What is opening in the newly colorful building in SLO?
A new family-owned thrift store is coming soon to a familiar location in San Luis Obispo.
SLO Thrift will be a family-owned-and-operated store, offering a curated mix of quality secondhand finds from vintage treasures to everyday essentials.
Store owner Spencer Somma said he wants SLO Thrift to offer “something for everyone.”
Where is SLO Thrift?
Located at 445 Higuera St., SLO Thrift will fill the building formerly occupied by the Hospice Hope Chest Thrift Store, which closed as a result of the bankruptcy of the nonprofit that owned it, Wilshire Health and Community Services.
The new owners have given the familiar spot a facelift, with a colorful hand-painted mural adorning the outside walls and bright, light-up signs noticeable by anyone driving by.
Somma is opening the store with the support of his family, who own the building.
“SLO Thrift is all about the joy of the find,” Somma told The Tribune in a statement. “We’re creating a space that’s comfortable, inspiring and community-driven — a place where secondhand shopping feels special again.”
The thrift store is Somma’s first business, but the entrepreneurial spirit runs in the family. His brother, Shea Somma, founded Somma Special Designs, a custom, hand-shaped surfboard brand on the Central Coast.
Is SLO Thrift open?
SLO Thrift has not yet set an opening date, and Somma is taking the time to fill the 5,000-square-foot space with a carefully selected inventory designed to bring out the nostalgia and charm of traditional thrifting.
The store is accepting drop-offs of clothing and other items from 10 a.m to 2 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays.
You can follow SLO Thrift on Instagram and Facebook for updates.
This story was originally published November 10, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
