Out of the Closet Thrift Store

{'metatitle': '', 'metadesc': '', 'user_rating': 0.0, 'state': 'Texas', 'city': 'Austin', 'name': 'Out of the Closet Thrift Store', 'address': '2927 Guadalupe St. 78705', 'latitude': 30.2960912, 'longitude': -97.7419724, 'shop_type': 'thrift-store', 'last_updated': '2025-04-30T00:21:51.541926+00:00', 'final_rating': 0.0, 'holiday_hours': {}, 'operating_hours': {'friday': 'Closed', 'monday': '10:00 AM - 7:00 PM', 'sunday': '10:00 AM - 7:00 PM', 'tuesday': '10:00 AM - 7:00 PM', 'saturday': '10:00 AM - 7:00 PM', 'thursday': '10:00 AM - 7:00 PM', 'wednesday': '10:00 AM - 7:00 PM'}, 'additional_filters': {'Eco': True, 'Hours': True, 'Phone': True, 'Resale': True, 'Article': True, 'History': True, 'Website': True, 'Nonprofit': True}, 'verified': False, 'phone': '512-640-1111', 'email': None, 'website': 'http://outofthecloset.org', 'article': '<p style="margin-bottom:1rem;text-align:justify;"><strong>Out of the Closet Thrift Store</strong> in Austin, Texas, offers a unique shopping experience while supporting a vital cause.</p> <p style="margin-bottom:1rem;text-align:justify;">Opened <strong>in 2024</strong>, this location is part of the nationally recognized <strong>Out of the Closet Thrift Store</strong> chain, operated by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF).</p> <p style="margin-bottom:1rem;text-align:justify;">This Austin store provides a valuable service to the community by generating revenue to fund AHF’s critical medical care for individuals living with HIV/AIDS.</p> <p style="margin-bottom:1rem;text-align:justify;">The store’s mission goes beyond simply selling gently used goods.</p> <p style="margin-bottom:1rem;text-align:justify;">Operating as a traditional thrift store, it offers a wide variety of items including clothing, furniture, décor, and books.</p> <p style="margin-bottom:1rem;text-align:justify;">A standout feature is the free rapid HIV and STD testing available on a walk-in basis, directly supporting public health efforts.</p> <p style="margin-bottom:1rem;text-align:justify;">The store also provides convenient medication pick-up through AHF Pharmacies, making it a valuable health resource.</p> <p style="margin-bottom:1rem;text-align:justify;">Recognizing the diverse needs of the community, Out of the Closet also caters to transgender and non-binary individuals with inclusive clothing options.</p> <p style="margin-bottom:1rem;text-align:justify;">The store’s origins trace back to <strong>1990</strong>, when it was founded by Michael Weinstein in Atwater Village, Chicago.</p> <p style="margin-bottom:1rem;text-align:justify;">Since then, the chain has expanded nationwide, with locations in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Florida, Illinois, Ohio, Texas, New York City, and Seattle.</p> <p style="margin-bottom:1rem;text-align:justify;">The Austin location has already earned acclaim, winning “Best Thrift Store in Broward County” (<strong>2023</strong> & <strong>2024</strong>) and “Best Local Resale or Thrift Store” (<strong>2024</strong>) in Houston.</p> <p style="margin-bottom:1rem;text-align:justify;">It also received recognition for “Best Secondhand Savings” in Dallas (<strong>2024</strong>) and for its “HIV Testing Service” in Columbus, Ohio (<strong>2024</strong>).</p> <p style="margin-bottom:1rem;text-align:justify;">The brand has been federally trademarked by AHF since <strong>1997</strong>.</p> <p style="margin-bottom:1rem;text-align:justify;">Shoppers can find one-of-a-kind treasures and make a difference at the <strong>Out of the Closet Thrift Store</strong> in Austin.</p>', 'faq': '', 'history': '<p style="margin-bottom:1rem;text-align:justify;"><strong>Out of the Closet Thrift Store</strong> in Austin, Texas, represents a significant expansion of a nationally recognized nonprofit chain dedicated to supporting individuals living with HIV/AIDS.</p> <p style="margin-bottom:1rem;text-align:justify;">Established <strong>in 1990</strong> by Michael Weinstein, the organization began with a single location in Atwater Village, Chicago, driven by a passionate commitment to provide vital medical care to those affected by HIV/AIDS.</p> <p style="margin-bottom:1rem;text-align:justify;">The original mission was to generate revenue that would directly fund the AIDS Healthcare Foundation’s (AHF) medical services—a purpose that remains central today.</p> <p style="margin-bottom:1rem;text-align:justify;">Over the next three decades, Out of the Closet grew into a multi-state operation, opening locations across Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area, Florida, Illinois, Ohio, and New York City.</p> <p style="margin-bottom:1rem;text-align:justify;">Its success is built on a powerful model: running vibrant thrift stores that offer a wide selection of gently used clothing, furniture, and décor—while returning 96 cents of every dollar earned to AHF’s essential healthcare programs.</p> <p style="margin-bottom:1rem;text-align:justify;">The Austin location, opening <strong>in 2024</strong>, marks an exciting new chapter and brings this impactful mission to Central Texas.</p> <p style="margin-bottom:1rem;text-align:justify;">As part of a growing national network, Out of the Closet continues its legacy of compassionate care and community support—showing how shopping can directly help save lives.</p>', 'disclaimer': '', 'categories': ['Thrift Store', 'Charity', 'Resale', 'Nonprofit'], 'admission': '', 'date_available': '', 'attendance_amount': '', 'exhibitor_amount': '', 'delivery_services': [], 'social_media': {}, 'stocked_brands': [], 'inventory_categories': {'Books': ['Books'], 'Decor': ['Décor'], 'Apparel': ['Shirts', 'Hoodies', 'Clothing for Transgender and Gender Non-Binary Individuals'], 'Furniture': ['Furniture']}, 'customer_reviews': [], 'metadescription': '', 'slug': 'out-of-the-closet-thrift-store-19', 'distance': 513.8, 'main_image': {'data': 'https://www.nearestdoor.com/get-image/15446/', 'is_main': True, 'alt': 'Out of the Closet Thrift Store in Austin, Texas', 'uploaded_at': '2025-04-30T00:21:51.615993+00:00'}, 'additional_images': [], 'shop_type_unslug': 'thrift store', 'open_now': 'false'}