With fast fashion being one of the most polluting industries of our planet, buying your clothes from a thrift store is certainly a great choice to make. New Yorkers generated around 200,000 tons of textile waste in 2020, and with our changing fashion tastes or personal circumstances, thrift stores extend the life of an item that took precious resources to make.
Whether you’re after the latest seasonal trends or a vintage classic, there are lots of thrift stores in New York City for some responsible retail therapy.
The 15 Best Thrift Stores in New York City
Image Credit: AuH20
1. AuH20 Thriftique
AuH20 Thriftique is located in the East Village and sells second-hand clothing, shoes, and accessories. The store’s owner Kate is passionate about sustainable fashion and wants it to be available to everyone. Whether you’re on the lookout for some vintage jewelry or a pair of pre-loved shoes, you’ll be sure to find something perfect in this boutique thrift store and you could grab yourself a real bargain in the permanent $5 and $10 clothing racks. If you can’t get down to AuH20 Thriftique, you can browse and purchase items online as the store also sells on Etsy, Instagram, and Depop.
Address: 84 E 7th Street, New York, NY 10003
2. Beacon’s Closet
Image Credit: Beacon’s Closet
Beacon’s Closet is a female-founded, small-chain thrift shop based in 4 locations across New York City. Big on the agenda for this store is sustainable fashion, ethical working practices for all employees. In addition to this, Beacon’s Closet has donated over $260,000 to a variety of charities, including Doctors Without Borders and Greenpeace. Here you’ll find modern and vintage clothing, with many items also available to browse online.
Address: Various locations
3. Buffalo Exchange
Image Credit: Buffalo Exchange
Kerstin Block opened her first Buffalo Exchange in 1974, after always having a love for thrifting. The chain has grown to over 40 stores across the U.S. with 7 located in New York. They buy, sell, and trade second-hand clothing from vintage fashion to everyday styles.
Address: Various locations
4. City Opera Thrift Shop
Image Credit: City of Opera Thrift Shop
All the proceeds from the City Opera Thrift Store goes towards supporting the New York City Opera and has done for over 40 years. How amazing to know that when you buy that vintage dress or pair of Chanel sunglasses, you’re not only helping the planet, but you’re also supporting the arts. The City Opera Thrift Store is known for its high end clothing and home décor, but it usually does have a variety of items to suit many budgets. Look out for the store’s permanent vintage collection, with new items available weekly.
Address: 513 W 26th Street, New York, NY 10001
5. Crossroads Trading Company
Image Credit: Crossroads Trading Company
Crossroads Trading Company has 3 locations in New York, with another store opening soon in East Village. In total, it has 37 stores across the United States and prides itself on its contribution to sustainable fashion. Eco-conscious customers can buy second-hand clothing and accessories for cash or trade credit.
Address: Various locations
6. Cure Thrift Shop
Image Credit: Cure Thrift Shop
Cure Thrift Shop’s proceeds go towards research and advocacy into type 1 diabetes, as the store’s founder was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes at the age of 11. The store donates to a fantastic cause and is one of the most stylish thrift shops in the city. The owner Liz’s passion for antiques and art is apparent from the moment you step through the door. Visit on one of the store’s popular half off days or occasional events.
Address: 91 3rd Avenue, New York, NY 10003
7. Goodwill
With 10 stores across New York City, you’re never too from a Goodwill. Thrifting at Goodwill is not just good for the environment and your bank balance, but the proceeds also go towards supporting employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
Address: Various locations
8. Grand Street Local
Image Credit: Grand Street Local
Visit Grand Street Local in Brooklyn or if you can’t get to the store, you can bid in their live Instagram auction on Sunday evenings. This family-run store is jam-packed full of the coolest vintage clothing.
Address: 154 Grand St, Brooklyn, NY 11249
9. Green Village Used Furniture & Clothing
Image Credit: Go Green Village
Green Village is a huge warehouse full of items such as clothing, furniture, toys, electronics, books, art – you name it, Green Village has it. Named as one of New York Magazine’s Top 10 Junk Shops, this treasure trove is really worth sifting through for a few hours or longer.
Address: 276 Starr Street, Brooklyn, NY 11237
10. Housing Works
Image Credit: Housing Works
Housing Works has 10 locations across NYC, and is a non-profit organization helping people living with AIDS to ensure they have access to housing and healthcare. Thrift stores are located in Brooklyn, West Village, and Soho, to name just a few, and offer second-hand clothing and home décor.
Address: Various locations
11. Le Point Value
Image Credit: Le Point Thrift Store
Le Point Value is a small chain of thrift stores in the Bronx and Brooklyn. Stocking a wide selection of men’s and women’s clothing, you’re sure to find a bargain among the many rails of clothing and shoes.
Address: Various locations
12. L Train Vintage
Image Credit: L Train Vintage
L Train Vintage only sells in-store rather than online, but with 8 stores across the city; you won’t be too far from one. This family business has been offering second-hand clothing since 1999 and has new stock coming in at least 3 times a week. Its store on Knickerbocker Avenue, Brooklyn, is the largest thrift store in the New York City, so you could spend hours (if not days!) sorting through the racks and trying on countless items.
Address: Various locations
13. Stella Dallas
Image Credit: Stella Dallas
Stella Dallas has 3 thrift stores selling modern fashion and timeless staples of varying affordability. The store owner has worked in the fashion industry for many years around the world, and uses her expertise to curate collections for women of all ages.
Address: 285 N 6th St, Brooklyn, NY 11211
14. Tokio7
Image Credit: Tokio7
Tokio7 sells everything from bags, shoes, accessories, and vintage items, with a special focus on Japanese designers recognising the owner’s heritage. Having opened in 1996, the store has grown a loyal local and international customer base, attracted to the diverse apparel ranging from high-end to locally designed.
Address: 83 E 7th Street, New York, NY 10003
15. Underground Thrift Store
Image Credit: Underground Thrift Store
Located in the historic Plymouth Church in Brooklyn Heights, the Underground Thrift Store is a little gem only open on Sunday afternoons. While doing your bit for sustainable fashion, you’ll also have the comfort of knowing your purchases are going towards a great cause, as the church partners with anti-trafficking charity, Restore.
Address: 65 Hicks Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Happy thrifting!
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