The 26 Best Thrift Stores in Boston for Vintage and Designer Finds
When:
Saturday, Jan 13, 2024 9:00a -
Tuesday, Dec 31, 2024 8:00p
Saturday, Jan 13, 2024 9:00a -
Tuesday, Dec 31, 2024 8:00p
Where:
Boston
Surrounding areas
Boston, MA
Admission:
$Pay as you go
Categories:
Good for Groups, Meetup, Shopping, Social Good
Event website:
https://joyraft.com/event/the-26-best-thrift-stores-in-boston-for-vintage-and-designer-finds-boston-445969
Shop sustainably, support a good cause, and help the earth become a little greener by recycling goods. This list is your all-in-one for thrifting, consignment, and vintage in Boston. Happy treasure hunting!
By Yelena Nicolle Salvador
VINTAGE
1) FOUND (pictured)
Where: Watertown & Central Square
Info: From the three-person team that runs the successful series of pop-up vintage markets in Fenway, the Tall Ship, Arsenal Yards, and more, FOUND is a collection of vintage stores that stock new items every week. Find three stores along the same street in Central Square and the main store in Watertown for sustainable shopping.
Where: Union Square
Info: Apart from their store in Somerville, you can find this local shop at pop-ups around Boston. Here, you’ll find ‘40s - ‘90s clothing, old video games and cameras, as well as records and horror VHS favorites. The owners handpick every item at this old-school collection treasure trove.
3) We Thieves
Where: Inman Square & Porter Square
Info: This woman-owned business just opened a new location in Porter Square. Its specially curated vintage collections are housed in small boutiques that also have handmade products from local artists and designers.
Where: South End
Info: Happening every Sunday and the first Friday of every month, this vintage market has guest vendors and more. Housed in a brick warehouse, it is full to the brim with antiques, clothes, furniture, art, and postcards. When you’re done, check out the SoWa galleries upstairs.
Where: Allston
Info: This vintage store started as a cart that was made to look like a tiny house by the man known as “Le Pants King.” He ventured on his “Tour de Pance” with pop-up vintage stores across Boston and has launched this brick-and-mortar store of eclectic finds.
Where: Allston
Info: This vinyl record store is full of show-stopping tunes. But many don’t know that it also has tons of vintage clothes too. Now, you know, so go search in the “underground” of Comm Ave.
Where: Central Square & Somerville
Info: This store started as an army/navy surplus store. Now, the Central Square and Somerville locations have lots of costumes, western garb, jewelry, and clothing full of personality. Their Malden location is closing, so take advantage of their liquidation sale!
Where: Jamaica Plain
Info: This vintage boutique has been voted as a “must go” by many Boston magazines. You’ll find handpicked ‘60s - ‘90s clothing. Purchase an item here, and you can say that you supported a local business owned by female punk rocker and star of a Green Day music video, Hilken Mancini.
9) Vico Style
Where: Beacon Hill & Harvard Square
Info: This Asian, woman-owned small business blends data, technology, and fashion to specially curate their two stores in Boston. Here you'll find vintage buttons, neckwear, brooches, sweaters, and other beautiful pieces!
THRIFT
10) Garment District
Where: Cambridge
Info: Costume shop on the first floor (perfect for Halloween and themed parties) and a second floor that’s categorized by the decade, what more could you want? Well, there is more. They offer $2 “By the Pound” too! Get lost in the color and the funk of this old soap factory. They also recycle and pass on anything after seasonal rotations to keep the world greener.
Where: Roslindale
Info: Looking to support a good cause? All proceeds of this almost-a-century-old non-profit help The Home for Little Wanderers, an organization in MA that helps children and families through direct care and community-based programs.
12) Boomerangs
Where: Central Square, South End, & Jamaica Plain
Info: Vintage and gently-used galore with three locations across the city, Boomerangs is owned by AIDS Action which fights to stop the spread of AIDS. Profits help provide prevention and treatment services for HIV and AIDS.
13) Thrifty Threads
Where: Brookline
Info: An initiative through the United Parish, the proceeds from this gently used clothing and homeware store helps fund social justice initiatives and community care efforts in and around Boston. They partner with nonprofits to make sure donations never go to waste and it is completely run by volunteers.
14) Blessing Barn
Where: Beacon Hill
Info: This location of Blessing Barn is your one-stop for all things secondhand furniture and home goods. All profits support their “Room in the City” initiative that provides short-term housing for patients who need medical care around Boston.
Where: Cambridge
Info: Not one, not two, but FIVE floors of treasures. Need I say more? They claim there are “1 million finds,” but I guarantee there are plenty of clothes, trinkets, and goods to exceed that already big number.
16) Urban Renewals
Where: Roslindale
Info: A color-coordinated store! Explore the rainbows in this big warehouse full of things. Take advantage of their daily sale where you’ll always find certain items 50% off.
17) Sister Thrift
Where: Watertown & Framingham
Info: This store takes almost all donations as long as they aren’t severely damaged. And proceeds will help support the nonprofit Metrowest Humane Society, an MA no-kill animal shelter. Do your part in sustainability and help animals by shopping at this thrift store run by a pair of sisters.
Where: Brighton
Info: This thrift shop is run by the United Church of Christ in Brighton. You’ll find plenty of home goods, clothing, children’s books, and more!
19) SwapIt
Where: Medford
Info: This local, woman-owned business is centered on fun sustainability. For a yearly fee (the price of ONE dress!), you can trade in your clothes for stylish finds as many times as you want throughout the year. Plus, your first swap is FREE if you sign up on their website.
CONSIGNMENT
20) Castanet Designer Consignment
Where: Back Bay
Info: Located upstairs at 175 Newbury Street, this hidden gem offers high-end clothing from the wardrobes of the city's best-dressed women, featuring labels that cater to various price points.
Where: Jamaica Plain
Info: This store is dedicated to providing options for all genders, backgrounds, and identities. Their mission is rooted in anti-racism, and they provide a platform for local artists, designers, and musicians.
22) Covet
Where: Back Bay, Southie, & Beacon Hill
Info: This woman-owned store is always looking for new finds. They have a wide selection ranging from business attire to luxury goods, and you’ll never find an item made from real/exotic furs.
23) Raspberry Beret
Where: Cambridge
Info: A consignment store that carries in great condition modern flare, Raspberry Beret is the place to find clothes from Anthropologie, Free People, and Madewell. When you shop, you’ll be supporting this small business that is woman-owned.
24) Buzzy’s Bazaar
Where: Arlington
Info: This vintage store is full of antiques, funky clothing, bright jackets, and handbags. Tucked away in Arlington, Buzzy's is always a-buzzin’.
25) Vintage Taste
Where: Beacon Hill
Info: This high-end consignment store is stocked with men and women’s designer clothing and office attire. You can find goods from Gucci, Balenciaga, and more.
Where: Charlestown
Info: Their slogan is “#luxuryforless” and that’s exactly what you’ll find here, high-end brands for discounted prices like bags and clothes from Burberry and Louis Vuitton.
