Savers, a popular secondhand store, is opening its seventh Bay Area location this week in the space previously occupied by Big Lots at San Pablo Towne Center.
The shopping center, at 2415 San Pablo Dam Road just off Interstate 80, will anchor one of the city’s busiest shopping centers, occupying 35,000 square feet in a high-traffic location across the street from San Pablo Casino.
“The city is always supportive of new businesses being established in San Pablo where they can contribute greatly to the local economy, with job creation and economic investment,” said San Pablo City Manager Matt Rodriguez in an emailed statement. “Savers is a reputable company which caters to our local socio-demographic looking for ideal bargains and thrifty shopping opportunities.”
Savers, founded in 1954 in San Francisco, features clothing, housewares, books and furniture and also accepts donations. It joins Ross, Goodwill, Empire Buffet and a number of small businesses at the San Pablo Towne Center.
“It’s a really interesting place to shop,” said Libby Tyler, San Pablo’s Community Development Director, of Savers. “It’s all gently used goods but displayed like a regular department store.” Tyler said she likes to pair a visit to the Towne Center with a stop at T4 Cafe or Guadalajara Ice Cream Parlor, which is known for its fruit-packed crushed ice and ice cream concoctions topped with whipped cream.Â
The company could not be reached for comment but its employees, store signage and website all say it will be open Thursday.
Customers lined up for a chance to shop during its soft opening Tuesday and are already buzzing about their experiences on Yelp, saying they are excited it’s opening. One described the store as well-stocked and organized with friendly, helpful employees but said they weren’t happy about the mystery jewelry jar they purchased for $24.99, saying all the items were broken and unwearable.
Leslay Choy, Executive Director of San Pablo Economic Development Corporation, said the addition of a Savers, a store popular among the Gen Z age group, adds accessible jobs and much-needed diversity to the local economy — especially given the 2020 closure of Thrift Town in El Sobrante.
Choy hinted that there will be additional key Towne Center businesses openings announced soon.
In addition to the debut of Savers, Tyler said the Dollar Tree at the center is expected to reopen soon, but she did not have an exact date. It has been closed due to electrical problems that have since been repaired.
