This is the ultimate guide to the most popular and very best thrift stores in New York City.
Best Thrift Stores in New York
New York, the city that never sleeps, is renowned for its iconic skyline, bustling streets, and vibrant culture. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple lies a world of thrifting wonders waiting to be explored. If you’re a thrift store aficionado or simply curious about the treasures hidden in the city’s thrift shops, you’re in for an exciting journey.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll be your tour guides through the rich and diverse thrift store landscape of New York. Whether you’re a seasoned thrifter or a newcomer eager to delve into the world of secondhand shopping, our exploration will take you to the very best thrift stores that the city has to offer.
Beyond the allure of thrift stores as budget-friendly shopping destinations, they also serve as windows into the city’s history, fashion, and culture. From vintage clothing to rare collectibles, you’ll be astounded by the array of items waiting to be discovered in these unique retail spaces.
So, lace up your comfortable walking shoes and prepare for an adventure filled with hidden treasures, one-of-a-kind finds, and sustainable shopping practices. Join us as we journey through the best thrift stores in New York, unraveling the stories and unique experiences they hold in this bustling metropolis.
1. AuH2O Thriftique
When it comes to the best affordable thrift stores in NYC, AuH2O Thriftique reigns supreme. This unique establishment seamlessly blends upcycled, secondhand, and vintage fashion, all while maintaining inclusive styles and prices with permanent $5 and $10 racks.
The store’s name pays tribute to its owner, Kate Goldwater, with “Au” symbolizing gold and “H2O” representing water. This fusion of “thrift” and “boutique” perfectly captures the essence of the store.
AuH2O Thriftique doesn’t just serve local customers; it’s also accessible on Depop and Etsy. This female-owned business has become an East Village icon, thanks to its outstanding reviews and cult status among locals.
Location: Bowery, Manhattan
City Opera Thrift Shop
For those seeking high-end thrift stores in NYC, City Opera Thrift Shop stands out as a curated haven for designer, couture, and vintage clothing and accessories, fine art, and decor. Unlike traditional thrift stores, City Opera Thrift Shop offers a clutter-free and organized shopping experience, sparing you the hours of searching through disorganized racks.
Additionally, you can conveniently shop online to discover their exquisite selection.
City Opera Thrift Shop has been supporting the NYC Opera for over 40 years with their profits, making it a unique thrift store with a noble cause.
Location: Chelsea, Manhattan
1. L Train Vintage
L Train Vintage is a family-owned business with multiple NYC locations, making it one of the best vintage thrift stores in the city. With stock updates happening at least three times a week, it’s a treasure trove for vintage enthusiasts.
Their dedicated buyers scour the country in search of rare vintage finds, ranging from funky 70s jackets to decades-old Lakers t-shirts. You’ll also find plenty of items with price tags in the single digits, making it a budget-friendly option.
Locations: Multiple Brooklyn locations, East Village Manhattan
2. Cure Thrift Shop
Cure Thrift Shop stands out as a thrift store with a unique and meaningful cause. Every dollar earned at this thrift shop goes towards supporting Type 1 diabetes research and advocacy organizations. The shop’s founder, who was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes at a young age, has combined her passion for thrifting with her dedication to finding a cure for Type 1 diabetes.
In addition to fashion, antiques, and vintage items, Cure Thrift Shop offers a wide range of treasures, making it a top choice for avid thrift shoppers.
Location: East Village, Manhattan
3. Tokio7
For those in search of one of the largest NYC consignment stores, Tokio7 is the place to go. With over 15 years of experience, founder Makoto Watanabe has been providing New Yorkers with a unique selection of luxury, high-end, locally-made, and everyday apparel, accessories, bags, shoes, and vintage items.
The store is particularly known for its authenticated luxury bags and representation of many Japanese designers. Tokio7 is a fashion enthusiast’s paradise with a commitment to offering unique and high-quality items.
Location: East Village, Manhattan
4. Green Village Used Furniture & Clothing
If you’re a true bargain hunter, Green Village Used Furniture & Clothing should be on your must-visit list. This store boasts a massive warehouse spanning over 10,000 square feet, filled with unique vintage items, collectibles, rare antiques, home and office furniture, costumes, props, electronics, sporting equipment, clothing, and much more.
You’ll find just about anything you can imagine in this eclectic space, and it’s no surprise that New York Magazine has recognized it as one of NYC’s 10 best junk shops.
Location: Bushwick, Brooklyn
5. Housing Works
From Broadway to Brooklyn, Housing Works thrift stores in New York City offer a diverse mix of clothing and accessories, art, books, furniture, and homewares. What sets them apart is their commitment to using all profits to fund the organization’s mission of fighting AIDS and homelessness.
With affordable prices and a dedication to making a positive impact, Housing Works thrift stores warm the hearts of shoppers. You can even access their bookstore and thrift store online to support their noble cause from afar.
Locations: Multiple NYC locations
6. Underground Thrift Store
If you’re looking for a post-Sunday brunch peruse, the Underground Thrift Store is your destination—but be aware that they are only open on Sundays.
Despite their limited hours, this store offers an exceptional selection of designer clothes, quality children’s apparel, high-end housewares, and outstanding shoes and accessories. What makes this store special is that 25% of its proceeds go towards organizations fighting human trafficking, such as Restore NYC.
Location: Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn
7. Monk Vintage Thrift Shop
For three decades, Monk Vintage Thrift Shop has been a go-to destination for thrift shoppers in New York City. Their collection embodies the trifecta of thrifting goodness: quirky, colorful, and one-of-a-kind.
Notably, you can receive a 25% discount on your next purchase by donating gently used clothes, bags, books, or shoes. It’s a convenient way to recycle your old items while getting a little something in return.
Location: Williamsburg, Brooklyn
8. Beacon’s Closet
Beacon’s Closet is often hailed as the best clothing thrift store in NYC, and it proudly represents Brooklyn’s finest. Founded by females, this company is not only known for its vintage and modern designer clothing but also for its commitment to sustainability and ethics.
Workers at Beacon’s Closet receive fair wages, paid vacation time, paid maternity/paternity leave, and 100% health insurance for full-time employees. They also donate a portion of unpurchased clothing to nonprofits and support local charities through their BYOBag program.
With a strong focus on giving back and promoting diversity and inclusivity, Beacon’s Closet offers training and mentorship programs for people of color and a BIPOC creative clothing loan program.
Locations: Multiple Brooklyn locations, Greenwich Village Manhattan
9. Stella Dallas
Stella Dallas encompasses two side-by-side shops: Stella Dallas Living and 10ft Single, both known for being among Brooklyn’s best thrift shops. They offer global furnishings and textiles, clothing, home goods, vintage dresses, and more.
10ft Single is particularly impressive, housing a massive collection that could take hours to fully explore. In addition to staple fashion finds, you may stumble upon garments dating back to the 1840s, expertly curated vintage clothing and housewares, and stylish hats and gloves.
Locations: Williamsburg, Brooklyn (10ft Single) | Williamsburg, Brooklyn (Stella Dallas Living)
10. 2nd Street
2nd Street, with locations across Brooklyn and the Bronx, is a top choice for budget-conscious thrift shoppers. They offer brand-name secondhand shoes, clothing, accessories, toys, electronics, and household goods in various sizes.
With price tags of $3 or $5, you’ll find unbeatable deals at 2nd Street, making it the go-to destination for frugal fashionistas.
Locations: Multiple NYC locations
11, El Barrio 2nd Ave Thrift Store
For those in Spanish Harlem seeking a thrift store that fosters community connection and offers select secondhand treasures, El Barrio Thrift Store is the answer. This retail charity shop, operated by Saint Cecilia’s Catholic Parish, aims to support community cohesion and fund local neighborhood projects.
Open Monday through Saturday, they offer affordable furniture, clothing, electronics, and kitchenware, catering to the needs of immigrants, individuals released from prison, and low-income families.
Location: East Harlem, Manhattan
12. The Worthy Pause
The Worthy Pause uniquely combines the interests of animal lovers and bargain hunters. This charming thrift shop offers sustainable home decor, furniture, knick-knacks, home goods, and clothing in an eclectic and delightful storefront.
All items are received strictly through donations, and as a 501(c) non-profit, all proceeds contribute to providing animal welfare services for local pet owners and strays alike.
Location: Bayside, Queens
13. Every Thing Goes Furniture and Clothing
Every Thing Goes Furniture and Clothing is a thrift store that believes bigger is better in the Big Apple. Their Staten Island warehouse, spanning 10,000 square feet, is packed with antique and modern furniture, vintage and gently-used clothing, and a variety of idiosyncratic items.
The store is known for clear pricing and organization, making it a fantastic place to explore. Whether you’re searching for designer bags and shoes or Himalayan salt lamps and crystals, you’ll find it here.
They are open from Tuesday to Saturday and occasionally host pop-up sales. Committed to sustainability, Every Thing Goes aims to restore the beauty and functionality of used items.
Location: Brighton Heights, Staten Island
14. Le Point Value’s Best Thrift Shop
Le Point Value, with multiple locations across Brooklyn and the Bronx, may just offer the cheapest thrift store options in NYC. They specialize in reselling brand-name secondhand shoes, clothing, accessories, toys, electronics, and household goods in all sizes.
With price tags typically set at $3 or $5, Le Point Value makes thrift shopping an affordable and accessible experience for the whole family.
Locations: Multiple NYC locations
15. Buffalo Exchange
Buffalo Exchange, with locations across the country and five dedicated NYC thrift stores, is a popular choice for trading or selling clothes for cash. Their stores are known for a constantly changing selection of quality designer, vintage, and everyday clothing staples.
Through their Tokens for Bags program, Buffalo Exchange donates 5¢ for every customer who opts not to take a bag. This initiative has collectively supported nonprofits with over $800,000 in donations and prevented more than 17.8 million bags from ending up in the environment.
In addition, Buffalo Exchange’s annual Earth Day $1 Sale has raised over $50,000 for The Humane Society, and they regularly donate clothing and accessories to various charitable causes.
Locations: Multiple NYC locations
Reasons to Check out Thrift Stores in New York
1. Unique Finds and Vintage Treasures
New York’s thrift stores are a treasure trove of unique and vintage items that you won’t find in conventional retail stores. Whether you’re searching for a vintage leather jacket, a classic vinyl record, or a retro pair of sunglasses, these thrift stores offer a chance to own a piece of history. Explore the racks, shelves, and bins, and you might stumble upon a hidden gem that tells its own story.
2. Sustainable Shopping
Thrift stores are at the forefront of sustainable fashion and shopping practices. By choosing secondhand items, you reduce the demand for new production and help minimize the fashion industry’s environmental impact. New York thrives on its eco-conscious community, and thrift stores allow you to align your shopping habits with your values.
3. Budget-Friendly Bargains
Living in a city as bustling as New York can be expensive, but thrift stores provide an affordable shopping alternative. You can dress stylishly and decorate your home without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a student, a young professional, or simply budget-conscious, thrift stores offer a wide range of goods at wallet-friendly prices.
4. Hidden Local Gems
Thrift stores are often local businesses run by passionate and knowledgeable owners. Exploring these stores can lead to unexpected discoveries, such as handmade crafts, artwork by local artists, or unique furniture pieces. You’ll not only find incredible items but also support the city’s small businesses and artisans.
5. Fashion Forward
New York is a global fashion hub, and thrift stores in the city reflect its diverse and ever-evolving fashion scene. You can stay on-trend without splurging on designer labels. Thrift stores in trendy neighborhoods like Williamsburg and the East Village are known for stocking stylish and fashionable pieces.
6. A Nostalgic Journey
Thrift stores are a gateway to the past, offering items that evoke nostalgia and memories. Whether it’s a vintage toy from your childhood or a retro magazine from a bygone era, these stores allow you to relive moments from the past and share stories with friends and family.
7. Supporting Charitable Causes
Many thrift stores in New York operate as nonprofits or donate a portion of their proceeds to charitable organizations. By shopping at these stores, you’re not only finding great deals but also contributing to causes that make a positive impact on the city’s communities.
8. Thrifting Adventures
Exploring thrift stores can be an adventure in itself. Each store has its own unique atmosphere and assortment of items. You never know what you’ll find, and that sense of anticipation and discovery is part of the thrill of thrifting. Whether you’re hunting for a specific item or simply enjoying the journey, thrift stores offer a shopping experience like no other.
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