This post is part of a series of consignment shops I visited trying to find terrific kid clothing bargains in the East Bay. Today’s resale stores are both in Alameda.
LAUREN’S CLOSET
Next stop, Lauren’s Closet located on bustling Park Street with metered parking and plenty of food and entertainment. This place is HUGE with two store fronts, a separate playroom for kids, an upstairs maternity section and two back store rooms to venture to. One side of the store is used adult clothing with new knick knacks, books and jewelry.
They only buy back clothing but have an abundance of new toys, books, shoes and adult clothes and maternity for trade. Lauren’s Closet had me as a loyal customer during a past visit when I was able to sell enough clothes to almost completely cover the purchase of brand NEW See Kai Run shoes for my daughter. This particular visit I came in with what I had left from the days adventure and was able to sell back about 13 dollars worth of trade. I bought my toddler a much desired hula hoop and two educational colorful placemats.
Lauren’s Closet also carries new dance attire for the ballerinas and jazz hand kids in your lives. I have always had a pleasant experience here. Lauren’s Closet is a nice place to sell and even better place to buy gifts for loved ones.
TOY SAFARI
Whoa. Toy Safari is a TOY BONANZA. Toy Safari is a neighbor of Lauren’s Closet on Park Street; basically you can have all your kid shopping needs met within this one block.
If you have never been to Toy Safari, it’s an experience reminiscent of scenes from Richard Prior’s movie The Toy, overstimulating for both kids and adults. I suggest you go in with a plan: limit the amount of time and bring all the parenting perseverance you can muster. Let’s face it, your child will NEVER want to leave, and will want EVERYTHING in the place.
You can purchase just about all the new or used toys you can think of. There are large used toys pouring outside the doors onto the side walk, you can’t miss it. TS buys back most toys except plush ones. There is a train table for the kiddies to play with in the front window. Toy Safari gift wraps upon request. I have not sold toys here yet but have bought a number of used farm animals and Thomas trains and decent prices. Toy Safari is the ultimate toy shop but it gets a little wild — the name “safari” fits — so keep your young close.
LAUREN’S CLOSET
1420 Park St (between Post Office Ct & Santa Clara Ave)
Alameda, CA 94501
(510) 865-2219 — call to check hours as they have no website (gasp!)
TOY SAFARI
1410 Park St (between Central Ave & Post Office Ct)
Alameda, CA 94501
(510) 522-1723
Web http://toysafaritoys.com/
Hours: Mon-Sat 9 am – 8 pm and Sun 10 am – 6 pm
4 thoughts on “Alameda resale: Lauren’s Closet + Toy Safari”
Curious if Lauren’s closet knew you were writing a review? I wasn’t trying to sell any thing but browsing. The few times I’ve gone in, I’m not acknowledged and the staff are texting or chatting. I’ve had very shoddy costumer service from them and their yelp reviews say the same.
Hi Neo, Thanks!
I did get a very unfriendly response a few years ago. Believe me they are never up in your face asking if you need assistance and I’ve been there a number of times this year with a MUCH better response. They did not know I was writing this until I was completing my purchase. My guess has been their very negative reviews in YELP have encouraged a more friendly and welcoming environment as of late?? Maybe…
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I visited both of these stores for the first time today. Lauren’s Closet was lovely. Toy Safari? I have never seen so many precariously balanced boxes on high shelves in my life. The place looks like the owner can’t decide what toys to buy so they just get them all. I did a short circuit and then sent my husband to look at all the amazing Star Wars collectibles while I stayed at the train table with our son. Just total sensory overload and horrible prices to boot – $24.95 for a gallon bag of used Legos? Chloe’s Closet on Solano sells those for $7.