D.A.V. Veterans Thrift Store

i Not Verified

1130 E. Main St. 92020 El Cajon, California

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ i
D.A.V. Veterans Thrift Store in El Cajon, California - Main Image

Contact D.A.V. Veterans Thrift Store

FAQ

Thrift Store D.A.V. Veterans Thrift Store – El Cajon, CA: A Unique Shopping Experience
Located at 16299 El Cajon Blvd, El Cajon, CA 92027, the D.A.V. Veterans Thrift Store offers a distinctive shopping experience with a rich history. As a veteran-supported organization, the store provides a valuable resource for the community.
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Store
* What kind of merchandise do you sell?
The store offers a diverse selection of gently used goods, including clothing, housewares, furniture, and other household items.
* What is the store’s history?
The store’s origins date back to the early 20th century, initially a Japanese-owned business vital to the San Diego fishing industry. It played a key role in the Southern California tuna fishing industry, supporting approximately 700 boats and contributing significantly to the albacore catch. The store’s location is connected to the 1842 Kumeyaay raid on San Diego.
* Who operates the store?
The D.A.V. Veterans Thrift Store is operated in support of veteran organizations.
* Where is the store located?
The store is situated at 16299 El Cajon Blvd, El Cajon, CA 92027.
• What are the store’s operating hours?
The store is open daily from 9: 00 AM to 6:00 PM.
* Is the store accessible?
Please contact the store directly to inquire about accessibility features.
Shopping Information
* How much do things cost?
Pricing varies based on the item’s condition and demand.
* What payment methods do you accept?
We accept cash, checks, and all major credit and debit cards.
* Do you offer donations?
Yes, we gratefully accept donations of gently used items. Please inquire about donation procedures.
* What is your policy on returns?
Please ask store staff for current return policies.
* Do you have a rewards program?
Currently, we do not have a formal rewards program.
Community Involvement
* Does the store support veterans?
Yes, the store operates in support of veteran organizations.
* Does the store participate in community events?
The store actively participates in local community events.
* Is the store involved in the Hillcrest neighborhood?
The store is located within the Hillcrest neighborhood and supports its vibrant community, including its established LGBTQ+ community.

History

The Thrift Store D.A.V. Veterans Thrift Store in El Cajon, California, boasts a remarkably rich and layered history extending back to the early 20th century.

Originally established as a Japanese-owned and operated business, it played a crucial role in the San Diego fishing industry, becoming the largest concentration of foreign-born fishermen in the region.

During this time, approximately half the workforce were fishermen, contributing over 80% of the albacore catch, particularly during the peak of the tuna fishing industry, when around 700 boats were operating in Southern California.

The store’s origins are deeply intertwined with the evolution of the Southern California tuna fishing industry.

The store’s history then saw a shift with the arrival of immigrants from the Portuguese Azores and Italy, further diversifying the workforce.

Remarkably, the location itself holds significant historical weight, linked to the 1842 Kumeyaay raid on San Diego, a pivotal event in the region's past.

Today, the D.A.V. Veterans Thrift Store remains a valued local resource, operating within the vibrant Hillcrest neighborhood, known for its dense population and thriving LGBTQ+ community.

The store continues to support veteran organizations and actively engages in community events.

Last updated:

Comments

Link to this page

More Thrift Stores Near D.A.V. Veterans Thrift Store

Thrift Store Community News & Tips

Grand-opening scene inside a new Savers Value Village store with a red 'NOW OPEN' banner, aisles of color-sorted clothing, and signage reading 'Smart Tag AI Pricing'., thrift-store

Savers Value Village Unveils 30-Store Expansion & Smart Tag AI Pricing

North America’s largest for-profit thrift chain maps 30 new stores and debuts AI-driven price labels—see the rollout schedule, shopper perks, and sustainability stakes.

AI dashboard of Thrift Production Manager displayed on a tablet in a busy donation-sorting room, overlaid with a RetailTech Breakthrough Awards 2025 trophy badge., thrift-store

AI-Powered Thrift Production Manager Wins 2025 RetailTech Breakthrough Award

RCS’s new software slashes processing time and lifts margins for Goodwill & Salvation Army—here’s why every thrift shop should care.

CCAD fashion student adjusts an upcycled couture dress on a mannequin inside a Goodwill store, with racks of donated clothing in the background., thrift-store

Goodwill x CCAD Debuts Zero-Waste Runway Across Columbus Stores

Eighteen design students transformed thrifted textiles into avant-garde garments now on view at four Goodwill Columbus locations—see how zero-waste fashion can revive your closet.

CCAD student showcasing avant-garde outfit made from upcycled Goodwill materials., thrift-store

Goodwill & CCAD Partner to Turn Thrift Finds Into Avant-Garde Fashion

See how Goodwill Columbus students transformed donated items into runway-ready looks on display through May 5.

Exterior of Worn Again Thrift with colorful retro sign on historic brick facade., thrift-store

Worn Again Thrift Re-opens in Historic Bank Building

Beloved Bellingham vintage shop doubles its size after moving into a landmark downtown bank—discover what’s new.

Shoppers browsing clothing racks under green Earth Month banners at a Goodwill store during a 50%-off sustainability event., thrift-store

Goodwill Arizona Celebrates Earth Month with 50%-Off Sale & Sustainability Goals

Everything you need to know about Goodwill AZ’s April 21 half-price blowout, donation challenge, and new AI sorting tech.