Whether you’re looking for new clothing, furniture, or whatever else, thrift stores are hard to beat.
At its worst, fashion can be terrible for the environment. New clothing often gets made in terrible conditions on the other side of the world, contributes to massive greenhouse emissions on its way to you, and usually just gets thrown out when the next cool thing comes along.
At a thrift store, that clothing that would be heading to the dump ends up in your closet instead. There are none of the emissions caused by ordinary retailers, no waste, and if you’re done with an item, you can send it right back.
And instead of benefitting an unsustainable corporation that exploits its workers, thrift stores often support charities and non-profits doing real good in your community.
Oh, and of course, it’s way cheaper too.
The Windy City is hardly a stranger to thrift stores. There are plenty of shops to choose from when buying new clothing and other goods.
To help you find the perfect one for you, here are the 15 best thrift stores in Chicago.
The 15 Best Thrift Stores in Chicago
1. Alex’s Attic
Image Credit: Alex’s Attic
Alex’s Attic is a family-owned thrift shop with a great selection of new and used clothing. They’ll buy your clothing for a decent chunk of cash or for twice as much if you go with in-store credit. That makes it a great place to drop off some clothing and buy up some more!
Address: 2733 N. Milwaukee Ave.
2. The Brown Elephant
The Brown Elephant is one of the coolest vintage thrift stores in Chicago. They carry everything from vintage clothing and home décor to books, jewelry, and more!
Operated by Howard Brown Health, all their proceeds go to funding healthcare for uninsured and underinsured members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Address: Various locations
3. Crossroads Trading
Image Credit: Crossroads Trading Chicago
Crossroads Trading is one of the most popular thrift stores in Chicago, and for good reason! The store carries all kinds of trendy clothing and accessories. Unlike many stores on this list, it’s a nationwide chain, but its success just shows you they’re doing something right.
Address: Various Locations
4. El Dorado Thrift
Image Credit: El Dorado Thrift
If there’s a thrift store in Chicago that’s got a truly unique sense of personality, El Dorado Thrift is it. It was founded by a Hispanic family on the philosophy of ‘Bueno, Bonito, y Barato,’ or ‘Good, Nice, and Cheap.’
They pride themselves on their store’s ambiance and well-curated collection, and you can always find some treasure there. That’s why it’s named after the Lost City of Gold. They mostly carry clothing but also sell what they call “Tiliches!” (They also call them knick-knacks)
Address: 2634 N Milwaukee Ave.
5. Family Tree Resale
Image Credit: Family Tree Resale
Family Tree Resale isn’t your average thrift store. They carry an amazing selection of clothes for all ages and all sizes, but they pride themselves on their eclectic selection of goods.
From toys to home goods to an aisle dedicated entirely to Indian clothes and fabrics, they truly have it all.
The store’s management keeps sustainability and their community in mind too. Almost anything they can’t use gets recycled, and they’ve given out over $225,000 in store vouchers to students and families in need.
Address: 5066 N. Lincoln Ave.
6. Greater Goods Community Thrift Shop
Image Credit: Greater Goods Community Thrift Shop
Greater Goods Community Thrift is another store that carries just about anything, from clothing, to art, vinyls, and more. If you watch their social media, you may even catch a rare collectible they’ve got for sale.
Address: 6025 W Irving Park Rd.
7. Green Element Resale
Image Credit: Green Element Resale
Green Element Resale is a cozy little store that carries a mix of furniture, clothing, electronics, and more. Some thrift stores like to specialize, but here, you can really find just about anything.
Address: 6241-45 N Broadway
8. Let’s Change Resale Shoppe
Image Credit: Let’s Change Resale Shoppe
The Let’s Change Resale Shop carries clothing for the whole family, some home décor, and small furniture. Founded by the non-profit Army of the Kind, all the thrift store’s profits go to supporting children in poverty in Haiti, Burkina Faso, Dominican Republic, and Peru.
If you’re looking for a good store to donate to, Let’s Change offers tax-deductible receipts, which makes them a great option!
Address: 1664 N. California Ave.
9. Lost Girls Vintage
Image Credit: Lost Girls Vintage
Lost Girls Vintage carries a curated collection of clothing from the 1930s to the 1990s. The clothing they carry is always unique and trendy.
Founded in 2013, the store wasn’t originally in an ordinary building. Instead, the two founders got their start in a rehabbed 1976 Winnebago they turned into a mobile thrift shop.
These days, they’ve got permanent locations around the city, but every now and then, you can still find them selling clothing out of an RV pop-up shop.
Address: Various Locations
10. Mercy Beaucoup
Image Credit: Mercy Beaucoup
Mercy Beaucoup is a unique high-end resale boutique that specializes in high-quality, brand-name clothing.
All the store’s profits go to the Mercy Home for Boys and Girls, which supports struggling youth throughout Chicago.
Address: 1545 N. Wells Street
11. Monarch Thrift Shop
Image Credit: Monarch Thrift Shop
Monarch Thrift Shop is a social enterprise that supports Chicagoan youth. Their profits go to fighting homelessness and rehabilitating youth with a criminal past.
The store carries a great selection of clothing, along with some toys and books.
Address: 2875 N Milwaukee Ave.
12. Mount Sinai Resale Shop
Image Credit: Mount Sinai Resale Shop
The Mount Sinai Resale Shop is a gem of a store. From designer clothes to fine furniture, this is another thrift shop that has it all.
This is also another shop run for a great cause. The Resale Shop is run by Sinai Chicago and raises money for Mount Sinai Hospital’s patient care programs.
Address: 2902 N. Clark Street
13. Norwood Life Society Thrift Shop
Image Credit: Norwood Life Society Thrift Shop
The Norwood Life Society Thrift Shop is a lovely little store with a great impact. They’re staffed entirely by volunteers, and all proceeds support struggling seniors in the community.
They carry everything from housewares, to clothing, to collectibles.
Address: 6017-19 N Nina Ave.
14. Three Stars Resale Shop
Image Credit: Three Stars Resale Shop
Three Stars Resale Shop is a little different for not carrying clothing, but their selection of furniture, lighting, and kitchenware can’t be beaten!
If you’re thinking of redecorating or just want to check out some truly unique treasures, Three Stars is the place for you.
Address: 2600 W Fullerton Ave.
15. Upscale Rummage
Image Credit: Upscale Rummage
Upscale Rummage is a store truly dedicated to sustainability and social good. Their massive, department store-like warehouse sells all kinds of household goods and clothing.
All proceeds support various non-profits throughout the surrounding Lake and Cook County.
Beyond just reselling items, they give out plenty of goods to the homeless, pet rescues, and people in need around the world. And they make sure to find every item a new home or recycle it.
Address: 801 East Park Avenue, Libertyville
Final Thoughts on Thrift Stores in Chicago
Chicago is a great city to be in if you’re looking to thrift. Whether you want a thrift store that benefits local non-profits, carries some unique treasures, or just has some plain great deals, you’ve got plenty of options when you’re shopping sustainably.
Next time you’re expanding your wardrobe, don’t fall for fast fashion. Buying from thrift stores means less waste and fewer greenhouse emissions. And when you’re done with your clothing, there are plenty of places you can go in Chicago to sell or donate it.
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