A new kind of consignment experience has taken root on State Street. Neighbor Neighbor, now open at 801 State Street in the former Sunglass Hut at the entrance to Paseo Nuevo, offers a thoughtfully curated mix of secondhand clothing for women, men, and children—designed to feel less like sifting and more like discovering.
“I chose Santa Barbara because it’s home,” said owner Taiana Giefer, a local artist and designer. “I’ve been part of this community since I was young, and I understand how special it is and how hard it can be to truly tap into if you’re not deeply rooted here. I wanted to create a space that feels connected, welcoming, and reflective of both longtime locals and newer residents.”
Giefer launched the shop to meet a steady demand for great clothing while giving unworn pieces new life. “I often find secondhand shopping time-consuming and uninspiring, and online is just simply exhausting. I wanted to create the kind of shop I’d want to visit: thoughtfully curated, stylish, and enjoyable to explore whether or not you make a purchase.”
Sustainability and play are central to the concept. “My goal is to bring people together, reduce waste through reuse, and offer a happy, playful, community-driven space where fashion feels fun, accessible, and sustainable,” Giefer said.
She frequently models custom looks on the store’s Instagram page to highlight the store’s rotating selection, which includes unique finds and vintage designer pieces. She also uses recycled bags for checkout and is always on the hunt for more donation bags.
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Since opening, the business has evolved quickly. Marking the shop’s one-month anniversary in April, Giefer reflected on the realities of running a brick-and-mortar and how the consignment model has shifted. Her original plan—one big “fresh drop” each month—gave way to a daily influx of exceptional items.
“So many incredible items have been coming in every single day that the shop has naturally evolved into more of a daily drop consignment model,” she said. “That means there’s always something new on the floor, so stop in whenever you can—the collection is constantly growing, changing, and surprising me.”
For consignors, Neighbor Neighbor keeps the process simple and personal. Giefer handles all pricing and curation, reviewing items in person rather than having clients preselect. She’s open to a wide range of pieces—including basics—as long as they’re in good condition; minor wear is fine. She tends to favor natural materials, slow fashion, some designer labels, and well-made everyday staples. Items that don’t sell can be returned or donated at the consignor’s preference.
Neighbor Neighbor is open Tuesday through Sunday, 12–6 p.m., at 801 State Street.
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Really love seeing more consignment and reuse stores popping up lately. Also love seeing more unique stores opening downtown, state street needs this. Congrats on the opening, I hope to pop in soon.
So happy to read this story about such a lovely consignment store downtown Santa Barbara that’s actually ON State Street. The quality of goods at consignment stores is typically from good to excellent, whereas thrift stores is from poor to excellent. No matter where you buy used, lightly used, or even never-used items, always have a careful look from top to bottom (the inside too….not just the outside). On the central coast, especially Lompoc, you can find terrific consignment stores. There are a couple of spots in Los Alamos (just north of Buellton on Hwy. 101) that are worth the trip (hit up Bob’s Well Bread for coffee/goodies/food or Charlie’s Place for machaca, then do some consignment/budget shopping).
Congrats Taiana! May Neighbor Neighbor be a GREAT success!!!
This is great! Best of luck in your bold new venture, Taiana!
(BTW, I read your wonderful Mother’s Day note to your mother on IG … amazing people!)