Thrifting has always been a popular pastime in New York City; 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, and we’ve even mapped it out for you, too.
Here are our best thrift shops 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 Street
2. Beacon’s Closet, Greenpoint
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: 74 Guernsey Street; Various Other Locations here
3. Buffalo Exchange, Various Locations
Buffalo Exchange is a buy/sell/trade store with five locations in the city (two in Brooklyn, two in Manhattan, and one in Astoria). 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: 504 Driggs Avenue (Williamsburg); Various Other Locations here
4. Crossroads Trading Co., Various 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: 135 North 7th Street (Williamsburg), Other Locations here
5. Housing Works, Various Locations
There are many House 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: 157 East 23rd Street (Gramercy); Various Other Locations here
6. L Train Vintage, Various 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. All of their locations open daily, with the exception of their Dekalb and Grand Street stores which are only closed Sundays. Definitely one of the best thrift shops in NYC!
Where: 629 Grand Street (Williamsburg); Various Other Locations here
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 Street
8. AuH2O, East Village
After going online-only for a short hiatus, this small shop in the East Village is back up and running in its original location! Find a wonderful variety of secondhand, vintage and upcycled women’s clothes and jewelry, at great prices. 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 Avenue
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.
Where: 33-06 31st Ave
See also: You Can Shop From Local NYC Businesses With Same-Day Delivery Across Brooklyn
Also published on Medium.