Open Thursdays from 3 to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon, this store operates on a sustainable model focused on recovering, repurposing, and reselling university assets to the public. It's an ideal place to uncover a variety of items ranging from furniture, UT Athletics apparel, office supplies, building fixtures, artwork, books, to unique antiques, electronics, and vinyl records. What makes it especially appealing for groups is the store’s dynamic "Dutch auction" pricing structure, where items start at full price and reduce by 25% each month if unsold, sometimes dropping to just a dollar. This creates an exciting shopping atmosphere where visitors can hunt for bargains and unique pieces while supporting sustainability. The store also offers ample parking and is situated in a scenic, spacious campus environment that can serve as a pleasant backdrop for social visits. Additionally, the REuse Store provides opportunities for student employment and research related to zero-waste initiatives, making it a community-focused hub for sustainability enthusiasts and bargain hunters alike.
Here's what people think of UT Surplus REuse Store
As of recent, UT Surplus REuse Store holds a 4.5-star rating based on 48 reviews.
Reviews for the UT Surplus REuse Store generally highlight a positive experience, reflected in its 4.5-star rating from 48 reviews. Many users praised the store for its wide variety of affordable, quality items — from office furniture to vintage UT memorabilia — all sold at accessible prices via their thoughtful decreasing price model. Positive feedback frequently noted the helpfulness of staff, the thrill of discovering unique finds, and the store’s role in promoting sustainability by repurposing university items. Customers also appreciated the store's convenient weekend and evening hours, which accommodate different schedules. On the other hand, some negative reviews mentioned occasional difficulty in navigating the large warehouse space, lack of signage inside, and limited hours that might not fit every shopper’s timetable. Others wished for better organization or more frequent updates on available items. Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall conclusion from reviews indicates the UT Surplus REuse Store is a well-regarded, community-valued destination offering great bargains and a sustainable shopping experience in Austin, especially popular among students and local residents seeking value and variety.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Wayne Wylie
Very Interesting. Very old red brick buildings from another era. Huge Warehouse full of surplus. Bargain prices. Very helpful young staff.
Tanvi Shah
When you enter a sweet girl explains you everything about the store and how it works, and waits for you to ask any questions, and then you can walk around and see the stuff. Everything is pretty economical and useful. For example, there a lot of chairs that are only for $3 and a lot of stationary items. A good place to visit
Lorenzo Concepcion
Teachers, don't buy stuff for your classrooms at full price. Get everything you need at commercial quality here.
Saroj S
Sorry for posting this here instead of a review as UT reuse store admins declined to post this on their social media. I was there in the store this Thursday, 12/07/2023, between 3.15 pm to 3.52 pm. While my black, Toyota Camry was hit by someone and escaped while parked there. I have filed a police complaint and they are assisting with whatever footage got recorded in my front and back dash-cam. However, help is needed with any information that would lead to finding the culprit. I would reward them with half my deductible amount that would have otherwise been spent on the repairs. Email me at... Edit 02/11/2025 - Never got hold of the person. Keeping this review here to show the failure of investigation and justice system. Was hoping some more help, but I guess they don't care. However, thanks to everyone reading and liking this post.
maria denney
We have found a lot of good used stuff there. Doors ,screen doors, tiles and lighting
How to reach UT Surplus REuse Store
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Why UT Surplus REuse Store may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at the UT Surplus REuse Store with your friends? Gathering a group of friends or family for a meetup at this unique venue offers more than just a casual hangout—it's an experience rooted in sustainability, discovery, and value. Located on the J.J. Pickle Research Campus, the store is a treasure trove of repurposed University of Texas assets, encompassing everything from furniture and office supplies to vintage CDs, vinyl records, artwork, and even antique items. This diversity makes the store an exciting place where everyone can find something that piques their interest. The thrill of browsing through eclectic items heightens the joy of company, making it easy to spark conversations and share stories about the finds. Plus, with pricing that drops the longer items stay on the shelves, friends can strategize together about the best bargains to snag. Hosting a meetup here also aligns with environmentally conscious values since the store promotes repurposing and sustainability, giving your social gathering a meaningful purpose beyond mere recreation. It’s a blend of fun, creativity, and responsible consumption that makes UT Surplus REuse Store an ideal rallying spot for groups seeking something out of the ordinary.
What activities can you do at the UT Surplus REuse Store?
UT Surplus REuse Store offers a variety of engaging activities that make it perfect for groups. The core activity is treasure hunting—scouring through shelves filled with assorted items collected from the university’s surplus, offering a fun challenge to track down unique or useful merchandise. This process encourages teamwork, negotiation, and shared excitement as members of the group help each other evaluate and compare potential purchases. The store’s special pricing structure, where prices decrease by 25% each month an item remains unsold, adds a clever strategic element, as groups can plan visits over several weeks to find better deals collaboratively. Additionally, since the store is open Thursday afternoons and Saturday mornings, it provides flexible scheduling options to accommodate different group availabilities. Beyond shopping, the store occasionally serves as a spot to explore the University of Texas's history through old UT Athletics apparel, artwork, and building fixtures, sparking nostalgia or curiosity. For those interested in sustainability, the venue doubles as an educational experience about resource recovery and zero waste, adding deeper value to a simple outing.
Why is the UT Surplus REuse Store perfect for a group meetup?
The UT Surplus REuse Store’s layout, environment, and mission make it an excellent venue for gatherings. Located on the spacious J.J. Pickle Research Campus, it has ample parking and room for groups to arrive together without hassle. The atmosphere is relaxed and informal, which promotes easy interactions and comfortable browsing. Since the store operates with a sustainable ethos—rescuing and renewing university assets—it naturally attracts environmentally conscious patrons who appreciate the purpose behind their social outing. This shared value among visitors fosters camaraderie and conversation, enhancing group dynamics. The wide range of items caters to diverse interests within a group, ensuring that everyone finds something memorable, whether that's a vintage book, an antique piece, or even practical office supplies. Moreover, the store supports student employment and research opportunities, which can inspire group discussions on social responsibility and community engagement. Together, these factors create a setting where group members can connect meaningfully over shared interests and values, enjoying both the hunt and the company.
How can the pricing structure at the UT Surplus REuse Store enhance your group experience?
The store’s innovative pricing system adds a fun, game-like dimension to group visits. Initially, all items are sold at full price for the first month, with prices reducing by 25% for each additional month the items remain available. For groups, this means you can strategize to get the best value by scouting items on one visit and returning later, making your trip a planned adventure rather than a quick stop. It also encourages groups to discuss which items have the best potential for future purchases, turning any meetup into a collaborative bargain-hunting mission filled with anticipation. The price drops benefit larger groups by allowing budget-conscious members to save while others can choose full-price items that they're passionate about acquiring immediately. This tiered pricing also supports sustainability by promoting longer item retention and reuse, which your group can be proud to support. Overall, the pricing structure creates an interactive and rewarding shopping experience that can strengthen bonds through shared goals and cooperative planning.
What unique items make a group visit to UT Surplus REuse Store exciting?
The variety of items available at UT Surplus REuse Store is one of its biggest attractions for groups. Furniture pieces recovered from university buildings offer the thrill of discovering something both practical and historical. UT Athletics apparel and equipment let sports fans in your group connect with Texas Longhorn spirit in a tangible way. Office supplies and electronics provide practical finds for students or professionals on a budget, turning the visit into a useful outing for some and a novelty for others. Antique items and artwork add an element of surprise and cultural value, sparking discussions about design, history, and art appreciation within the group. Moreover, the inclusion of books, CDs, and vinyl records caters to music lovers and readers, making the store a mini cultural hub. Exploring these diverse categories invites group members to share personal stories or memories linked to the items, enriching the social experience with nostalgia and discovery.
How accessible and convenient is UT Surplus REuse Store for group meetups?
Accessibility and convenience are vital when planning a group meetup, and the UT Surplus REuse Store excels in these areas. Situated at a well-known research campus in Austin, it benefits from clear directions and ample parking facilities, simplifying group arrivals and departures. The parking areas are designated and plentiful around the warehouse, minimizing any frustration commonly associated with group-parking logistics. The store’s hours—Thursday afternoons from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday mornings from 8 a.m. to noon—offer flexible options that can fit diverse schedules, whether looking for an after-school outing or a weekend excursion. While located off the main campus, the spot is easy to reach by car or public transit, which helps groups with varying transportation preferences. The open, warehouse-style layout allows multiple people to browse comfortably without feeling cramped, fostering a smooth group flow. These practical considerations remove common obstacles for group outings, making it easy and enjoyable to meet up multiple times.
What role does sustainability play in the appeal of UT Surplus REuse Store for groups?
Environmental stewardship is foundational to the UT Surplus REuse Store’s ethos, and it greatly enhances the store’s appeal for groups who value sustainability. The store operates by recovering, repurposing, and renewing materials and assets from the university, preventing large amounts of usable goods from becoming waste. For groups, this adds a meaningful dimension to their meetup, allowing them to support a circular economy through their purchases. Participating in sustainable shopping together can strengthen group values and create shared pride in making positive environmental choices. Additionally, the store offers insights into zero waste and resource recovery concepts, which can stimulate informative group discussions and inspire further eco-conscious behaviors. The knowledge that your gathering supports university conservation goals solidifies the UT Surplus REuse Store not only as a fun destination but also as a socially responsible one. This alignment with sustainability provides a purposeful backdrop to socializing, boosting the overall quality of the meetup.
How can the UT Surplus REuse Store inspire creativity and resourcefulness in your group?
Visiting the UT Surplus REuse Store encourages creativity and resourcefulness, valuable traits that can shine when experienced in a group setting. The eclectic mix of items requires visitors to imagine new uses for objects that might otherwise be discarded, turning shopping into a chance to innovate. Groups can brainstorm together how to upcycle old furniture or repurpose artifacts creatively, leading to collaborative projects or DIY adventures post-visit. Such activities can extend your meetup beyond the store, fostering teamwork and practical creativity. The wide range of merchandise also offers inspiration for artists, decorators, and collectors within the group, who may discover unexpected materials or ideas for their passions. By nurturing these creative impulses, the UT Surplus REuse Store provides more than just items—it gives groups a platform to collaborate, envision, and bring new life to old items, making every visit a constructive experience.
What educational opportunities does the UT Surplus REuse Store provide during group visits?
Beyond shopping and socializing, the UT Surplus REuse Store offers educational value that groups can explore together. The store supports student employment and research related to resource recovery and sustainability, highlighting real-life applications of environmental science and economics. Group visits can spark discussions about the life cycle of goods, waste reduction, and sustainable consumption. For students or curious visitors, learning about how university assets are managed and repurposed can deepen understanding of institutional sustainability efforts. The store’s model can act as a case study in circular economy principles, offering tangible examples to reinforce abstract concepts. By visiting as a group, you can collectively engage with these ideas, encouraging shared learning and reflection. This educational aspect enriches the meetup experience by combining practical shopping with intellectual growth.
How can your group extend the fun after visiting UT Surplus REuse Store?
A trip to the UT Surplus REuse Store doesn’t have to end when you leave the warehouse. The discoveries made on your visit can fuel creative projects and social activities that prolong the fun. Groups might decide to refurbish or repurpose newly acquired items together, hosting DIY workshops or craft nights inspired by the store’s eclectic offerings. Friends with shared interests can organize themed gatherings around their finds, such as vintage record listening parties or furniture restoration sessions. Moreover, reflecting on the sustainability mission during your meetup could inspire setting up ongoing green initiatives among your social circle, integrating fun with purpose. Sharing photos or stories from your visit on social media can also extend the connection and encourage others to experience the store. These post-visit opportunities highlight the UT Surplus REuse Store as more than a one-time destination—it’s a catalyst for ongoing group bonding and creativity.
What practical tips should groups consider to make the most of their visit to UT Surplus REuse Store?
To maximize your group’s experience at the UT Surplus REuse Store, planning ahead is key. Since the store is open only limited hours—Thursday afternoons and Saturday mornings—it’s best to coordinate with your group early to ensure everyone’s availability. Considering the store’s location on the J.J. Pickle Research Campus, arranging carpooling or mapping out parking spots in advance can streamline arrivals. Bringing a list of items your group is interested in can focus browsing and help avoid decision fatigue. It’s also smart to set a collective budget or spending plan, given the appeal of varied and affordable merchandise. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for warehouse browsing, as you’ll likely be walking and standing while exploring. Finally, engaging group members in discussing sustainability goals beforehand can add purpose and excitement to your outing. These practical tips help turn your UT Surplus REuse Store meetup into a smooth, enjoyable, and meaningful gathering.