A San Francisco Bay Area tradition, the annual White Elephant Sale returns on Saturday, March 3 and Sunday, March 4, 2012. The Preview Sale - a must for serious shoppers - is January 29.
Known community wide as a not-to-be-missed event, the legendary Sale has become a destination for both collectors and bargain hunters. With all Sale proceeds benefiting the Oakland Museum of California (OMCA), shoppers can take pride in knowing that their purchases help support OMCA educational programs, galleries, collections, exhibits and more.
So mark your calendars, come early, wear comfortable shoes and see for yourself why the White Elephant Sale has become Northern California’s biggest and best rummage sale. To get a head start on shopping, click here to see samples of what's available in each department and to print a copy of the warehouse map. Have fun and good luck shopping.
The White Elephant Sale – March 3 and 4, 2012
An annual two-day event, The White Elephant Sale takes place the first weekend in March. In a huge warehouse located on the Oakland Estuary, 17 unique selling departments provide an extensive offering of quality used Vintage clothing, fine jewelry, Asian collectibles, tools, furniture, sporting goods, and more.
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Sale hours are 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on both days.
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Admission is free.
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Children under 12 years of age must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Preview Sale – January 29, 2012
Eager shoppers anticipate their first opportunity to see and buy the new, the unusual and the unexpected at the White Elephant Sale Preview. Lines form early, and shoppers are encouraged to purchase their tickets in advance.
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Sale hours are 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
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Admission is $15 in advance and $20 on the day of Sale. Children under 12 years of age are admitted free but must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
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To order tickets in advance, click here for the Preview Sale – Advance Purchase Form. Orders received after January 24, 2012 will be returned to the sender. Tickets are limited so please order early. Remember to include a check and a self-addressed stamped envelope with your order.
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Preview tickets cannot be purchased on-line. The Oakland Museum of California (OMCA), will sell tickets – as long as their supplies last – from December 1, 2011 to January 24, 2012. Tickets can be purchased at the second floor reception desk until 4:30 p.m. For directions, visit the OMCA website at museumca.org.
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New for 2012 – wristbands will replace paper Preview tickets. Your wristband is now your ticket. Keep it in a safe place as you would any ticket and before entering the warehouse, attach it securely to your wrist. You will not be admitted to the Preview Sale without it.
Sale Day Logistics
The White Elephant Sale and Preview both take place in a warehouse site located on the Oakland Estuary at 333 Lancaster Street, Oakland CA 94601. For directions, click here.
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On Sale days, parking is limited and shoppers are urged to carpool or take public transportation.
- A free shuttle provides transportation to and from the Fruitvale BART station and the warehouse site. The shuttle runs from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sale days.
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Shoppers can pay for their White Elephant purchases using cash, checks with identification, debit cards and Visa, MasterCard and Discover credit cards. American Express cards are not accepted.
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ALL SALES ARE FINAL. Items are sold “as is” and returns or exchanges are not allowed.
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All purchases must be removed from the warehouse on Sale day, with the exception of furniture and pianos. These items need to be picked up within six days of Sale or they will be re-donated.
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Please no strollers, shopping carts, backpacks or large bags in the warehouse. A secure Check Stand is available at the Lancaster Street entrance to check these items while shopping but space is limited.
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Sorry, no food or drinks allowed inside the warehouse.
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Children under 12 years of age must be accompanied by an adult at all time.
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The only animals permitted in the warehouse are service animals.
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DON'T FORGET to print a copy of the warehouse map and bring it with you on sale days. You'll be glad you did. Click here for warehouse map.