A Guide to the Best Shopping in New York City: Thrift Store Edition

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New York City is known for its vibrant fashion scene and unique sense of style. With New York fashion week and The Met Gala coming up, we thought people visiting New York City would appreciate a list of the best places to shop in New York. Now there are are a lot of stores in the city. A lot lot. So rather than list all stores in New York City, we’re going to list the best thirst store shopping in New York. After all, if you really want to do some shopping that really says New York City thrift stores are where you need to go. 

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This is not our only shopping list. We've also created a list of the best vinyl shops in NYC for visitors. Read it here.

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If you want a specific recommendation based on your dates and travel plans, request a tailored plan. Our team of trip consultants builds custom plans for travelers based on the activities they love most. Tell us your must-see attractions, dietary restrictions, and the number of days you’re in New York City, and our team will build a hand-crafted plan that matches your profile.

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Ok, on to the list …

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1. Beacons Closet

If you're on the hunt for unique and trendy clothing and accessories in New York City, Beacon's Closet should be on your must-visit list. With four locations in Brooklyn and one in Manhattan, Beacon's Closet is a popular thrift store chain that offers a wide selection of contemporary clothing and accessories for men and women with a focus on trendy, contemporary fashion. You'll find a great selection of items that are in style and on-trend, including vintage and designer pieces. Their prices are reasonable, although designer items will be priced higher. You can also often find sales and discounts if you check the blog on their website.

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2. L Train Vintage

L Train Vintage is another popular thrift store with multiple locations throughout Brooklyn and Manhattan. They offer a wide selection of vintage and contemporary clothing and accessories for both men and women. They have a great selection of vintage t-shirts, denim, and leather jackets with an emphasis on streetwear. They also have a great selection of hats, shoes, bags and all kinds of accessories. L Train Vintage is known for its large selection and affordable prices and is a favorite for locals.

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3. No Relation Vintage

No Relation Vintage is an offshoot of L Train Vintage, with one thrift store located in the East Village and another in Gowanus, Brooklyn. This store specializes in vintage clothing and accessories, with a focus on items from the 1960s through the 1990s. No Relation Vintage is a great spot for finding unique pieces that can add some edge to your wardrobe. They have a great selection of vintage t-shirts, jeans, leather jackets, and funky accessories. You'll also find plenty of 90s and 2000s items that totally fit the Y2K trend.

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4. Urban Jungle

Another spin-off of L Train Vintage, Urban Jungle is a popular Brooklyn thrift store that also focuses on streetwear. The store offers a large and diverse selection of vintage and contemporary clothing and accessories for both men and women.  You'll find a great variety of vintage t-shirts, denim, leather jackets, varsity jackets and other trendy pieces that reflect the latest fashion trends. With reasonable prices, friendly staff, and a great selection, Urban Jungle is a great spot to score unique and fashionable pieces to add to your wardrobe in Brooklyn.

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5. Eye Candy Store

Eye Candy is a funky and hip vintage store that's a must-visit for accessory lovers. Located in Chelsea, this store specializes in all kinds of accessories, from statement jewelry to designer handbags. Whether you're looking for a unique scarf, a funky belt, or a vintage hat, Eye Candy has something for everyone. Their collection is carefully curated, with items from different eras and styles. The store's interior is as charming as its name, with quirky decorations that add to the overall vibe. Eye Candy's prices are reasonable, and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable.

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6. Screaming Mimi's

Screaming Mimi's is a well-curated vintage boutique that has been a staple in New York City since 1978. Located in Greenwich Village, this store offers an extensive collection of vintage clothing and accessories from the 1920s through Y2K. Their collection includes one-of-a-kind pieces of fashion history, ranging from Victorian gowns to 1960s mod dresses, as well as retro-inspired items. The store's interior is as unique as its collection, with an eclectic mix of vintage decorations that add to the overall charm. Prices at Screaming Mimi's are on the higher end, but the quality of the items and the store's reputation for authenticity make it worth the splurge.

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7. Housing Works

Housing Works is a well-known non-profit organization in New York City that focuses on fighting AIDS and homelessness. They have numerous thrift stores around the city, making it easy for residents and tourists to shop for a good cause. Not only do their stores offer a great selection of secondhand clothing, accessories, and home goods at affordable prices, but the profits from each sale go towards helping people in need. Each Housing Works store has its own unique charm, with a constantly changing inventory and a mix of vintage and contemporary items. Whether you're looking for a new outfit or a piece of furniture to add to your home, shopping at Housing Works is a way to give back to the community while also scoring some great finds.

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8. AuH20 Thriftique

Located in the heart of the East Village, Auh20 is a thrift store that caters specifically to women's fashion needs. It offers a unique selection of affordable, secondhand clothing items, making it a favorite destination for many budget-conscious shoppers in New York City. Auh20 Their inventory includes everything from vintage tees to designer dresses, catering to a wide range of personal styles. The store takes pride in its attention to detail and curates its collection with a keen eye for quality

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9. Other Peoples Clothes

If you're on the hunt for stylish and affordable thrift finds in New York City, Other People's Clothes should definitely be on your list. This trendy thrift store has two locations in the city and is a favorite among fashion-savvy shoppers in the area. The inventory is frequently updated, so you're bound to find something new and exciting each time you visit. From vintage denim and leather jackets to trendy statement pieces, the store has something for everyone. The accessories are just as stylish and eclectic as the clothing selection, making it a one-stop-shop for putting together a complete look for a reasonable price.

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10. Cure Thrift Shop

For those who want to make a difference while they shop, Cure Thrift Shop is an excellent option. This quirky thrift store, located in the East Village, is a non-profit organization that donates all of its proceeds towards benefiting Type 1 diabetes research and advocacy. Cure Thrift Shop's selection of secondhand clothing items is unique and eclectic, featuring a wide range of styles from vintage to modern. The store's collection of accessories, including jewelry and handbags, is also noteworthy. Beyond clothes the store stocks all kinds of cool vintage knick knacks and furniture pieces so you might even get some unique home decor.

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NYC thrift stores offer a unique shopping experience where you can find hidden gems and unique items that reflect the city's eclectic and diverse fashion culture. From vintage tees to designer dresses, hats, shoes, bags, and all kinds of accessories, NYC thrift stores offer a great selection of affordable items that cater to different tastes and styles. The stores mentioned in this blog post are just a few examples of the many thrift stores in the city, but they offer something for everyone.

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