{"id":142779,"date":"2026-03-19T14:21:22","date_gmt":"2026-03-19T14:21:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/142779\/"},"modified":"2026-03-19T14:21:22","modified_gmt":"2026-03-19T14:21:22","slug":"your-guide-to-the-citys-thrift-vintage-and-secondhand-stores","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/142779\/","title":{"rendered":"Your guide to the city\u2019s thrift, vintage and secondhand stores"},"content":{"rendered":"

Love Philly? So do we. Let\u2019s be friends.\u00a0Sign up for the Billy Penn newsletter today<\/a>.<\/p>\n

When Christina Kallas-Sartisogelou started Philly AIDS Thrift in 2005, she couldn\u2019t have imagined what it would become.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Her and a group of friends, who she says were self-proclaimed \u201clovers of junk\u201d started small.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cWe just started bringing items from our apartments and begging our friends to do the same thing,\u201d she said. \u201cGradually people started coming and donating and shopping. And here we are, 20 years later.\u201d<\/p>\n

Kallas-Sartisogelou explained her group saw Philly AIDS Thrift as an opportunity to help destigmatize HIV and AIDS, and to provide unique resources.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cWe started our own HIV testing center,\u201d she said. \u201cAnd then we partnered with a few different organizations, and they would rotate on the weekends and provide free rapid HIV testing. And the idea behind putting something like that in this non-traditional space is a way to normalize it.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

Fast forward two decades and the store has reached over $5 million in donations. In addition to providing traditional clothes and jewelry like many other thrift stores, Philly AIDS Thrift focuses on community, offering funding to organizations fighting the AIDS epidemic.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen we have anniversary events, we have a huge outdoor block party with live music, sword swallowing clowns, and artists and vendors,\u201d she said. \u201cWe\u2019ve done \u2018Queer Palooza,\u2019 that\u2019s been a huge outdoor event where we\u2019ve had probably 10 queer bands, and 40 queer artists vending their artwork. And then here at the store, we usually like to highlight musicians and artists.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\"Christina Kallas-Saritsoglou, co-founder and executive director of Philly AIDS Thrift. (Hanbit Kwon)<\/p>\n

Philly AIDS Thrift is just one home for thrifting throughout the city. We put together a guide of other places you can check out \u2013 whether you\u2019re looking for unique offerings, cheap goods or upscale vintage.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Thrift stores\u00a0<\/p>\n

Philly is no stranger to the thrift store scene. Whether you need affordable and low-cost products or you\u2019re looking for your next treasure, here is a list of local offerings.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Philly AIDS Thrift \u2013 Queen Village & Philly AIDS Thrift @ Giovanni\u2019s Room \u2013 Center City\u00a0<\/p>\n

The Philly AIDS Thrift flagship store has it all<\/a> \u2013 from \u201cdollar to designer to everything in between.\u201d This includes an electronics section, music room, designer racks, $1 rack and even an HIV testing center.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The store also offers grants to qualifying organizations that focus on HIV\/AIDS care including prevention, outreach, case management, research and education.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The Philly AIDS Thrift @ Giovanni\u2019s Room<\/a> is the thrift store\u2019s second location \u2013 and the oldest LGBTQ and feminist bookstore in the nation. The store sells a variety of books and hosts events for patrons and visitors.\u00a0<\/p>\n

You can visit Philly AIDS Thrift at 710 S Fifth Street, and Philly AIDS Thrift @ Giovanni\u2019s Room at 345 S. 12th Street. Both are open on Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. or Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.<\/p>\n

Circle Thrift \u2013 Fishtown\u00a0<\/p>\n

This nonprofit thrift store offers low-cost options for products such as furniture, clothing, jewelry and toys. The store strives to create jobs, help recycle goods, and provide additional support to people in need.\u00a0<\/p>\n

In addition to its normal offerings, the thrift store provides grants to organizations that work toward community well-being, with a focus on organizations that support kids and families and fight poverty. The store has supported other organizations including the Fishtown Neighbors Association, South Philly Community Fridge and Kensington Soccer Club. You can apply for a community grant and learn more information about Circle Thrift on their website.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

The store is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday, and is closed on Monday. It is located at 2233 Frankford Ave, on the corners of Frankford and Dauphin.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Bargain Thrift Center \u2013 Germantown<\/p>\n

This thrift store has been around since 1985 \u2013 and has a deep history within its community. For the last 40 years, the store has offered goods such as home decor, books, holiday decor, clothing, collectibles, and more.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The store\u2019s website<\/a> emphasizes this community focus \u2013 saying that many staff members know customers by name \u2013 adding to its welcoming atmosphere. The store is also frequently praised as one of Philly\u2019s leading thrift stores.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The store is open from 12-5 p.m. on Sunday and Monday, 10-5 p.m. on Tuesday and Saturday, and 10- 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. It is located at 5261 Germantown Ave.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Retro Rewind Vintage & Thrift \u2013 Brewerytown\u00a0<\/p>\n

This Brewerytown thrift store isn\u2019t just another boutique \u2013 from its unique, curated selections to its mobile truck experience, this store offers a one-of-a-kind immersion.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Its owner, Tia Whitfield, focuses on the \u201cretro\u201d feel \u2013 with music, dancing, and ambiance throughout the store. Offerings within the store include vintage coats and jackets, retro track suits and old albums and records.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The store also offers a mobile retail experience, where the Retro Rewind experience<\/a> can come to you. The Retro Rewind van includes a selection of clothes, an on-site dressing room, a mobile catwalk, a dedicated stylist and, of course, retro music.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The store is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and is closed on Sunday and Monday. The physical boutique is located at 2804 W Girard Ave.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Thunderbird Salvage \u2013 Kensington\u00a0<\/p>\n

True to its name, Thunderbird Salvage aims to keep goods from going straight into the trash by \u201csalvaging\u201d them and giving them another life.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The store is focused on reusing as much as possible<\/a> \u2013 whether that means constantly reusing materials from events or delivering cans directly to the scrap yard.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Thunderbird Salvage also cleaned out Hamilton and Anderson Halls, <\/a>two former University of the Arts buildings. The store offered UArts and faculty a way to pick up their abandoned artwork if they could prove it was theirs. Otherwise, many of the finds were put up for sale at the flagship store, while other items were given to auction homes around the area.\u00a0<\/p>\n

You can visit their store for a unique offering <\/a>of collectibles, furniture and clothing at 2441 Frankford Avenue. They are open every day from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.\u00a0<\/p>\n

2nd STREET \u2013 Center City, South Philly and Northeast Philly<\/p>\n

This thrift chain<\/a> has three locations to choose from in Philly. The store offers unique, high-end clothing \u2013 frequently refreshing inventory from both the U.S. and Japan.\u00a0<\/p>\n

You can also sell items at 2nd STREET.\u00a0<\/p>\n

You can visit the Philly locations at Roosevelt Mall (2329 Cottman Ave #56), Chestnut Street (1606 Chestnut St) or South Street (501 South Street).\u00a0<\/p>\n

Greene Street \u2013 Multiple locations<\/p>\n

Greene Street <\/a>began as a single, family-owned shop on the Main Line, and has since developed into seven locations ranging from Philadelphia to New Jersey.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The store\u2019s approach challenges disposable fashion \u2013 focused on providing a mid-to-high-end label experience, while offering them at a competitive price point.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The store also accepts donations \u2013 and hopes patrons can make some \u201cgreene\u201d by bringing in their clothes.\u00a0<\/p>\n

You can visit Greene Street in Chestnut Hill at 8524 Germantown Ave, or in South Philly at 534 South Street. There are five other locations<\/a> throughout the greater Philadelphia area and New Jersey as well.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The Second Mile Center \u2013 West Philly\u00a0<\/p>\n

This University City thrift store<\/a> has lots to satisfy your thrifting needs \u2013 from vintage suits to kitchen and homeware to furniture, the faith-based thrift store is a West Philly staple.<\/p>\n

You can check them out at 214 S 45th Street. They are open from 10 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Monday-Saturday, and are closed on Sunday.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Buffalo Exchange \u2013 Center City<\/p>\n

Buffalo Exchange\u2019s Center City location is one of 40+ stores it owns in the U.S. The stores focus on everything from everyday styles to designer clothes and current trends.<\/p>\n

From walls of sunglasses to stacks of shoes, the store offers a wide variety of options<\/a>. The store also buys frequently \u2013 offering 25% in cash or 50% in trade to customers who sell.<\/p>\n

You can visit Buffalo Exchange in Philly at 1520 Chestnut Street. They are open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday, and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday to Saturday.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Something New Thrift Store \u2013 West Philly<\/p>\n

From bed frames and couches to knick-knacks and pillows,<\/a> this thrift store can satisfy many of your decorating needs.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The store offers seasonal decorations, glassware, lamps, desks, candles, lights and more.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Check out Something New at 5248 Market Street from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Vintage stores\u00a0<\/p>\n

Are you looking for cool clothes with hints of past styles and eras? Vintage stores may be your beat. Here are some spread throughout Philly.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Retrospect Vintage \u2013 South Philly\u00a0<\/p>\n

This store<\/a> is dedicated to the vintage feel \u2013 hinging on the belief that \u201cmodern imitations cannot stand up to the originals.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

From high-waisted Levis to leather jackets from the \u201870s, there is lots to explore on the curated shelves of this South Philly vintage shop.\u00a0<\/p>\n

For an experience that is \u201cflea market meets runway-ready edge,\u201d you can visit the store at 508 South Street. They are open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Urban Exchange Project \u2013 Fishtown<\/p>\n

Urban Exchange Project is uniquely curated. <\/a>The Fishtown vintage store doesn\u2019t accept donations \u2013 everything is picked out by curators.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The store has everything from stickers and watches to hats, sweaters and shoes. The store focuses on three important aspects \u2013 vintage, handmade and name-brand secondhand.\u00a0<\/p>\n

If you want to jump into this unique experience, <\/a>you can visit the store at 1868 Frankford Ave. They are open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Lost + Found \u2013 Northern Liberties\u00a0<\/p>\n

Explore vintage sweaters, dresses, shoes and even Philly sports gear<\/a> at Lost + Found in Northern Liberties.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The store also hosts pop-ups every few weeks.<\/p>\n

The store operates on a limited schedule \u2013 open Saturday and Sunday from 12-5 p.m. You can visit them at 832 N 4th Street.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Forbidden Closet Vintage \u2013 South Philly<\/p>\n

This cozy vintage store<\/a> focuses on unique Philly sporting apparel. The store has everything from Flyers gear to Temple University sweaters. The store has an online storefront, as well as an in-person store option.\u00a0<\/p>\n

You can visit them at 1515 McKean Street on Thursday and Friday from 12-6 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 12-4 p.m.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Dames Vintage Emporium \u2013 Northern Liberties\u00a0<\/p>\n

This store<\/a> is on a mission to \u201cinspire individuality\u201d with pieces from various time periods and accessories for all genders. Selections range from bags and belts to cowboy boots, hats and shirts.\u00a0<\/p>\n

You can visit the store at 804 N. 2nd Street from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Sweet Peel Vintage \u2013 Queen Village\u00a0<\/p>\n

This women-owned and operated store focuses on 70s florals, 80s fulfilled leather, and elevated 90s silhouettes with a dash of Y2K. The store stocks everything from the 1800s to 2003 \u2013 noting that they do not buy modern brands.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The store\u2019s website<\/a> gives a look into its show room \u2013 with everything from pearl necklaces to skirt sets.\u00a0<\/p>\n

You can visit Sweet Peel Vintage at 744 South 4th Street on Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The Raxx Vintage Emporium \u2013 Passayunk\u00a0<\/p>\n

This store stocks clothes, accessories and jewelry from the \u201850s all the way through Y2K. Find patterned sweaters, gemstone rings, vintage coats and more eclectic picks as you look through the rows of racks in the store.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The store is located at 617 Passayunk Ave. It is open from 12-7 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.\u00a0<\/p>\n

B-Bop Vintage\u00a0<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re looking to find things you may never have seen before in a vintage shop \u2013 B-Bop Vintage has got you.<\/a> From matches, patches and magnets to wrapped lighters to seasonal decor, you can find unique products all throughout the store.\u00a0<\/p>\n

You can visit them at 619 S 4th Street on Tuesday-Saturday from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Elektra Vintage \u2013 Old City<\/p>\n

This eclectic store started off as an idea in a college bedroom in 2017. Its founders began selling on Depop and Etsy, but quickly moved on to open their first store in December of 2019.\u00a0<\/p>\n

While there were some transitions \u2013 including a shutdown during COVID \u2013 the store has been operating in its Old City location since 2022. With everything from home decor and antiques to collectibles and accessories, this store has unique products<\/a> its patrons can enjoy.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The store is located at 53 N 3rd Street, and is open from 12-6 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Unique store options<\/p>\n

Fab Youth Philly Fab Fits Thrift Store \u2013 Kensington\u00a0<\/p>\n

Fab Youth Philly\u2019s unique thrift store experience<\/a> gives teens a new way to shop. The organization, which focuses on connecting teens and young adults to employment and community, opened the thrift store in February.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The idea for the program came from prior events the organization had hosted surrounding clothes, said Rebecca Fabiano, the executive director of Fab Youth Philly.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo all of those individual dates and those individual experiences, plus the feedback we got from young people, who constantly said,\u2019 I would come shop at a place like this if there was something like this year-round,\u2019 and we thought, \u2018well, let\u2019s see if we can put together something that meets that need.\u2019\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

The thrift store is run by four store clerks \u2013 all teens from the Kensington area \u2013 who work three days per week.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cSo Tuesdays, they\u2019re doing training and professional development, and also getting ready for all the behind-the-scenes things,\u201d she said. \u201cSo doing inventory, washing clothing, and making social media content. And then on Thursdays and Fridays, teens are welcome to come shop with us.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

The items teens get from the thrift store \u2013 including things like clothes and shoes \u2013 are completely free to them. The store is supported by donations.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Teens ages 15-19 are allowed to shop at the store anytime on Thursday or Friday from 3:30 to 6 p.m. Fabiano explained that there are further opportunities for groups, and hopes for expansion as well.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is just the beginning of what we hope becomes an expansion into bigger and better for young people and making sure that we\u2019re helping to meet their needs,\u201d she said. \u201cIt is really important to us that teens experience dignity.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

You can visit the thrift store at 2025 E. Atlantic Street.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Project HOMEspun Boutique\u00a0<\/p>\n

A part of Philly\u2019s Project HOME program, an initiative aimed at breaking the cycle of homelessness and poverty, Philly HOMEspun Boutique offers affordable items and high-quality accessories.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The store staffs five-plus Project HOME residents and teens each year, working to break the cycle of homelessness with job opportunities. Staffers serve as clerks and workers throughout the store.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Other offerings include art pieces, hand soap, candles and high-quality women and men\u2019s clothing.\u00a0<\/p>\n

You can visit the boutique at 1523 Fairmount Avenue. The store\u2019s winter hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and its spring and summer hours are Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Addiction Designer Consignment Boutique \u2013 Center City\u00a0<\/p>\n

This boutique<\/a> focuses only on authentic designer labels \u2013 everything from handbags and shoes to clothing, jewelry and accessories. The store has an online list<\/a> of some of its products, with the website noting that inventory changes \u201coften\u201d \u2013 and to walk in for the most current offerings.\u00a0<\/p>\n

You can visit the store at 1102 Pine Street. They are open on Sunday and Monday from 12-5 and Tuesday through Saturday from 12-6.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Good\u2019s Vintage \u2013 Italian Market\u00a0<\/p>\n

Good\u2019s Vintage is a group of three vintage stores in the Italian Market.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cIn Philadelphia, we have a jewelry store, a home goods store and a clothing store,\u201d said Han Sostak, the store\u2019s e-commerce manager.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Sostak said the group of stores started with its jewelry store \u2013 which focuses on vintage and luxury jewelry. The rest of its stores are fairly high-end too, focusing on designer home goods.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cWe focus on fine jewelry,\u201d she said. \u201cSo that means we\u2019re going to be selling solid sterling silver and solid gold primarily. If you walk into our store, you\u2019re going to see a lot of sterling silver. It\u2019s kind of like our main focus, just because it\u2019s an approachable price point.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

Sostak explained that the store\u2019s pieces are all hand-selected by Keith Allibone, the store\u2019s owner.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cAnything vintage you see, he\u2019s sourcing,\u201d she said.\u00a0 \u201cWhen he first started the store 10 years ago, it was literally just like boxes on the ground full of jewelry that people could dig through, and he would just sort of price for them on the spot.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

Sostak emphasized that prices are steeper at the Good\u2019s than they may be at a traditional thrift store. But, she emphasized the price is worth the investment.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not coming to a thrift store,\u201d she said. \u201cWe\u2019re not thrift store prices, but expect a highly curated experience where if you are in the market to be shopping for fine jewelry, we have the coolest stuff in the world. I run our website, so I spend a lot of time on other vintage jewelry stores online, and I can genuinely say we have some of the coolest stuff available for purchase.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

You can visit Good\u2019s Vintage: Jewelry & Things at 1022 9th Street, Good\u2019s Vintage: Home Decor at 1024 S Ninth Street, and Good\u2019s Vintage: Clothing & Accessories at 902 S Ninth Street. Hours vary, and you can find them on their website<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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