Heading to thrift stores has always been a popular pastime in NYC; but with the renewed focus on minimalist and more sustainable living, there’s been a lot of people cleaning out their closets…
And what doesn’t spark joy for them may certainly spark joy for the rest of us (and a lot of joy for our wallets)!
However, when it comes to thrifting there’s always a chance of running into high ticket items due to the label attached to it and the “vintage” aspect of it. Not to worry!
We’ve put together a list of the best thrift shops we know of where you can actually find affordable pieces that’ll jazz up your wardrobe!
Here are our picks for the best thrift stores in NYC:
1. 10 ft Single by Stella Dallas, Williamsburg
10 Ft Singles by Stella Dallas has a large space with endless items that are reasonably priced, but if you’re looking to step up your vintage game (with a higher price tag) there’s a separate room in the back with even more goodies.
Where: 285 North 6th St.
2. Beacon’s Closet, Multiple Locations
This NYC staple was founded in Brooklyn and has since opened several locations from Park Slope to Chelsea. With fun, color-coded racks you’re bound to find something in any of them.
Where: Multiple locations
3. Buffalo Exchange, Multiple Locations
Buffalo Exchange is a buy/sell/trade store with multiple locations throughout the city. In their stores you’ll find items ranging from a few bucks to a few hundred depending on the designers and quality of the piece.
Where: Multiple locations
4. Crossroads Trading Co., Multiple Locations
Another buy/sell/trade shop in NYC, you can not only sell or trade your items in-store but there are options to just drop off your items, send it through the mail, or consignment! They keep to the season and try to stay as current as possible so you likely won’t find vintage pieces here.
Where: Multiple locations
5. Housing Works, Multiple Locations
There are many Housing Works locations throughout the city and they sell everything from jewelry to furniture, and everything in between. It’s a bit more of a hit-or-miss than some of the other spots on this list, but you never know what you’ll come across.
Where: Multiple locations
6. L Train Vintage, Multiple Locations
This is one that you’re definitely bound to leave with something, because we usually walk into L Train Vintage wanting just about everything in the store.
Where: Multiple locations
7. Hour Children’s Shop, Astoria
You can score some amazing furniture pieces and decor items at this Queens shop, plus it helps provide job experience and supports formerly incarcerated women. Find out more on their website here!
Where: 31-24 Steinway St.
8. AuH2O, East Village
AuH2O is a secondhand, vintage, and upcycled shop in the East Village. Here you’ll find a unique and affordable blend of clothing, shoes, accessories, and vintage jewelry at great prices. They even have permanent $5 and $10 racks! You can also shop on Instagram, Depop, and Etsy.
Where: 84 E. 7th St.
9. Sunnyside Thrift Shop, Sunnyside
Located in Sunnyside, Queens this shop truly sells everything. You can find books, houseware, clothes, and all sorts of little trinkets.
Where: 45-12 Greenpoint Ave.
10. Loveday 31 Vintage, Astoria
This one isn’t exactly a thrift store, but an amazing place to score curated vintage clothing and accessories! We especially love their earring collection, plus there’s a $20 rack outside the story on weekends that absolutely can’t be missed!
Where: 33-06 31st Ave.
11. 2nd STREET, Multiple locations
If you’re looking for more upscale attire, be sure to give 2nd STREET a walkthrough. They stock plenty of designer brands, luxury brands, and streetwear brands, and the store also doubles as a vintage and a consignment shop, ensuring they have some of the highest A-list inventory in the city. Whether you’re looking for Supreme or Burberry, there’s something for everyone here. Keep in mind it’s pricier than the rest!
Where: Multiple locations
12. Urban Jungle, East Williamsburg
Urban Jungle is simply another outpost of the popular chain L Train that resides in Bushwick (and is one of their larger stores). Their space and inventory seem so endless that it’s possible to spend hours here thumbing through shelves and bins! Compared to other L Train locations, many agree this spot has the most affordable prices, and a better selection too. There’s a reason they call it the “Vintage Mecca” of NYC…
Where: 118 Knickerbocker Ave.
13. Awoke Vintage, Williamsburg
Awoke Vintage is a cute thrift store in the heart of Williamsburg that specializes in curated womenswear. Their carefully selected inventory focuses heavily on bright colored items and playful designs that are perfect for certain occasions. They have everything from sunglasses, assorted denim, dresses, and so much more! They also have their own set of merch too that you can buy and rock!
Where: 132 N 5th St.
14. Other People’s Clothes, Multiple Locations
With locations in Ridgewood and Bushwick, Other People’s Clothes offers buyers highly curated pieces at great prices. Selections include a ton of Y2K vibes and quality vintage options, with several name brands scattered throughout. Plus, most items are priced between $10-$25…a literal steal!
Where: Multiple locations
15. Tired Thrift, Greenpoint
Tired Thrift offers a collection of vintage clothing and accessories curated by two NYC natives. You’ll find all of the best current trend heres, along with authentic pieces from throughout the decades that these trends draw their inspiration from. Their pieces are super affordable and they’re definitely worth a visit!
Where: 10 Bedford Ave.
16. Cure Thrift, East Village
Find everything from secondhand clothes to eclectic furniture at this non-profit thrift. Plus, you’re shopping will actually help those in need as proceeds from the shop go towards benefitting various type 1 diabetes research and advocacy organizations.
Where: 91 3rd Ave.
Also published on Medium.