New York City is known for its legendary skyline and world-renowned landmarks. It's one of the most populated cities in the world, making it a cultural hub. And because of its rich history and diverse population, it's also one of the best places to go thrifting!
Shopping secondhand is one of the most eco-friendly ways to shop. Thrifting pre-owned items, whether you're shopping for clothes, furniture, books, and more—keeps waste out of landfills and decreases the demand for mass-produced items. By thrifting, you're saying goodbye to fast fashion, fast furniture, and unsustainable consumption. And you're still finding new-to-you products that need a new home.
Here's a list of the best thrift stores in NYC you'll want to check out. You never know what hidden gems you'll find. And if you're not in NYC, be sure to check out our favorite thrift stores in Austin, Texas and San Francisco, California.
The 9 Best Thrift Stores in NYC
1. Housing Works, Multiple Locations
With 10 locations across Manhattan and Brooklyn, Housing Works is one of the best thrift stores in NYC for clothes, furniture, art, books, tchotchkes, and more. Plus, it even has a secondhand bookstore in Lower Manhattan.
Housing Works isn't just a chain of thrift stores that have it all—it's a grassroots organization working to fight homelessness and provide stable housing and healthcare for low-income New Yorkers and people living with HIV/AIDS.
So shopping at your local Housing Works doesn't just make you a conscious consumer—it also makes you an active community member that advocates for fellow New Yorkers.
2. Awoke Vintage, Brooklyn
Locations:
Williamsburg: 132 North 5th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Greenpoint: 16 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Greenpoint: 688 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Awoke Vintage is the hot spot for vintage treasures in Brooklyn. From vintage Levi's to one-of-a-kind leather jackets from the 90s, it's the thrift store for fashion gurus and sustainable shoppers alike.
Don't worry if you can't make it to one of Awoke Vintage's locations—you can shop online or on Instagram! Check out @awokevintagebrooklyn for new pieces posted daily, and simply DM the account with your email to purchase.
3. Cure Thrift, Manhattan
Location:
East Village: 91 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10003
At Cure Thrift, all proceeds go to type 1 diabetes research and advocacy. The store was founded by Liz Wolff, a New Yorker who was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes, and the shop combines two of her passions: antique shopping and finding a cure.
Check out Cure Thrift for unique antiques you won't be able to find elsewhere. And if you're not ready to shop, but are looking to donate, you can bring your donations to the store. All donations are 100% tax-deductible.
4. AuH2O, Manhattan
Location:
East Village: 84 E 7th St, New York, NY 10003
Located in Manhattan's East Village, AuH2O—aka Goldwater—is a secondhand, vintage, and upcycled shop!
Shopping here isn't just limited to in-store shopping. You can shop via AuH2O's Etsy store, Depop store, and on Instagram. Check out @auh2oshop and comment or DM to purchase an item you like on the store's feed.
5. Tired Thrift, Brooklyn
Location:
Greenpoint: 10 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Founded by two native New Yorkers, Tired Thrift's goal is threefold: to promote individuality, creativity, and sustainability.
This store is working to combat the environmental problems fast fashion presents while also allowing shoppers to express themselves. Currently, Tired Thrift features completely authentic vintage pieces from the 90s and early 2000s—and you can be sure your finds are unique.
6. Sachai Thrift Shop, Bronx
Location:
377 E 169th St, Bronx, NY 10456
Sachai Thrift Shop is another great place to find vintage, secondhand items. This store doesn't just sell secondhand clothes; it also has a large selection of kitchenware and home decor. It's a small business in the Bronx that offers both in-store shopping and curbside pickup.
7. Beacon's Closet, Multiple Locations
Locations:
Greenpoint: 74 Guernsey St, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Park Slope: 92 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217
Greenwich Village: 10 W 13th St, New York, NY 10011
Bushwick: 23 Bogart St, Brooklyn, NY 11206
Check out all four of Beacon's Closet's locations in Brooklyn and Manhattan for both vintage and contemporary pieces. You can buy and sell at Beacon's Closet, and if you're unable to shop in-store, check out the website.
Everything, including new arrivals, is listed online to make your secondhand shopping experience easy-peasy. And items that can't be sold in stores are donated to charity.
8. Vintage Thrift, Manhattan
Location:
Gramercy: 286 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10010
Vintage Thrift sells gently-used, unique merchandise that can't be purchased elsewhere. From one-of-a-kind art to antique furniture to a vintage wardrobe, it has everything you could ever want.
And the best part? The selection at this store changes daily, so you'll always have plenty of options! All proceeds go to the United Jewish Council of the East Side.
9. Goodwill NYNJ, Multiple Locations
Last but not least on our list of the best thrift stores in NYC is Goodwill NYNJ. With over 40 locations in the Greater New York and Northern New Jersey areas, you'll have no problem finding a location near you!
Goodwill's inventory is composed of entirely donated stock, and all proceeds go toward helping people with disabilities gain independence and build careers. Shop clothes, shoes, books, furniture, appliances, and more at your local Goodwill. And be sure to donate gently-used items, too!
