9 Best Thrift Stores in America

A friend who works in tourism says a third of her clothes are from this charitable store. An off-shoot of the popular thrift chain Buffalo Exchange, ReThreads is not-for-profit and falls under the Coyote Task Force, which provides retail jobs to adults in recovery from mental health issues. Clothes are clean, organized, and represent the quality donations a shop receives when the community truly supports its mission. I am always happy to find quality cast-offs from those who can afford the best. Look for classic western items, including cowboy boots, hats, and even turquoise–all incredible souvenirs.

Shop film locations and pick up props for a bit of Hollywood flair. The Vintage Values Resale Shops have three locations throughout the Wilmington area, including one in the eccentric and lively Castle Street District. All proceeds from the stores go to support Domestic Violence Shelter and Services, The stores are loaded with clothes, shoes, and accessories, and flash sales are common. You’ll also find seasonal stuff, clothes worn in films made in Wilmington, and a lot of glass and decorative items.

The Easthampton Ladies Village Improvement Society, or ELVIS, as it’s known, is housed in a stunning mansion at the entrance to Easthampton’s small downtown area. ELVIS is an annual pilgrimage for me; that’s how good the deals are. As you can imagine, the wealthy of The Hamptons have no problem shedding frocks, furniture, and functional items as they go out of style, a luxury home is downsized, or they simply realize they have too much junk.

The ELVIS mansion contains a series of beautifully organized rooms. I have bought everything from linens to dresses to jeans here, and others I drag to ELVIS leave with plates, books, shoes, and menswear.

A donation from MacKenzie Scott (former wife of Jeff Bezos) kickstarted Goodwill’s growth. David Rey, president of Goodwill North Florida, notes that Ms. Scott gave $4.2 billion to 384 organizations. “We were one of those,” says Rey. “We decided to invest in our real estate position so we could expand our donated goods business and employ more people. That goes directly toward our mission. “I think the thrifting movement in the last decades has really taken hold,” Rey noted. “Recycling and reusing. We’re becoming more cognizant and aware of our carbon footprint and what we’re doing to the earth.”

In St. Augustine, the new Goodwill, is impressive – double the size of the previous store. The selections are extensive and well-organized, and Goodwill’s incentive to move items to make way for constant new arrivals means great sales and turnover.

Design and fashion rule in this vibrant seasonal destination. It just makes sense that Palm Springs, a destination that’s a third Hollywood, a third mid-century design, and a third Gay mecca, would have great thrifting opportunities.

DAP Healthy Revivals Thrift Stores gives 100% of its profits–over $1 million per year to its charitable organizations, and has locations in Palm Desert, Cathedral City, and Palm Springs. Its motto, “Re-Love the Pre-Loved” rings true for an organization that supports over 100,000 individuals who rely of DAP health care.

The best thrifting in Honolulu is probably Goodwill. On the island of Oahu alone, there are six Goodwill stores around the island. The population here is transient (between members of the military and affluent mainlanders with their second (or third) homes), meaning business is brisk and donations plentiful.

I needed some beach pants and sand shoes…check! Rice cooker and deco tiki trinkets…easy! Harder to find are the elusive Aloha shirts, famous as a symbol of relaxed island life. When I asked the volunteer about Aloha shirts, she gave me that laugh that meant “you and everyone else,” then turned me on to the organization’s major fundraiser, Goodwill Goes Glam, which was just two days away. With no idea what I was getting into, I bought two $35 tickets, which included a buffet dinner and a fashion show, followed by access to a football-sized field of curated thrift items. The shopping was so good (think vintage Aloha shirts for $15) that my boyfriend warned me against writing this and increasing the competition. Goodwill Goes Glam is now on our calendar every August.