The Ultimate Guide to Thrift Shopping in St. Louis

St. Louis, Missouri is located on the west bank of the Mississippi River and is most famously known for its Gateway Arch. It is the world's tallest national monument that commemorates the city's nickname, “Gateway to the West,” which played a historic role in the country's westward expansion. But St. Louis is much more than the famous Arch.

It is a lively midwestern city that has the Anheuser-Busch Brewery, blues music, St. Louis-style BBQ, and Busch Stadium, home of the St. Louis Cardinals. But St. Louis is also home to unique and popular thrift stores. From downtown shops to larger venues, thrift shopping in St. Louis can be a fun and smart choice for your wallet and the environment. Let this ultimate guide help you navigate the great choices.

Twice Blessed Resale Shop

3312 Meramec St, St. Louis, MO 63118

Partnering with Our Lady's Inn Maternity Homes in St. Louis is the Twice Blessed Resale Shop. The thrift store's mission is two-fold: proceeds from the store go to support pregnant women in need through Our Lady's Inn Maternity Homes, and those who stay at the home can earn job training through working at the shop.

Twice Blessed sells clothing for women and children, along with jewelry, accessories, and home décor items. Their goal is to sell “boutique items at thrift store prices.”

If you're looking to donate, the store accepts in-season gently used or new items during their store hours. They also accept and appreciate volunteer help.

St. Vincent De Paul Society

4928 Christy, St. Louis, MO 63116 

With several locations throughout St. Louis and the surrounding areas, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is well-known in the city. Like Twice Blessed, all thrift store proceeds go back to the organization and are then used to help those in need.

The organization is one of the oldest charity groups in St. Louis and helped more than 264,000 people in 2020 by using 14.6 million dollars to provide aid to those in the metro area. Additionally, there are nine stores around St. Louis, and you can shop online through their website.

When it comes to donations, the society accepts items through its numerous donation bins. You can also schedule a pick-up online.

Max and Moo's Thrift

11726 St Charles Rock Rd Apt J, Bridgeton, MO 63044

If you're looking for unique, high-quality thrift items, look no further than Max and Moo's Thrift in Bridgeton. Having recently opened its doors in 2022, the store offers more than just clothing by including several furniture and home decor items. Additionally, proceeds from every purchase go to the non-profit Angels Frontline.

This charity group helps to provide a safe environment for those in need. The thrift shop has also been featured as one of the best “St. Louis Stores We Love” by Riverfront Times. Keep in mind that they do not accept consignment items and operate by donation only. Reach out to them directly about your donation items to schedule an appointment.

NCJW The Resale Shop

295 N Lindbergh Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63141

The Resale Shop is a unique thrift store where all of the benefits go back to the National Council of Jewish Women in St. Louis. While NCJW is a national organization, this specific thrift store benefits the local charity group. Check their social media sites for special events and specific deals. You can also shop online or volunteer at the shop.

Their donation center accepts gently used clothing, jewelry, shoes, home decor, and accessories Monday through Saturday. You can check out their donation page for items they don't accept and how to drop off your donation.

Upscale Resale STL

2155 Woodson Rd #2155s, Overland, MO 63114

Upscale Resale STL is a thrift shop with a large selection of high-end clothing, accessories, and furniture at discount prices. The shop receives new items each week and offers unique deals like their brown bag sale, where you can purchase whatever you can fit in a bag for $25.

They are also known for having a large selection of men's items. The shop accepts donation drop-offs during their store hours. If you have questions about what they'll accept, be sure to reach out to the store directly.

Mesa Home

2619 Cherokee St, St. Louis, MO 63118

If you're looking for a more unique, vintage vibe, be sure to check out Mesa Home. This shop offers clothing and styles from the 1970s through the '90s and has a cute boutique atmosphere on Cherokee Street.

Mesa Home also offers handmade items by partnering with other local vendors throughout St. Louis. You can shop through their stories on social media or check out the store in person when they open on Saturdays.

May's Place

3725 Foundry Way St 135, St. Louis, MO 63110

Another stylish and vintage shop is May's Place in St. Louis. This store places a high focus on vintage finds that are unique and stylish. Their mission is to offer sustainable shopping and slow fashion for locals. This store is great if you're looking to spend a little more on higher-end pieces, and you can see their items and shop online through their site. Beyond clothing, the store also offers jewelry, accessories, and gifts.

If you're looking to part ways with a few vintage items of your own, be sure to check this store out. While they source vintage items from around the world, you can also contact them with the items you'd like to sell.

Rise Together Resale

3801 S Grand Blvd A-B, St. Louis, MO 63118

Rise Together Resale is a thrift store in South City where proceeds benefit refugees in the local community through the non-profit Rise Together Ministries. The thrift store is only one branch of the charity. They also have woodworking and cleaning programs, where they employ and train people in need.

The store is also an opportunity to provide affordable clothing for those with limited options. If you're looking to donate to the shop, they have a list of needs on their Facebook page. You can also drop off donations during their store hours.

The Green Shag Market

5733 Manchester Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110

If you're looking to find several unique items all in one place, don't miss The Green Shag Market. This marketplace operates more like a vintage and antique mall, working with multiple vendors to provide items in all styles. The Green Shag Market has also been listed as the “Best Thrift Store” in the state of Missouri by Apartment Therapy.

Be sure to check their store hours, however, as they are only open on weekends. While most thrift shops accept donations, this marketplace works directly with vendors. You can reach out to them to inquire about booth rentals.

Miriam Switching Post

292 Hanley Industrial Court, Strassner Dr, Brentwood, MO 63144

The Miriam Switching Post is a branch of the Miriam School and Learning Center. This thrift store focuses less on clothing and more on furniture, art, antiques, and home décor while all proceeds go toward the school's tuition program. The store is also run by volunteers, which allows more of the proceeds to go to charity use.

By purchasing items here, you can further the school's mission to “empower unique learners by building confidence and a foundation for success.” The store accepts donations of home goods anytime during store hours, or you can schedule a free pick-up.

Final Thoughts

While there are several fun and exciting things to enjoy in St. Louis, thrifting is a great option and one that can be enjoyed anywhere from downtown to smaller suburbs. The shops we've discussed here offer everything from donated, gently used items to unique vintage pieces. Happy thrifting!

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