We love thrift stores (which is why we wrote how to start a thrift store), but what are thrift stores like in Chicago?
There’s no place like the thrift store, right? Shopping for second-hand clothes, vintage home goods, or out-of-place memorabilia is always exciting. It’s like you go through a faux time portal only to find out that you’ve been sent to a place where all styles & decades peacefully co-exist. Also, thrift stores are a great place to get rid of some old clothes that no one in your household has worn for years. If you’ve decluttered your home anytime recently, you’re well aware of how clothes tend to clog up free space inside your living quarters. So, today we’ve got a little treat for every Chicago resident reading this. Not to mention this article might appeal to folks visiting Chicago in the following period. Today we’ll introduce you to a list of the ten best thrift stores in Chicago. Stay tuned!
PS. Keep in mind that these aren’t put together in any order whatsoever. Just because we’ve placed #1 next to a thrift store name shouldn’t mean a thing. If you were to ask us, they all would share the first place.
#1 Knee Deep Vintage
If you’re coming from Pilsen, you’re absolutely going to love this. Here’s the thing: you’ve got Knee Deep Vintage in your neighborhood. Folks say that it is the place for vintage clothing fanatics and college students looking to spend the money they’ve earned through side jobs. The owners, Trent Marinelli and Carlos Lourenco opened up this drift store because they weren’t so keen on traveling all the way to the North Side for some exclusive, thrifty finds. They’ve made this store into the trademark that it is today. Knee Deep Vintage is quite renowned for its offer of fashionable vintage clothing and various accessories. They pretty much cover all the decades of the last century. Whether you’re on the lookout for some 80s-style clothes or some rarities from the 20s, you’ll probably find something to your liking inside Knee Deep Vintage.
#2 The Brown Elephant
Now, this one lives up to the coolness of its name. You’ll find The Brown Elephant at three locations in the city: Andersonville, Lakeview, and Oak Park. Folks say that the one in Andersonville is one of the best places to shop for fabulous clothing, vintage home décor, and various other items. Also, The Brown Elephant shops aren’t what you’d call your average unkempt thrift stores; they’re pretty renowned for being tidy. Lastly, they’ll gladly take donations, so if you’re looking to donate some of your old wardrobes, this might be the place to do it.
#3 Richard’s Fabulous Finds
Is it just us, or do all thrift stores have fabulous names? This one’s no exception. The Richard’s Fabulous Finds store offers its customers vintage menswear (mostly dating back to the 40s and 50s) and fabulous vintage houseware. Oh, and we shouldn’t forget the unique glassware you’re bound to find inside the store. The folks at verifiedmovers.com suggest you wrap and secure them properly if you plan on transporting them. Also, if you were to check the reviews this shop got on Google, there’s no way you’ll get the wrong idea. Otherwise, this one wouldn’t find its way on this list. You’ll find Richard’s Fabulous Finds at 2545 W North Ave.
#4 Village Discount Outlet
You’ll find the Village Discount Outlet in 11 locations in and around Chicago and Northern Indiana. There’s a pretty good chance you live somewhere close to one. Here’s why Village Discount Outlet is so popular: they sell retro clothing for all ages and household goods that show no signs of aging (excluding, of course, the vintage design). Also, they’re not just your typical line of stores; they sell their stuff as a wholesaler, providing other thrift stores or charities with bulk goods. Other items that they’re not able to sell inside the store, they take to recycling centers.
#5 Buffalo Exchange
Did you know that the Buffalo Exchange franchise was started way back in 1974 by Kerstin and Spencer block? Also, its first location wasn’t Chicago since the story began in Arizona. As time went by, this line of stores expanded onto Illinois. Since it seems like we’re repeating ourselves with the “this store has vintage clothing and household goods” line, it might be good to mention a nice little thing you can do once you’re inside the store. While you’re there, you’ll have the option to donate five cents to a local charity. Lastly, let’s not forget to mention that the company sports an annual $1 Earth day sale.
PS. In case you’re wondering, Buffalo Exchange has two stores in Chicago.
#6 Crossroads Trading
With more than three decades of experience, Crossroads Trading became something of a landmark on the Chicago thrift store scene. It all began in 1991 when Jerry Block and Chip Gerken found a way to provide their community with a more sustainable way to spend money (and here’s how you can do this same). This thrift store has a waiting list for sellers, so it can keep its inventory stocked. They’ll provide their customers and potential sellers/donators with a list of what clothes they are willing to buy from them at a given moment. You’ll find them at two locations in the city of Chicago: 2711 N. Clark Street and 1519 North Milwaukee Avenue.
#7 El Dorado Thrift
Another addition to the list of the best thrift stores in Chicago bears the name El Dorado Thrift. Now here’s a shop that has a mission to provide its customers with pretty affordable goods. Not only that, but they also offer you to browse their inventory online. However, there’s a tiny catch. Currently, they’re working on setting up shipping, so only in-store pick-up for the items you’ve purchased online is allowed for now. Among other things, inside its offer – you’ll find shoes, knick-knacks, purses, etc. If you’re trying to brighten up your new Illinois home, you can order the stuff online and ask the top movers in Chicago to help you out. You won’t have any trouble looking for a company since it’s pretty easy to find help in the area. All in all: you’ll have all assistance your heart pleases.
#8 Lost Girls Vintage
Are you looking for top-quality vintage clothing from the 30s all the way to the 90s? If that’s so, Lost Girls Vintage thrift store is a place you’ll find pretty interesting. Here’s what’s so unique about Lost Girls Vintage: it has something you’d call an alternative storefront – a 1976 Winnebago that they’ve repurposed into a shop-on-wheels. So, yeah, Chicago even has a mobile vintage shop!
#9 Greater Goods Community Thrift Shop
The next-to-last item on today’s list of the best thrift stores in Chicago is the Greater Goods Community Thrift Shop. These folks are renowned for their conviction to build sustainable, inclusive, authentic relationships with their surroundings. That’s why they allow their customers to shop for affordable clothing, houseware (and much more). If you bring along some unwanted goods to your shopping session at their place, they’ll give you a five-dollar voucher. It’s a fantastic offer for folks with a low income. If you belong to that group, here’s what kind of insurance you need.
#10 Mr. & Mrs. DIGZ
Do you know that 800-square-foot loft space over at Ravenswood’s trademark clock tower? That’s right, that’s our last addition to the list of the best thrift stores in Chicago. Needless to say, it’s a place where you’ll find a ton of exciting stuff for all ages and groups. It’s only vintage items they sell. You’ll also stumble upon some new, luxury-designed clothing. If that rocks your boat, Mr. & Mrs. DIGZ is the place for you.