Since the late 1980s, this establishment has been the name in Bay Area used clothing. It buys, sells and trades a wide variety of men's and women's vintage and contemporary clothing, several designer items, shoes, jewelry, bags, accessories and anything else that comes through the doors for the recycled fashion-conscious. The stock changes daily, so you are always assured of finding something "new" when you come in, and all at reasonable prices. Perhaps something funky and polyester, something with a penguin or an alligator on the pocket?

Mars is repeatedly voted the best vintage clothing store in the East Bay by local newspapers and it is one of the best sources for fun and unusual retro garb. It has two stories filled with hip basics, shoes, glamorous accessories and clothing from a variety of time periods ranging from the Renaissance to the awesome 80s. Stock up on zoot suits, bell-bottoms, worn Levi's, leather coats and poodle skirts. It also specializes in a lot of theme attire for the seasons. Find costumes around Halloween, luau-worthy Hawaiian shirts for summer and fabulous faux and vintage fur coats for winter.

This destination draws music lovers from all over the Bay Area. When you first walk in, you will be overwhelmed by the vast selection of CDs, vinyl and tapes. Take a deep breath, find your area of interest, and begin. It boasts one of the largest selections of any used music store in the East Bay, and not a subject, from the most common to the most eclectic, goes uncovered. The classical section is most impressive, as is the collection of vinyl and posters. Be prepared to spend a few hours hunting and discovering.

Committed to the cause of nurturing the environment, Urban Ore offers to take back used items that can be recycled or passed down to others. Rummage through the piles of old articles and you might discover some great collectibles. The prices are great too, making it a profitable shopping venture for you. Doors, furniture, records, dishware, toilets, books and albums are part of the collection here.