12 Best Thrift Stores in NYC Worth Visiting

Publish date: 2024-05-28

Housing Works

Housing Works is a nonprofit organization that specifically works to assist those living with HIV/AIDS. Its thrift shops, located throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn, offer clothing, furniture, art, books, and beyond. So if you have a few hours to spend, take the chance and dive in, picking pieces up for $10 or a few hundred depending on the styles.

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James Veloria

The Lower East Side's James Veloria is a spot for in-the-know shoppers looking for vintage treasures from brands like Vivienne Westwood and Jean Paul Gaultier. "I love James Veloria. It's a beacon of great pieces," Satenstein says. "Also, they are democratically priced and very much for the kids. A lot of dealers these days are inflating their prices because vintage is so in demand—but not JV!" Expect to still pay in the hundreds for designer styles, though, especially rare picks.

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Celine S/S 2004 Gold Chain Print Halter Dress

S/S 2004 Gold Chain Print Halter Dress

Celine S/S 2004 Gold Chain Print Halter Dress

Credit: James Veloria

One of the many Celine gems available at James Veloria (for now).

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Beacon's Closet

beacon's closetBeacon's Closet

With four locations across Brooklyn and Manhattan, Beacon's Closet is a go-to shopping locale for everything from vintage dresses to sport sweatshirts to UGG boots. The stores curate cool picks from local sellers, so you never know exactly what you'll find when you do a little digging. Prices here are mainly less than $100, but for some designer pieces, expect to pay a bit more.

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Goodwill & Salvation Army

"I must admit my favorites are still Salvation Army and Goodwill, since you can snatch things before stores do," Cenisio says. The further you can travel from Manhattan to visit one of these stores, the designer adds, the better for securing unexpected finds. "If you don’t have time for that, the Salvation Army on West 46th can have some gems. They definitely require more sifting, but it's worth it if you ask me."

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10 Ft. Single by Stella Dallas

Williamsburg-based store 10 Ft. Single is a treasure trove of vintage finds for both men and women. It's carefully curated, but still stocked as if you're partaking in a treasure hunt. While the prices are higher than a spot like Goodwill or the Salvation Army, the high volume of quality pieces makes it much more likely you'll go home with something you love.

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Dana Foley

"If I don't have time for sifting, Dana Foley is one of my favorite places in the city that I can rely on for cute, curated vintage," Cenisio says. The Lower East Side shop is full of trendy, quirky pieces with prices that sit mostly in the $100-to-$400 range. Head here if you're looking for something unique and eye-catching.

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Vintage Mustang Letterman

Mustang Letterman

Vintage Mustang Letterman

Credit: Dana Foley

One example of a great Dana Foley find? This patchwork letterman jacket.

L Train Vintage

Sifting through the collections at L Train Vintage is easier than your standard thrift store. Current trends, whether they be cool sweatshirts or fuzzy jackets, are often pulled together for easy shopping. With locations in Brooklyn and Manhattan, you can easily make this family-run store part of a full afternoon of thrifting.

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Buffalo Exchange

Vintage and designer pieces sit side by side at Buffalo Exchange, a nationwide thrift store with multiple locations throughout New York City. For college students and trendsetters, Buffalo is the spot to find styles that no one else has. Expect to find prices starting around $15 and crossing $100 for luxury finds.

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2nd Street

This Japanese chain is known for curating affordable designer pieces and has multiple locations across the city including in Chelsea and the Lower East Side. "2nd Street is a great spot for designer clothing in great condition, and sometimes that's exactly what I want," Cenisio says.

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Comme des Garçons Blouse

Blouse

Comme des Garçons Blouse

Credit: 2nd Street Vintage

One rare blouse you'll be lucky to take home.

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Crossroads Trading Co.

Another national chain, Crossroads has many locations in NYC including in Chelsea, the West Village, and Williamsburg. Here, look for polished pieces from brands like J.Crew, the Gap, and Theory alongside designer items, which are often hung on the walls for easy viewing. Expect for prices to mostly run between $40 and $120.

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Awoke Vintage

With three outposts across Williamsburg and Greenpoint, Awoke, which opened its first brick-and-mortar store in 2006, is a go-to for colorful tops and dresses along with lots of vintage denim. Prices range, but be sure to dive into the discount bins where you can find something special for just $5 or $10.

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Levi's 550 Denim

550 Denim

Levi's 550 Denim

Credit: Awoke Vintage

Here's an example of the premium vintage denim you'll find at Awoke.

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Cure Thrift

Founder Liz Wolff first opened Cure Thrift in 2008 in Manhattan's East Village. Head here not only to sort through a curated selection of quirky fashion, but also to check out furniture and art. Since this shop is a nonprofit, proceeds go to research and advocacy for juvenile diabetes, so you can feel good about your purchases.

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