A Guide to the Top 8 Thrift Stores in New York
If you want reliable spots for great secondhand finds, New York City has some of the best thrift stores around. AUH2O, Beacon’s Closet, 10 ft Single by Stella Dallas, Crossroads Trading Company, Cure Thrift, Housing Works, Goodwill, and Buffalo Exchange are the top places shoppers trust for unique pieces and everyday staples. These stores offer everything from unique vintage pieces to budget-friendly clothing, shoes, and home items, making it easy to shop sustainably while finding one-of-a-kind treasures.
Thrifting has gained immense popularity since it was introduced in the ‘90s. The practice poses many benefits: not only is it affordable, but it is also a strategic and environmentally-friendly method for purchasing “fast fashion” items.
ThredUp reports in their 2024 Resale Report that the top reasons consumers buy secondhand items over new items are to save money, afford exclusive and high-end brands, to find inimitable items and to help the planet
Additionally, ThredUp also reports that 74% of consumers have shopped or are open to shopping secondhand apparel. Therefore, with three-quarters of consumers interested in thrifting, demand is high.
It can be intimidating to figure out where to start, so here are some of the best and most unique thrift stores around NYC.
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- Best stores for trendy thrifting: AUH2O, Beacon’s Closet, 10 ft Single by Stella Dallas, Crossroads Trading Company
- Best picks for vintage lovers: 10 ft Single by Stella Dallas, AUH2O, Buffalo Exchange
- Best nonprofit shops: Cure Thrift, Housing Works, Goodwill
- Best neighborhoods for variety: Williamsburg for Beacon’s Closet, East Village for Cure Thrift, SoHo for vintage finds
- Best times to shop with kids: Weekdays at Buffalo Exchange, Crossroads Trading Company, Goodwill
- Best habits for better finds: Slow rack browsing, checking seams, choosing strong and clean pieces at AUH2O, Housing Works, Goodwill.
It helps to sort NYC thrift stores in terms of what you care about most, whether you want budget-friendly options like AUH2O and Goodwill, vintage-focused shops like 10 ft Single by Stella Dallas, trendy picks for young adults at Beacon’s Closet, or cause-supporting nonprofits such as Housing Works and Cure Thrift. You can also choose based on distance, neighborhood feel, or how much time you want to spend browsing. Below are the top thrift stores in NYC to help you plan your visit.
AUH2O: Best Thrift Store in New York Featuring Vintage Collection
Open 12 to 7 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday
Named for owner Kate Goldwater (Au=gold, H2O=water. Clever, right?), AUH2O is a vintage and upcycle shop located in the East Village. The store offers one-of-a-kind jewelry, clothing, accessories, and shoes.
The mission of AUH2O is to make sustainable shopping available to everyone! With permanent $5 and $10 racks, this “thriftique” is a must visit in NYC.
Website: www.auh2oshop.com
Address: 84 E. 7th St.
New York, NY, 10003
Beacon’s Closet: Popular New York Thrift Store Offering Sustainable Goods
Beacon’s Closet is one of the most loved New York thrift stores because it mixes style with caring for the planet. Modern wellness and lifestyle brand goop.com says: “ask any in-the-know new yorker where you might score the best vintage in the city and you’ll likely get this answer: beacon’s closet.”
This female founded and locally owned operation prioritizes ethics and sustainability in everything they do. With its roots in Brooklyn, Beacon’s Closet is well regarded by customers and the media alike.
Beacon’s Closet will buy, sell and trade items with you. Any items not selected for resale will be donated to a charitable organization they support. As of March 2024, Beacon’s Closet had donated $290,187.00 through different programs and partnerships.
To learn more about the organizations they work with and how you can be a part of the initiative, visit their website.
Website: www.beaconscloset.com
Address: Multiple locations, more information here
10 ft Single by Stella Dallas: Best NY Thrift Store Featuring Vintage Stock
Open 12 to 7:15 p.m. daily
If you enjoy searching for rare fashion finds, you’ll see why 10 ft Single by Stella Dallas is often called one of the best thrift stores in NY, offering a nostalgic shopping experience full of unique treasures. Although this thrift store has a higher price tag than its competitors, you are guaranteed to fill your closet in one visit. From denim staples to epic ‘80s rock n’ roll swag, 10 ft Single by Stella Dallas is a nostalgic paradise.
Also, this thrift store has an exclusive back room with unparalleled vintage stock – be sure to check it out!
Website: www.instagram.com/10ftsinglebystelladallas/?hl=en
Address: 285 N 6th St
Brooklyn, NY 11211
Buffalo Exchange: Thrift Store in New York Offering Unique Statement Pieces
Buffalo Exchange is a hub for new and recycled fashion. It’s the ideal thrift store for any consumer, and especially those who prioritize sustainable shopping.
Recycling your closet cleanout can pose many benefits – it helps you free up space, enjoy extra cash, trade for unique statement pieces and contribute to the environment in a positive way.
To sell your clothes and accessories all season round, click here to see details on Buffalo Exchange’s process. Happy trading!
Website: www.buffaloexchange.com
Address: Multiple locations, more information here
Goodwill: Biggest Thrift Store in New York with Rare Fashion Finds
If you enjoy searching for rare fashion finds, you’ll see why Goodwill is often called one of the best thrift stores in NYC, offering a nostalgic shopping experience full of unique treasures. Even if you are unfamiliar with thrifting, I can almost guarantee that you’re familiar with Goodwill. In 2022, local Goodwill stores diverted 4 billion pounds of usable goods from landfills through recycling and upcycling.
Goodwill is an interesting thrift chain because the company focuses heavily on community giving and the greater social good. The organization also provides individuals with free, personalized job training and support.
Whether you want to shop, form a powerful partnership with your local Goodwill, or are seeking professional assistance, Goodwill elevates communities to make a difference.
Website: www.goodwill.org
Address: Multiple locations, more information here
Cure Thrift Shop: Best Thrift Store in NY with a Non-Profit Shop
Open 12 to 9 p.m. daily
Cure Thrift is a non-profit shop in the East Village. Founded by Liz Wolff in 2008, Cure Thrift is funded by two passions: to find NYC’s hidden gems and to benefit juvenile diabetes research and advocacy.
Wolff was diagnosed with type 1 (juvenile) diabetes when she was 11 years old. She turned this obstacle into the opportunity to advocate for a cause close to her heart while gathering and selling the very best antique and vintage items.
This up-scale thrift shop is sure to transport you to another world and keep you busy for hours at a time.
Website: www.curethriftshop.com
Address: 91 3rd Ave
New York, NY 10003
Crossroads Trading Company: Thrift Store in New York with Affordable Options
Crossroads Trading Company is recognized as one of the best NY thrift stores because it makes high-fashion affordable and gives everyone a chance to find pieces they’ll love. Crossroads Trading Company offers a variety of buy, sell, and trade options for men’s and women’s items in great condition. They hope to provide communities all over with a better, more sustainable way to shop.
High-fashion should be accessible to everyone – and Crossroads Trading Company ensures that everyone can dabble in the luxury space. From affordable everyday pieces to special occasion designer merchandise, Crossroads Trading Company is a treasure chest bursting at the seams.
Website: www.crossroadstrading.com
Address: Multiple locations, more information here
Housing Works: A Non-Profit Thrift Store in New York with Lifesaving Service
Housing Works is a non-profit organization that is run by hardworking volunteers. The company’s mission is to support the HIV/AIDS community.
They are specifically focused on reducing homelessness for people affected by the disease through relentless advocacy, the provision of lifesaving service, and entrepreneurial businesses that support Housing Work’s social mission.
Apparel, accessories, and home décor are just some of the things you will find at your local Housing Works.
Website: www.housingworks.org
Address: Multiple locations, more information here
Tips for Thrift Shopping in NYC
Reference URL: https://fly.homes/blog/lifestyle/best-thrift-shops-in-nyc/#undefined
When it comes to thrift shopping in NYC, a few simple habits can make your trip easier, calmer, and more successful. The city has busy stores, fast-changing racks, and lots of hidden gems, so knowing how to look, what to check, and when to shop helps you find better pieces without feeling overwhelmed.
Thrifting feels even better when you know a few easy steps that help you find good pieces without rushing or feeling lost. Below are these helpful ideas that make your visit smoother and more enjoyable.
- Come with an open mind: Thrift stores carry many different Thrift stores carry many different items, ranging from everyday clothes and shoes to books, toys, home décor, and small household pieces, so it’s easy to find something interesting when you stay calm and curious. Looking at each shelf or rack with a fresh mind can help you notice special pieces right away. Taking your time as you move through the store can make it easier to spot items you might have missed at first glance.
- Check the racks slowly: Items can hide between other clothes or books, so moving slowly can help you see everything clearly and spot something cool that other people may have missed.
- Look for strong and clean pieces: Good thrift finds should be in nice condition. Checking the seams, fabric, buttons, and zippers can help you feel sure the item is ready to use, and choosing strong pieces can make you feel confident about what you bring home.
- Try things on when you can: Sizes can feel different in thrift stores, especially with older clothing. Trying items on can help you pick pieces that fit well and feel comfortable.
- Visit more than one neighborhood: Stores in different parts of New York carry different styles, so exploring more than one neighborhood can give you more choices and make the day feel like a fun adventure.
- Go on weekdays if possible: Weekdays are usually quieter, so visiting then can give you more space to look around. It also becomes easier to try things on and make clear choices.
- Set a simple budget: Many items in thrift stores are affordable, and setting a small budget can help you stay focused. Choosing only what you truly like can make you feel proud of your finds.
- Have fun while you shop: Thrifting can feel like a small treasure hunt. Enjoy searching through the racks, noticing new things, and finding pieces that feel special to you.
Wrapping Up
Thrift shopping in New York gives families a simple and affordable way to find useful items. Each store offers clean clothes, sturdy shoes, books in good condition, and toys that still work well. New York thrift stores help shoppers save money while selecting items that can be used immediately. When you look carefully at what the store has, check the quality, and pick pieces that fit your needs, you end your visit with something valuable that you can enjoy at home.
FAQs
What makes NYC thrift stores different from other cities?
NYC thrift stores feel different because the city brings together so many styles, cultures, and neighborhoods. Shops in places like Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens each have their own look, so you can find trendy pieces, rare vintage items, or simple basics all in one day. This mix gives families more choices and makes thrift shopping feel like a fun city adventure.
Is New York a good place to thrift?
New York is a wonderful place to thrift because the city has so many different stores where kids and grown-ups can explore racks filled with interesting clothes, colorful shoes, and fun accessories. Each shop feels like a tiny treasure hunt, and you never know what special item you might discover when you walk inside.
Which New York Thrift Store Offers the Best Deals?
Many families feel happy visiting big outlets in New York because these places offer many stores together in one area. You can walk around, look at different brands, check out sales, and enjoy finding clothes or shoes at prices that feel easier on the budget. Each outlet has its own style, so the best one is usually the one that feels most fun and comfortable for your family to explore.
Why do people enjoy thrift shopping in New York?
People enjoy thrift shopping in New York because every store feels different and full of surprises. You can find vintage pieces, everyday clothes, books, toys, and unique items that you do not see in regular stores. The wide variety makes each visit exciting, and many shoppers love knowing they can bring home something special without spending too much.
