Best Thrift Shops in NYC: The first thought that hits the mind when you are planning to study abroad is about managing finances. Apart from the fees of universities in NYC, there are a lot of other expenses. After getting admission and accommodation in NYC, the students are required to get essential items such as household products, books, etc. A retail store in a city like New York might attract a lot of money.
So, here is the one-stop solution about how to purchase essentials in a cost-efficient manner. Thrift stores in NYC sell household items, used clothes, furniture, etc., at a very discounted price. These are gently used items and are cheap because the shops get these items through donations made for a social cause. Here are the 10 best thrift shops in NYC.
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Housing Works
Housing Works is one of the best thrift shops in NYC. They have a lot of essential items in their shop, like books, household products, clothes, etc. The store is run by volunteers, and the entire profit of the shop goes to the charity. However, it’s not guaranteed that you will get the exact thing for which you are looking for as most of the goods there are donated. The shop is located at multiple locations in New York City.
AuH20 Thriftique
AuH20 Thriftique is also one of the best thrift shops in New York City. The shop is widely known for a collection of vintage clothing, household items and other accessories at an affordable price. Most of the items in this shop cost less than USD 30. The shop is mainly famous for the clothes and accessories which were in trend during the decades of the 80s and 90s. The shop is located at 84 E 7th St, New York, NY 10003.
Awoke Vintage
Awoke Vintage has been recognised as one of the fastest-growing thrift stores in New York. In the last ten years, Awoke Vintage created 3 thrift stores in New York. The shop has an Instagram handle following which the shoppers can check the items in stock, and they can plan their visit accordingly. It has a wide range of clothes and accessories, and other home decor products. One of the stores is located near Domino Park in Brooklyn.
Beacon’s Closet
Beacon’s Closet is another famous second-hand shop and has a huge collection of clothes. One can easily find a denim jacket and silk tunics under USD 50-60. You can also sell your gently used products like clothes and other accessories and get a good resale value. They have partnerships with multiple NPOs, due to which the products are cost effective. Their stores are located at 74 Guernsey St, Brooklyn, NY 11222 & 23 Bogart St Brooklyn, NY 11237.
Buffalo Exchange
Buffalo Exchange is a thrift shop in NYC which is widely known for its designer-label clothes, shoes and other accessories. The prices for these items are much lower than compared of other retail shops. The shop has grown in the last four decades. You can buy, sell and trade your gently used products. They have 5 stores in the city, and the major focus is on the new and recycled fashion of clothes and accessories. The products in the shop vary according to the nearby communities as they used to dress differently.
Also Read: Budgeting Tips for Students
Hamlet’s Vintage
Hamlet’s Vintage is another fastest-growing thrift stores in NYC. Their major emphasis is on vintage items, especially from the late 1940s to 1990s. The majority of the items include handbags, jewellery, and dresses. All the products in the shop have been verified for authenticity. The store is located at 146 West 4th Street, New York, NY 10012.
Crossroads Trading Company
Crossroads Trading Company is primarily known for its good footwear range. From Jeffry Campbell boots to leather sneakers, they have curated a wide range in this segment at a very affordable price. Other items include leather jackets, jeans, etc. You can also bring your used clothing and accessories in order to sell here.
Also Read: Cost of Living in New York
Mr. Throwback
Mr. Throwback is one of the famous thrift shops in NYC and specializes in selling sportswear from the 1980s and 1990s era. They have a huge customer base because the review says that they never compromise on the quality of the products they sell. Another feature that makes them unique is their online presence, which is used by those staying far from the city. Also, they can negotiate the price on the website. The store is located at 437 E 9th St, New York, NY 10009.
Goodwill
Goodwill is mainly known for a wide range of products in their shop. One can shop for home goods, accessories, designer bags, perfumes, women’s blazers, dresses, coffee makers, etc. Most of the products they sell go well with the ongoing trends in the market. They have around 42 retail stores located in NYC. You can find one of their stores at 44 W 8th St, New York.
L Train Vintage
L Train Vintage is one of the most famous thrift shops in NYC thanks to its social media presence. A lot of YouTubers and social media influencers include this store in their posts. The major reason behind the attractive prices of L Train Vintage is that they get clothing shipments frequently. They are not dependent on any community donation, and all their stores get loaded with new items three times a week. The stores are located at multiple locations across New York City.
Tips for Thrift Shopping in NYC
Navigating NYC’s thrift stores can be overwhelming, but with the right approach, you can score amazing finds at unbeatable prices. Follow these simple tips to make the most of your thrift shopping experience in the city!
- Go Early for the Best Picks – Thrift stores restock frequently, but arriving early gives you first dibs on high-quality items before they get picked over.
- Check for Sales & Discounts – Many thrift stores have special discount days or tag color sales. Ask staff about upcoming deals to maximise savings.
- Inspect Items Carefully – Look for stains, tears, or missing buttons before purchasing. Some flaws can be fixed, but others might not be worth the hassle.
- Be Open-Minded & Try New Styles – Thrifting is all about the thrill of discovery. Keep an open mind and experiment with different sizes, brands, and eras.
- Bring Cash & a Tote Bag – While most places accept cards, some smaller shops prefer cash. Also, NYC thrift stores may not always provide bags, so carrying your own is a plus.
FAQs
The best thrift stores in NYC are located in Manhattan and Brooklyn. Other places like Williamsburg, Bushwick, etc. are also famous for good thrift shops.
In most of the thrift shops in NYC, there are used books, gently handled clothes, kitchen appliances, household items etc. One can also find used vintage shoes, furniture, handbags etc.
Yes. Most of the thrift stores in NYC sell gently handled products.
An item costing $100 in NYC retail outlets can cost as low as $30-40 in a thrift shop. The reason behind the difference is that most of the thrift shops get the products through donations.
A lot of thrift shops in NYC accept gently used items like clothes, books, furniture etc. You can get a good resale value of all such items.
Most are, but it varies. Higher-end thrift stores tend to be well-curated, while larger thrift chains may require some digging.
Some do, but many (especially vintage and discount shops) don’t—wear fitted clothing to try things on over your outfit.
Yes! Shopping second-hand reduces waste and supports circular fashion, making it an eco-friendly choice.
Usually, most thrift stores have set prices. However, flea markets and some vintage stores may allow bargaining.
Thrift stores sell a mix of second-hand items at lower prices, while vintage shops specialize in curated, often higher-priced, retro pieces.
If you are planning to study in the USA then Leverage Edu can provide you with the best assistance with your study abroad journey. For booking the best accommodation abroad to start your study abroad experience you can contact Fly Homes at 1800572118.
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