The thrifting culture is big in Scandinavia, just like how everything's cool and sustainable (they're just the best, ugh). You'll just have to venture to the hipster neighbourhood of Södermalm to find vintage stores aplenty.
Here is the definitive list of the best cities for thrifting in the country. According to our data, the top five cities for thrifting in the U.S. are Riverside, CA, Atlanta, GA, Columbus, OH, Orlando, FL, and Tampa, FL.
UK consumers most commonly buy Clothing second-hand followed by Books, movies, music & games (excluding downloads), while they are least likely to buy Pet products second-hand. These results are based on our representative online survey conducted in 2023 among 4,029 respondents in the UK.
is thrifting in NYC worth it? // prices, popular stores, + more
What is the UK equivalent of a thrift store?
A charity shop (British English), thrift shop or thrift store (American English and Canadian English, also includes for-profit stores such as Savers) or opportunity shop or op-shop (Australian English and New Zealand English) is a retail establishment run by a charitable organization to raise money.
I've found old rock and roll t-shirts you really don't find anywhere else. I've also purchased unworn cashmere scarves and sweaters with the tags still on them for only $2.00 or $3.00 USD. Thrifting across Europe is great and highly recommended. Have fun.
There are markets selling used, vintage or otherwise inexpensive clothes and other products all over Rome. Generally, they are an inexpensive way to shop for both common and uncommon goods.
They are flocking to thrift and vintage stores in search of authentic retro looks. As much as 62% of Gen Z and Millennials say they look for an item secondhand before they buy a new version of it, according to the 2022 annual industry report from secondhand marketplace ThredUP.
They're great places to grab a bargain and a nice way to get a bit more eco-friendly with your shopping sprees. With an exciting array of crowds across the big city of London, there are so many different small boutiques, second-hand stores, and charity shops to choose from.
According to Goodwill, the perfect time slot to shop at thrift stores is in the morning on both Monday and Tuesday. This is because, at least as far as Goodwill is concerned, people tend to donate garage sale remnants on Sunday, so the pickings are new and fresh come early weekdays.
Op shops are popular in countries like Australia and New Zealand, and they play a role in reusing items while also supporting social and environmental goals. Vinnies Op Shops in Australia provide a platform for individuals to both donate and purchase quality second-hand items.
The secondhand market in Japan is one of the best-kept secrets. Used clothes in Japan have a reputation for their pristine condition. Moreover, thrift stores have strict standards for the items they are willing to accept and resell, while buyers maintain high expectations for the quality of secondhand item purchases.
It can be very lucrative, especially if you're good at finding high-valued items at bargain prices. A lot of sellers use local thrift store flipping to supplement their main income.
Y2K fashion is everywhere – from ultra-baggy jeans to super-faded band tees – but what drives Gen Z's obsession with fashion from past eras? Alongside a search for authentic self-expression, Gen Zers desire to look back through nostalgia-tinted glasses to avoid the stresses of contemporary life.
Gen Z's nostalgia has extended to their taste in fashion. With 54% of Gen Z liking the style of vintage clothes, many trends from the 90s and Y2K have experienced a resurgence in the last few years. The generation have brought back 90s and early 00s fashion trends like glitter details, claw clips, and Von Dutch caps.
Thrifting skips multiple checkpoints of sustainability as new material need not be brought in, no additional manufacturing takes place, no labour is required to make the clothes, no carbon is used up in transportation, no money is spent on marketing and so on.
The treasure trove that is your average thrift shop or flea market becomes even more fascinating in Spain. Not only will you come across great deals on secondhand clothes and knickknacks, but you'll also get a glimpse into Spain's cultural past through books, records, paintings and more.
Thrift stores can be found all over Japan, from big cities like Tokyo and Osaka to smaller towns. Some popular chains include Hard-Off, Book Off, Treasure Factory, and Second Street.
Thrifting is one of the best things to do in Paris, especially as a student that spends way too much money on croissants and pains au chocolat. There are a variety of thrift shops in Paris—some are cheap and others will make you question whether the price is a joke or not.
While many thrift stores don't wash clothes before displaying, it's essential to recognize that many donations might be cleaned before being given. Regardless, it's always a prudent choice to wash your thrifted items once at home, as numerous individuals might have handled or tried them on.
Berlin is known for its vibrant secondhand and vintage scene, with many thrift shops, flea markets, and charity shops located throughout the city. Some popular areas for thrift shopping in Berlin include Neukölln, Friedrichshain, and Prenzlauer Berg.
Financially, thrifting can be a great option since certain clothes are made to last longer than fast fashion produced in a high volume to stay in time with popular trends. Purchasing clothes that are made to last is more sustainable and cost effective since consumers don't need to buy the same item over and over again.
