Boston University
10/28/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 10/29/2024 08:55
The 13 Best Secondhand Shops in and around Boston
The 13 Best Secondhand Shops in and around Boston
Love shopping vintage? Check out our guide on where to go for used clothing, furniture, and more
The closest Goodwill to BU is right in West Campus. Photo courtesy of Goodwill
In the City
The 13 Best Secondhand Shops in and around Boston
Love shopping vintage? Check out our guide on where to go for used clothing, furniture, and more
Shopping for clothes, furniture, and housewares can be a challenge on a student budget. Fortunately, Boston-area secondhand stores offer a wide range of goods, from tables and chairs to designer duds and accessories. And purchasing someone else's castoffs is good for your wallet-and the environment. Trendy clothes sold by Amazon and at Target may be appealingly inexpensive, but this "fast fashion" is on average, worn only 10 times before being tossed in the donation pile or in landfills.
Whether you're hitting a thrift, resale, consignment, or vintage store, you'll find clothes and furniture-spared from the trash-for relatively low prices. There are differences, though: thrift stores sell donated items, resale stores pay sellers for items, and consignment shops accept items from owners, who get a percentage when the items sell. Resale shops tend to sell more current styles, while consignment shops normally sell a mix of vintage (items more than two decades old) and current clothing and accessories.
There is a thrill to unearthing a hidden gem at the bottom of a pile or at the back of a shelf and knowing that it's worth at least double what it's marked. So, we've put together a list of secondhand stores worth checking out, from a vintage store specializing in retro video games to a consignment store where you can get designer clothes for low prices and support local charities.
Have a favorite that we've failed to include? Add it in the Comment section below.
Photo courtesy of Goodwill1.
Goodwill
965 Commonwealth Ave., Boston; 617-254-0112
Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries was founded in Boston's South End in 1895 by a BU alum, Rev. Edgar J. Helms (STH 1893). Today, stores supporting the nonprofit can be found throughout the world. The closest location to BU students is in West Campus. Clothes are organized by type and color, and most have a set price: dresses starting at $7.99, women's short-sleeve shirts for $4.99, and so on. There's also a pricier boutique section of higher-end brands and noteworthy vintage items. An ongoing weekly tag sale offers special discounts, and college students get a 15 percent discount every Thursday.
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 7pm; Sunday, noon to 6 pm
2.
Buffalo Exchange
312 Harvard St., Brookline; 617-779-7901
Buffalo Exchange occupies that magical space between a thrift store and a consignment shop. Items-both men's and women's clothing with a youthful and hip bent-average $18. You'll find low- and high-end brands, from H&M and Urban Outfitters to more expensive labels like Calvin Klein. Those selling clothes can get 25 percent in cash or 50 percent for store credit with a valid government-issued ID. Sign up for the store's newsletter to find out about special deals, like student discount day and $1 sales. And bring a reusable bag: Buffalo Exchange donates to local charities in lieu of providing bags.
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 11 am to 8 pm; Sunday, 11 am to 7 pm
3.
Vivant Vintage
318 Lincoln St., Allston; 857-228-8565
It's impossible to miss Vivant Vintage. The exterior has two quirky, colorful murals that create an eye-catching contrast with the rest of the neighborhood. If that's not enough to draw you in, the eccentric atmosphere will-it's like walking into a collector's attic, with items from vintage jewelry and old records to almost 2,000 pairs of unique denim jeans. It can be hard to tell what's for sale and what's part of the permanent decor, but Vivant Vintage staff will happily clarify. The clothes vibe is rock 'n' roll bohemian: lots of leather jackets (from $65 to around $200), vintage graphic T-shirts ($20 to $30), and button-downs with big '70s collars. There's plenty of outerwear, dresses, leather bags, boots, wingtips, sunglasses, sterling silver jewelry, and crystals (starting at $2). Vivant (pronounced vee-vaunt, the French word for living) Vintage also offers a 10 percent discount for students and teachers every Wednesday. Finally, the store's sidewalk sale is every Friday (weather permitting), with bins of $5 clothing items just outside the store.
Hours: Every day, 11 am to 6 pm
4.
Castanet
175 Newbury St., Boston, second floor; 617-536-1919
At Castanet you'll find lots of designer brand duds for sale, all in excellent condition. Expect to shell out some serious money, though, because the labels include Chanel, Balenciaga, Isabel Marant, and more. Castanet squeezes a lot of merchandise into a small parlor space and offers one of the best deals available to those consigning clothing: up to 50 percent of the selling price. Call to set up an appointment or email the store's owner ([email protected]) with a description of your items.
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 5 pm; most Sundays, 1 to 5 pm.
However, hours are always subject to change, so be sure to call ahead before visiting.
5.
Great Eastern Trading Company
49 River St., Cambridge; 617-354-5279
236 Pearl St., Somerville; 617-764-0358
Founded in 1969, Great Eastern Trading Company was one of the first vintage stores in the Boston area. Today, it's known for unique clothing for all genders, binary and nonbinary. With vintage items from the early 1900s through the 1990s, it's also a good place to find a Halloween costume or an outfit for an extravagant costume party. Both storesstore carry statement items: gorgeous corsets, suede jackets with long fringe, and vintage frocks.
Hours: Sunday and Monday, 1 to 6 pm; Tuesday and Wednesday, closed; Thursday to Saturday, noon to 7 pm
6.
We Thieves
1307 Cambridge St., Cambridge; 857-997-8907
1735 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge; 617-945-7498
A woman-owned small business We Thieves in East Cambridge is an intimate boutique (just 420 square feet) for those looking for a well-curated selection of vintage, independent artists, and one-of-a-kind finds. A second location opened on Mass Ave a year ago, with a similar selection of trendy pieces. Expect to find vintage clothing, jewelry, and shoes-but also an apothecary section, with salts, soaps, creams, and oils for some pampering and self-care. Visitors can venture into the store for an in-person look or shop from the comfort of home from the online store.
Hours: 1307 Cambridge Street, Cambridge: Monday, 11 am to 6 pm; Tuesday, noon to 6 pm; Wednesday to Saturday, 11 am to 6 pm; Sunday, 11 am to 5 pm
1735 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge: Monday to Thursday, noon to 6 pm; Friday and Saturday, noon to 7 pm; Sunday, noon to 6 pm
7.
Covet
391 W. Broadway, South Boston; 617-268-1100
109 Charles St., Boston; 617-530-1111
176 Newbury St., Back Bay; 857-305-3982
Covet is a consignment boutique offering both high-end and affordable apparel and accessories. There are some real gems to be found among the eclectic selection of tops, dresses, and pants. Recent fashionable finds include a YSL bag ($3,040), Gucci purses (starting at $331), and Lululemon leggings for $42. Check out Covet's Instagram stories (@covetfashion) for almost 100 daily updates on its inventory. If you're looking for more affordable prices, the store also offers quarterly bin sales, where select in-store items are only $5.
Southie and Boston hours:Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 7 pm; Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm
Back Bay hours:Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 7 pm; Sunday, 11 am to 7 pm
8.
40 South Street
40 South St., Jamaica Plain; 617-522-5066
Sometimes vintage stores feel more like museums, with a look-but-don't-touch philosophy. But 40 South Street has a down-to-earth vibe, with a fun and weird-rather than prim-and-proper-selection. You'll find vintage denim, bomber jackets, cowboy shirts, and peacoats within the tiny shop. You'll also find sparkly evening dresses, kitschy sweatshirts, and men's and women's pieces from the '60s to the '80s, ranging from the basics (men's flannels and denim jackets) to the statement-making (like '70s vintage dresses and miniskirts). Check out their eBay page here, where you can peruse their online selection. Owner and local rocker Hilken Mancini-cofounder of Girls Rock Campaign Boston and Punk Rock Aerobics-plays punk classics while you browse the racks. Take a look at her Etsy store to get a taste of the selection here.
Hours: Thursday and Friday, noon to 6 pm; Saturday, 11 am to 6 pm; Sunday, noon to 5 pm
9.
Raspberry Beret
2302 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge; 617-354-3700
Bring in some gently used clothing or just stop by for this consignment shop's many in-store sales. Raspberry Beret retails both new and consigned pieces of women's fashion. Carrying mostly midrange women's apparel-many pieces are around $30-it has an eclectic assortment of higher-end designer items and more affordable merchandise. Caution: plan to spend some time here. Most of the merchandise is on crowded, non-color-coordinated racks, meaning you may have to dig a bit harder to find what you're looking for-but it's worth it. There is also an entire section devoted to men's clothing on the store's lower level. Your purchases support a store that aids a local charity: items unsoldafter 60 days are sent to a local nonprofit, Mass Appeal International, to be redistributed to those in need. In addition to the Cambridge storefront, there is another location, in Maynard, Mass., and items are also available online.
Cambridge hours: Daily, 11 am to 7 pm
10.
The Garment District
200 Broadway, Cambridge; 617-876-5230
Boasting more than 40,000 unique items at any given time, Kendall Square's Garment District offers one-stop shopping for both vintage and contemporary secondhand clothes. You can find women's blouses, from $7 to $14, and dresses around $10. Men will find items from business suits and button-downs to T-shirts and jeans. The pieces range in style primarily from the '50s to the '90s. Check out the massive pile of clothing on the bottom floor, where you pay $2 per pound. The Garment District sells kids' clothing, used designer duds, and brand-new clothing, as well.
The building also houses Boston Costume, one of the area's biggest costume rental locations, which is open daily during October, with the same hours.
The Garment District and Boston Costume hours:Sunday to Friday, 11 am to 10 pm; Saturday, 10 am to 10 pm
By the pound hours:Sunday to Thursday, 11 am to 10 pm; Friday, 11 am to 6 pm; Saturday, 10 am to 10 pm
11.
Thrifty Threads
210 Harvard St., Brookline (15 Marion St. entrance); 617-277-6860
Thrifty Threads is located within United Parish church in Brookline and is operated by a team of dedicated volunteers. Since 1993, the program has sold good-quality and low-priced clothing and housewares. They also sell jewelry, shoes, and purses under $10. Their vintage boutique section offers special finds at slightly higher prices. Over half of the donations are sent to nonprofit organizations, and purchases keep used clothing out of landfills. Check out their websiteto see what is and is not accepted for donations.
Hours:Friday and Saturday, noon to 3 pm
12.
The Vintage Underground
957 Commonwealth Ave., Boston; 617-943-1872
Stepping down the hidden stairs from bustling Comm Ave to the Vintage Underground is like time traveling to the '90s. Vinyl punk rock blasts over the speakers (records start at around $5.99), posters from Queen and Madonna adorn the multicolored walls (3 for $25 or $10 each), band tees ($10 starting price), and other vintage goodies are thoughtfully distributed around the eclectic haven. A hybrid of existing local businesses Cheopo Records and Vivant Vintage, the basement shop opened in October 2022 and was formerly occupied by In Your Ear records for 30 years. The Vintage Underground also sells its favorite items outside the front entrance and houses a local book vendor inside its store.
Hours: Monday to Saturday, noon to 7 pm; Sunday, noon to 6 pm
13.
Aigo
119 Newbury St., Suite 10, Boston
Aigo is not a typical thrift store-it's Newbury Street's secondhand streetwear sanctuary. Find vintage Stüssy (a famed streetwear company), curated Japanese magazines, Burberry scarves, leather bombers, and cargo jorts, for starters. Co-owned and operated by BU grad Ashwin Vittal (CAS'23) and Matthew Haig, the pricey reseller consists of a buying team of three, all tasked with curating contemporary emerging designers from destinations in Europe and Asia. It's also one of the East Coast's most prevalent Japanese magazine buyers, if you're in the market.
Hours: Monday to Thursday, noon to 7 pm; Friday to Sunday, 11 am to 7 pm
Have a favorite secondhand shop that's not on our list? Add it in the Comment section below.
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Comments & Discussion
Boston University moderates comments to facilitate an informed, substantive, civil conversation. Abusive, profane, self-promotional, misleading, incoherent or off-topic comments will be rejected. Moderators are staffed during regular business hours (EST) and can only accept comments written in English. Statistics or facts must include a citation or a link to the citation.
There are 7comments on The 13 Best Secondhand Shops in and around Boston
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Joe Rottenborn (CLA '70)
Love Goodwill-here in Salem, OH!
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amy
Best darn list I've ever seen - and great illustrations.
I've dressed myself and my husband in thrift for twenty years, and I've never heard of half of these…
I'm in trouble! But THANKS
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Kellie
Instead of buying bedding and other cloth products from a secondhand store, check out the sale section of a department store for inexpensive linens.
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Jami
Don't forget Plato's Closet in waltham. All young adult clothes. They have most of the brands which are in the mall but for around 60% less.
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Arlene hammerman
There is a thrift store around Boston where proceeds go to the elderly can anyone tell me the name and where it is
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Checkout the Waltham Clothing Exchange, open Tuesdays only from 10 to 4:30, on a seasonal basis. More info at: https://www.instagram.com/thewalthamclothingexchange/
Super Saturday sale Oct 29, 2022 at 9 to 1. -
قارچ گانودرما
what beautiful and stylish clothes!
I want to
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