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I've been a clothing reseller in NYC for 9 months now and have navigated through quite a few different thrift shops. I'm spilling all my top sourcing spots for you in this post, and providing all of my thrift store tips. Here is your ultimate guide to New York City thrift stores!
GOODWILL
Are the Goodwills in Manhattan expensive? Yes. But let me tell you something: they are LIT. Of the countless times I’ve frequented them, I think I’ve only left empty-handed twice. Some of my absolute best finds (including my top two biggest flips to date) have been sourced from a Manhattan Goodwill. They’re especially good if you’re short on time, or with someone who’s not so crazy about thrift stores.
Tips:
- Sign up for the Goodwill card to build points for dollars spent + eventually get $$ off
- Show a student card on Saturday’s for 10% off your entire purchase
- Check for the color tags. Most, if not all, Manhattan GW’s have reduced their color sale to 40% off instead of 50% off, but still better than nothing!
- Grab a basket
- Try on what you need to
- Return anything for store credit within 7 days to the same location
23rd St
One of the best, IMO. A large selection, but not overwhelmingly so, and well organized. 2 fitting rooms.
14th St - Union Sq
Good brands (can still be hit or miss, of course). On the smaller side, but still worth checking out! 2 fitting rooms.
8th St
In a cute neighborhood! Good shoe + purse selection. 2-3 fitting rooms.
1st Ave
Another great one, just a bit of a ways from the metro. Clean, well-lit, + big! Check it out if you can!
Upper West Side
A teeny space + racks were crammed too full when I was visited. UWS is a nice area, however, so you have a good chance of finding good brands.
Upper East Side
This is the one you’d expect to find the best brands at, which is likely why it was completely picked through the one time I went. It’s big w/ 2 levels (top is men’s + kids) + fitting rooms.
Outlet - LIC Bins
Not as intimidating as I thought it would be! Try to get a cart if you can to keep your findings - make sure to cover your cart with a blanket. Pay by the pound - the more you find the cheaper the price!
SALVATION ARMY
Better priced, and more of an actual thrift store experience rather than a boutique (eh-hem, Goodwill).
Tips:
- Bring your own bag/basket
- Items are priced individually. You cannot purchase an item if it does not have a tag attached (stapled)
- No fitting rooms - prepare to try things on over your clothes if need be
- No returns
- Ask about upcoming sales. They usually run holiday sales (50% off for Memorial Day)
23rd St
Not the cleanest or most organized, but you can find some hidden gems! Right next door to the GW on 23rd.
Hell’s Kitchen
Known as the daddy Salvation Army. There are three levels: furniture + home goods, women’s clothes, and men’s + kids. I went in the evening + everything seemed picked through. I was advised to go early, and that people wait outside before they open!
Steinway St - Astoria
One of my favs. Cleaner and more organized than the 23rd St. location. A good selection + decent prices! You can find some solid gems for a great bargain.
Woodside
I have yet to make my way over, but I’ve heard great things about it from a PFF!
MOM + POPS
Admittedly uncharted territory for me. I feel these are really hit or miss, but if you find a hit, it’s slammin! Prices can range from being really fair to obscene.
Steinway Thrift Shop - Astoria
A small selection, but it is pretty clean + well organized. They curate the items they sell, so it’s a pretty nice shopping experience. Prices are a bit steep and the brands they mostly sell are not my cup of tea (think Banana Republic, Zara, Gap, etc.).
Ditmars Thrift Shop - Astoria
I love this place. It’s small, but there’s still somehow a lot to go through + it’s always been an enjoyable experience! I’ve found some great finds here (Reformation, Kooples, ANINE BING!). Items are individually priced, so there’s always a chance for a good deal.
Faith, Hope & Charity - Kips Bay
I read great things about this place and checked it out once after work. It seemed to have good potential, but I walked out with only a pair of One Teaspoon shorts (still not a bad trip IMO). It’s on the smaller side, but there’s a lot of inventory inside!
Cauz for Pawz - 1st Ave
I went to my first Posh n Sip here! We were offered a 5 for $25 deal, so I’m not sure what they’re regular prices are like, but I did see some decent brands (Alice + Olivia, Frame, Splendid). They’re mission is helping animals, so YES to that.
CONSIGNMENT STORES
Another good place if you're on a time crunch, or with someone who's not super into thrift stores. Very clean + curated, and not every brand is as overpriced as one might think.
Tips:
- Check for the sales
- Bring your own bag (Crossroads charges for store bags)
Crossroads Trading Co. - 26th St
My fav. A great selection with a lot of great brands. Of course, some items can be priced on the higher side, but they do discount their older inventory (50% off!) so you can still find a great deal. A lot of the discounted items are mixed in w/ the regular inventory, so I’d recommend looking through everything. Even if it's not on sale, it still may be a good deal (I found a Spell top for $13.50!).
Beacon’s Closet - Williamsburg
I went here once before I was a reseller + found a cute Free People dress! I don’t remember how good of a deal it was, but I do remember this place was huge + had a lot of fun + unique/ vintage pieces.
Buffalo Exchange - 26th St
Actually haven’t gotten a chance to step in (tried to go on the Earth Day sale but the line was huh-uge), but it looks like they have a huge selection!
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