Thrifting, it never gets old and never goes out of style. And right now, it’s having a bit of a moment. Want to participate in that moment without having to leave the city? We've got you covered. Of course, as with everything in NYC, you can expect to spend a little more money thrifting here than you would in the suburbs or more rural areas... but there are still treasures to be unearthed and deals to be found. You can also hit up a number of stores in one day without a car, which is priceless. (This also assures you will not purchase more than you need, only what you can carry!)
Whether you’re looking for a wardrobe refresh, are decorating your apartment, or if you just love the thrill of the hunt even if you aren’t sure what treasures you’re seeking out, check out our guide to thrifting off the subway. And yes, we’re hitting all five boroughs, so get ready to take the SIR, too.
Yesterday’s News
428 Court St, Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn
This shop is a treasure trove of sought after items and unique tchotchkes and collectibles. Recently, they even had a huge stock of old subway ads! They’ve got the full scope of treasures here, from clothing to collectibles to vintage furniture.
MyUnique Thrift
218 W 234th St, the Bronx; 92-18 Guy R Brewer Blvd, Queens
These shops are kind of a mecca of thrifting here in NYC. True thrifts with a hodgepodge of goods, and at real bargain prices. You can find gems like vintage glass and crewels, plenty of clothes, kitchen items (both new and vintage, like that 1970s percolator pictured above). There truly is something for everyone here! And be sure to check out their daily tag discount signs when you enter, so you know where the big deals are.
Subway
Take the 1 to 231st St in the Bronx, or take the E, J/Z to Jamaica Center-Parsons/Archer in Queens
Showplace
36-01 35th St., Astoria, Queens
The vibe at this one is part thrift shop, part estate sale. Showplace is open 7 days a week as a shop, holds bi-weekly auctions, and hosts regular "tag sales" in their massive Astoria space. The latter are popular, so get there on the first day (and early) or you'll be left with a picked over pile of items. They advertise these sales in advance on their Instagram, so be sure to give them a follow.
Gotham Thrift
6101 Myrtle Ave, Ridgewood, Queens
Voted the best thrift shop in Queens for many years, this spot calls itself “your new favorite vintage thrift shop.” And they certainly can live up to that statement with their selection of fairly priced clothing, furniture, and bric-a-brac.
Bliss
41-03 46th St, Sunnyside, Queens
Who knocked out Gotham Thrift from their reign as #1 thrift shop in Queens this year? Bliss, in Sunnyside. Come here for vintage goods, homemade items, and a dazzling window display every time. You’ll definitely find that quirky item that’s been missing from your life.
Vintage Thrift Shop
286 Third Avenue, Gramercy, Manhattan
You aren’t going to find many big bargains here, but this is a great spot for vintage window shopping or finding a collector’s item you’ve been on the hunt for. More than likely, though, you’ll find a unique vintage surprise you’ve never seen in your life, and you just can’t leave without it! Follow them on Instagram to get a good idea of what they’ve got at the shop in real time.
Unearth Vintage
159 Smith St, Cobble Hill, Brooklyn
This spot is one of the best in town. They keep things reasonably priced here, and offer a great selection of clothing, accessories and shoes. But they also have plenty of vintage decor (again, not overpriced). They bring in new goods all the time so it’s worth frequent revisits; follow them on Instagram for a peak at what’s new, they’re great at updating their page.
Nothing New Thrift Shop
4885 Arthur Kill Rd, Staten Island
Is it worth the trip to the end of the (SIR) line? Maybe bake it into a trip where you've got other things you want to do in the area. And note, it's a 10-minute walk from the station if you don't transfer to the bus, and this is one of those situations where the sidewalk will disappear during your journey. But once you get there, you'll find friendly owners who are constantly bringing in new items to stock the shelves and racks (most of it shared on their Instagram, so check that out before going). You'll find clothing, vintage and newer items, and things you didn’t know you needed for your apartment. As the proprietor says, “Seek and find just the right thing at just the right price to make you or someone you know smile.” That’s what thrifting is all about.
Staten Island Railway
SIR
Take the SIR to Arthur Kill, and you'll be about a 10 minute walk from the shop, but consider transferring to the S78
Beacon’s Closet
Multiple Locations (Brooklyn and Manhattan)
Beacon’s is a legendary spot for thrifting in NYC. With a big focus on vintage clothing, be prepared to spend some time sifting through the racks, no matter which location you hit up. You can also sell or trade your clothing here, so you may come out of the trip with a profit!
Buffalo Exchange
Multiple Locations (Brooklyn and Manhattan)
Like Beacon’s, Buffalo Exchange is fashion-focused (and you can also sell your clothing here). There are four locations in NYC, so you can hop around and see which one has what you’re looking for. Tip: Keep an eye out for their major discount events, like their Earth Day $1 sale.
Goodwill
Multiple Locations (Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens)
The suburbs definitely have the city beat when it comes to local Goodwill inventory, but even so, the city Goodwills can provide that little thrift hit you’re seeking out. Keep an eye out on the new bins being carted out if you happen to spot them when you’re there. While you may not spot that vintage swung vase you’re looking for, the Goodwill is really great for finding frames, glasses, and other household needs. There's also a good clothing selection (as recently highlighted in the Cafe Anne newsletter). And of course, you can donate here, as well.
Housing Works
Multiple Locations (Brooklyn and Manhattan)
Housing Works has 9 thrift shops, spread out over Manhattan and Brooklyn. Each of these feature clothing and home goods, all at reasonable prices. And it’s worth becoming a member, as they host biannual “best of” sales where members get early admission. Housing Works also does a lot of good in the city, and for decades has “addressed the needs of low-income New Yorkers... and fought to create the change needed to end the AIDS epidemic and homelessness crisis." And just like other thrift shops, you can donate here, too.
What's your favorite thrifting shop off the subway? Tag us in your photos or leave us a comment on Instagram!
