This post is all about vintage and thrift stores in New York City.
There’s no denying that New York is a style capital.
People all over the world look to emulate New Yorkers’ effortlessly cool style and one of the best places to pick up those unique pieces is in thrift stores and vintage shops.
In fact, the New York second-hand shopping scene is so amazing that people travel just to pore through the shops. In addition to affordable prices, buying clothing second-hand saves clothing from landfills and supports good causes through many mission-driven businesses.
While there are countless second-hand shops in New York, I’m sharing 11 vintage and thrift stores in New York City where I can count on the best finds.
11 Must-Visit Vintage Shops and Thrift Stores in New York City
1. Goodwill
If you’ve never been to a Goodwill in New York City, you may be surprised by how small they are but don’t skip it, you can score some really great deals here!
Everything is priced by category instead of by item (ex. $X for all pants), making it an extra fun treasure hunt (I once found a Ganni dress for $12). They have an assortment of men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing as well as shoes, books, and housewares.
Of course, the quality of the inventory depends on the type of neighborhood, but you can find some really high-end pieces in the West Village and Upper East Side locations.
If you’re looking for a wild thrifting trip, check out the bins in Queens, where all clothing is $1.99 per pound.
2. Housing Works
Housing Works is a second-hand store with an incredible mission to end the HIV/AIDs and homelessness crises.
The store is run by volunteers and all profits go toward these causes. You can find vintage pieces, current labels, books, and furniture here.
Keep an eye out for their events, they will often do designer sales where you can score some really great finds.
3. Beacon’s Closet
Many people consider Beacon’s Closet to be the best second-hand store in New York City. If you love the experience of digging for a find, this is the place for you. With 4 locations throughout Brooklyn and Manhattan, this it’s a must-visit thrift store for eclectic and vintage pieces. (Insider tip: the Greenpoint location has the best inventory!)
4. Crossroads
Crossroads is my favorite spot for curated modern and current styles. They accept items on consignment, so each item is hand-selected, which weeds out a lot of poor-quality pieces. Yes, the prices are higher than a thrift store but lower than most vintage shops (although you can find great vintage pieces here). My favorite locations are the stores in Midtown Manhattan and Williamsburg.
5. Buffalo Exchange
Buffalo Exchange is another consignment shop but with a younger/trendier vibe. Mixed in with pieces on consignment are also brand-new items from boutiques, so you can expect to find on-trend pieces at an affordable price. Don’t miss their higher-label pieces, where you can find Gucci, Chanel, St Laurent, and more!
6. 2nd Street
If you’re looking for high-end and luxury consignment, don’t miss this spot! 2nd Street has a very curated selection of items in tip-top shape and style. You can score high street labels for a fraction of the price. It’s pricier than thrift stores and other consignment shops but has some incredible finds for those looking for higher-quality finds.
7. L Train Vintage
L Train Vintage is one of the most popular New York vintage shops. Opened in 1999, you can count on L Train for great denim, jackets, and other clothes. They sell a mix of vintage and current styles and have a wide selection across a range of sizes, so you’re sure to find something.
They have multiple locations throughout New York and have another shop under the name No Relation Vintage.
8. Awoke Vintage
Awoke Vintage originally opened as a stall in Australia but is now a permanent location in Brooklyn. There’s something for everyone here with a curated selection, including vintage denim. Don’t miss their $5 and $10 bins to score some pieces for a steal.
9. The Vintage Twin
If you’re looking for your perfect pair of vintage Levi’s jeans, head to The Vintage Twin.
Not only do they stock hundreds of pairs of jeans from the 1960s on, they have a team of stylists that will help you find a pair that fits you perfectly. I’m not sure how they do it, it seems like magic but within minutes they’re able to pull together a bunch of jeans that fit like a glove.
More information here!
10. Mr. Throwback
This is a sports lover’s paradise! Mr. Throwback sells vintage sportswear from the ‘80s and ‘90s, stocking an impressive collection of jerseys, jackets, hats, and more. The owners scour second-hand sites to bring the best inventory to their shop. Celebrities like Pete Davidson and Ariana Grande have been known to pay a visit to Mr. Throwback to find some cool and unique pieces.
11. Cure Thrift Shop
Cure Thrift Shop is a high-end East Village thrift store opened with the cause of funding juvenile diabetes research and spreading awareness. The eclectic shop carries furniture, jewelry, and clothing. The selection is carefully curated and is a treasure trove for unique pieces. Don’t miss the knick-knacks and furniture if you’re decorating or furnishing an apartment.
Sample Sales
While this isn’t technically a second-hand store, I’d guess you love a good deal so I need to mention sample sales. At sample sales, stores release stock from past seasons or samples that never made it to the racks for a fraction of the retail price. My favorite sample sale to watch is 260 Sample Sale.
That concludes the list of 11 vintage and thrift stores in New York City.
Happy hunting!
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