A Treasure Hunter’s Guide to Chattanooga’s 12 Best Thrift Shops

Thrifting is almost like hunting for lost treasure. You know there is something fantastic inside the store, and it may not be quite so obvious when you first walk in. It takes a little searching through all the odds and ends before you find the gold hidden. Thrift stores can be found in just about every city and town, and Chattanooga, Tennessee is no exception.

Located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and on the Tennessee River, Chattanooga is a great southern city to explore, whether you're a local or visiting. It's known for its recreational activities but also has an outstanding collection of thrift stores, where you can find amazing deals, like vintage t-shirts, antique furniture, and gently used designer clothing.

Some of these stores also support local charities, so you're not only supporting the local economy, but you are also helping the community when you thrift shop. Moms Who Think has compiled a treasure hunter’s guide to Chattanooga’s 12 best thrift chops based on the quality of their products and online customer reviews.

America's Thrift Store

248 Northgate Mall Drive, Suite 122, Chattanooga, TN 37415

America's Thrift Stores is a national chain with over 2,500 stores throughout the South. The Chattanooga location has received high praise from online reviewers who appreciate the store's organized layout. America's Thrift also has a rewards program where shoppers receive one point for every dollar they spend in-store. Moreover, they have special events for members, like 2x points weekends and twenty percent off sales.

It is also incredibly easy to donate to America's Thrift. If you have more than two bags of donations in good condition, they offer free home pickup. America's First accepts and sells everything from clothing to household wares and electrical appliances. You can even donate your car or truck with proof of ownership.

Collective Clothing

40 Frazier Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37405

Open since 2009, Collective Clothing sells a curated collection of vintage clothing from the 1940s through the 1990s. They also sell vintage records and cassettes. The owners buy most of their wares from the Midwest, including vintage band t-shirts, biker gear, and handbags.

Online reviewers love their selection and reasonable prices. They also carry books, candles, cards, and stationery. If you are looking for an eclectic store with a truly funky and unique selection, Collective Clothing is the place to go in Chattanooga.

The Gear Closet

305 Signal Mountain Road, Chattanooga, TN 37405

If you are looking for gently used outdoor gear, including tents, backpacks, kayaks, paddles, and sleeping bags, The Gear Closet in Chattanooga is the perfect place for you. The store has been open since 2012 and is managed by Waterways, a non-profit organization that is committed to cleaning up Chattanooga Creek, Mountain Creek, and Signal Mountain.

The proceeds from the store sales go towards funding these environmental projects. As per their website, the store has already raised around $60,000 for Waterways. Their slogan is “Shop Local-Save a Creek.”

The Greater Good Thrift Store

2821 Rossville Boulevard, Chattanooga, TN 37404

The Ladies of Charity runs the Greater Good Thrift Store, where they accept and sell donations of gently used housewares, clothing, and furniture. The shop has around forty volunteers who sort and price everything. The proceeds from the store's sales go towards supporting the Ladies of Charity social programs, which help individuals who need financial and physical assistance.

Online reviewers have given the Greater Good Thrift Store five stars for being clean and organized and for the friendliness of the staff. They also appreciate the low prices and quality of gently used items. Additionally, they love that this local favorite uses its proceeds to help the community.

Northside Neighborhood House

209 Minor Street, Chattanooga, TN 37405

Northside Neighborhood House was established in 1924 as a community center in North Shore. Today, it has three thrift stores in North Chattanooga, Red Bank, and Soddy Daisy, which generate half of the income for their community programs. They work with local agencies to provide clothing and furniture vouchers to those in need. They also have an online and pop-up boutique called Good Neighbor, where high-value donations are sold.

Northside Neighborhood House has been voted the best thrift store in Chattanooga by readers of the Chattanooga Times Free Press since 2020. According to online reviewers, the shop has a boutique-like atmosphere and offers a wide range of name-brand items at affordable prices. They also love that the proceeds go to help needy folks in the community.

Poor Taste

61 E. Main Street, Chattanooga, TN 37408

Poor Taste is a vintage thrift shop that has been in operation since 2021, offering a fun and nostalgic atmosphere to its customers. They specialize in a wide range of vintage denim and t-shirts from the 1990s to the 2000s. As a buy, sell, and trade thrift shop, they accept items for resale and offer customers cash or trade-in exchange. If you are looking for an edgy place to shop, the vintage clothes and atmosphere at Poor Taste will appeal to you.

Pop's and Granny's Thrift Store

3240 Wilcox Boulevard, Chattanooga, TN 37411

If you are looking for a less edgy place to shop, then definitely check out Pop's and Granny's Thrift Store on Wilcox Boulevard. They offer a wide range of products, from children's clothing to furniture. It is a family-run business, and its friendly staff and affordability are highly appreciated by its customers. Moreover, they sometimes offer special sales, such as a Big Bag Day, where customers can fill up a bag for five dollars.

Providence Thrift

6933 Lee Highway, Chattanooga, TN 37421

Providence Thrift is one of nine locations in both Tennessee and Georgia. Some of the store's proceeds go to five charities, including their homeless shelters for men and women, a women's addiction program, and their “To Feed the Hungry” program.

All of these programs are operated by Providence Ministries, which was founded in 1985. The store accepts gently used household items such as clothing, luggage, electronics, and exercise equipment. They rely on donations from the public and offer pickup services by appointment.

Redbank Thrift Store

2102 Dayton Boulevard, Chattanooga, TN 37415

Open from 9 AM to 6 PM, Monday through Saturday, Redbank Thrift sells clothing and household goods cheaply. They also have a large selection of DVDs, Blu-rays, and video games. Additionally, they offer free WIFI for all of their customers. While you wait, this thrift store also offers computer repair or build custom-made new computers. In the future, the store plans to expand this service to offer refurbished computers.

The Refindery on McCallie

1300 McCallie Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37404

The Refindery is a unique store that specializes in vintage and antique items, as well as other unique finds. They have a wide selection of furniture, housewares, and artwork, all of which are carefully curated. Furthermore, they also have a great selection of vinyl records for music enthusiasts. What sets this store apart is its funky vibe, which makes it a fun place to explore for hours on end.

The Samaritan Center

9231 Lee Highway, Ooltewah, TN 37363

The Samaritan Center is located in Ooltewah, between Chattanooga and Cleveland, Tennessee. It is run by a Seventh-Day Adventist charity that offers a variety of social services, including help with food, rent, and utilities. Expect it to be busy as customers frequent this thrift store for its low prices.

Customers say it is well-organized, with pricier items located on the left side of the store. Additionally, it offers deals on children's clothing and helps out with back-to-school supplies. Finally, customers say the donation process is painless and a great way to help the community.

Vinterest Antiques

2105 Northpoint Boulevard, Chattanooga, TN 37343

Vinterest Antiques has two locations in Chattanooga and one in Nashville. They offer a mix of old and new furniture, as well as upcycled and recycled wares. The store is dog-friendly, so you can bring your furry friends along with you.

In addition to furniture, Vinterest Antiques also sells spice blends, honey, and jewelry. The store is set up like a consignment shop or antique mall, with multiple stalls to browse through. Customers love the cute and quirky atmosphere and say that you can spend hours browsing. Items range in price from as low as one dollar to one thousand dollars, so there is something for every budget.

Final Thoughts

Chattanooga offers a wonderful mix of unique and traditional thrift stores that cater to all your thrifting needs. Whether you are searching for fashionable t-shirts and vintage denim or gently worn clothes for your kids, you will definitely find the perfect store. Additionally, many of the stores listed here support local charities, so shopping at these stores helps people in need in the community. It is a win-win situation.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Kevin Ruck/Shutterstock.com.