Business

Declining Dollar? ‘Free Store’ in California Introduces Alternative Currency

Worried about the dollar? One store in Long Beach, California is looking ahead of the curve. The Long Beach Free Store encourages shoppers to give a little and get a little.

The California thrift store accepts no cash, instead it asks shoppers to trade goods or their time to establish credit to pick up items from the store. However, even if you can’t trade or give time, the store is still willing to give you two free items. All items within in the store are donated, and the store takes any donated “small to mid-size items that are clean and in good condition,” including clothing, accessories, household items, books, games, media and many more:

The free store is a project of the Catalyst Network of Communities, a 501c3 nonprofit organization, and is run by volunteers within the Catalyst Community Space.

The mission of the Catalyst Network is “to provide tools for individuals and organizations that empower them to connect around shared interests and affect the broader community.” Some of the network’s collaborative partners include the Long Beach Playhouse, Long Beach Area Council Boy Scouts of America, and Southern CA Green Economic Council.

Being a nonprofit, donated items are tax-deductible. Local affiliate Fox News 11 has video from the store’s opening:

Should you want to test the store’s alternative currency, it’s located in the East Village Arts District in downtown Long Beach.

Comments (91)

1 2 3
  • Jabber
    Posted on September 14, 2011 at 12:26pm

    Ok…let’s start the pool. How long before the government shuts it down or regulates it out of business?

    I’m giving it a week.

    Report Post »  
  • Aaryq
    Posted on September 14, 2011 at 12:22pm

    I don’t really see the big problem. So what if you think it’s socialist problem. It’s not run by the state, it’s run by private parties who may do as they please, no? Some people here are so far gone that they can’t appreciate *S word*. It could be flawed. People could get free stuff then sell it. Are we all so cynical, so completely at a loss with our faith in humanity that we have to assume that there are no nice people left (except the way you view yourself). I firmly believe that this store will serve as a blessing to those who would otherwise have to do without and wish we had one around here. I’m a Sgt in the USMC, married with 4 kids living in base housing. I work my butt of for my wages and I’m not above getting free things. Heck, on more than one occasion when I wanted to get some stuff for a Non Profit that I participate in, but did not have any cash, I would find someone that had what I wanted and barter with them with both tangible objects as well as time. So how is that any different? Does that make me a socialist? The all mighty dollar is just paper (er…cloth). What about every society that had trading instead of currency? Were they Socialists too? I think not.

    Report Post »  
    • woemcat
      Posted on September 14, 2011 at 2:01pm

      also, people don’t understand the meaning of “free.” Free means you get something w/o giving something in return. this store isn’t free. they expect people to trade other items or their time for items the customer wants. this is called “trade.” it’s not socialism either. it’s the oldest form of currency. actually, the dollar (or other national currencies) are based on time–you work a certain length of time and get a certain amount of dollars (thus, x dollars per hour). the dollar is also based on other worth, but one thing it is based on is time. so, this store is really a “trade” store. most people don’t understand that, so they’re using the misinterpreted word “free.”

      Report Post » woemcat  
    • old white guy
      Posted on September 14, 2011 at 2:27pm

      even with the barter system there has to be a precived profit. duh.

      Report Post »  
    • crazedbanshee
      Posted on September 14, 2011 at 3:06pm

      I agree.

      socialism = forceful giving of your assets and then the gov’t distributing the assets as they see fit.

      There is no one forcing people to give anything here. It is completely free will to participate in the program, or to not participate. I believe this idea is as close as it gets to the type of government that would be set up by God. It is why so many people confuse socialism with what Jesus taught.

      Report Post »  
    • Ballot_Box_Revolution
      Posted on September 14, 2011 at 3:24pm

      AARYQ I agree to a certain extent. I think it’s fine…it’s no big deal really, if it is privately ran. I could care less. However I am curious to know what is going to happen when it is time to pay rent on the building. Yes they may accept an “alternative currency” but that is them, and that is fine.

      Are they going to cry when they can’t pay the rent on the storefront and run to the government and say….”we need help we are providing a compassionate service!!!” So will it then become state or federally funded??? If so then…yes it becomes a problem……

      But here is what I think they would be doing, and hiding behind their compassionate hearts. You are going to be having people bring in stuff….and some of that stuff might be worth more (IN DOLLARS) than others…..so they would take the persons (the person may not know they are trading something that goes for maybe a thousand dollars for 3 t shirts that are not even worth 3 bucks) items, and if it were valuable sell it on ebay….If this is the case who is ripping people off more…corporations, or the alternative currency people??

      Report Post » Ballot_Box_Revolution  
    • hidden_lion
      Posted on September 14, 2011 at 4:30pm

      Its called bartering….Get used to it, it is coming in the near future. It really is the best system anyway.

      Report Post » hidden_lion  
    • txbigfoot
      Posted on September 15, 2011 at 8:13am

      someone is paying the rent, electric and salary.
      So, lets get real.

      Report Post » txbigfoot  
    • imacin2000
      Posted on September 16, 2011 at 2:25am

      Who said anything about a problem? Where does it say “socialist” in the article? Sounds like a decent, CHARITABLE idea. Like you said, it’s private.

      Report Post »  
    • imacin2000
      Posted on September 16, 2011 at 2:25am

      Who said anything about a problem? Where does it say “socialist” in the article? Sounds like a decent, CHARITABLE idea. Like you said, it’s private.

      Report Post »  
    • imacin2000
      Posted on September 16, 2011 at 2:25am

      Who said anything about a problem? Where does it say “socialist” in the article? Sounds like a decent, CHARITABLE idea. Like you said, it’s private.

      Report Post »  
    • CottonMPG
      Posted on September 16, 2011 at 9:51am

      Barter is a good system worked for hundreds of years all over the world. Charity is to be encouraged, and recycling is commendable. Since everyone involved is doing so voluntarily I think it is nice.
      I’m, not sure that the people involved are thinking it through completely but maybe they are. There will be monetary costs associated with this business/charity as with any other so I hope they are aware of that. Seems a bit naive somehow. Apparently they got all the proper licenses and tax exemptions etc. I hope they do well. We should encourage innovation and thinking out of the box.

      Report Post » CottonMPG  
    • Chutza
      Posted on September 16, 2011 at 10:44pm

      I agree that the barter system is great and it is the oldest form of currency and we all will probably have to go back to in in the near future. What I am questioning on this on this is a few things; It is a non profit organization which means they don’t pay taxes, have a ton of loop holes and if you look in the article it has partners “Some of the network’s collaborative partners include the Long Beach Playhouse, Long Beach Area Council Boy Scouts of America, and Southern CA Green Economic Council.” And this is run by the Catalyst Network. You have to look at their history and see first if it truly is a goodwill of sorts or another face to get people dependent on others instead of living the American dream.Ie striving for a better life for yourself and your children. I used to live in California (born and raised) and was able to move out of there while I think the state is beautiful the politics, schools and well pretty much everything else has gone down the drain.

      Report Post »  
  • Patriot Z
    Posted on September 14, 2011 at 12:04pm

    so its a good will? nothing too uncommon. i believe there is one in shelbyville il. there are also places that let you “pay what you want”. i got no problem aslong as they can pay their bills and do not recieve tax dollars.

    Report Post » Patriot Z  
    • waggie
      Posted on September 14, 2011 at 12:12pm

      They’re gonna find that people come in to take expensive stuff and leave crap for others. It won’t work and will be out of business in no time. It’s human nature folks!

      Report Post » waggie  
    • TXPilot
      Posted on September 14, 2011 at 12:15pm

      If the traitors in power get their way, we will all soon be forced into hippie capitalism just like this.

      Report Post » TXPilot  
    • BigDaddyRamFrog
      Posted on September 14, 2011 at 2:07pm

      They are already subsidized as a 501-C-3 tax-exempt organization.

      Report Post »  
  • This_Individual
    Posted on September 14, 2011 at 11:58am

    At least it’s an implementation of an idea, instead of the lathargic complaining that many of my fellow Californians seem to do.

    Report Post »  
  • TomFerrari
    Posted on September 14, 2011 at 11:50am

    The state will likely step in and TAX people for it.
    Our invasive government even taxes bartering.
    I think it is the sales tax they go after, because good changed hands.
    Now, they are adding labor to the mix, so they are going to have to worry about
    OSHA laws, NDEA laws, social security laws, IRS income taxes (their work has value) etc.
    (NOTE: This is why HONEST AMERICAN CITIZENS do not start businesses anymore, while illegals don’t let regulations get in their way)

    This is VERY SIMILAR to a “company store” from a century ago.
    Coal mines used to operate a “company store” and, as an employee, you were paid in “****”.
    That “****” was like a “private currency” that could only be spent at the company store.
    Yes, some were paid in money, not all used ****.
    Long story short – you could run a credit at the company store, and your income was applied to the balance.
    Of course, the company store had extremely high prices, so you were always in debt.

    Think of the lyrics from “Sixteen Tons”.
    ” I load 16 tons of #1 coal. I owe my soul to the company store”
    ” load 16 tons, whadda ya get? Another day older and deeper in debt.”
    —
    Interesting note: The song was originally written by “the singing coal miner,” (George Davis) in eastern Kentucky, but was sold to Merle Travis (or “taken,” depending on sources). Travis had traveled the area and collected “folk songs,” likely not intending to infringe anyone’s rights.
    .
    .

    Report Post » TomFerrari  
  • leftcoastslut
    Posted on September 14, 2011 at 11:48am

    great idea

    take all those people who are on unemployment and/or receiving welfare and/or receiving government asisstance and put them to work, rebuilding schools, repaving roads, volunteering in the schools, parks, government offices. have them earn their unemployment.

    Report Post »  
    • RejectFalseIcons
      Posted on September 14, 2011 at 2:55pm

      While we’re at it, let’s take this “compulsory laborer” and put him in a camp with others who are all working on the same big project. I mean, they’re unemployed, so they should be the property of the state, right?

      Report Post » RejectFalseIcons  
    • mauijonny
      Posted on September 14, 2011 at 3:00pm

      @LEFT: Don’t assume that all that are on unemp, etc…aren’t working in thier communities; I recently got laid-off and CONTINUE to work on a community food drive that I started over a year ago; I CONTINUE to work with a cancer survivor/caregivers group that I helped start over 6 years ago; I am currently working on assisting a group that uses music to help open up autistic children; I volunteer for a traveling science program for kids. So there :P:P:P:P:P

      Report Post » mauijonny  
    • mauijonny
      Posted on September 14, 2011 at 3:00pm

      @LEFT: Don’t assume that all that are on unemp, etc…aren’t working in thier communities; I recently got laid-off and CONTINUE to work on a community food drive that I started over a year ago; I CONTINUE to work with a cancer survivor/caregivers group that I helped start over 6 years ago; I am currently working on assisting a group that uses music to help open up autistic children; I volunteer for a traveling science program for kids. So there :P:P:P:P:P

      Report Post » mauijonny  
  • Skee
    Posted on September 14, 2011 at 11:41am

    Hippies version of salvation army.
    If your pipe has a crack
    you can trade it in for a
    slightly used bong. A
    conveniant container of
    soda is available for
    cotton mouth.

    Report Post » Skee  
    • old white guy
      Posted on September 14, 2011 at 2:29pm

      the salvationarmy is supported by Christians and many others who know they will help without conditions.

      Report Post »  
  • TomFerrari
    Posted on September 14, 2011 at 11:36am

    This is along the lines of my idea for welfare programs.
    You can get unemployment, or food stamps, or healthcare, but,
    you are charged onto a credit card.
    The card could be paid off with cash or with public service.

    Along the same lines, we could pay into a private account throughout our lives.
    That account is an actual lock-box. You can use it for unemployment, for healthcare, for food stamps, or for retirement. When you run out of money in it, you go into debt on the above referenced “credit card.” You could even create a credit limit based on some formula of how much you have paid in, or something.

    There are ways to help the poor without taxing people, and then wasting 80% of THAT money, and giving the remainder to those in need (or even to those who are working the system.)

    It‘s just an idea I’ve been chewing on for only a couple days now.
    .
    .
    .

    Report Post » TomFerrari  
    • kibitzer
      Posted on September 15, 2011 at 4:44pm

      Good thinking, Tomferrari. Keep it up. All of this is helping to create community – the real point of living in societies.

      The mistake of the current support system is that it seduces people into thinking that they can get something for nothing. Fair exchanges, of time, money, goods or services: that’s the ticket.

      Google the LETS System. And when the current system, of interest-bearing money and fractional-reserve banking, collapses under the weight of its ‘internal contradictions’ – mostly from being based on greed, ie, thinking first of oneself, of ‘what I can get out of it’ – people will still have each other, in community. In common unity.

      Way to go, Long Beach. My old home town. Proud of ya.

      Report Post »  
  • alina.bolero
    Posted on September 14, 2011 at 11:35am

    I think it is a great concept, as long as it is not forced, and the participants in the community have a sense of HONOR! If I have some clothes that don’t fit the kids anymore, or other stuff I am done with, I would love nothing better than to GIVE it to somebody IN MY COMMUNITY that needs it, but maybe cannot afford it. You have to actively find those people though. If you just advertise “FREE STUFF”, people will come from miles around, grab everything, and sell it on eBay or Craigslist for cash!

    Report Post » alina.bolero  
  • Benetto
    Posted on September 14, 2011 at 11:21am

    I am a Californian just wanted to say that NOT all of us want free things… but wait until the illegal’s all find out about this store…NOTHING will be left in it… and then they will Demand that we give more stuff so they can have it… oh and also they will complain that the stuff they have in the store is not good enough… kind of like the free breakfast and lunches they get at our schools, and complain about. Yep… parents complain that the FREE BREAKFAST and FREE LUNCHES that their children get are not good enough! Oh yeah…. They have their rights you know????? Gurrrrrr

    Report Post » Benetto  
    • SamIamTwo
      Posted on September 14, 2011 at 11:24am

      Sounds like a day at wally world…you can return stuff that is 10 years old, with or without a receipt. WM airs, in their video center, a commercial that features OBAMA…

      Report Post » SamIamTwo  
    • Chuck Stein
      Posted on September 14, 2011 at 11:30am

      I had forgotten about the illegals. This store is toast in any event, but wow! Is there a pool on how many DAYS this will last?

      Report Post »  
    • This_Individual
      Posted on September 14, 2011 at 11:55am

      Hey Beneto, have you called in to Brown’s office about AB131?
      Voice your opinion and cast your vote:

      •Call 916-445-2841
      •Press 1 for English
      •Then press 2
      •Then press 1
      •Lastly, press 2 to vote in opposition of the DREAM ACT!
      UNOFFICIAL BALLOT
      MEASURE: AB 131
      AUTHOR: Cedillo
      TOPIC: Student financial aid.
      DATE: 09/02/2011
      LOCATION: ASM. FLOOR
      MOTION: AB 131 CEDILLO Concurrence in Senate Amendments
      (AYES 48. NOES 27.) (PASS)

      Report Post »  
    • woemcat
      Posted on September 14, 2011 at 2:05pm

      yeah, you’re right about the illegals and other entitlement-oriented folks.

      i like the idea of this store, since actually, it’s a “trade” store, where the customer trades items or time for what s/he wants to purchase. technically, that’s not “free.” it’s the oldest form of currency.

      sadly, dishonest people will take advantage of this truly retro store and put it out of business.

      Report Post » woemcat  
    • WithOutGodWePerishAsARepublic
      Posted on September 14, 2011 at 7:58pm

      Benetto-You are either racist or an ignorant liberal wanting to be conservative that voted for Obama and is now regretting it… you are like all liberal and politcians on both sides of the aisle …throwing out ramblings w/o out backing it up…do some research …and you will find out who is asking for the free money…free housing…more benefits and asking for the rich to pay even more of a “fair share”… 99% are citizens Benetto…and who is trying to destroy the Constitution and Republic…Washington DC you guessed it again… US Citizens.. so if you ae a true citizen..and love this Republic… get real and start doing something to stop the real enemies of the republic… and they are found at DC and in our states… sleeping with unions, special interests and union bosses …!!!!

      Report Post »  
  • cloudsofwar
    Posted on September 14, 2011 at 11:20am

    a new store for bartertown, beyond thunderdome. your time for my goods.

    Report Post »  
  • heyjim55
    Posted on September 14, 2011 at 11:10am

    Well they said the green economic council was involved with this so it is a Socialist contraption for sure, I am surprised the word collective was not used.Perhaps another player will emerge later that will remove any doubt that this is a commie thing.

    Report Post »  
  • usmc1063
    Posted on September 14, 2011 at 10:55am

    Okay so it’s a nice thought but who pays for the overhead rent, utilities? Even Goodwill and the Salvation Army have these cost. An what if a volunteer just doesn’t want to volunteer their time when they agreed too? This is just a draw back to the 60ties and the flower power hippies. Now don‘t get me wrong It’s a great idea to give and it even say’s to do so in the Bible. But in the end simple practicality will overtake this operation. Simple supply and demand along with basic logistic’s will be the downfall. That is why you will find operations like this being run by places of worship.

    Report Post » usmc1063  
    • ChiefGeorge
      Posted on September 14, 2011 at 11:10am

      Right, because even places of worship bring in money through tithing that they then can pay the bills with, shipping costs etc.

      Report Post » ChiefGeorge  
  • PApeacemaker
    Posted on September 14, 2011 at 10:52am

    I smell hippies involved in this….& if they dont take cash for items I sure bet they take drugs haha.

    Report Post » PApeacemaker  
  • nick e l
    Posted on September 14, 2011 at 10:48am

    Its,…. its just so cozy socialist.. when is this place going to fall into the ocean.. not soon enough

    Report Post »  
  • olddog
    Posted on September 14, 2011 at 10:48am

    Funny concept, in North Carolina our local garbage site used to have small sheds where people could leave items to be donated to others. You could leave something or pick something up. It wasnt long before people stayed there all days having their wife or friend pick things up and take them to their house for a garge sale or whatever, but anything good was automatically claimed.. Well fights broke out pretty quick and the sheds were permanently closed down and removed..There are Always Low Lifes out there that screw things up for all of us, generally they’re called leftists..

    Report Post » olddog  
    • loriann12
      Posted on September 14, 2011 at 10:59am

      I was in a homeschool group who brought their kids outgrown clothes so everyone could do a swap. You bring something, you take something home. I also know of a used book store where you can bring in old books and get a credit that you can spend on the books they have on the shelves. They also sold for cash though, and it has been that way since the 80′s. It was called The Book Bug.

      Report Post »  
    • thinkinghuman
      Posted on September 14, 2011 at 2:48pm

      Fights break out at Walmart, so?
      Simple solution to that was to make a rule that there is no loitering at the shed. No squatters rights.

      Report Post » thinkinghuman  
  • purplebutterfly
    Posted on September 14, 2011 at 10:46am

    http://www.freecycle.org/ Freecycle does essentially the same thing, only on a worldwide scale. People helping people keep usable stuff out of the landfill.

    Report Post »  
  • ASmallVoice
    Posted on September 14, 2011 at 10:43am

    This is interesting to me. We had a garage sale and we had a box of free stuff…many people looked, but didn’t want anything some took an item or two, but one lady came and grabed a bunch of things and then left…sad! Some people feel intitled to what ever they want, others believe in sharing and not taking something they don‘t need or can’t use! I think their idea is inventive, and I hope it works but I have my doubts…humankind for the most part is good, but those bad ones just………….

    Report Post » ASmallVoice  
  • najahaje
    Posted on September 14, 2011 at 10:41am

    http://www.listia.com/ is a site where you use credits instead of money (except where shipping costs are included.) Most items are shipped free though.

    Report Post »  
  • deeberj
    Posted on September 14, 2011 at 10:36am

    A free store is a great bartering device, but it’s not really free. Even if everyone working there is a volunteer, who pays the rent, who pays the electric and water and sewer, who pays for repairs? It’s not really free, someone is donating to keep it going. So I don’t see a bunch of these popping up everywhere.

    Report Post » deeberj  
    • loriann12
      Posted on September 14, 2011 at 10:43am

      Well, if you can get clothes for free, then you can put your cash towards utilities. I already shop at the thrift store for clothes, and every day they have a different color tag that’s either half off or 99 cents. It helps a lot.

      Report Post »  
  • patriot4ever
    Posted on September 14, 2011 at 10:32am

    The 60′s are over…WAKE UP PEOPLE!!!

    Report Post » patriot4ever  
  • broker0101
    Posted on September 14, 2011 at 10:32am

    Great plan! The store will be picked clean within a month. Probably much sooner. These Lefties will never learn that the Takers will ALWAYS take and Take and TAKE until nothing is left to be taken. Then, they will riot.

    Report Post » broker0101  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on September 14, 2011 at 10:37am

      Sadly, it will probably be picked clean by people who can afford to pay.

      Report Post » Gonzo  
    • richahlgrim
      Posted on September 14, 2011 at 10:39am

      Well said. Broker0101!
      I perdict this store will not last a full year.

      Report Post »  
    • loriann12
      Posted on September 14, 2011 at 10:44am

      We have Hispanics who don’t speak English (not saying they’re illegal, just can’t speak English) who come in on the .99 cent days and fill their cart with everything they can find that’s the right color tag (clothing, appliances, whatever) of all different sizes. You just know they’re going to have a yard sale and charge double or more.

      Report Post »  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on September 14, 2011 at 10:55am

      loriann12
      Good for them, that’s capitalism. Better than the people who sit on their backside and wait for the government check to arrive.

      Report Post » Gonzo  
    • loriann12
      Posted on September 14, 2011 at 11:02am

      Except for one thing, if they are in fact here illegally (and I live in Texas where there are a lot of illegals) they are getting free benifits, working under the table for cash (or as an independent contractor, so they don’t pay social security) and still filing taxes and getting back more than they put in. If they’re here legally, and that’s their way of making money, I’m all for it. If someone is here legally and doing that, it’s no different than finding a rare find for 99 cents and selling it on Ebay for $10.

      Report Post »  
  • TEIN
    Posted on September 14, 2011 at 10:31am

    Wow… The Catalyst Network of Communities has found a brilliant way of introducing the barter system…more living like it was in 1875…..

    Report Post »  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on September 14, 2011 at 10:38am

      Actually I have run a church in a small town — Jay, Florida, in which the local mechanic had a sign that read: “We accept cash, check, credit or barter.”

      A rarity nowdays I will admit for many of us, yet I do see in the times ahead this happening more and more until the Fed’s or the Progressive states like CA or NY cracking down on the method due to sales tax violations, and start going after ‘food hoarders’ and such.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • TEIN
      Posted on September 14, 2011 at 11:43am

      I am all for bartering…I just find it humous that the idea has to be repackaged into “community terms”. I see this as a way of economy still happening if this trend of the Pres. administration keeps messing with the dollar…

      Report Post »  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on September 14, 2011 at 10:31am

    The mission of the Catalyst Network is “to provide tools for individuals and organizations that empower them to connect around shared interests and affect the broader community.”
    Nothing like a clear mission statement.

    Report Post » Gonzo  
  • trolltrainer
    Posted on September 14, 2011 at 10:30am

    We already have a cash alternative. Food stamps.

    Report Post »  
    • kibitzer
      Posted on September 15, 2011 at 5:27pm

      The point being inculcated here, Trolltrainer, is to give something for something – ie, make a fair exchange, in whatever form that takes, and the parties agree to.

      As for all the doomsayers on this thread, about the short-term prognosis for such an idea as this store: I would agree, that sooner or later, someone starts taking advantage of it – if they have lost a vision for life, and think it is simply about survival, and within that context, about survival of the fittest. But don’t underestimate the power of the human mind to find its way back into alignment with its source. And I don’t mean its animal source; though that’s there, too. I mean its understanding that we are, essentially, spiritual beings having a human experience – linking the realms of spirit and matter within us. And when we really grok that, we will get that there is Plan in & Purpose to life; and our motivation for doing things, then, will be out of gratitude to our Creator for life with meaning. And then watch us grow, into our highest potential.

      In the meantime, initiatives like this one deserve all our support. For they are generating right consciousness. Right mindedness. Right spirit. The spirit of being brothers and sisters on the spiritual path. Living in community. In common unity. On a beautiful planet, just waiting for us to grow up, and treat it as we would treat ourselves. With love, and respect. And a sense of living in harmony; with it, and our better natures. Go f

      Report Post »  
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