St Matthews Thrift Shop is a thrift store in Santa Monica, CA, dedicated to serving the community with high-quality, gently used clothing, accessories, books, household goods, and a popular selection of designer items. Operating since 1957, the shop is run by St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in the Pacific Palisades and has been located at 2812 Main St for over six decades. It serves residents across Santa Monica and the surrounding Westside of Los Angeles, offering affordable goods while reinvesting all proceeds into local nonprofit organizations that support vulnerable populations. The shop maintains a 4.10 rating based on customer feedback, reflecting consistent service and community trust.
The Thrift Shop functions as a major outreach initiative of the parish, relying on donations from church members and the broader community to stock its inventory. More than 50 dedicated volunteers help sort, organize, and manage the store daily. The shop’s mission is twofold: to provide accessible, well-maintained goods at reasonable prices and to channel all profits to nonprofit agencies that serve people in need. Recipients include Safe Place for Youth, Venice Family Clinic, the Westside Food Bank, St. Joseph’s Center, and Camp Stevens, among others, each selected for their impactful work in health, housing, food security, and youth development.
Located on Main St, the shop sits just a short walk from Ocean Park Station Santa Monica Post Office and Ocean View Park, about 0.1 miles from both. It is also within a quarter-mile of the California Heritage Museum and Santa Monica Alternative School, situated in the heart of the Ocean Park neighborhood. The area is easily accessible via public parking behind the store, with metered spaces available.
St Matthews Thrift Shop is recognized for its long-standing commitment to social service, its well-organized operations, and its deep integration into the local community. The shop’s consistent presence, transparent donation practices, and strong support network reflect its reputation as a trusted, impactful institution. Its enduring legacy and active role in supporting essential services make it a vital part of Santa Monica’s charitable landscape.