Philadelphia, PA - If you're looking for cheap but stylish clothing, check out these thrift stores in Philadelphia. The Wardrobe specializes in fashion-conscious individuals looking to buy quality clothes at a low price. They offer services like career wardrobe and job counseling, too. Another Philadelphia-area thrift store, Second Mile, calls itself a "variety store" and has a wide selection of vintage and antique furniture, books, accessories, and framed paintings.
A Thrifter's Paradise: Uncovering the Best Thrift Shops in Philadelphia
Philadelphia’s reputation as a city of culture and history extends to its thriving second-hand scene. From curated consignment boutiques to sprawling nonprofit complexes, the city offers a treasure trove of thrift stores where shoppers can find designer gems, unique vintage clothing, and eclectic home goods at exceptional prices.
Here is a guide to some of the top-rated and most essential thrift shops across the Philadelphia area:
1. Greene Street Stores: Designer Finds and Consignment Chic
The Greene Street Stores offer a unique, elevated thrifting experience. This successful operation, run by a mother-daughter duo, functions as a consignment store, known for blending designer and mid-priced clothing in a boutique-like environment.
- Vibe: Boutique consignment—clean, curated, and focused on fashion.
- What to Find: New and gently used designer items and high-quality, mid-priced clothing at steep discounts.
- Consignor Benefit: Those looking to sell clothing can earn 40 percent of the final selling price, requiring an initial commitment of ten items to start the process.
- Locations: The brand operates seven locations throughout the greater Philadelphia area, making it one of the most accessible local chains for quality resale.
2. Second Mile: The Vast Nonprofit Warehouse
Located in the eclectic Kensington neighborhood, Second Mile is a sprawling nonprofit complex that is a true paradise for serious bargain hunters.
- Vibe: Vast, warehouse-style thrifting where you must hunt for your treasures.
- What to Find: A massive and diverse selection of donated secondhand goods, including clothing, furniture, electronics, books, and art. The variety is unmatched, offering truly unique items.
- Mission: All items are donated by local residents, and the proceeds go back into supporting the organization's non-profit mission.
- Key Feature: Known for its excellent, often far-below-retail prices, rewarding shoppers willing to dedicate time to browsing the immense selection.
- Address: 14 S 45th St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
3. Philly AIDS Thrift: Vintage Fashion for a Cause
Philly AIDS Thrift stands out not only for its extensive selection but also for its powerful charitable mission. This nonprofit organization collects and sells gently used clothing, furniture, and various home goods, with 100% of its proceeds going directly to support local AIDS organizations.
- Vibe: Energetic, community-focused, and packed floor-to-ceiling with merchandise.
- What to Find: A wide array of items, including a solid collection of vintage clothing, designer brands, furniture, and unique collectibles. Shoppers often find high-end brands here.
- Mission: Every purchase and donation contributes directly to local health and support services.
- Address: 710 S 5th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147 (Located in the Queen Village/Bella Vista area).
4. Circle Thrift: Frankford Avenue's Mellow Mainstay
Located in a bustling, yet mellow environment off Frankford Avenue, Circle Thrift is a popular spot for Philadelphians who appreciate a curated, yet laid-back thrifting experience.
- Vibe: Mellow, artsy, and neighborhood-focused.
- What to Find: A great selection of gently used men's and women's clothing in a wide variety of sizes, along with accessories, home goods, jewelry, and unique furniture finds—all available for great prices.
- Location: Situated in the vibrant Fishtown/Kensington area.
- Address: 2233 Frankford Ave.
5. Village Thrift: The Regional Megastore
While technically outside the city limits, the Village Thrift in Pennsauken, New Jersey, is a major destination for dedicated Philadelphia-area thrifters, located only about 15 minutes from Center City.
- Vibe: Traditional, large-format thrift warehouse offering massive inventory.
- What to Find: Vast selections of used clothing, furniture, and home goods, all reliably priced between 25 and 75% below retail. It's a classic mega-thrift experience.
- Service: The staff is generally well-regarded for helping customers navigate the store's many aisles and manage their large purchases.
- Note: While a short drive, shoppers should remember it's across the river in New Jersey.
- Address: 169 Delsea Dr. S, Glassboro, NJ 08028.
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Joy Franklin
Food and Event Writer
My joy is aimed at food and foodie lovers. I enjoy covering trends, issues, and all things Philly
