If you're ever in the market for rare, vintage or overall cool items, thrift stores are the way to go. Whether you’re in the East Village or Downtown Brooklyn, chances are you’ll stumble across a few with designer bags, chic home décor or killer $5 band tees. Regardless of what you’ll find, it’s the major deals and discounts that will have you making multiple runs with recyclable bags in tow. (Not to mention that opting for vintage or secondhand items is a way more sustainable way to shop.) So whether you’re in the market for fashion, furniture or vinyl, here are 15 of the best thrift stores in NYC worth checking out.
The 15 Best Thrift Stores in NYC Where You Can Score a Serious Deal
1. Beacon’s Closet
If you ever ask a New Yorker about their favorite thrift store, chances are they’ll mention this popular spot. With four locations in Brooklyn and Manhattan, this treasure trove typically features a mix of vintage and modern clothing and accessories. And FYI, designer brands like Vera Wang, Dolce & Gabbana and Prada can be purchased here for less than $100. Also, any clothes that aren’t displayed in the store or can’t be sold are donated to one of their 50+ charities that Beacon’s Closet supports.
Various locations; beaconscloset.com
2. Laced Up
Founders Andrew and Philip Pevzner set out to create a store inspired by streetwear and in 2016, they opened their first shop in Albany, NY. Five years later they have expanded to five more locations across NYC and New Jersey and we’re sure glad they did. Sneakerheads can expect to find a pair (or two) of killer kicks from brands like Yeezy, Supreme and Bape, while sartorial seekers can take their pick of graphic tees, skater hoodies and vintage pins and caps. Can’t make the trip? Check out their sneaker and clothing selection on their site.
Various locations; lacedup.com
3. 2nd Street
Hailing from Japan, 2nd Street is known for premium, second-hand items “that can’t be found just anywhere for great value” (and with over 600 stores in Asia, we’re definitely taking their word for it). From streetwear to designer brands (oh hey, Christian Dior purse), there are excellent picks here from as low as $9. Plus, they strive for sustainability, so any items that cannot be sold are donated to a partner company or to those in need.
Various locations; 2ndstreetusa.com
4. Buffalo Exchange
It’s considered one of the OG thrift stores with over 47 years of experience providing vintage clothing, shoes and décor to cool locals. There are currently 50 locations in the U.S. and six can be found in Manhattan, Queens and Brooklyn. Here you’ll discover bold and eccentric pieces for any occasion, season or event. (Pro tip: This place is excellent for Halloween.) And if you’re into selling, they run by appointment only with a keen eye for plus size items, menswear, daily staples and vintage picks.
Various locations; buffaloexchange.com
5. Tired Thrift
When NYC natives Ledi and Elona had a plan to open a thrift store, they had one goal in mind—to offer vintage pieces straight from the ‘90s and early ‘00s. With Y2K being a major fashion trend these days, you’ll step right into the era when visiting their Brooklyn spot. Whether it’s an Ed Hardy dress or a graphic tee, feed your nostalgia the next time you go thrift shopping.
10 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn; 929-276-3002 or tiredthrift.com
6. L Train Vintage
Whenever you’re in the thrifting mood, Brooklyn tends to have the most shops to spend hours going through the racks. Case in point: The L Train Vintage. This family-owned business has eight locations running across (you guessed it) the popular BK grey subway line. Since ‘99, the stores pride themselves on offering high quality vintage pieces and adding new merchandise at least three times a week. While we recommend visiting all of their locations, Urban Jungle is a fan favorite for being one the biggest thrift stores in the city.
Various locations; ltrainvintagenyc.com
7. Cure Thrift Shop
Head over to the East Village for antiques, art, clothing and more interesting finds. Founder Liz Wolff not only has a mission to showcase vintage and creative pieces, but also to raise awareness for juvenile diabetes after being diagnosed with Type 1 at a young age. Since 2008, the non-profit shop has offered unique items while raising funds for advocacy and juvenile diabetes research.
91 3rd Ave; 212-505-7467 or curethriftshop.com
8. Crossroads Trading
In 1991, Jerry Block and Chip Gerken launched Crossroads Trading at a time when secondhand clothing was a growing concept. Fast forward 30 years later and you’ll find stores across the country, especially in Brooklyn and Lower Manhattan. Find a location and browse through current trends (like ‘00s fashion, puffer jackets and fringe) or check out their selling guide to receive cash or trade credit.
Various locations; crossroadstrading.com
9. The Attic
This Brooklyn spot has an honorable mission: to eliminate landfill waste and promote sustainable fashion. Their second-hand picks feature affordable, fun and vintage collections for everyone. Recent finds include Nine West leather boots, $5 jewelry pieces and vintage mini bags, available in store or online.
231 Grand St., Brooklyn; 929-276-3533 or theatticny.com
10. Rogue
Don’t underestimate the new thrift store on the block. Emma Rogue started out selling second-hand items on Depop before creating an online business of her own and then finally launching her own store in the Lower East Side this year. With the help of social media (thank you, TikTok) and Gen-Z's newfound love for thrifting, this spot continues to be a hotspot for Y2K-inspired picks like graphic baby tees, '90s Skechers and Prada shoulder bags.
53 Stanton St; 914-222-3191
11. Flamingos Vintage Pound
This East Village thrift shop is taking shopping to a whole new level. Instead of paying for items individually, they give you the option to pay by the pound. Yep, a jacket or a shirt or even a dress can cost between $7 to $20 depending on the weight. And another fun way to get into the vintage game is by buying their exclusive mystery box where they’ll curate a few pieces just for you. All you have to do is pick a category and size and then wait for your surprise gift to arrive in the mail.
143 1st Ave; 281-889-1609 or vintagepound.com
12. Monk Vintage
If you're looking to spruce up your wardrobe, Monk Vintage has clothes and accessories that you simply can’t get anywhere else. Need some neon cowboy boots that light up? What about a 1990 OG Nickelodeon Studios tank top? Or a fluffy faux fur coat? The possibilities are endless at this Brooklyn thrift shop.
500 Driggs Ave, Brooklyn; 718-384-6665
13. Awoke Vintage
In 2006, Awoke Vintage went from an Australian market pop-up to a full-fledged store in NYC. For 19 years, the vintage shop has provided clothes, beauty and accessories for under $100. (Think: A wide selection of leather jackets, baguette bags and chic gold hoops.) It’s also been a go-to for designers, stylists and production companies to find unique pieces for various projects, like the hit show The Americans.
Various locations; awokevintage.com
14. Goodwill
Fact: You can’t go thrifting without hitting Goodwill at least once. This company has been around for 120 years and continues to be an important resource for NYC communities in all five boroughs. From furniture to books to clothing, every location features a wide selection of items for as low as $1.
Various locations; goodwill.org
15. Housing Works
Similar to Goodwill, Housing Works has been around for decades. Its core mission is to provide resources for those living with and affected by HIV/AIDS and homelessness. Their many storefronts around the city feature fashion, books and home items (their furniture selection is particularly on point) while raising funds for services and awareness for these specific groups.
Various locations; housingworks.org/businesses
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