Birthdays, anniversaries, or just to say “thank you.” If you’re looking for a gift, you may want to consider heading to one of Philadelphia’s many vintage stores or thrift shops. Not only will you find many unique items that would make great gifts, but you might also help out a good cause.
Philadelphia is a great city with all kinds of fun things to do — including treasure hunting at thrift shops. Many of them offer gently used items and some offer brand new things at a cheaper price. So, no matter what you’re looking for, you’ll probably find it.
We’ve rounded up some of the best thrift stores in Philadelphia based on Google and Yelp reviews. Happy thrifting! (Here are 5 Philadelphia restaurants that are worthy of a Michelin Star.)
Philly AIDS Thrift — 710 S. 5th St., Philadelphia, PA 19147
Philly AIDS Thrift has all kinds of cool and unique things to offer but what makes it amazing is that the nonprofit serves the community and donates to organizations fighting HIV/AIDS. They’ve raised over $4 million in donations for a variety of HIV/AIDS organizations. The store also has a massive selection of books, so readers, be sure to hit this one.
Salvation Army — 4555 Pechin St., Philadelphia, PA 19128
The Salvation Army is well-known and has stores nationwide. Each one is unique thanks to the community it serves. From books to clothes to home goods, shoppers will find no shortage of items to pick through — and help the community at the same time.
Project Homespun Boutique — 1523 Fairmount Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19130
Project Homespun Boutique’s proceeds pay Project Home residents who take care of the store. 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. Aside from selling gently used items such as clothes, shoes, and accessories, the store also sells Homespun Homemade products like cards and candles.
Once Worn Consignment — 906 N 2nd St., 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. Whether your style is boho hippie, preppy, trendy, old school, or your own invention, this shop has clothes for you.
Greene Street Stores — Multiple Locations
Green Street Stores has three locations in Philly and several in New Jersey, all with the mission to counter the fast fashion industry with a sustainable shopping experience. They sell men’s and women’s used clothing and accessories, and their second-hand clothes are well organized with designer brands and popular items at a fraction of the retail price.
Retrospect Vintage — 508 South St., Philadelphia, PA 19123
Retrospect Vintage is owned by Goodwill Industries, and this funky vintage store sells everything from clothing to household wares. If you are looking for a ’50s cocktail cart, a ’60s party dress, a ’70s psychedelic paisley print, or just some cool mid-century furniture, this is the place to check out.
Bargain Thrift Center — 5261 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19144
Bargain Thrift Center’s is “reduce, reuse, and recycle in style,” and they certainly do just that. If you’re looking for some quality used furniture at affordable prices, this is the place to check. You’ll also find clothes, shoes, accessories, books, toys, holiday decor, vintage items, and collectibles.
Circle Thrift — 2233 Frankford Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19123
Circle Thrift is a bright, neat, and organized store with daily and weekly sales. Not only do they offer clothes (both high-end and fast-fashion brands), furniture, books, electronics, and home decor, but they also have toys, holiday decor, and a ton of other gently used second-hand items.
Thunderbird Salvage — 2441 Frankford Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19123
Thunderbird Salvage is one of the more unique stores on the list. They sell new, used, vintage, eclectic, and cool items. From vintage mirrors to mid-century tables and colorful wall hangings, you never know what you’ll see at Thunderbird Salvage. Even if you’re not shopping, browsing the interesting art and all the things you won’t find anywhere else is worth a trip.
The Wardrobe — 413 N. 4th St., Philadelphia, PA 19123
The Wardrobe is another shop with an amazing mission. It helps people who need professional attire for work find the right outfit, whether they can afford it or not. This is a great place to go to find fashionable designer threads for your new job. They offer everything from business office attire to scrubs, all in good condition and at great prices.
Thrift Zone — 3251 Cedar St., Philadelphia, PA
Thrift Zone has something for everyone, from antique furniture to tools. The clothes they sell are gently used, and they have a huge selection of shoes. They also offer other thrift store staples, such as books, home decor, furniture, and accessories. You might even pick up a musical instrument or two!
Raxx Vintage Emporium — 534 South St., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19147
Raxx Vintage Emporium lives up to its name. This is the place to go for vintage clothes and accessories, from velvet dresses to mod skirts to faux fur coats and bright, gaudy brooches, you can find it here. You’ll want to give yourself some time, though. Raxx is stocked with some amazing finds that will have you cracking open your wallet. (Now that you’re familiar with Philly’s thrift stores, what about its state? Here are 20 things Pennsylvania is known for.)