Must See Thrift Stores in New York City!

Guide to New York’s City’s Affordable Thrift Stores

I from Louisiana and thrift shopping in Louisiana is extremely straight forward and very cheap! When I moved to New York I discovered that thrifting in the city was pricey.  That is until I discovered Looking fly on a dimes list of affordable thrift stores in New York. From there I discovered and designated my on little go to thrift store preferences.  This is a working guide as I am always discovering new spots.

Lets start with my favorite. Housing Work’s Buy the Bag in Brooklyn.  

I like to call Buy The Bag “The Crack Spot”. This is definitely not a store for beginners! You will have to DIG, but it’s totally worth it. In here you can find the hidden gems. For $25 you can fill a bag with as many clothes as you can. Now as much as I love this place my recommendation is that you arrive EARLY. When I first started coming it was nice, peaceful, and prime for the picking. Now if you don’t get there early there is a massive amount of resellers waiting at the door. Sucks, but what can you do? Buy the bag is great if you are looking for general wardrobe items. Here I have found designers as nice as St. Laurent, but don’t get your hopes up. The brands I find mostly are gap, HM, Forever21.

Address: 159 28th St, Brooklyn, NY 11232

Phone:(718) 840-2923

Hours: Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 11am to 4pm /Saturday: 11am to 5pm

Key Shopping Items: General wardrobe items

Level: Advanced

Next up is Buffalo Exchange. 

Definitely a beginners thrift store I like going to Buffalo Exchange if I looking for something relatively new and don’t want to pay that “new” price. I go there mostly if I am looking for a romper, jumper, or nice dress. This store doesn’t require any significant thought its just like going to any other retail store its crazy organized and easy to shop. The locations I prefer are Chelsea and Williamsburg.  This is also the best and most affordable option for men.

Address: 114 W. 26th St, New York, NY 10001

Phone:(212) 675-3535

Hours: Monday–Saturday 11am–8pm / Sunday 12pm–7pm

Key Shopping Items: Shoes, Bags, Rompers, Jumpers, and Dresses.

Level: Beginner

Next Up is the  Salvation Army @ 46^th Street

This is a great place for intermediate thrifters.  Its very organized and usually has an awesome selection. This location is great for furniture, Swim , coats, and Skirts. It is off the beaten path, but I usually never leave without purchasing something. The price points are definitely nice and daily there is a tag color that is 50%. Wednesday’s most things are half off.

Address: 536 West 46^th St New York, NY

Phone: (212) 757-2311

Hours: Monday–Saturday 10am–7pm / Sunday closed

Key Shopping Items: Shoes, Furniture, Swim, Dresses.

Level: Novice

Next up Thrift Row as I like to call it

So if you venture to 23^rd st and start at Lexington and walk towards 3^rd there is a least 5 thrift stores in a two block radius. That’s why I call it thrift row. There is a Housing Work ‘s, Salvation Army, Goodwill, Opera Thrift, Pet Thrift. Needless to say if you are looking anything you are likely to find it on Thrift Row.

This is the info for the Housing Works just start there and work your way down

Address: 157 East 23rd St., New York, NY 10010

Phone: (212) 529-5955

Hours: Mon-Fri: 10 AM- 7 PM/ Sat: 10 AM-6 PM, Sun: 12 PM-6 PM

Key Shopping Items: EVERYTHING

Level: Novice