So, browse, forage and dig for amazing treasures when you shop secondhand in Queens! The borough brings thrift shopping to life with a slew of cool stores that offer a cornucopia of affordable, unexpected finds for thrift-y New Yorkers looking for great deals on clothing, housewares, furniture and one-of-a-kind vintage collectibles.
Photo by Tammy Scileppi
And, with the holiday season fast approaching, a lot of shoppers are planning ahead and scoring extra special gifts for a song at local thrift shops – that family, friends and co-workers would greatly appreciate. Look around for unusual finds, like vintage, handmade and fine jewelry, eye-catching decorative and retro items, unique books, designer accessories and wonderful memorabilia.
Photo by Tammy Scileppi
Finding the GOOD stuff
Photo by Tammy Scileppi
Thrifting experts say we’re in a thrifting golden age! Baby boomers are downsizing, and young people are enjoying the “after-effects” and snatching up quality stuff at estate sales, flea markets and thrift shops – a wide variety of items that aren’t made anymore or may be too expensive to afford new.
Photo by Tammy Scileppi
When it comes to great thrifting, timing is key, and finding that special something takes patience and perseverance. And remember to donate. One person’s “trash” is someone else’s treasure.
Photo by Tammy Scileppi
Here’s a sampling of hidden thrift shops that you should check out.
When it comes to cozy cafes, artsy spots and secondhand stores, Ridgewood never disappoints!
61-01 Myrtle Ave.
917-340-2747
Stop by and browse their ever-changing selection of hand-curated vintage goodies that won’t break the bank: clothing, jewelry, furniture and bric-a-brac. And when you’re done foraging, grab a cold beer or a cup of joe at Amma Cafe, located at 68-64 Forest Ave. Locals call it the best Albanian cafe-bar in Ridgewood. So, check out their diverse menu featuring artisanal coffees, fresh pastries and light bites.
59-38 Myrtle Ave.
929-514-0669
This beloved go-to neighborhood spot is chock-full of interesting finds in every category. Customers say they enjoy the warm atmosphere and bargain prices.
568 Grandview Ave.
347-677-8891
(Located near Menahan Street, across from Grimaldi’s Bakery)
Stop by and forage to your heart’s content! There’s a treasure trove of cool stuff here. Locals and visitors love this cozy, highly rated hidden gem that has been in business for 15 years. Snag great deals on affordable vintage and gently used women’s clothing, accessories, jewelry, shoes, unique bric-a-brac and housewares. Visitors frequently praise the owners for being exceptionally sweet, helpful and welcoming. Rummage through racks of merchandise often displayed out on the sidewalk.
After getting your thrifting fix, head over to another neighborhood favorite for a bite. Salty Lunch Lady’s Little Luncheonette at 565 Woodward Ave. is known for its tasty mortadella sandwich.
65-01 Grand Ave., Maspeth
718-417-7353
Families flock to this kids’ consignment shop that always has a great selection of affordable, gently used and new items, including children’s clothing, toys, books, furniture, equipment and more. Promoting sustainability, the store buys items from the community, providing cash for gently used children’s merchandise.
Hungry parents and grandparents can score some delicious hand-rolled bagels and enjoy a relaxing breakfast at Maspeth Bagels and Sandwich Shop (53-76 65th Pl.).
The thrill of the hunt
Thrifting pros, like Jackson Heights interior decorator, collector and fashionista Nancy Cavaliere, who shares her vintage thrifting tips and fabulous secondhand finds on social media, have a keen eye and know how to spot something valuable even when it’s buried in junk. She tells her followers which brands and labels to check first, as well as the important elements to look for in a piece to make sure it’s genuinely vintage. Apparently, thrifting is a science!
“Foraging is good for the soul. I completely agree, and I think thrifting is its own kind of foraging. You never know what you’re going to find, and that’s the magic of it,” Cavaliere said. “We spend so much of our lives being told what to buy by algorithms and ads. Thrifting lets you wander, discover and decide for yourself what you love. It also sparks the creative brain and puts us in a state of play, giving us permission to experiment with something we might have always wondered about. And, because it’s more affordable, there’s less pressure — you can take the risk, try it and see what happens. And sometimes, the reward is discovering something you never knew you loved.”
More hidden gems to explore in your favorite borough
Located at 69-57 Juniper Blvd. S. in Middle Village, Puro Cafe serves up rich coffee and yummy pastries, like their famous pistachio croissants, and the entire neighborhood is talking about their awesome chocolate gelato. Customers appreciate the warm atmosphere and friendly staff at this authentic Italian cafe in the heart of Middle Village.
So, stop by before or after your thrifting adventures, and while you’re in the area, you can visit the Salvation Army Thrift Store nearby, at 73-26 Metropolitan Ave. You never know what you’re going to find among the racks of donated clothing and other items. Proceeds benefit a rehabilitation center.
Over in Forest Hills, collectors and savvy thrifters should check out a well-loved neighborhood fixture. G & N Collectors Den (102-21 Metropolitan Ave./718-261-3019) is a cozy shop filled with a variety of unique and affordable treasures that would make special gifts. Customers appreciate the friendly and welcoming owner. Come in and explore. They sell eye-catching jewelry, glassware, knick-knacks, paper
goods, books, mugs, DVDs and collectibles.
One local noted: “Norman’s shop is recognized (famed) as a ‘heritage space’ within that terrific community in Forest Hills – and for so many decades!”
Have a quick snack or a refreshing smoothie or bubble tea at another neighborhood favorite – an inviting mom-and-pop cafe where you can relax and plan your next thrifting adventure. Visit Elly’s Place (Sunrise Market) at 100-31 Metropolitan Ave.
48-09 Skillman Ave., Sunnyside
718-779-7795
Locals and visitors love this vintage consignment shop that has been around since 2006. Stray is known for their mid-century modern furnishings, great selection of records, unique gifts, and oddities.
After foraging for bargains, grab breakfast or brunch and celebrate your amazing haul at Chakra Cafe, located at 44-01 Queens Blvd. in Sunnyside. Customers love their waffles, bagels and smoothies, along with the artsy vibe.
Everybody loves thrifting
The trend toward buying better-quality secondhand fashion and furniture versus mass-produced items continues, as many millennials and Gen Zers transition to a more sustainable and intentional shopping style and mindset. Conscious consumption has become an important factor in how younger consumers evaluate products and brands. That’s why thrifting, along with resale platforms like Facebook Marketplace,
clothing swaps and refurbished electronics have become so popular these days.
Check out this Queens vintage shop crawl for more thrifting adventures. Hidden shops in Astoria and Ridgewood are featured.
The stores include Pimbeche Vintage, Show Place Market Pop-up and Steinway Thrift Shop in Astoria, as well as Grace Land NY and Fade to Black Vintage in Ridgewood.
91-30 Van Wyck Expwy., Jamaica
929-244-2510
A thrift store with a mission, OTC is known for its diverse offerings. Stop by and check out their fashionable and sustainable merchandise, as well as wonderful vintage items.
Some of the items available at Out of the Closet. Photo courtesy of Avinash Parasram
QNS spoke with Avinash Parasram, the store’s assistant store manager, about OTC’s history and how they help people.
Photo courtesy of Avinash Parasram
“Out of the Closet is a donation-based non-profit thrift store that was founded in 1990 to raise awareness for AIDS Healthcare Foundation and to fight the stigma surrounding the AIDS epidemic. With every purchase, 96 cents of every dollar benefits AIDS Healthcare Foundation’s cutting-edge medical and advocacy services, regardless of a patient’s ability to pay,” he explained. “We have over 20 store locations nationwide that provide free and discrete HIV testing to those in need, as well as a fun-loving environment to shop great deals. A large part of our mission in Jamaica, Queens is to facilitate a judgement-free zone for customers to shop, donate, get tested, receive professional care and pick up medication in one place. We also take pride in supporting local sustainability practices by reducing fast fashion waste with our community-based donation process.”
Photo courtesy of Avinash Parasram
The shop has been open just shy of a year, and Parasram said they plan to be there, partaking in community enrichment initiatives, for years to come.
Photo courtesy of Avinash Parasram
Describing the store’s items, he told QNS: “If you walk into Out of the Closet on any given day, you might find a beautiful vintage vanity dresser sitting two feet away from a barely worn designer dress. That’s the beauty of it – because everything comes from community donations, our inventory runs the full spectrum. That includes jewelry, video games, books, clothes, furniture, trinkets; you name it. No two visits ever look the same. We thrive in being accessible to all. You might want to come here for our curated luxury items, or our amazing color tag sales. Here, you can find a full outfit for $20 or a Coach leather jacket for way below resell or market price. Anyone can walk in and find something in their budget.”
Photo courtesy of Avinash Parasram
QNS also reached out to Nancy Cavaliere, who was eager to weigh in about thrifting.
Nancy Cavaliere. Photo courtesy of Nancy Cavaliere
QNS: Tell readers about your thrifting adventures and finds at local secondhand stores.
Nancy Cavaliere: Some of my best finds have come from completely unassuming thrift stores. I’ve found everything from designer clothing and vintage jewelry to Picasso plates, original art and incredible furniture. I’m also the person who once spotted a flea market from the highway and immediately made my husband get off the next exit so I could investigate! For me, the hunt is half the fun.
Photo courtesy of Nancy Cavaliere
QNS: What gives you a “high” as a passionate forager?
NC: Finding something I know is special before I even know exactly what it is. That little ‘wait a minute…’ feeling is the BEST. Then I start researching the label, maker, history or value and realize I’ve uncovered a treasure. Nothing beats it!
Photo courtesy of Nancy Cavaliere
QNS: Share your thrifting “rules” and tips for scoring special finds.
NC: My biggest rule is: look at everything. Don’t just shop your size, your gender or even the section you came in for. Great things are hiding everywhere!
Photo courtesy of Nancy Cavaliere
For clothing, I look at fabric, construction and labels before trends. Know your measurements because vintage sizing means almost nothing. For home décor, I look for real materials, like wood, brass, silver, marble, crystal and any pieces with character that would be expensive to reproduce today.
Photo courtesy of Nancy Cavaliere
I also always say, a deal isn’t a deal if you don’t need it. Buy because you love something, not just because it’s cheap.
Photo courtesy of Nancy Cavaliere
QNS: Describe your mindset during each thrifting trip. Do you have a spending limit?
NC: I do have an ongoing thrift list in the Notes app on my phone with things I’ve always wanted or seasonal pieces I’m hunting for—maybe a leather blazer for fall or something specific for my home. But I don’t really stick to it. I always keep an open mind because the best thrift finds are usually the things you never knew you were looking for. I don’t necessarily set a strict spending limit either—I think more about whether something is special, useful to me and worth the price.
Photo courtesy of Nancy Cavaliere
When something catches my eye and I think it might have potential, I run it through something I created called The Diamond Method. It’s based on the same concept as evaluating a diamond, except I use it to evaluate everything from clothing and jewelry to furniture, art and home décor.
Photo courtesy of Nancy Cavaliere
CUT — I look at the shape, silhouette and design. Does it have good bones?
CLARITY — I look at the materials, craftsmanship and construction. What is it actually made of?
CARAT — I look at the provenance, story, rarity, value and collectability. Is there something special here?
Photo courtesy of Nancy Cavaliere
It helps me quickly recognize what might be a diamond in the rough, what’s worth taking home and what I’m okay leaving behind. After a trip, I love researching my finds, learning their history, cleaning or restoring them and figuring out how they fit into my home or wardrobe.
Photo courtesy of Nancy Cavaliere
But the most important rule is that not everything has to be valuable to be a treasure. Sometimes you just love something—and that’s reason enough to bring it home.
Photo courtesy of Nancy Cavaliere
QNS: What are your thoughts about thrift gifting for the holidays and special occasions?
NC: I LOVE to go all out for Christmas, and I actually thrift Christmas gifts all year long. Beautiful vintage glassware, cashmere sweaters, cool objects, silver serving pieces, jewelry, frames and books make incredible gifts and feel so much more personal. Last year, I bought my husband all brand-new designer clothing with tags from Crossroads, which is a buy/sell/trade store. For my daughter, I thrifted clothes, books and toys. She doesn’t care if something is used or new; she just wants to play with it! Kids grow out of clothes and toys so quickly, so buying them secondhand just makes sense to me.
Photo courtesy of Nancy Cavaliere
I think thrifted gifts can actually be much more special because you’re hunting for something specifically for that person instead of just adding something to a cart.
ScreenshotPhoto courtesy of Nancy Cavaliere
QNS: Can you recommend some thrift shops across Queens that offer great selections?
NC: There are a few thrift stores in Queens that I really love, and they’re all good for different things.
The Salvation Army in Woodside isn’t the prettiest, but I ALWAYS find something good there. I’ve found silk skirts, wool sweaters and great jackets, and they also have a good amount of kids’ clothing and toys. I almost never find quality home décor there, but for clothing, it’s always a hit.
I also love Steinway Thrift Shop in Astoria. They have a great selection of men’s and women’s clothing. It’s nicely organized by category and it’s right by the train, which makes it an easy stop.
For home décor and furniture, Remix Market NYC in Long Island City is probably my absolute favorite. They’re constantly getting new inventory, the prices are great and negotiable and the staff is wonderful. I’ve found SO many incredible pieces there that I try to stop in at least once a week.
And for a nonprofit, I love Hour Children’s thrift shop on Steinway Street in Astoria. They have a great selection of home décor and furniture, plus smaller clothing and kids’ sections. Around Christmas and Halloween, they often have new-in-box toys and costumes that have been donated. I always try to pick up things for my daughter there because I know my money is also supporting a great cause. It feels really good to know I’m not only being sustainable, but also giving back to the community.
QNS: How do local thrift stores help their communities?
NC: These stores make clothing, furniture, toys and everyday necessities accessible at prices that more people can afford, while also keeping perfectly good things out of landfills. And when you shop at a nonprofit thrift like Hour Children, your purchase goes even further because you’re directly supporting the work they do in the community. I love that thrifting can be fun and creative for me while also giving something back. It’s one of those rare situations where everybody wins.
Photo courtesy of Nancy Cavaliere
QNS: Your thoughts about the ongoing trend away from fast fashion and more toward embracing secondhand clothing?
NC: I love seeing secondhand become more mainstream, but for me it isn’t a trend; it’s how I’ve always shopped. Why buy something designed to last a season when you can buy something that has already lasted 30, 50 or even 100 years?
Photo courtesy of Nancy Cavaliere
I feel the same way about furniture. I’ll almost always choose a beautifully made vintage dresser with dovetail drawers and solid wood over something mass-produced. Vintage pieces have history, character and craftsmanship that are hard to replicate today.
Photo courtesy of Nancy Cavaliere
For me, it’s never about everything being vintage or everything being new, it’s about mixing pieces, buying what you genuinely love and creating a home that feels like you.
Photo courtesy of Nancy Cavaliere
QNS: Is your daughter interested in thrifting?
NC: Yes! She has grown up around thrifting and treasure hunting, so to her it’s completely normal. She comes along with me sometimes, although if I’m being fair, she gets tired of it pretty quickly and would usually rather be home playing Barbies than treasure hunting at the flea market!
Photo courtesy of Nancy Cavaliere
But I do think being around it has helped spark her creativity and curiosity. She loves making clothes for her Barbies out of fabric scraps, tape and glue, finding little trinkets for her dollhouse, and she’s developed quite the vocabulary from being around so many different objects and people. She also LOVES people watching, especially checking out everyone’s outfits. So, when I bring her along, I don’t always think of it as just a trip to thrift. Sometimes it’s a little trip of culture; she’s looking at fashion, objects, people and all the different ways people express themselves. And I love that she’s learning that something doesn’t have to be brand new to be interesting, beautiful or special.
Photo courtesy of Nancy Cavaliere