Best Thrift Shops & Online Thrift Stores In USA(2026 Complete Guide)
Thrift shopping, which has become increasingly popular in recent times, is not merely a fad – it represents a strong commitment to environmental sustainability. In this blog, we explore brands in the US that make secondhand store shopping easy!
Whether you’re a seasoned thrifter or just dipping your toes into the world of pre-loved treasures, you already know there’s nothing quite like the thrill of uncovering a hidden gem, be it a vintage jacket, a gently worn designer dress, or that perfect accent lamp for your living room. But with scores of local shops, national chains, and one-of-a-kind pop-ups scattered from coast to coast, where do you even begin?
In this guide, we’ve done the legwork for you: top-rated second-hand stores, five from each of the 50 states
Table of contents
- Best Online Thrift Stores Rated By Reddit Users In 2026
- Highest Ranked Thrift Store Chains In America
- How To Find Thrift Store Chains In The USA
- Best Cities in the USA For Thrift Shopping
- Best Place To Go Thrifting And Support Local Communities
- How Much Money You Potentially Save From Secondhand Shopping
Ready to save big, shop sustainably, and score some serious style points? Let’s dive in!
Best Online Thrift Stores Rated By Reddit Users In 2026
ThredUp | The Volume Processor
Best For: Mid-range “mall brands” (Gap, J.Crew, Zara, Madewell, Lululemon) and everyday children’s clothing. It is the primary choice for clearing out large quantities of clothing that do not have a high individual resale value.
- The Clean Out Kit: Users request a bag online. You can choose a “Standard” kit (free, slower) or “Expedited” (fee-based, faster processing).
- Sorting & Listing: Once received, ThredUp’s team inspects items. Accepted items are professionally photographed, measured, and listed on their global marketplace. Items not accepted are either recycled or sent to “Rescue Boxes.”
- Pricing Control: ThredUp sets the initial price based on data, but sellers have a 12-hour window to adjust prices once an item is processed.
- Payouts: Earnings are issued after the 14-day return window for the buyer closes. Payouts can be taken as ThredUp shopping credit (often with a bonus) or cashed out via PayPal or Stripe.
The Trade-off:
- Pros: Total convenience; no need to deal with individual buyers or shipping logistics.
- Cons: Payout percentages are low for inexpensive items (often 5–15% for items under $20); processing queues can last several months; strict quality requirements mean many items may be rejected.
The RealReal | The Luxury Expert
Best For: High-end designer fashion, fine jewelry, luxury watches, and premium home decor (Gucci, Prada, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Rolex).
- In-Take Methods: Sellers can ship items via a prepaid label, schedule a “White Glove” in-home pickup (in select cities), or visit a physical Luxury Consignment Office for an evaluation.
- Authentication: Every item passes through a rigorous multi-point inspection by brand experts, gemologists, and horologists to guarantee authenticity.
- Merchandising: Items are styled on mannequins or models and photographed in high resolution. The RealReal manages all customer inquiries and returns.
- Commission Structure: A tiered system based on the item’s sale price and the seller’s annual sales volume. High-value items (e.g., watches over $2,500) yield much higher percentages for the seller.
The Trade-off:
- Pros: High sell-through rate due to buyer confidence in authentication; access to a global database of luxury shoppers; “set it and forget it” for high-value assets.
- Cons: High commission fees (often 30–60%); The RealReal retains full control over automatic discounting and promotional markdowns, which can lower your final payout unexpectedly.
Poshmark | The Social Boutique
Best For: Mid-to-high-range trendy brands (Lululemon, Aritzia, Patagonia, Free People, Nike). It is the premier destination for contemporary “mall brands” and accessible luxury.
- Mechanism: Social-selling and community engagement. To maintain visibility, sellers must “share” their own listings to their followers and “Posh Parties.” It utilizes an “Offers to Likers” system to drive private negotiations.
- Fees: A flat commission of $2.95 for sales under $15; a 20% commission for sales of $15 or more.
- Shipping: Simplified flat-rate labels ($7.97) paid by the buyer. All items up to 5 lbs ship via USPS Priority Mail, regardless of the item’s actual weight.
- Key Feature: “Posh Authenticate” provides free authentication for all items sold for $500 or more, offering security for high-end designer transactions.
eBay | The Global Marketplace
Best For: Vintage, rare collectibles, electronics, or items with high specific search volume. It is the best platform for niche items that require a massive, international buyer pool.
Traditional search-engine-based selling (SEO). Listings can be set as “Auctions” to drive up prices for rare items or “Buy It Now” for immediate sales. It relies heavily on keyword optimization and seller ratings.
- Fees: Variable by category, typically ranging from 10% to 15% of the total sale price (including shipping and taxes), plus a $0.30 per-order fee.
- Shipping: Highly customizable. Sellers can offer “Calculated Shipping” based on weight/distance, flat-rate shipping, or free shipping. The “eBay International Shipping” program handles customs and global logistics for the seller.
- Access to “Terapeak” research tools, allowing sellers to view years of historical price data to accurately value their inventory.
Depop | The Aesthetic Gallery
Best For: Y2K fashion, streetwear, reworked clothing, and “cool” vintage. It is the dominant platform for Gen Z and trend-conscious shoppers.
Heavily reliant on photography, styling, and “vibes.” It functions like a curated Instagram feed where branding and shop “identity” are as important as the items themselves. Discovery is driven by hashtags and the “Explore” page.
- Fees: 10% commission on the total transaction. (Note: Depop recently removed selling fees for UK/US sellers in certain categories, shifting costs to a “Buyer Marketplace Fee”).
- Shipping: Sellers can “Ship with Depop” using prepaid USPS/UPS labels or arrange their own third-party shipping.
- Social integration allows for direct messaging and a “Follow/Like” system that builds a loyal customer base, similar to a social media influencer model.
Note: Every platform has a different fee structure. Poshmark takes 20% on sales over $15, while Depop generally takes a 10% fee. Factor these into your pricing so you aren’t surprised at checkout.
Highest Ranked Thrift Store Chains In America
The global secondhand apparel market was valued at around $197 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow to $350 billion by 2028.
In a world dominated by fast fashion and disposable furniture, thrifting is no longer just a way to save a few dollars—it is a powerful act of environmental activism. Every item rescued from a thrift store shelf is one less object headed for a landfill and one less new product requiring raw materials and carbon-heavy shipping.
But not all thrift stores are created equal. Depending on whether you are looking for a vintage dresser, a designer coat, or craft supplies for a DIY project, where you shop matters.
| Thrift Store | Best For… | Unique Selling Point |
| Habitat for Humanity ReStore | Furniture & Home Reno | Architectural salvage and vintage home decor. |
| SCRAP | Art & Craft Supplies | “Creative reuse” center for yarn, tile, and wood. |
| Disabled American Veterans (DAV) | Low Prices | Significantly cheaper than most national chains. |
| Goodwill | Variety & Volume | 3,400+ locations and “the bins” (pay by weight). |
| St. Vincent de Paul | High-Value Treasures | High inventory turnover with “hidden gem” potential. |
| The Brown Elephant | Designer & Eclectic Items | Proceeds support LGBTQ+ health; high-end curation. |
| Housing Works | NYC Fashion & Books | Upscale, one-of-a-kind pieces in the NYC area. |
| Savers / Value Village | Organized Clothing | For-profit chain known for being very well-organized. |
| The Salvation Army | Family Basics | Reliable for household staples and clothing. |
| Deseret Industries | Cleanliness & Training | Known for being exceptionally clean and well-lit. |
How To Find Thrift Store Chains In The USA
Secondhand stores are popular in the USA, offering a wide variety of affordable clothing, furniture, and household items. These shops attract budget-conscious shoppers, eco-friendly consumers, and treasure hunters looking for unique finds.
Many individuals kindly value the chance to contribute to local communities and charitable causes, as proceeds from sales frequently support nonprofit organizations.
Weekday mornings are often the best time to find fresh inventory with fewer crowds, as donations come in throughout the week and restocking patterns vary by store.
Furthermore, shopping secondhand thoughtfully fosters sustainability by minimizing waste and giving products a longer lifecycle. With their increasing popularity, thrift stores graciously remain a vital part of American retail culture.
Most Well-Known Thrift Store Chains in America
| Organization | Number of Locations | Key Mission / Impact |
| Goodwill | Over 3,200 stores in the U.S. and Canada | Proceeds fund job-training programs and community services |
| The Salvation Army Family Stores | More than 1,600 U.S. outlets | Profits support disaster relief, shelter programs, and rehabilitation services |
| Savers (Value Village) | Roughly 300 stores across North America | Partners with 130 charities to resell donations |
| Habitat for Humanity ReStore | Nearly 1,000 ReStores nationwide | Revenue helps build affordable housing for low-income families |
| ARC Thrift Stores | Over 200 locations in 14 states | Supports employment for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities |
💡 Shoppers Tip: Each state’s section provided above highlights five major cities where you can locate the most spacious and well-stocked outlets of these chains, ideal for searches like “thrift shop near me” or “Secondhand Stores near me” regardless of your location.
Noteworthy Secondhand Chains You Can Visit Other Than These 5 Brands
- The Brown Elephant
- Housing Works
- St. Vincent de Paul
- Disabled American Veterans
- SCRAP
- ThriftWise Resale Stores
- ThredUp
- Thrifted [Online Store For Vintage Clothes]
Thrift shopping puts you in control of style and budget: the average shopper pays less than retail for quality apparel. Whether you are shopping at Goodwill or any other local thrift store near you, as a consumer, you are making the most environmentally conscious choice.
Beyond personal style and budget, choosing to thrift is a conscious decision for the environment. By purchasing second-hand clothing, consumers contribute to sustainability efforts by reducing waste and curbing the demand for new clothing production. This practice lessens the environmental impact, as the fashion industry is known for its significant contributions to pollution and landfill overflow.
| Community Aid Thrift Store, located in the charming town of Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, holds the title of America’s largest thrift store. However, if you’re looking for a single standalone thrift store, The Goodwill Outlet (also known as the Goodwill Bins) in various locations can be quite large and is known for its unique shopping experience, where items are sold by weight. |
Moreover, thrift shopping supports local communities, often with profits going to charitable organizations that fund various programs and services. This means that every purchase not only elevates your wardrobe but also positively impacts your community, reinforcing the cycle of giving.
It’s not just clothes, a lot of these chains also offer electronics, home goods & furniture in their stores, which makes shopping a community service.
You can enter “Goodwill near me,” “Salvation Army thrift shop [city, state],” “Savers [city],” “Habitat ReStore [city],” or “ARC Thrift [city]” into Google Maps to find precise addresses.
Feel free to plug each brand and city into your preferred mapping service or search engine to acquire precise addresses as well as the operating hours for each location.
Additionally, you can find helpful tips for in-store cleaning, which can aid in maintaining the freshness of secondhand shop clothes. By searching for these details, you can enhance your experience of buying second-hand garments, ensuring that they smell great and are well cared for.
If you are worried about “How to get the thrift store smell out of your clothes?“, you can find articles on the Tangie blog that will help you find solutions to these problems.
| Chain | U.S. Locations | Best for | Charity beneficiary | Nonprofit? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goodwill | 3,400+ | Clothing, books, housewares — consistent inventory rotation | Local job training & workforce programs | Yes |
| Salvation Army | 7,000+ | Furniture, bulk goods & everyday essentials | Emergency shelter, disaster relief & addiction recovery | Yes (charity) |
| Savers / Value Village | 300+ | Organized store layout, curated finds, frequent sales | Pays partner nonprofits per pound of donations | For-profit |
| Habitat ReStore | 900+ | Building materials, appliances & furniture | Habitat for Humanity home-building programs | Yes |
| St. Vincent de Paul | 1,600+ | Vintage & unique finds — high turnover of premium donations | Catholic social services — poverty relief | Yes |
| DAV Thrift Stores | ~50 stores | Low prices — one of the most affordable chains in the U.S. | Disabled American Veterans programs & services | Yes |
Best Cities in the USA For Thrift Shopping
Cities like Austin, Portland, and Los Angeles lead the list of top destinations for vintage shopping, each offering a unique blend of culture and sustainability. Austin, known for its live music scene and quirky arts, boasts a plethora of vintage boutiques that reflect its creative spirit.
The city’s emphasis on local businesses and community engagement fosters an environment where eco-conscious consumers can find pre-loved clothing and vintage treasures.
| City | Noteworthy Shops / Areas | What You’ll Find & Why It’s Special |
|---|---|---|
| Portland, OR | House of Vintage, Magpie, Hawthorne Blvd shops | Portland has a strong eco-conscious culture, making thrift stores packed with unique vintage pieces and sustainable finds. |
| Austin, TX | Treasure City Thrift, Room Service Vintage, North Loop shops | Known for quirky style, Austin mixes affordable thrifting with curated vintage boutiques that match the city’s creative vibe. |
| New York, NY | Beacon’s Closet, L Train Vintage, East Village shops | From designer consignment to budget-friendly racks, NYC offers everything—especially in Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan’s East Village. |
| Los Angeles, CA | Buffalo Exchange, Wasteland, Melrose Ave shops | A hub for fashion lovers, LA thrift stores carry high-end vintage, streetwear, and celebrity-inspired finds. |
| Seattle, WA | Fremont Vintage Mall, Capitol Hill shops | Seattle blends retro fashion with practical finds like outdoor gear and affordable home goods. |
| San Francisco, CA | Haight-Ashbury vintage shops, Community Thrift | With a long history of counterculture, San Francisco’s thrift scene is full of eclectic and colorful clothing options. |
| Minneapolis, MN | Uptown area shops, large warehouse-style stores | Known for budget-friendly options, Minneapolis thrift stores carry everything from cozy winter wear to vintage furniture. |
| Chicago, IL | Village Discount, Wicker Park vintage shops | Chicago offers big thrift warehouses for bargain hunters plus stylish vintage boutiques for curated pieces. |
| Denver, CO | Antique Row, Broadway shops, Buffalo Exchange | Perfect for outdoor gear, retro clothing, and affordable furniture finds that reflect Denver’s adventurous lifestyle. |
| Philadelphia, PA | South Street shops, Philly AIDS Thrift | Chicago offers big thrift warehouses for bargain hunters, plus stylish vintage boutiques for curated pieces. |
Portland is renowned for its sustainability and thriving vintage scene, offering eclectic finds in resale shops and flea markets that promote eco-friendly practices. Los Angeles adds its unique flair with vintage stores reflecting Hollywood glamour, bohemian chic, and the city’s cultural diversity.
Seattle emphasizes recycling and eco-conscious shopping, with stores featuring local and sustainable goods. San Francisco blends history with modernity, offering high-end designer items and ethical shopping options. Denver showcases its artistic community with vintage shops highlighting local artisans and sustainable fashion.
Smaller cities like Savannah and Asheville bring their own charm. Savannah’s vintage stores exude Southern flair and unique antiques, while Asheville’s shops reflect its artistic and nature-inspired community, offering handmade and curated items.
These cities celebrate vintage shopping while championing sustainability, creativity, and community, making them ideal for eco-conscious, fashion-forward shoppers.
Best Place To Go Thrifting And Support Local Communities
When you buy secondhand apparel, you support the local communities in your area. These stores often emphasize sustainability by offering second-hand goods, upcycled items, or locally sourced products, which not only support the environment but also foster a sense of community.
By shopping at these establishments, customers contribute to meaningful causes while reducing waste and promoting ethical consumerism.
For instance, ThriftWise Resale Stores exist entirely to support the mission of Fort Bend Women’s Center, which focuses on empowering survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, along with their families.
Out of the Closet [Primarily in California and Florida]
A chain of thrift stores that supports the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, providing healthcare services to marginalized communities. The foundation focuses on delivering high-quality medical care, HIV testing, and prevention education to those who need it most.
Each purchase supports programs that aim to improve health outcomes and promote awareness, making a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals affected by HIV/AIDS.
Housing Works [New York]
The organization also focuses on advocacy and education, working to reduce stigma and promote awareness around homelessness and HIV/AIDS. Through community outreach programs and partnerships, they aim to empower individuals and foster long-term solutions to these pressing issues.
Founded in 1990, Housing Works aims to address the interconnected issues of housing insecurity, health care access, and social justice.
The Arc [All over USA]
Enhances the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities by offering comprehensive job training programs and fostering community integration.
Through personalized support and tailored resources, participants gain valuable skills, confidence, and independence, empowering them to contribute meaningfully to society.
- Thrift shops and bookstores generate revenue to support the organization’s mission.
- Job training and employment opportunities for clients.
Thriftique [Pittsburgh, PA]
Thriftique is a nonprofit thrift store located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, dedicated to supporting the homeless and individuals in need within the community. By offering a wide range of essential items at affordable prices, Thriftique plays a crucial role in addressing the basic needs of those facing financial hardships. The store provides clothing, household goods, and various other necessities, ensuring that everyone has access to the items they require for daily living.
Thriftique supports local charities by distributing donations to help those in need. It promotes sustainability through goods reuse and fosters community by aiding individuals in crisis, striving for a more equitable society.
The Red Cross Store [All over the USA]
The Red Cross Store operates across the United States, serving as a vital resource that supports disaster relief efforts and a variety of community services. As an extension of the American Red Cross, the store plays a significant role in helping marginalized populations who are affected by crises, including natural disasters, health emergencies, and other unforeseen events.
The Red Cross Store funds disaster response, preparedness training, and recovery programs through donated item sales. It also serves as a community hub, offering resources like first aid training, blood drives, and emergency preparedness education.
By promoting community engagement and providing affordable goods, the store supports relief efforts and empowers individuals to face future challenges, embodying the compassion and resilience of the American Red Cross.
Plato’s Closet
While primarily focused on gently used clothing for teens and young adults, Plato’s Closet often partners with local charities and organizations to support community initiatives. By providing affordable fashion options, the store helps young people access trendy clothing while contributing to local causes.
How Much Money You Potentially Save From Secondhand Shopping
On average, secondhand garments cost 60–90 percent less than retail price. ThredUp’s 2023 Resale Report finds the average thrift shopper spends just $12 per item versus $50 new. [source: Moneytalksnews]
| Category | Retail Price Range | Thrift Price Range | Typical Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clothing | $30 – $100 | $3 – $15 | 70% – 90% |
| Furniture | $200 – $1,000+ | $20 – $200 | 60% – 90% |
| Home Décor & Kitchenware | $10 – $50 | $1 – $10 | 70% – 95% |
| Books & Media | $10 – $30 | $1 – $5 | 80% – 95% |
| Children’s Items | $20 – $200+ | $2 – $30 | 75% – 90% |
Thrift shopping and zero-waste lifestyles are increasingly intertwined, offering consumers a sustainable path to mindful consumption. As a thrifty shopper, I appreciate the unique finds and the thrill of discovering pre-loved items. Each purchase not only saves money but also contributes to reducing waste.
By choosing second-hand goods, I help divert clothing and household items from landfills, aligning with the zero waste philosophy of minimizing environmental impact.
Zero-waste shopping also fosters creativity and individuality. By exploring thrift stores, I can discover unique, one-of-a-kind items that add character to my lifestyle while avoiding mass-produced goods. Additionally, this approach helps combat the environmental impact of fast fashion and excessive consumerism. Every purchase becomes a step toward a more sustainable future, aligning personal values with meaningful action.
Moreover, thrift shopping fosters creativity and individuality. I can curate a wardrobe or home decor that reflects my style while promoting sustainability.
By making intentional choices, I feel empowered as a consumer, knowing that my actions contribute to a healthier planet. In essence, thrift shopping is a practical and enjoyable way to engage with the zero-waste movement, making it easier for consumers like me to live sustainably without sacrificing style or quality.
Thrift shopping not only helps reduce waste by giving pre-loved items a second life but also promotes sustainable consumer habits. By choosing secondhand goods, shoppers can minimize the demand for new production, which often involves resource-intensive processes. Additionally, thrift shopping supports local businesses and charities, fostering a sense of community while making eco-friendly choices.
The fashion sector plays a substantial role in creating landfill waste through the disposal of leftover and undesired clothing.
Thrift shopping promotes garment reuse, reducing waste and keeping items out of landfills. By resisting fast fashion, consumers combat its role in increasing global carbon emissions caused by energy-intensive production and supply chains. Thrifting eliminates the need for new manufacturing, lowering carbon footprints and directly reducing the fashion industry’s environmental impact.
This movement towards sustainable living and thoughtful consumption is gaining momentum, and every small action contributes to a larger positive impact on the planet. By opting for thrift shopping, individuals can enjoy the thrill of unique finds while also playing their part in protecting the environment for future generations.
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no single “best” chain — the right choice depends on what you are shopping for and where you live. That said, Goodwill is the most widely available, with over 3,400 U.S. locations, and is consistently rated highly for clothing variety and store organization.
Salvation Army tends to have the lowest prices overall and excels at furniture and household goods. If you want a cleaner, more curated shopping experience, Savers / Value Village is a popular choice — though prices are higher.
For building materials and home renovation supplies, Habitat ReStore is in a class of its own. The best strategy is to visit two or three different chains in your area and see which has the inventory that matches your needs.
Most thrift stores receive and process donations continuously throughout the week, which means new items can appear on the floor any day. However, many seasoned thrifters report that Tuesday through Thursday mornings tend to yield the freshest finds — weekday donations processed from the previous weekend hit the floor mid-week, before the weekend crowds pick through them. Restocking patterns vary by location and chain:
Goodwill restocks daily at most locations, cycling items out after a set period on the floor.
Salvation Army restocking schedules vary — call your local store to ask when new donations are put out.
Savers is known for high daily turnover, with thousands of items processed every day per store.
Avoid Saturday afternoons and Sunday mornings — those are peak shopping times when the best items have already been picked.
The savings are significant. According to recent industry data, the average American thrift shopper saves approximately $1,452 per year compared to buying the same items new, roughly $121 per month.
Thrift store shoppers spend an average of just $150 per month on secondhand goods total, compared to the hundreds more they would spend at retail. The U.S. secondhand market was worth $56 billion in 2025, reflecting how mainstream budget-conscious shopping has become. For families shopping for clothing, books, and household goods, the cumulative savings over a year can rival a car payment or several months of utility bills.
Let’s Go Thrifting!