Texas Thrift has been a staple in San Antonio for well over a decade. It’s been mentioned by newcomers as a chain with a stronghold in Texas. But does it still reign supreme in a growing market of secondhand shops?
At the location off Commerce Street on the Westside of San Antonio, it’s definitely more of a traditional thrift experience. You’ll have to dig to find the treasures, but they may be pricier than you remember. Brand-name items often get slapped with a two-digit price tag, but sometimes you can find a score – like a vintage Bill Blass sweater for less than $10 – that the pricing team didn’t catch.
Price Range: $5 TO $20. You can definitely find deals, but expect that thrift price gouge that’s becoming so common.
How busy are they? The store maintains a steady flow of customers, even on a weekday afternoon. You’ll often find yourself fighting your way through aisles or staking a claim on a particular size selection or aisle.
Discount days: Texas Thrift is well known for its color-tag discount system. On any given day, certain items can be anywhere from 25% to 75% off. It’s definitely a good way to avoid the soaring prices at thrift stores these days.
Parking: There’s ample parking in the strip center lot, but spaces near the thrift store fill up quickly. However, getting in and out of that lot along the busy Commerce Street corridor can be difficult.
Verdict: If you’re looking for a traditional thrift experience, this is a perfect place. Digging through the rows and rows of racks, which are organized in theory, is absolutely necessary. Sizes are mixed together despite giant size dividers, and it’s a place to get lost for hours trying to find a good deal.
Would I go back? Without a doubt. I’ve been shopping at Texas Thrift for almost 20 years, since I was a teenager. I’ll keep swinging by when I have time to wade through the chaos. But it’s not a weekly or even monthly trip in my rotation.
Address: 4114 W. Commerce St., San Antonio, TX 78207