National Thrift Store Day: ReStore OC Is Orange County’s Hidden Gem
One day dedicated to secondhand shopping, and a reminder of what’s been sitting here in Orange County all along.
National Thrift Store Day lands every August 17, a cause holiday built around supporting the charity-run resale shops that keep good, gently used goods in circulation instead of the landfill. Orange County has no shortage of options, but ReStore OC stands apart: it’s the only thrift shop in the county where every dollar spent on furniture, fixtures, and home goods goes directly toward building affordable homes for local families. It’s a resale store and a mission at the same time — and prices that save up to 90% off MSRP, far below regular sale or discount prices, make it easy to shop both.
What the Day Is About
National Thrift Store Day traces back to the charity shop model that Goodwill and the Salvation Army built in the early 1900s — collecting donated goods and reselling them to fund community programs. It’s less about doorbuster deals and more about recognizing what secondhand shopping does for a community: it keeps usable furniture and fixtures out of landfills and turns everyday purchases into ongoing charitable support.
Why ReStore OC Is Different
Every ReStore OC location is run by Habitat for Humanity of Orange County, and every sale supports the same mission: building and repairing affordable homes for local families. It’s furniture, lighting, and building materials with a purpose baked in — something most thrift stores in Orange County can’t say.
The Case for “Hidden Gem”
Ask around Orange County and most people know ReStore OC exists. Fewer know what’s actually inside on any given week: designer outdoor furniture, name-brand recliners, brand-new bathroom fixtures, and one-of-a-kind decor, all priced at a fraction of retail. That inventory turns over constantly, since it comes from donations, retailer overstock, and floor models — which means the best find in the store today might be gone by the weekend.
A Recliner Worth Talking About
Case in point: the Herman Miller Nemschoff Ava Recliner currently on the floor at $1,999.99, marked down from an $8,000.00 MSRP. That’s the kind of find that turns a casual thrift-store browser into a regular — and exactly why National Thrift Store Day is worth celebrating at a store like this one.
Outdoor Finds Worth a Second Look
Harbour Outdoor furnishes hotels and designer patios, and a handful of those exact pieces have landed on our floor at a fraction of their retail tags — teak coffee tables, a two-seat sofa, and an ottoman marked down more than 95% off its original price.
Bedroom & Entryway
Beyond the living room, the bedroom and entryway sections turn over just as fast — a storage bed frame, a mid-century nightstand, an armoire, and a hall tree for the front door, all in stock right now.
Home Office Finds
Desks are some of the most consistent donations we see, which means there’s almost always a writing desk or an adjustable-height option on the floor for well under retail.
Dining & Seating
A counter stool or an upholstered dining chair is an easy way to round out a table without committing to a full new set.
Smart Home & Comfort
It’s not just furniture — smart doorbells, hubs, ceiling fans, and even an electric fireplace show up in the mix regularly, usually priced well below what you’d pay new.
Kitchen & Appliances
Small appliances round out the picture — a food dehydrator, a countertop microwave, and a beverage fridge, all the kind of finds that make a quick stop worth the drive.
How to Make the Most of National Thrift Store Day
- Go with an open list, not a fixed one: inventory turns over fast, so bring a general idea of what you need rather than one exact item.
- Check both locations: Santa Ana and Anaheim carry different donations and overstock on any given day, so the same search can turn up different results at each store.
- Ask about new arrivals: pieces like the Robern mirrors and the Sky Sofa move quickly once they’re out on the floor.
- Remember where the money goes: every purchase supports affordable homeownership in Orange County, which is more than most thrift stores can offer.
Celebrate National Thrift Store Day at ReStore OC
Stop by Santa Ana or Anaheim, or browse online and reserve for pickup. Every purchase is priced to save up to 90% off MSRP and helps fund affordable homeownership right here in Orange County.
Shop ReStore OC →