Albuquerque is home to a variety of thrift stores that offer unique and affordable shopping experiences. Whether you’re looking for vintage clothing, furniture, or household items, the city has something for everyone. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the 12 best thrift stores in Albuquerque to help you find your next treasure.
One of the benefits of shopping at thrift stores is the opportunity to find one-of-a-kind items that can’t be found anywhere else. Albuquerque’s thrift stores are no exception, with many offering unique and eclectic items that reflect the city’s diverse culture. From Native American textiles to mid-century modern furniture, there’s something for every taste and style.
In addition to offering affordable prices and unique finds, thrift stores also provide a sustainable shopping option. By purchasing secondhand items, shoppers can reduce their carbon footprint and support a circular economy. With so many benefits to thrift shopping, it’s no wonder that Albuquerque’s thrift stores are a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
Best Thrift Stores in Albuquerque
Albuquerque is home to a variety of thrift stores that offer great deals on clothing, furniture, and household items. Whether you’re looking for vintage finds or modern pieces, there’s a thrift store in Albuquerque that has what you need. Let’s start with the more generic people-pleasers.
1. Savers
This store is best for: Those looking for affordable clothes and household items.
Savers is a popular thrift store chain that has a location in Albuquerque. This store offers a wide variety of items, including clothing, shoes, accessories, and home goods. Savers is known for its affordable prices and frequent sales, making it a great place to find bargains. This clean, well-lit location is only seven minutes away from the University of New Mexico campus and just off I-40.
Pro tip: If you’re over 55, check out Senior Day every Tuesday to save 30%.
What to buy: Clothing, shoes, accessories, home goods.
2. Goodwill
This store is best for: Those looking for affordable clothing and furniture.
Goodwill is another well-known thrift store chain that has a presence in Albuquerque. This store offers a wide variety of items, including clothing, furniture, and home goods. Goodwill is known for its commitment to sustainability and community outreach, making it a great place to shop for a good cause.
With four locations in Albuquerque, pick one near you. And sign up for their VIP program to get exclusive coupons and sales announcements.
What to buy: Clothing, furniture, home goods and vintage toys.
3. Thrift Town
This store is best for: Those looking for affordable vintage items and unique pieces.
Thrift Town is a family-owned thrift store chain that has a location in Albuquerque. This store offers a wide variety of items, including clothing, shoes, accessories, and home goods.
Loyal customers have been shopping here for years. Sign up for their VIP program to save even more. It’s 8:00 pm closing time every day makes it an easy errand to fit into your routine any time.
Pro tip: Every week a portion of the merchandise is half-price depending on the color of the tag.
What to buy: Vintage clothing, shoes, accessories, home goods
4. Family Thrift Center
This store is best for: Those looking for gently used clothing, jewelry, shoes, and books.
Family Thrift Center is a locally owned thrift store chain that has several locations in Albuquerque. This store offers a wide variety of items, including clothing, furniture, and household items. Family Thrift Center is known for its low prices and frequent sales, making it a great place to find bargains.
Clothing is organized by color and type, making it easy to find the right piece to complete your fit. And with 10 showcases of jewelry, you’ll be able to find the right accessories as well.
Pro tips: Every Wednesday is 50% off for seniors. And, FYI, they only take cash, so plan ahead.
What to buy: Clothing, furniture, household items.
Overall, Albuquerque has a great selection of thrift stores that offer a variety of items at affordable prices. Whether you’re looking for vintage finds or modern pieces, there’s a thrift store in Albuquerque that has what you need.
Best Specialty Thrift Stores in Albuquerque
If you’re looking for something specific or unique, Albuquerque has several specialty thrift stores that may have just what you need.
5. Buffalo Exchange
This store is best for: Those looking for quirky vintage clothing.
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.
In a word, this place is quirky. Prices may be on the higher side but their inventory is selective and worth it. It’s nestled in the arts district next to great shops and it’s open till 7:00 pm.
What to buy: unique vintage clothing and jewelry.
6. Gertrude Zachary Jewelry
This store is best for: Those looking for one-of-a-kind Southwest jewelry.
Gertrude Zachary Jewelry is a vintage and antique jewelry store that specializes in Native American and Southwestern jewelry. They have a wide selection of necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings, and they are known for their high-quality pieces. Gertrude Zachary Jewelry is a great place to find unique and beautiful jewelry that you won’t find anywhere else.
You’ll find lots of new handmade pieces made by Native American artists, but check out their pawn selection for affordable finds.
What to buy: Southwestern and Native American silver and turquoise jewelry.
7. Plato’s Closet
This store is best for: Teens and young adults looking for trendy clothing styles.
Plato’s Closet is a buy-sell-trade store that specializes in trendy and stylish clothing for teens and young adults. They have a wide selection of men’s and women’s clothing, shoes, and accessories, and they are known for their affordable prices. Plato’s Closet is a great place to find fashionable clothing that won’t break the bank. Check out both their east and westside locations.
What to buy: clothing and accessories.
8. What Goes Around
This store is best for: Middle-aged and mature women on the hunt for designer and professional clothing.
What Goes Around…A Consignment Boutique is a consignment store that specializes in high-end designer clothing, shoes, and accessories for women. They have a wide selection of items from top designers, and they only accept items that are in excellent condition. Their east and westside locations are well-staged and focus on brands like J. Crew, Lucky, Ralph Lauren, Ann Taylor, Chicos, and Michael Kors.
Pro tip: Check out their rewards program and their online store.
What to buy: Discounted designer clothing and purses.
9. Furniture on Consignment
This store is best for: those looking to furnish a new home.
Furniture on Consignment is a consignment store that specializes in high-quality furniture for your home. They have a wide selection of items, including sofas, chairs, tables, and more. Furniture on Consignment is a great place to find unique and stylish furniture that will make your home stand out.
You’ll find a nice showroom experience and a good mix of old and new pieces in great condition.
What to buy: staple furniture pieces
When shopping at these specialty thrift stores, it’s important to keep in mind what each store is best for. Buffalo Exchange and Plato’s Closet are great for trendy and affordable clothing, while What Goes Around…A Consignment Boutique is great for high-end designer pieces. Gertrude Zachary Jewelry is the place to go for vintage and antique jewelry, and Furniture on Consignment is the place to go for high-quality furniture.
Best Vintage Shops in Albuquerque
If you’re looking for unique vintage items, Albuquerque has several great vintage shops to choose from. Here are three of the best:
10. The Octopus and the Fox
This store is best for: those who love vintage fashion and unique handmade items.
The Octopus and the Fox is a vintage and handmade boutique that offers a wide variety of clothing, accessories, and home décor in downtown Albuquerque. They have a great selection of vintage clothing from the 1920s to the 1990s, as well as vintage jewelry and accessories. But they’re best known for their selection of handmade items from local artists, including pottery, candles, and soap.
What to buy: Vintage and homemade items from local artists
11. Antique Specialty Mall
This store is best for: those who want a wide variety of vintage and antique items to choose from.
The Antique Specialty Mall is a large antique mall that has over 50 vendors selling a wide variety of vintage and antique items spanning nearly 200 years of American and Southwestern history. They have a great selection of vintage clothing, jewelry, and accessories, as well as furniture, home decor, and collectibles at a variety of price points.
Pro tip: With 18,000 square feet to explore it can take a few hours. Give yourself time.
What to buy: Vintage clothing, jewelry, furniture, and collectibles.
12. Antiques & Things
This store is best for: those wanting to spend time exploring and finding unique vintage items.
You’ll find a large selection of antiques, jeweler, nick-knacks and collectibles all under one roof with have approximately 15,000 square feet of space featuring 75 vendors. Located in a former Five & Dime on historic Route 66 for over a decade, this spacious store has the original hardwood oak floors and many old cases, making it a pleasure to browse and stroll the aisles looking for that one special object.
What to buy: Antique furniture, vintage accessories, books
FAQ for Albuquerque Thrift Stores
What are the typical shopping hours for Albuquerque thrift stores?
Most thrift stores in Albuquerque 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 Albuquerque?
In Albuquerque, the thrift store scene spreads across many neighborhoods such as Nob Hill, Downtown, and North Valley. This makes it convenient for shoppers to find a location close to them and the search for “best thrift stores near me” totally worth your time. 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 Albuquerque thrift stores?
Clothing Donations: When donating clothes to Albuquerque thrift stores, it’s essential to ensure the items are clean, gently used, and in good condition. Many thrift stores, such as Savers, 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 Albuquerque area, check with the thrift store to confirm their specific guidelines and drop-off procedures.
Household Items Donations: In addition to clothing and furniture, Albuquerque 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 Goodwill. 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 Albuquerque?
Thrift stores in Albuquerque play an essential role in supporting the local community, particularly for lower-income families and individuals experiencing homelessness. By providing affordable clothing, furniture, and household items, these stores help bridge the gap for those struggling to meet their basic needs.
Conclusion
Yep, Albuquerque has a plethora of thrift stores that cater to different tastes and budgets. From vintage clothing to home decor, there is something for everyone. Whether you are a budget-conscious shopper or a vintage lover, you can find unique and affordable items at these stores.
The top 12 thrift stores in Albuquerque offer a variety of options for shoppers. Some stores specialize in clothing, while others have a wider selection of items. Some stores are more affordable, while others offer higher-end items. It all depends on what you are looking for.
Overall, thrift shopping is a great way to save money and reduce waste. By shopping at thrift stores, you are not only getting a good deal, but you are also helping the environment by reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. Plus, you can find unique items that you won’t find anywhere else.
If you are looking for the best thrift stores in Albuquerque, be sure to check out the ones on this list. With their wide selection of items and affordable prices, you are sure to find something you love.
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