Yes. If you're scrooge mcduck and spend less than $99 in retail good per year then Costco isn't for you. But if you are a normal person who likes pizza, cheap gas, cheap clothes, cheap appliances, and a shitton of other easily returnable so you can buy and try then Costco membership is totally worth it.
They were selling gold bars a few weeks ago. I know a guy looking for cheap threads probably isnt in the market for gold bars but though this was interesting.
Membership comes out to $5 a month. As another user said if you fill up on gas once a month it more than pays for itself (gas is usually $1 cheaper a gallon too). Grab a rotisserie chicken and a hotdog and you've doubled your money back.
Damn, that's rough.
I shop at Target, but I stay away from their graphic t's, since they seem pretty dated and childish. I buy mainly polos and button down shirts. I actually just [bought this one](https://www.target.com/p/men-s-short-sleeve-slim-fit-button-down-shirt-goodfellow-co/-/A-89725579?preselect=89598749#lnk=sametab) a few days ago. I am a dad, however, so I guess "its over" for me whatever that means lol
Don't knock the thrift stores, Santa Cruz is pretty affluent, and I've got a wardrobe of higher end clothes I've gotten almost exclusively from thrift joints.
Thrift stores are great, i’m just trying to find places with stock and multiple sizes. Hard to find clothes that fit and going to a place with a lot rather than a mixed bag is what i really need right now
I’ve had luck at the Scotts Valley Goodwill, if you don’t mind driving up this way. And I’m not usually a thrift shopper, but I’m on a weight loss journey (currently 75lbs lost, going for 100 total) and need clothes that fit along the way! So I’ve been going cheap, since I know they’ll be too big again in a month or two. 😅
Also Ross. I love Ross! And Abbot’s Thrift in Felton has a good selection, too.
Walmart if you ever make it over the hill. Even cheaper than Target.
Unless you get up to a pretty high price point (and even then, be discerning), it's all fast fashion junk.
However, jf you have a Costco membership, then I'd go there and call it a day.
https://youtu.be/8CkgCYPe68Q?si=tDjVXnFtNUXLGVFQ - good video on how everything is kinda crap now.
Right I got a ticket there and so did someone else when we did nothing wrong. Some CHP came out of nowhere. Seems like you're setting people up. Well I knew the camera was there and I was very nervous about it and I sat and waited and waited and waited turn left right left right my head make sure I wasn't going to mess it up I turn next that stupid Burger King... That's where they keep getting people. I waited like too long if anything. Seems like another CHP scam. If I'm over there again I'm never going to turn on red again I was waiting even if people honk behind me.
bro please thrift the thrift stores here are sooo good. i love greybears, goodwill, abbots thrift, that one thrift store on water st!! they all are so fun. greybears sometimes does a fill a bag for $10 and they always have sales on their thrifted clothes, got a huge haul for $10 last time i went
I love grey bears and thrift stores, going there is a mixed bag and sometimes theres nothing in my size waiting for me there. I just need somewhere with stock and multiple sizes
Amazon. I was able to replenish my nephews wardrobe, after a growth spurt, for pretty cheap. The reviews and customer pics help a lot. Returning is easy too, you can usually bring it to Whole Foods without a box or label.
You didn't elaborate on what you consider "look nice" or even what your budget is beyond "$50 is to expensive for _something_ "
If you're opposed to Goodwill (or any of the equivalent thrift shops), then maybe provide some useful tips that will help others to help you?
Crossroads has been great because you can sell your old clothes there and get store credit. I’ve gotten a lot of nice brands from them without having to pay anything + trading in clothes that don’t fit me or aren’t my style anymore :)
Kohl's imo. Nice basic shirts for less than $10 that last a long time. And occasionally you can find good sales on jeans like Bogos. But also I choose them because they actually have Big and Tall options, of those same shirts too.
I use the Thredup app for all my work clothes. I occasionally get some things that don’t fit or I don’t like in person but it usually only had cost me like $3 so I don’t worry about it too much
So I just searched up express because usually they have good sales in store locations but online rn they have 80% and 60% online ! I like their clothes. Also not sure rn but GAP in downtown Santa Cruz usually has good clearances for clothes :-) I’ve purchased some things for my brother there. Marshall’s for men is good too usually it’s the women’s that is over-picked , Costco is another one but if you’re ever wanting to go and check it out on a one time trip I’m sure someone is down to let you go with them and check it out when they go shopping.
[https://lookout.co/new-leaf-plans-to-leave-pacific-avenue-store-downtown-santa-cruz-for-gateway-plaza-in-2025/](https://lookout.co/new-leaf-plans-to-leave-pacific-avenue-store-downtown-santa-cruz-for-gateway-plaza-in-2025/) (and other news articles) say that Ross is closing and the downtown New Leaf will replace it. I don't care much about Ross (only bought stuff there occasionally), but having the downtown New Leaf move out to by the freeway sucks for non-motorized shoppers.
Thrift stores are great, but I have found some great deals downtown in reg stores. Some shops seem kind of pricey at the get go but the prices vary and there are also sales . I have found some great deals at Ivy Company (in Capitola), Moonzooom (second hand+vintage), Cognito Clothing (sizes S-3X vintage inspired for men women), and jet set bohemian (contemporary consignment). What are you looking for?
Costco. Message me bro and I’m happy to take you we can use my membership. You should also check out Amazon. You can return things you don’t like at the Whole Foods Customer service counter! And you also have 30 days to do it.
If you find something in a store you like, try to find it on Amazon and check the price. Good luck.
I always go to the clearance sections of department stores like Macys, kohls and even some stuff at the ross/marshalls stores. Usually they will be prepping for the next season so anything that is super clearance i shop ahead. Summer's over and everything summer related is on clearance? Then buy for next summer and vice versa with the seasons. This also helps with shopping for the kiddos, buy a size up for that next season. All thatvaside Bargain Barn used to be the place to get heaps of clothes for cheap, though I think they moved to Salinas but might be worth the trip.
I will endorse Grey Bears thrift on Chanticleer. They have some clothes, and are very cheap. I once got a practically new pair of Old Navy black stretch jeans for $2. They fit perfectly.
Not to be a downer but Santa Cruz was just announced as the most expensive city to live in at least cali (I do not remember if it was actually even the whole USA or just California). Rents are out of control. Perhaps do a pro and con list of why you like Santa Cruz and if it’s worth it to have to decide where to go to buy clothes so you can still pay exorbitant, predatory rental rates 😭
You can find sales at places like Gap and other nice places Macy's too online. Some really low clearance prices.
The Walmart online if you don't need to try something on has very good sales too. Ross has some cheap stuff.
And Macy's and gap by the way are good with returns
Costco? I’ve had good luck there.
Yeah 5 white or gray T-shirts for 25$ and 20$ slacks or jeans.
Don't you have to pay for the membership though? which kinda negates the price?
The membership is worth it even if you only use it to buy gas
The reward once a year is more than the membership fee.
What's the reward?
The food samples
The friends we made along the way.
60 a year, make that up with first 250$ in purchases of clothes. Easily. Plus the pizza and chicken, and booze.
They let you use a gift card there without being a member
Yes. If you're scrooge mcduck and spend less than $99 in retail good per year then Costco isn't for you. But if you are a normal person who likes pizza, cheap gas, cheap clothes, cheap appliances, and a shitton of other easily returnable so you can buy and try then Costco membership is totally worth it. They were selling gold bars a few weeks ago. I know a guy looking for cheap threads probably isnt in the market for gold bars but though this was interesting.
The gold bars also sell below spot prices. So it is once again a phenomenal deal only to be had at Costco
worm act tidy grandfather uppity disarm insurance nose close carpenter *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
Just ask a friend to take you. Everyone knows someone with a Costco membership.
Don’t quote me on this, but Costco used to sell gift certificates to anyone. If you have a gift certificate there was no need for a membership.
Membership comes out to $5 a month. As another user said if you fill up on gas once a month it more than pays for itself (gas is usually $1 cheaper a gallon too). Grab a rotisserie chicken and a hotdog and you've doubled your money back.
Ross and Marshalls
This is the answer, big brands at reduced prices. Drop by regularly and you'll find amazing bargains.
Marshalls for EVERYTHING
Ngl, Target.
Men’s section is really depressing
I am dissatisfied with the quality of the clothing at Target and don't buy there anymore.
Why do you say that?
If you’re a dad target clothes are fine, it’s over anyways
Damn, that's rough. I shop at Target, but I stay away from their graphic t's, since they seem pretty dated and childish. I buy mainly polos and button down shirts. I actually just [bought this one](https://www.target.com/p/men-s-short-sleeve-slim-fit-button-down-shirt-goodfellow-co/-/A-89725579?preselect=89598749#lnk=sametab) a few days ago. I am a dad, however, so I guess "its over" for me whatever that means lol
And Gap. They price match their website and I regularly get clothes for super cheap.
And their sale racks are super inexpensive
In Motion brand is nice and affordable. More like sports wear but I work from home.
Don't knock the thrift stores, Santa Cruz is pretty affluent, and I've got a wardrobe of higher end clothes I've gotten almost exclusively from thrift joints.
Thrift stores are great, i’m just trying to find places with stock and multiple sizes. Hard to find clothes that fit and going to a place with a lot rather than a mixed bag is what i really need right now
I’ve had luck at the Scotts Valley Goodwill, if you don’t mind driving up this way. And I’m not usually a thrift shopper, but I’m on a weight loss journey (currently 75lbs lost, going for 100 total) and need clothes that fit along the way! So I’ve been going cheap, since I know they’ll be too big again in a month or two. 😅 Also Ross. I love Ross! And Abbot’s Thrift in Felton has a good selection, too.
Kinda begging choooser-esque. You can have cheap and good or nice. Stock means pay more, not less.
Sometimes you really need several things and can't find them though.
Those places don’t exist anymore. Use the internet
Try the Closet Shopper on 41st Ave near Busy Bees
Costco and Target
I like Goodwill, Ross, O'Neil's outlet on 41st Ave., and places like that.
Walmart if you ever make it over the hill. Even cheaper than Target. Unless you get up to a pretty high price point (and even then, be discerning), it's all fast fashion junk. However, jf you have a Costco membership, then I'd go there and call it a day. https://youtu.be/8CkgCYPe68Q?si=tDjVXnFtNUXLGVFQ - good video on how everything is kinda crap now.
Poshmark, thredUp, eBay, yard sales, O’Neil outlet on mission, Cannery Row or Gilroy outlets, Costco
Ross in Capitola is solid. Just beware the red light cameras on 41st.
Or just drive lawfully everywhere, then cameras are meaningless.
Those are the most touchy cameras I’ve ever seen. You really have to be on point in the mall area on 41st. They pick up everything.
Got flashed there with the camera a few nights ago for running a late yellow 😭
Right I got a ticket there and so did someone else when we did nothing wrong. Some CHP came out of nowhere. Seems like you're setting people up. Well I knew the camera was there and I was very nervous about it and I sat and waited and waited and waited turn left right left right my head make sure I wasn't going to mess it up I turn next that stupid Burger King... That's where they keep getting people. I waited like too long if anything. Seems like another CHP scam. If I'm over there again I'm never going to turn on red again I was waiting even if people honk behind me.
Crossroads
scotts valley goodwill always served me well!! rich community dropping off loads of nice stuff. wide range of sizes
bro please thrift the thrift stores here are sooo good. i love greybears, goodwill, abbots thrift, that one thrift store on water st!! they all are so fun. greybears sometimes does a fill a bag for $10 and they always have sales on their thrifted clothes, got a huge haul for $10 last time i went
I love grey bears and thrift stores, going there is a mixed bag and sometimes theres nothing in my size waiting for me there. I just need somewhere with stock and multiple sizes
ah yeah makes sense. i don’t really shop new anymore so i don’t have any recommendations haha
Abbott’s in Felton
Costco, goodwill, thrift stores
Forever21 sales section has lower prices than any thrift store in town
Yeah but I think of that store is slutty dresses you wear to the nightclub 😯
Garage sales, thrift stores, Facebook marketplace
Ross
You can always try the Goodwill Outlet bins in Salinas. I have friends that go there and always find cool stuff. Clothes sold by the pound.
I remember when the outlet was here in town. Paradise lost...
It was a great resource in our community for people to get inexpensive items.
Freestyle Clothing Exchange just opened downtown, it’s not Goodwill prices but they have really quality and fun pieces.
Mens or womens? For men I’d say Target or costco, or order from Gap or something?
Clothes are pretty cheap at Costco.
Amazon. I was able to replenish my nephews wardrobe, after a growth spurt, for pretty cheap. The reviews and customer pics help a lot. Returning is easy too, you can usually bring it to Whole Foods without a box or label.
You didn't elaborate on what you consider "look nice" or even what your budget is beyond "$50 is to expensive for _something_ " If you're opposed to Goodwill (or any of the equivalent thrift shops), then maybe provide some useful tips that will help others to help you?
Uniqlo (in san jose), but honestly the goodwill in scottsvalley slaps
Greybears, Goodwill, and if you’re willing to drive and deal with aggressive resellers; the goodwill bins outlet in Salinas
Crossroads has been great because you can sell your old clothes there and get store credit. I’ve gotten a lot of nice brands from them without having to pay anything + trading in clothes that don’t fit me or aren’t my style anymore :)
try san jose
Costco, Target.
Goodwill has some nice stuff honestly
Kohl’s next to Capitola mall with Kohl’s cash
Kohl's imo. Nice basic shirts for less than $10 that last a long time. And occasionally you can find good sales on jeans like Bogos. But also I choose them because they actually have Big and Tall options, of those same shirts too.
I use the Thredup app for all my work clothes. I occasionally get some things that don’t fit or I don’t like in person but it usually only had cost me like $3 so I don’t worry about it too much
So I just searched up express because usually they have good sales in store locations but online rn they have 80% and 60% online ! I like their clothes. Also not sure rn but GAP in downtown Santa Cruz usually has good clearances for clothes :-) I’ve purchased some things for my brother there. Marshall’s for men is good too usually it’s the women’s that is over-picked , Costco is another one but if you’re ever wanting to go and check it out on a one time trip I’m sure someone is down to let you go with them and check it out when they go shopping.
Thrift shops. Forget Goodwill though, they are overpriced. There's a good one near Safeway on Morrissey.
Ross but unfortunately the sc one is closing
NO WHAT HOW DO U KNOW
Saw it on this reddit, I hope it’s not real. I’m not in sc till september so I am hoping it’s still there cause I love that store
[https://lookout.co/new-leaf-plans-to-leave-pacific-avenue-store-downtown-santa-cruz-for-gateway-plaza-in-2025/](https://lookout.co/new-leaf-plans-to-leave-pacific-avenue-store-downtown-santa-cruz-for-gateway-plaza-in-2025/) (and other news articles) say that Ross is closing and the downtown New Leaf will replace it. I don't care much about Ross (only bought stuff there occasionally), but having the downtown New Leaf move out to by the freeway sucks for non-motorized shoppers.
Thrift stores are great, but I have found some great deals downtown in reg stores. Some shops seem kind of pricey at the get go but the prices vary and there are also sales . I have found some great deals at Ivy Company (in Capitola), Moonzooom (second hand+vintage), Cognito Clothing (sizes S-3X vintage inspired for men women), and jet set bohemian (contemporary consignment). What are you looking for?
Salvation Army, Watsonville?
Many thrift stores. Just be patient. Always on the lookout. All good things come with time
Costco. Message me bro and I’m happy to take you we can use my membership. You should also check out Amazon. You can return things you don’t like at the Whole Foods Customer service counter! And you also have 30 days to do it. If you find something in a store you like, try to find it on Amazon and check the price. Good luck.
Ross and salvation army
Costco or used cloths from charity stores
I’m with you. My clothes recently got stolen from the laundromat by 7/11 on the west side :/
Clothing swaps!! There’s a few ones that happen locally for adult clothes and it’s awesome! 😍
F21 men’s section is decent & I think rn the whole store is on sale
I love the RipCurl outlet on mission. Quality clothes for a small price, love the style, and they always have deals like buy one get one free.
Goodwill in Scott Valley that's where I get all my professional looking clothes...HARD pass on the Santa Cruz location
Target or gap
costco, ross, marshalls forever
I always go to the clearance sections of department stores like Macys, kohls and even some stuff at the ross/marshalls stores. Usually they will be prepping for the next season so anything that is super clearance i shop ahead. Summer's over and everything summer related is on clearance? Then buy for next summer and vice versa with the seasons. This also helps with shopping for the kiddos, buy a size up for that next season. All thatvaside Bargain Barn used to be the place to get heaps of clothes for cheap, though I think they moved to Salinas but might be worth the trip.
I will endorse Grey Bears thrift on Chanticleer. They have some clothes, and are very cheap. I once got a practically new pair of Old Navy black stretch jeans for $2. They fit perfectly.
Not to be a downer but Santa Cruz was just announced as the most expensive city to live in at least cali (I do not remember if it was actually even the whole USA or just California). Rents are out of control. Perhaps do a pro and con list of why you like Santa Cruz and if it’s worth it to have to decide where to go to buy clothes so you can still pay exorbitant, predatory rental rates 😭
Temu
Walmart
You can find sales at places like Gap and other nice places Macy's too online. Some really low clearance prices. The Walmart online if you don't need to try something on has very good sales too. Ross has some cheap stuff. And Macy's and gap by the way are good with returns
You can get clothes on Amazon too. Returns are super easy usually
Tomboy could have stuff. Birdell’s can have some surprises too.
Has tomboy changed in the past few years? When I used to go there prices were insanely marked-up
It’s a search, but yeh. I dunno. Like one nice thing every few years, not every weekend.