Baras Foundation

Category:	Thrift Store
Address:	1455 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103, USA
Phone:	+1 619-291-4357
Site:	barasfoundation.org
Rating:	3.8
Working:	9:30AM–8:30PM 9:30AM–8:30PM 9:30AM–8:30PM 9:30AM–8:30PM 9:30AM–8:30PM 9:30AM–8:30PM 9:30AM–8:30PM

Location

Photos 10

Reviews 11

John Kelly

I went to give a donation today. We called before going and were told that they were taking donations until 7 pm. We hurried to load up a truckload of furniture, glassware, cookware, utensils and various other items. Upon arriving at 6:45 pm, we were told they didnt take furniture. Okay... What about the other stuff? She "Angel" told us that they werent taking anymore donations today. I pointed to the sign which said "Donations until 7 pm" and her reply was yet again, "we arent taking anymore donations today". When I told her we had called and were told they were taking donations until 7 pm. She kept repeating herself. I told her it wasnt 7pm yet and I was going to unload the truck. She told me "not to put your trash here" I asked her why she called our donation "trash"? She went back to her standard reply. If they arent going to take donations til 7 pm, then they need to tell the people who call and to change their sign. I spend a lot of money at Baras but this experience has led me to believe that they really need to invest the money from our donations and purchases in custumer service training for their employees and perhaps rethink the way they treat the people they rely on for donations and patronage. Theres plenty of other thrift stores out there that need us!

Devon Walker

Its a thrift store. Sometimes youll find things you like, other times youre not so lucky. I tend to find a lot of things here that i like, like jewelry, knick-knacks and things for DIYing. So Im a fan. Now, The place is a little run down and careless - though they have been improving recently! The things they sell (like glassware, home items, jewelry and electronics) Are usually always behind glass and if theyre not, theyre tucked under thick shelves near the floor and hard to get to or even see. They have to unlock the cases for you, for the more "expensive" items and jewelry, so it can be kind of irksome to ask 5 times to see different sections. Anyways, I can look past any rudeness or lack of service here (which has only gotten better in the 5 years Ive been shopping here) - I have more fun digging around than I can explain, and I love what I find here.

A Private User

I am really sorry to have to post this, but their service for drop off / donation is horrific. As I was dropping off a load of new and near new (less than 2 years) office equipment and supplies (a rather good run for a thrift store) they refused to help unload, quizzed me in depth about the amount of toner in a laser fax I was dropping off (the idea was they wouldnt take it if it wasnt full), and were downright rude. I thought maybe it was just the unloader who was having an off day, but the manager said he wouldnt help either and said I could go somewhere else if I didnt like it. Needless to say, I went to another shop where they assisted in unloading and didnt pick and choose + 20 questions on the nature and quality of what I was donating. Stay away.

Theodore Borromeo

So the operators of the store are a little disgruntled, but there store is a virtual treasure trove of goodies. The books are the BEST prices you will find for the widest variety. Contrary to other reviews, they also organize there books fairly well. The selection of clothes is all right, as well as the housewares. The place it shines are the random electronics that pop up once in a while. I bought a wireless apple magic mouse for $1.50! All it needed was a little TLC. All in all, you cant beat the price, and new donations are constantly coming in. The one bad thing is that the upper level with the books is consistently 15 degrees hotter than the downstairs. Come here often if you "enjoy the hunt!"

A Private User

In the last few years, I have given truck loads of donations to Baras. A while back, I donated a pair of fantastic custom built chairs (one had a small rip in the fabric) and just recently was amazed to see them in an upholsterer friends garage. When I asked how much she paid for them, she laughed. She said she knew the folks down at Baras, and the chairs (along with many other furniture items) were GIVEN to her so that she could repair them and sell them for her own profit. It really shouldnt matter what happens to the gifted items. But it doesnt make sense to give something to charity and then see it wind up given to one of the store owners friends for profit - does it?

Baldwin Macbeth

I used to enjoy going to this thrift store but not anymore. The new workers there I believe that they are sexist or gender bias. Ive seen it on multiple occasions when women are walking around the store carrying backpacks or large shopping bags and not asked to check those in while men are asked to check in there messenger bags backpacks murse bags and laptop bags. Plus they are not gentle with the items asked to be checked in. Theres been some times were things that I have check-in have been damaged I think it would be much better if the items that were checked in were not left on the floor and there would be less chance of being damaged

Jaylyn Rhodes

I love the selection at the Baras Foundation. Every time I go there I never know what I am going to find, but I always end up leaving with at least one, and usually several treasures that I absolutely adore. I am a big DIYer too, so I love the furniture selection they have. A bit of paint or stain can turn almost anything into a beautiful piece for the home. Shopping thrift is ten times more fun than retail, plus its a fraction of the price and good for the environment!

Kerry Boschee

HUGE store with absolutely no organization, or ventilation. Store is so packed and disorganized it is difficult to find anything and when you do find something the prices are out of touch with reality. They have a few fans around to move the air but otherwise is like a sauna. Also, thrift stores that hang clothing by color instead of size HAVE NO BUSINESS EXISTING!!! As cluttered as it is Im surprised the fire department hasnt shut them down.

Christi Keating

I love the Baras Foundation. What a great little hidden gem in Hillcrest. They have a ton of clothes to choose from - all different styles and sizes- talk about looking good for less! They also have a great furniture selection and its all in good shape. On top of that the staff (and other customers) have always been helpful and friendly. Definitely my favorite thrift shop in the SD area.

Daniel Eakin

Theres a lot of stuff in this 2-story thrift shop, but I cant honestly say Ive ever found anything great here, which surprises me considering the size and turnover. I think the primo items just never make it to the floor for whatever reason. On the plus side, they have a free little parking lot next to the building, but its often full.

Blu M Chen

I love this place, I find the coolest stuff here and have been coming here for years. I also like going to the Goodwill down the street, but will only bring my donations to Baras because of them being a non-profit that help kids. All of the staff are super friendly and some of them recognize me from being there so often, haha.