New second-hand store opens in SLO. Get a sneak peek inside
Attention thrift shoppers — there is a new second-hand store in town to add to your list of local favorites.
SLO Thrift officially opened for business Friday, located in a recently repainted, colorful building at 445 Higuera St. in San Luis Obispo.
Before its mural makeover, the building was home to 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.
Now, the business has reopened under new ownership with a charitable arm, spearheaded by a young entrepreneur and supported by his family.
“I want to have people come in here and find stuff that they like and be happy when they come in,” store owner Spencer Somma told The Tribune. “When they pay for stuff, it’s going to a good cause.”
At just 20-years-old, Somma is recent graduate of San Luis Obispo High School and a passionate first-time business owner. His parents own the building and are helping to open and operate the new space.
“I’ve always taught our kids, you know, an opportunity and preparedness come together, then cool things happen,” Lauren Somma told The Tribune. “He’s proven himself to be very responsible, hard-working and has great work ethic. ... Thank God, we can offer that option.”
New thrift store replaces an old legacy
The Sommas had to overcome multiple legal hurdles before they could see their vision for SLO Thrift through into a reality.
Wilshire Health and Community Services stopped paying its $10,500 monthly rent on the Hope Chest thrift store after they filed for bankruptcy on Aug. 1, leaving the Sommas out over $40,000 in unpaid rent and with 18 months remaining on the unfulfilled lease, they said.
Wilshire also abandoned approximately $70,000 worth of inventory in the store.
It remained there for months as the Sommas pursued eviction, limiting the landlords’ ability to make any changes to the space or prepare for reopening the business themselves until their legal situation was resolved.
Wilshire was officially evicted on Dec. 4, at which point the Sommas pursued purchasing the inventory for $20,000 — an offer which reflected their months of unpaid rent.
But SLO Thrift has already built a legacy beyond Wilshire’s.
Spencer estimates about 60% to 70% of his store’s inventory is left over from Wilshire. The rest he and his parents found digging through garage and estate sales and accepting donated items.
SLO Thrift has everything one would want in a second-hand store: rows of clothing line the entire store, with break out sections of shoes, bags, books, furniture, kitchenware, home goods and even a boutique room.
With an outside mural and inside accents painted by Jocelyn Bennett, a friend of the Somma family, the business feels brand new.
Spencer Somma can’t wait to see people enjoy the space he and his family have worked so hard to prepare.
“I’m just excited,” he said. “A little nervous, but more excited.”
SLO Thrift’s charitable business model
Somma always knew he wanted to give back with his business.
Though SLO Thrift is a for-profit business, a percent of the proceeds from every purchase will be donated through the thrift store’s accompanying SLO Thrift Foundation to a charity of Somma’s choice every year.
The inaugural benefactor in 2026 will be the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
When can I visit SLO Thrift?
SLO Thrift will have a soft opening on Friday, starting its regular operating hours moving forward.
The store will be open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends.
Donations will be accepted Monday through Thursdays between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
