Thrifty Beaches is expanding again — into yet another massive vacant SLO spot

The giant former Ross Dress for Less store — which has sat empty in downtown San Luis Obispo for over three years — finally has a new tenant, and it’s a familiar name.

Thrifty Beaches owner Adam Kemp signed the lease to take over the old Ross building at 868 Higuera St. a few months ago, and is planning on expanding his headquarters in SLO, he told The Tribune on Thursday.

“I want to see the city be the best it could be,” Kemp said. “I just don’t think that is possible with so many empty storefronts, especially big ones, creating these big holes in downtown. I just have a lot of love for this place.”

With the building being right next door to his SLO location, Kemp said he sees the new store being just as — if not more — busy than its headquarters. 

That could be because the new business will be putting the “thrifty” back into Thrifty Beaches. 

Kemp said the old Ross building would contain secondhand clothing items that are all $20 or less, including Carhartt jackets, vintage T-shirts, handbags, leather jackets and overalls.

“I don’t have to make a killing on everything, so this store is really going to speak to that,” he said. “There’s just such an abundance of it out there that we can get it at a decent price. 

“I don’t think people need to go out and buy new clothes, especially when so many people are trying to get rid of their used clothes,” he said. “It just doesn’t make sense to me.”

‘Who else would be crazy enough to take these things on,’ Thrifty Beaches owner says

From opening his first store in downtown SLO nearly one year ago, opening a new location in Santa Barbara on June 28 and now purchasing the untouched building of over two years, Kemp is making business moves that not every business owner would make.

“I don’t know who else would be crazy enough to take these things on,” he said. “I was hoping that someone would move in there, and I think it doesn’t help out business with it being closed, but I didn’t see anyone step up. It’s just a no-brainer.”

The new store is set to have its grand opening Aug. 2, but Kemp is already looking toward the horizon for his next venture — and it won’t be about clothing this time.

The Thrifty Beaches owner is looking to start a coffee shop based on holistic practices with natural ingredients. 

He also has interest in business for grocery stores and nightlife, but is looking for a spot for his coffee shop in SLO County.

“It’s one of those things where it’s a whole different industry for me,” he said. “I hope that more people in society care about health and well-being and stuff like that. It’s just something I’m passionate about because I see success.”

For more information

Thrifty Beaches is open Sunday to Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Thursday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. 

For more information on the growing business, visit its website or call 224-245-1912.

This story was originally published July 24, 2025 at 3:26 PM.