Por Mónica Garske | Reportero SDUN

The hard-to-miss storefront at Revivals in Hillcrest has been there since February 2011 and offers a unique experience for bargain hunters and vintage collectors alike. Part trendy thrift shop, part consignment shop; the two-story location at 1644 University Ave. has something for everyone.

Running the store is manager Bryan Sypherd, a Hillcrest resident who’s been with Revivals for four years, formerly overseeing one of the sister stores in Cathedral City, Calif. A longtime antiques dealer and appraisal expert, Sypherd happily moved to Hillcrest to open the newest location.

After much scouting, Sypherd found the giant building on University Avenue and knew it was the perfect place to set up shop for the store hailing from Coachella Valley.

Sypherd said not just the building, but Hillcrest itself made sense for Revivals because the store has loyal, deep-rooted ties to the LGBT community.

Proceeds from sales at Revivals directly benefit Desert AIDS Project, an organization providing medical care and support services ¬– including testing, treatment, counseling and housing ¬– to those living with HIV and AIDS.

“The income generated by our Revivals stores makes up 32 percent of Desert AIDS Project’s annual budget,” said Sypherd. “Revivals is part of a huge cause; shopping here really does make a difference.”

Due to its notable work with Desert AIDS Project and its funky, fun merchandise, Sypherd said the Hillcrest community has warmly embraced Revivals. He said they have a strong base of regular customers and dedicated volunteers that give their time to help run the store.

A volunteer staff of 28 residents from Uptown communities including North Park, Mission Hills and Hillcrest spearheads the entire operation, from cashiers to the stockroom. They each work at least one four-hour shift per week because they want to, not because they are required.

“Our volunteers are the backbone of this organization. They do practically everything for us. They’re proud to help because it’s more than just a thrift store; it’s well-presented, it’s clean, it’s friendly,” Sypherd said.

He continued, “This community, in particular, is very giving of their time. I have volunteers that work three jobs and still manage to give me four hours a week. That’s what I admire the most about volunteers from this area, they have plenty to do, but they really want to be a part of this.”

Revivals is also involved with local HIV/AIDS organizations, having donating Revivals gift cards to Being Alive in Hillcrest and Mama’s Kitchen in North Park over the holidays.

This back-and-forth benevolence appeals to volunteers like Arlene Edwards of North Park who’s been cashiering at Revivals since September.

“I’m here because I like supporting the community. The word `revival’ means to bring something back to life; this cause – what Revivals does for people – it’s very important to me,” said Edwards.

Hillcrest residents and volunteers Gilberto Torres and Terry Nunez said they feel the same way. Torres is the store’s resident window display artist, creating set-ups to draw in shoppers. Nunez volunteers several times a week and said the best part is becoming friends with customers.

“It’s beautiful to see the community sharing with us,” Nunez said.

Torres added, “We’ve been embraced by Hillcrest because of how forward and open we are.”

Revivals is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. They offer free pick-up of donated items Tuesday through Saturday, so there’s new merchandise on the shelves practically every day.

For more information, visit revivalsstores.com