Chattanooga’s Quirky Thrift Stores: Take Your Pooch Along to This Dog Friendly Shop

Chattanooga sits along the Tennessee River, nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. The city's fun southern atmosphere and excellent food make it an exciting day trip destination. One of the best ways to explore a new city is to spend an afternoon thrift shopping. You'll find terrific deals and local quirky items you may not see anywhere else.

Many thrift stores exist to support local non-profits and donate proceeds to various causes. Not only does thrifting save you money, but it also keeps millions of pounds of nice clothes, shoes, and other accessories out of landfills. It's a true win-win. Here are 11 of our favorite thrift stores in and around Chattanooga, Tennessee.

248 Northgate Mall Drive, Suite 122, Chattanooga, TN 37415

With over 2,500 stores across the South, America's Thrift Stores offer shoppers an organized layout and a rewards program for every dollar they spend in-store. There are members-only special events and extra points weekends, with 20 percent off sales.

America's Thrift Stores accepts donations including clothing, housewares, and appliances; they'll even accept vehicles with proof of ownership. They support worthy organizations like Make-a-Wish Alabama, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, and several others listed on their website.

40 Frazier Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37405

Collective Clothing opened in 2009 and sells vintage clothing, records, and cassettes. Most items are sourced in the Midwest and sold at reasonable prices. The store also carries an impressive selection of books, candles, cards, and stationery. Collective Clothing is a favorite in the Chattanooga area and has to be on your list of thrift stores to visit.

305 Signal Mountain Road, Chattanooga, TN 37405

Backpacks, kayaks, and sleeping bags get expensive, so finding a place like The Gear Closet in Chattanooga is a gift. This shop specializes in second-hand and gently used outdoor gear you can use on your next adventure. The non-profit organization Waterways operates the store and uses proceeds to support several environmental cleanup projects around Chattanooga Creek, Mountain Creek, and Signal Mountain and has raised over $60,000.

209 Minor Street, Chattanooga, TN 37405

It began in North Shore in 1924 and has grown to three locations in the Chattanooga area. Northside Neighborhood House uses the proceeds to support community programs and works with local agencies to support individuals and families in need. They also have an online boutique called Good Neighbor, where Northside Neighborhood House sells high-value donations.

Chattanooga Times Free Press readers have voted Northside Neighborhood House the best thrift store since 2020. The store is set up boutique-style and offers a variety of name-brand items and reasonable prices.

61 E. Main Street, Chattanooga, TN 37408

This newer thrift shop has been open since 2021 and offers a nostalgic atmosphere that shoppers love. Poor Taste specializes in vintage denim and t-shirts from the 1990s and 2000s. The store buys and trades for stock, offering customers cash or trade-in value. The fun atmosphere and terrific vintage clothes attract people looking for edgy new-to-them goodies.

3240 Wilcox Boulevard, Chattanooga, TN 37411

For a wide range of choices, including children's clothing and furniture, visit Pop's and Granny's Thrift Store on Wilcox Boulevard. The store offers special sales where shoppers can fill up bags for five dollars. Pop's and Granny's Thrift Store is family-run with friendly staff members and excellent prices—it's one of Chattanooga's best thrift stores.

6933 Lee Highway, Chattanooga, TN 37421

There are nine locations in Tennessee and Georgia and Providence Thrift donates to five different charities, including homeless shelters for men and women, women's addiction program, and their "Feed the Hungry" program. Providence Thrift relies on donations of items including luggage, clothing, and electronics to stock the stores' shelves and offers affordable prices on everything.

2102 Dayton Boulevard, Chattanooga, TN 37415

Like other thrift stores, Redbank Thrift sells clothing and housewares at great prices. However, they also have a huge DVD, Blu-Ray, and video game selection with free WiFi for customers. This thrift store can also help by fixing your current computer and even building a brand-new custom machine. Redbank Thrift plans to expand their offerings to include refurbished computers. This unique thrift store has a selection you won't find anywhere else, with services that you'll love.

1300 McCallie Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37404

This is a unique store—it offers a variety of antiques and other vintage items, you'll also find unusual taxidermies, industrial finds, housewares, and artwork. The Refindery is a fun and funky store where those seeking a truly unique conversation piece can find that and more. The store carefully screens the vendors before they are allowed to set up their booths, and has made it a place worth exploring for more than a quick walk-through.

9231 Lee Highway, Ooltewah, TN 37363

A Seventh-Day Adventist charity operates The Samaritan Center in Ooltewah. The store's proceeds support social services that include help paying for rent, food, and utilities. The Samaritan Center's low prices mean it is almost always busy.

This thrift shop's impressive variety includes children's clothing, home decor, toys, and housewares. They also offer deals on back-to-school supplies and keep pricier items on the left side. The Samaritan Center's donation process is easy and painless, a great way to help the community and clean out your closet.

This special store has two locations—one in Chattanooga and one in Nashville. Vinterest Antiques is set up like an antique mall, with lots of booths to browse. These dog-friendly thrift stores sell used and new products, including upcycled items; you’ll also find spice blends and honey, jewelry, and housewares. The prices range from super-low to over $1,000 and everything in between. There’s a friendly, welcoming atmosphere that makes you happy to spend an afternoon shopping.

Chattanooga has a mix of quirky unique consignment shops and traditional thrift stores with an outstanding variety of products. Whether you're looking for inexpensive clothes your kids will wear or a new bedroom set, there's a store for you. Better yet, take a few friends and make the rounds from one store to the next.