New thrift store brings fresh finds to Sylvan Corners

By Sara Beth Williams–
A new thrift store has opened just around the corner from the former Goodwill location at Sylvan Corners in Citrus Heights.

Whatsupstairs secondhand store employee Mark Holmes said Goodwill closed its doors three days after the new thrift store opened. Holmes called the occurrence a “coincidence” and said the store has been “doing very well,” even with limited advertising.

The store sells an eclectic range of items, including new and used furniture, antiques, and collectables. It also features the usual general thrift store fare, including clothes, shoes, artwork, and books. A variety of large pieces of artwork and multiple unique t-shirts hang on the walls and in windows throughout the store.

Whatsupstairs owner Anthony Iacolino said the store previously operated in a 1,500-square-foot space in Carmichael which was not open to the public. The store acquired furniture and antiques from storage units and estate sales to sell online. Iacolino said when everyone decided they no longer wanted to sell online, he and Holmes then sought out a new, larger location to open to the public.

Holmes told The Sentinel the store opened eight weeks ago, and when the store first opened, many local residents began donating more thrift store merchandise. The surge in donations led the store to negotiate with the landlord to acquire a smaller building next door, situated between the thrift store and the former Goodwill location, to create a space for storing and sorting the donated items.

Iacolino said he wanted to get away from the corporate model of Goodwill stores, and that he wants to provide a place where the community can “find the best deals.”

Whatsupstairs is located at 7134 Auburn Blvd., in Citrus Heights.