Kansas City is known for BBQ, shopping, and the Super Bowl-winning Chiefs team. Whether you're visiting KC to catch a Royals game or simply enjoy the downtown atmosphere, there's no shortage of things to do here! But did you know that Kansas City is also home to some unique and popular thrift stores?
From downtown shops to larger venues, thrifting in Kansas City can be both a sustainable practice and lighten the load on your wallet. If you're in the area and considering a day of thrifting, here are ten shops worth a stop. Let's take a closer look at each one.
Savers
2251 NW Barry Rd, Kansas City, MO 64154
With a few locations sprinkled throughout Kansas City and the surrounding areas, Savers is a well-known thrift store. These thrift stores have a wide range of things to shop for, including clothing, home goods, gifts, books, and electronics. They also have a unique setup where clothing is donated to a non-profit first. Then, that non-profit is paid by Savers as they purchase items for their store.
While Savers is a nationwide company that's worked to keep about 700 million pounds of items out of landfills, the Kansas City locations support the Big Brother, Big Sister program. Donations can be dropped off on-site, but check their website for guidelines and a list of things they don't accept.
Troost39 Thrift Store
3922 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO 64110
Troost39 Thrift Store is a nonprofit thrift store that supports both the midtown Kansas City area and the Troost Corridor. The store operates off of donations and then uses those funds to impact the community. Their website lists ten different organizations that they partner with and provides a form to fill out if you'd like to volunteer your time at the store. They also offer layaway services and a pick-up program for those in need.
Donations are accepted when the store is open Tuesday through Saturday. If you're interested in donating, their website lists a variety of things they will accept along with a few things they won't.
KC Grow Co
11933 S Strang Line Rd, Olathe, KS 66062
If you're looking for gently used children's clothing, toys, and shoes, look no further than KC Grow Co. The store is located just outside KC in Olathe and is family and women-owned. You can also purchase items online and the store will ship them to your door. Items included at the store range from newborns up to teens. Additionally, many of the items are brand names.
If you're looking to donate items, you can drop them off at the store anytime the doors are open. Then an associate will text you when they've finished reviewing your items and you'll receive either cash or a discount on future purchases.
Boomerang
3900 Pennsylvania Ave #2940, Kansas City, MO 64111
Boomerang is the perfect thrift and vintage shop if you're looking for unique and funky items. The store has a wide range of clothing from various eras that are arranged by decade. This is also the perfect place to stop if you need to rent an item for something specific. Rentals come complete with accessories, making this stop the right one for you if you have a costume party coming up. The store is known for its large selection and great customer service as well.
City Thrift
5028 NE Parvin Rd, Kansas City, MO 64117
If you're looking to shop at a thrift store that gives back, be sure to check out City Thrift. With a few locations around Kansas City, these non-profit stores are owned by the City Union Mission and all proceeds go back to the mission. Founded in 1924, City Union Mission is well-known in the community for its impact on those in need and the homeless. They provide a family center, men's shelter, community assistance center, and a Christian Life Center.
If you're looking to donate items that make a direct impact on the KC community, be sure to check out their website for drop-off hours and a list of accepted items.
Blessings Abound
10325 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park, KS 66212
As a non-profit organization, Blessings Abound provides support to several local programs including Metro Lutheran Ministry and Hope Builders. Items are donated to the store, and then funds earned from those donations go back to the community to help those in need. The store provides unique opportunities for youth and also accepts monetary donations to local charities. Additionally, you can find anything from clothing to furniture and home goods at either of the store's two locations.
If you're looking to donate, you can either drop off your items or schedule a pickup time from the store. Blessings Abound is also unique in that it picks up donations from Senior Living facilities.
Clothz Minded
4115 Pennsylvania Ave, Kansas City, MO 64111
If you're looking for vintage finds that resemble a boutique, don't miss Clothz Minded in the Old Westport neighborhood of KC. The store opened its doors in 2010 and features both brand-name and designer clothing for women. They're also unique in that the shop connects with local Kansas City creators to feature locally made products in the store as well.
If you're thinking of selling your vintage or designer clothing here, the store will buy your items on “open buying days” which they announce through their social media platforms.
Frugal's Family Thrift Store
4804 S Noland Rd, Kansas City, MO 64133
Frugal's Family Thrift Store is a unique thrift shop where all proceeds benefit the In His Name Ministries of Independence. All of the items here are incredibly affordable and while the store is small, there's still much to choose from. The store offers everything from clothing to furniture and home decor items, making it a fun treasure hunt if you're in the mood to thrift.
Urban Mining Vintage Market
3111 Gillham Rd, Kansas City, MO 64109
If you're in Kansas City on the first Friday of the month, the Urban Mining Vintage Market is a fun opportunity that you don't want to miss! The store is unique in that it sources vintage products from over 40 local entrepreneurs. It features everything from furniture to décor, lighting, textiles, clothing, jewelry, and even art. Additionally, the store is located in a converted factory building, so you'll want to block off plenty of time to peruse their large selection of items.
Be sure to check their website for their open hours and dates. You can also view photos of their current inventory to get a good idea of what you can purchase before you go.
Do Good Co.
413 E 18th Street, Kansas City MO, 64108
Do Good Co. is a non-profit vintage store that donates all of its profits to KidsTLC and Wayside Waifs. Donations to KidsTLC helps to provide resources for kids who experience health and developmental challenges. Wayside Waifs provides pet resources and adoptions. So, making a purchase Do Good Co. not only benefits your wallet and makes a sustainable choice, but it also offers support to charities in need.
Items can also be purchased online through this store. Do Good Co. is a great place to shop if you're looking for higher-end, gently used items.
Final Thoughts
While there are several fun and exciting things to enjoy in Kansas City, thrifting is a great option and one that can be enjoyed anywhere from downtown to the suburbs. The shops we've discussed here offer everything from donated, gently used items to unique vintage pieces. Happy shopping!
The image featured at the top of this post is ©rusty426/Shutterstock.com.