Berkeley love its thrift stores. In fact, there are three branches of Crossroads Trading Company in Berkeley and North Oakland alone, all of which are accessible to Cal students.
See that bus stop right out front?
We tried to compare the two Crossroads closest to Cal students: the one on Shattuck Avenue and the branch on College Avenue. They’re both about the same distance from campus, so there has to be some sort of competition for the few dollars we have left, right?
Well, competition between the two branches isn’t quite as cutthroat as you might think. With similar organization, a similar number of dressing rooms and a similar level of overall neatness, both Crossroads locations are about the same. Like any good thrifter, though, you need to have patience while sifting through the clothes racks.
Because you could get a nice pair of pants for $9.
(Overworn inseam included free of charge)
Or, for a splurge of 50 cents more …
Stylin’
Or for a well-spent $25 …
Sequined shorts you’ll wear only once? You’ll regret nothing.
We’ll let you figure out which location was selling each of these. Because really, no matter which Crossroads you go to, there will be odd items with unreasonable price tags alongside fantastically cheap fashion finds.
A denim shirt for less than $10?
Don’t get us wrong: We love our thrifting, and we ended up buying something at each location.
In the name of research, of course.
But overall, we think both Crossroads locations are the same. You buy and sell gently used clothes. You must check clothing you want to purchase for rips and stains. And you get to feel good about yourself when you don’t take a bag and instead donate a whopping five cents to a worthy cause.
What do you think? Are there significant differences between the Berkeley and North Oakland Crossroads? Or are they just different locations with the same name?
Contact Jessica Rogness at [email protected]