The 12 Best Thrift Stores in Philadelphia

Philadelphia is a great city with all kinds of fun things to do. You can visit the historic Liberty Bell, eat a delicious Philly cheesesteak, pay homage to Rocky, and run up the famous steps, or you can take advantage of the unique history and culture of one of the greatest cities in the United States and go treasure hunting at the best thrift stores in Philadelphia. Shopping at thrift stores is a fun way to get to know the area and find little treasures. From a unique one-of-a-kind lamp to a 70s-inspired yellow suede jacket to a vintage gingham dress, thrift stores have everything. So, next time you find yourself in the great city of Philadelphia, take some time to check out their cool thrift stores.

1.  Philly AIDS Thrift

710 S. 5th Street Philadelphia, PA 19147

At Philly AIDS Thrift, you can find all kinds of cool and unique things, but that isn't the only reason that this is one of the best thrift stores in Philadelphia. This amazing non-profit thrift store serves the community and donates to organizations fighting HIV/AIDS. The store has raised over four million dollars in donations for a variety of HIV/AIDS organizations, and not only that, but they offer in-store vouchers for HIV/AIDS service providers to give out to those in need. It truly is a great thrift store doing excellent work for the community. And it's worth mentioning again that they have cool stuff. So, if you are in the Philly area, go check out Philly AIDS Thrift.

2. Salvation Army

4555 Pechin St. Philadelphia, PA 19128

The good folks at the Salvation Army have been helping people in the community since 1865. They have all sorts of programs to help people in need, and their thrift stores are one way they raise money to fund programs. If you find yourself itching to go thrifting, check out their many thrift stores in the Philly area to help support a great organization doing excellent work to feed, clothe, and care for the community.

3. Project Homespun Boutique

1523 Fairmount Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19130

Project Homespun Boutique is a thrift store that provides men's and women's clothing at affordable prices. The boutique proceeds pay the Project Home residents who take care of the store. The Project Homespun Boutique also sells Homespun Homemade products like cards and candles. The organization is part of a bigger organization called Project HOME, which focuses on aid and education to break the cycle of poverty and homelessness. The organization is making a difference in many lives, and it is definitely one of the thrift stores to support in the Philly area. Their motto, None of us are home until all of us are home, encapsulated the importance of the work they are doing.

4. Once Worn Consignment

906 N 2nd Street Philadelphia PA 19123

Once Worn Consignment is a consignment shop with a wide variety of offerings. They have retro, vintage, and second-hand items, from clothing to handbags and accessories. This consignment shop has it all, and they are constantly adding to their inventory, so check them out. Whether your style is boho hippie, preppy, trendy, old school, or your own invention, this shop has clothes for you.

5. Greene Street Stores

8524 Germantown Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19118

21 Snyder Ave. Space SNE 2 Philadelphia, PA 19148

700 South St. Philadelphia, PA 19147

Green Street Stores sell used and vintage items. They have three stores in Philly and several in New Jersey. The company’s mission is to counter the fast fashion industry with a sustainable shopping experience. They sell both men's and women's used clothing and accessories. Their second-hand clothes are well organized and include designer brands and popular items at a fraction of the retail price. You can feel good shopping here, knowing you are doing your part to shop locally and support the environment. 

6. Retrospect Vintage

508 South Street Philadelphia, PA 19123

Retrospect Vintage is a unique thrift/vintage store owned by Goodwill Industries. They have funky vintage items from clothing to household wares and everything else you need to create your own style. When you visit their brick-and-mortar store, it's like walking into a time machine with all kinds of groovy finds. They also offer an online shopping experience at their Etsy and Depop sites. If you are looking for a 1950s cocktail cart, a 1960s party dress, a 1970s psychedelic paisley print, or just some cool mid-century furniture, this is the place to be. Be there or be square, and find your favorite things from the past to fill up your present.

7. Bargain Thrift Center

5261 Germantown Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19144

If you are looking for affordable quality secondhand items from kitchenware to clothes to accessories to art, check out Bargain Thrift Center. Their motto is, Reduce, reuse, and recycle in style. And they are true to their motto with clothes, shoes, accessories, books, toys, holiday decor, vintage items, and collectibles. This place is a one-stop shop for everything you need, and if they don't have it, you probably don't need it. When you visit the Bargain Thrift Center, make sure you have some time because you will want to browse and see everything that one of the best thrift stores in Philadelphia has to offer. 

8. Circle Thrift

2233 Frankford Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19123

At Circle Thrift, you can find used furniture, clothing, and household items. They have kids' toys, holiday decor, and a ton of other gently used second-hand things. If you are looking to set up your place or just trying to find some new threads for yourself or your family, this thrift store is a great place to start. They have excellent prices and are always in stock. Check out their Instagram for more photos to get an idea of all the cool things you can find here.

9. Thunderbird Salvage

2441 Frankford Ave Philadelphia, PA 19123

You never know what you will find at Thunderbird Salvage. They sell new, used, vintage, eclectic, and cool items. From the unusual to the unique, they have items that will take you on a trip through the past. They sell cool old stuff like vintage mirrors, mid-century tables, colorful wall hangings, interesting art, and all kinds of things that you just won’t find anywhere else. When you visit Thunderbird Salvage, you might not know what you are looking for, but chances are you will find it there.

10. The Wardrobe 

413 N. 4th Street Philadelphia, PA 19123

The Wardrobe is the place to find professional attire at great prices. The thrift store offers free clothing to those who need it by appointment only. But they also offer regular store hours for shoppers who love to find a deal. This is a great place to go to find fashionable designer threads for your new job. The best way to support all of the amazing work they are doing for the community is to come on down and shop at The Wardrobe. If you have been out of the workforce and find yourself without professional attire for that upcoming job interview, The Wardrobe can help you put a work-ready outfit together. They have clothes for business casual, professional, and specialty jobs like scrubs. The Wardrobe is helping people look good and feel good at work.

11. Thrift Zone

3251 Cedar St, Philadelphia, PA

At Thrift Zone, you can find antique furniture, vintage clothes, used household items, and tools. Plus, they have second-hand, gently used clothes for the whole family. Whether you are looking for a new couch, desk, or bookshelf, they have something for you. Or maybe you need a used instrument for your child's music lesson; they can help; basically, whatever you are looking for, they probably have it in their store. 

12. Raxx Vintage Emporium

Raxx Vintage Emporium is the place to go for vintage clothes and accessories. They have it all, from velvet dresses to mod skirts to faux fur coats and bright, gaudy brooches; you can find it here. This is a great place to find an eclectic mix of retro fashion. They have trendy pieces mixed with trashy in a good way. When you visit Raxx Vintage Emporium, make sure you have some time to browse all the cool stuff they have. You might find a perfectly preserved pair of 1980s acid wash jeans,  some baggy MC Hammer pants, a shiny pink disco pants suit, or a pile of chunky costume jewelry. It is a fun place to visit and find some unique pieces to help you make a loud fashion statement.

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