Richmond, VA, is home to some of the best thrift stores in the country. From vintage pieces to designer clothing, these stores offer a wide range of affordable finds for those looking to spruce up their wardrobe or home decor. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the top 10 thrift stores in Richmond, VA, and what makes them stand out.
For those who love a good bargain, thrift stores are the perfect destination. Not only do they offer affordable prices, but they also provide an opportunity to support local businesses and reduce waste. And with continuing inflation, the secondhand market is growing exponentially and expected to double by 2026, according to thredUp, an online resale marketplace.
With resale making such a resurgence, Richmond is one of the top thrifting experiences in the country, coming in at Number 9 according to StorageCafe, an online platform that provides storage unit listings. There are 7 resale stores for every 100,000 people in the Richmond metro, with 18% of those venues being on the large size, and the average household in the area spends $155/year. So, let’s explore some of the stores that helped Richmond make the Top 10.
Top 3 Richmond Thrift Stores
If you’re looking for the best thrift stores in Richmond, VA, you’re in luck. Richmond is home to a variety of thrift stores that offer great deals on clothing, shoes, furniture, and other treasures.
Here are three of the best Richmond thrift stores that you should check out.
1. The Clothes Rack
The Clothes Rack is a popular thrift store in Richmond, VA, that offers a wide selection of clothing, shoes, and accessories for men, women, and children. The Clothes Rack offers a range of vintage items, as well as modern clothing and accessories. The store also has a great selection of shoes, including designer brands.
This thrift store Carytown sorts clothing by color and size to make it easier to find specific pieces. The men’s section is pretty small, but the dressing rooms are clean and you can feel good knowing that the money you spend is going back into the community since The Clothes Rack is a nonprofit run by the Junior League.
Best for: Those looking for quality clothes at an affordable price.
2. Diversity Thrift
Diversity Thrift is another great Richmond thrift store that offers a wide selection of items at affordable prices. Diversity Thrift has a great selection of furniture, home decor, and clothing. The store also has a large selection of books and records.
Regularly voted one best thrift stores in the area, it was originally created to raise money for Richmond LGBT+ community as a fundraising arm of the Richmond Gay Community Foundation. Now, Diversity Thrift has expanded to support a variety of charities working towards a more inclusive and expansive community.
Best for: Those who are looking for unique and vintage items and support local charities.
3. Circle Thrift & Art Space
This store is known for its curated selection of vintage and retro clothing, as well as its collection of local art. Circle Thrift & Art Space also hosts events and workshops, making it a great spot for those who want to get involved in the local community. With new inventory daily and a chance to support local artists, what’s not to love?
Best for: Those who are looking for one-of-a-kind clothing and artwork.
Overall, these thrift stores in Richmond, VA, offer a great selection of items at affordable prices. Whether you’re looking for clothing, shoes, art, or other treasures, these stores have something for everyone. So, if you’re in the Richmond area, be sure to check out these great thrift stores!
Consignment Stores in Richmond
If you’re looking for curated vintage fashion and unique finds, then Richmond’s consignment shops are the perfect place to start. Here are two consignment shops that are worth checking out:
4. Clementine
Clementine Consignment is a must-visit thrift store for anyone looking for unique and high-quality clothing items at an affordable price. The store offers an extensive selection of gently used clothing, shoes, and accessories as well as the option to shop online. Clementine Consignment also offers a great selection of vintage and designer pieces, making it a great spot for fashion enthusiasts. Keep an eye out for the sales rack in the back where you can score some extra good deals.
Best for: Fashionistas looking for unique, high-quality vintage finds with a boutique experience.
5. Clover
Clover is a unique thrift store located in Richmond, VA, that specializes in children’s clothing and accessories. The store offers a wide selection of high-quality, gently-used clothing items for babies, toddlers, and kids up to age 12. In addition to clothing, Clover also has a great selection of toys, books, and other children’s items. The store’s layout is well-organized, making it easy to navigate and find what you’re looking for.
Best for: Parents looking to save money on children’s clothing without sacrificing quality or style.
Vintage Thrift Stores and Antiques in Richmond
6. Rumors
Rumors offers a wide selection of trendy and affordable clothing items for men and women. The store’s inventory is carefully curated, offering a great selection of gently used clothing, shoes, and accessories from popular brands. Rumors also has a great selection of vintage items, as well as a curated selection of new items from local designers. In recent years they’ve built a large online shopping presence where you can shop their site or their Instagram account and pick it up at their local store.
Best for: Those looking to stay on-trend without breaking the bank or do their thrifting online.
7. Buffalo Exchange
Buffalo Exchange is a buy-sell-trade store that specializes in trendy, vintage, and unique clothing, and accessories. They have a wide selection of men’s and women’s clothing, shoes, and accessories, and they are known for their high-quality items. Buffalo Exchange is a great place to find one-of-a-kind pieces that will make you stand out from the crowd.
Best for: Those looking for quirky vintage clothing and jewelry.
8. Class and Trash
Class and Trash is a trendy thrift store that specializes in funky, affordable furniture and home decore. They supply their endless inventory through purchases from individuals, buying entire estates, architectural salvage, and more. Visit them to find vintage furniture for any room in your house whether you need to fill the whole space or find just the right piece to pull the room together (yes, they have rugs).
Best for: Vintage furniture lovers looking to add a retro vibe to their home.
9. RVA Antiques
RVA Antiques is a treasure trove of vintage and antique items located in Hernico. The 10,000-square-foot store offers an extensive selection of unique and one-of-a-kind pieces, including furniture, home decor, lighting, and artwork. The store’s layout is organized into 60 vendor booths. The sheer size and variety here had us adding this one to the list to represent the many antique stores in town.
Best for: Those looking to add some character and charm to their home décor.
10. Halcyon Vintage
Halcyon Vintage is a unique thrift store that specializes in vintage clothing and accessories. The store offers a carefully curated selection of vintage items from the 1920s to the 1990s, including dresses, blouses, skirts, jackets, and accessories such as hats, bags, and jewelry.
The store’s layout is well-organized, making it easy to browse through the different eras and styles. The staff is knowledgeable and passionate about vintage fashion. Halcyon Vintage is a great spot for fashion enthusiasts looking for unique and one-of-a-kind pieces that tell a story.
Best for: Anyone looking to add some vintage flair to their wardrobe.
FAQ for Richmond Thrift Stores
What are the typical shopping hours for Richmond thrift shops?
Most thrift stores in Richmond operate flexible shopping hours for the convenience of customers. Typically, they are open from 9 AM to 9 PM, allowing ample time for customers to browse and shop. However, it is advised to check individual store websites or social media pages for specific hours since they may vary.
What neighborhood has the best thrift stores in Richmond, VA?
In Richmond, VA, the thrift store scene spreads across many neighborhoods such as Carytown, The Fan, Shockoe Bottom, and Manchester. This makes it convenient for shoppers to find a location close to them and trust their search for “best thrift stores near me”. These stores are constantly updating their inventory with new material as they receive donations from people in the community.
What items can I donate to thrift stores in Richmond, VA?
Clothing Donations: When donating clothes to Richmond thrift stores, it’s essential to ensure the items are clean, gently used, and in good condition. Many thrift stores accept various types of clothing, including seasonal attire, shoes, and accessories. By donating your unwanted clothes, you support life-changing programs and make a positive impact on your community.
Furniture Donations: Furniture donations are another excellent way to give back to the community. Many thrift stores accept furniture items in good condition, such as tables, chairs, beds, and sofas. When donating furniture, it’s crucial to ensure the items are clean, free from significant damage, and suitable for reuse. To donate furniture in the Richmond, VA area, check with the thrift store to confirm their specific guidelines and drop-off procedures.
Household Items Donations: In addition to clothing and furniture, Richmond, VA thrift stores often accept household items, such as pots and pans, glassware, linens, and small appliances. Donating these items helps promote recycling and reusing goods while supporting local non-profit partners, as mentioned by Diversity Thrift. Before donating household items, ensure they are clean, functional, and in a condition that others can use and appreciate. Reach out to your local thrift store for specific information on acceptable items and donation guidelines.
What community impact do thrift stores have in Richmond?
One example is Goodwill of Central and Coastal Virginia, a non-profit organization that uses the funds generated from its thrift stores to create job opportunities for the community. For every dollar spent at one of their stores, approximately 87¢ goes back into programs for job training and employment services.
Another thrift store in Richmond, Diversity Thrift, encourages community members to donate items or volunteer their time to support their cause. The store is a valuable resource for affordable used clothes, furniture, and household items, which further aids local families in need.
The Salvation Army Family Store and Donation Center is another great option for affordable clothing, furniture, and household items. They also offer emergency assistance programs for those in need.
Finally, the Richmond Habitat for Humanity ReStore is a community thrift store that offers affordable items for purchase, contributing to the local economy and supporting Habitat for Humanity’s mission to provide affordable housing.
Where else can I shop for secondhand bargains in Richmond, VA?
In addition to thrift stores, Richmond, VA offers a variety of other shopping options for bargain hunters and those interested in unique, secondhand items. This section will explore consignment shops, flea markets, and garage sales in Richmond, VA – a few of which are highlighted in the article above.
Consignment Shops: Consignment shops are another option for those looking for quality items at a lower price. These stores work by selling items on behalf of the original owner, who receives a percentage of the profits. Consignment shops often carry a curated selection of clothing, accessories, and home items, with a focus on quality and unique pieces. Richmond, VA has several reputable consignment shops, offering both vintage and contemporary styles. Check out Ashby, Clementine, and Rumors Boutique.
Flea Markets: Flea markets provide a more informal and adventurous shopping experience compared to thrift stores and consignment shops. They gather a diverse array of vendors selling secondhand and vintage items, handmade crafts, and other eclectic goods. Richmond is home to a few popular flea markets, where visitors can spend hours browsing through the numerous stalls and booths. Keep an eye out for local event calendars, as flea markets often operate on a seasonal or monthly basis. Check out the Richmond Flea Market and South of the James Market.
Garage Sales: Garage sales offer the opportunity to discover hidden treasures and one-of-a-kind items at great prices. These sales are organized by individuals or families who are looking to declutter and sell their unwanted belongings. In Richmond, VA, garage sales can be found throughout the city with the help of online listings, community bulletin boards, or simply driving around on weekends. Be prepared to negotiate prices and go early for the best finds.
Conclusion
One of the Top 10 cities for thrift shopping in the nation, Richmond, VA, has a plethora of thrift stores to choose from, catering to various styles and budgets. Whether you are a vintage enthusiast, a bargain hunter, or just looking for unique pieces, there is a thrift store for everyone in town.
In this thriving Richmond thrift store scene, and there is no shortage of options for those looking to shop sustainably and affordably.
You might also like:
- 10 Fantastic Breakfast Spots in Richmond
- The Best Pizza in Richmond, Virginia (With Cheesy Photos!)
- Burgers Galore: The Best Burgers in Richmond – 2023
- 16 Best Thrift Stores in Kansas City
- 12 Best Thrift Stores in Albuquerque
Richmond VA thrift stores, best thrift stores in Virginia, best thrift stores Richmond VA, thrift store Richmond VA, thrift shops Richmond VA, thrift stores near Richmond VA, thrift stores in Richmond, Virginia, unique thrift store va, rva thrift stores
