Best Thrift Stores in Boston: 13 Places to Shop and What to Buy

If you’re looking for a great bargain, then you need to check out the best thrift stores in Boston! These stores offer amazing discounts on everything from clothing to furniture.

You can find some real treasures at these stores, but it takes a bit of patience and know-how to find them.

In this article, we’ll tell you where to find the best thrift stores in Boston and what to buy there!

Covet

Photo: Rosie Q.

This store is best for: vintage and designer clothes

If you’re looking for high-end designer clothes, then Covet is the thrift store for you! This consignment boutique is stocked with top-brand clothing, accessories, and home decor.

You can find everything from Chanel to Michael Kors at Covet, so it’s the perfect place for fashionistas on a budget.

What to buy: This store is filled with amazing vintage finds as well as contemporary pieces from top designers. You can find everything from Chanel to Gucci at Covet, so it’s definitely worth a visit!

Top Review: “There is a lot to say about this little shop. If you find yourself in southie do yourself a favor and pop in here for a look. It is a resale consignment shop but it is of higher end labels. The owner and employees take careful time in choosing pieces. The owner is a wonderful young lady who has no problem walking around and helping you into a dressing room! I am so glad I was able to check them out before heading back home to Texas!”Tracie J.

391 W Broadway Boston, MA 02127, (617) 268-1100

The Garment District

You know it’s good when they’ve got a horse statue on the floor. Photo: Deidre H.

This store is best for: Vintage clothes

If you’re looking for vintage clothing, then the Garment District is your best bet! This store is overflowing with amazing finds from all different eras.

They have the largest collection of vintage clothes in Boston with a huge inventory and variety.

You can even buy clothes by the pound. No, really. Fun stuff!

What to buy: You can find everything from ’50s-style dresses to ’70s-inspired blouses at the Garment District to ’90s clothing.

They’re also home to Boston Costume, one of the biggest costume rental places.

Top Review: “It’s a really fun place to go to! Everything was really well priced but you definitely have to SEARCH for stuff you genuinely like. It’s a lot of whimsical or silly stuff but it’s a really fun experience and if you have the patience you can find some great pieces.”Deidre H.

200 Broadway Cambridge, MA 02139, (617) 876-5230

Vivant Vintage

This store is best for: Vintage denim, cameras, vinyl, and collector’s items

If you’re looking to add a touch of vintage to your wardrobe, then Vivant Vintage is the place for you! This store is overflowing with an amazing selection of vintage clothing, denim and all-around cool vintage collectors items.

It’s a unique vibe and something you’ll only experience in these local thrift shops where rare items and hidden gems are put in the spotlight.

What to buy: You can find some real treasures at this store, but it takes a bit of patience and know-how to find them. In addition to vintage threads, they also have a large selection of vintage jewelry, cameras, and rare vinyls.

Top Review: “Both times I’ve gone to Vivant, I’ve been able to tell the staff exactly the type of style I want and they can pull it. And I’m not asking them “I want high rise” … I’m asking them “I want high rise slim-fitting tapered similar to mid-90s Calvin Klein easy fit”. They’re that knowledgeable, and they always show me comparable options so I can lengthen my list of acceptable vintage jean styles.  Today I bought a pair of Levi’s 912’s and they’ve got the rare white R-only tab. Certainly, it’s more expensive than buying off secondhand sellers but $70 is extremely reasonable.”Natalie M.

318 Lincoln St Boston, MA 02134, (857) 228-8565

Boomerangs

This store is best for: a little bit of everything

If you’re looking for a thrift store with a bit of everything, then Boomerangs is the place for you! This store offers a little bit of everything at great prices.

You can find clothes, furniture, and accessories all in one place. Boomerangs is actually a pretty popular thrift store chain with several locations in the area.

What to buy: They offer lots of deals on clothing, furniture, books, decor, accessories, and so much more.

You can find everything from a new outfit to a new coffee table at Boomerangs. It’s the perfect place for people who want to browse and take their time finding the best deals.

Top Review: “This thrift store is big and chaotic and I love it. It always has a lot of inventory and it moves fast. The clothes are pretty typical, not a great selection of higher end pieces or vintage but you can find it. The housewares section here is expansive and the back room is probably the best area of the store. Good carpets, working vcr players for cheap, almost any dvd you can think of including great old movies, lamps, and general bigger pieces. Honestly don’t get much here compared to the nicer boomerangs in west Roxbury, but it’s always fun.”Max G.

716 Centre St Jamaica Plain, MA 02130, (617) 524-5120

Castanet

This store is best for: High-end designer brands

If you’re looking for designer items at such great deals, don’t miss setting up an appointment at Castanet. This consignment shop is in a cozy store hidden away on Newbury street.

Their collection is in great condition and rotated weekly so you’re sure to find something amazing each time you visit.

What to buy: Castanet is the best place for high-end designer brands like Prada, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton. You can also find contemporary designers like Michael Kors and Kate Spade here.

They offer a wide variety of items from clothing to accessories and everything in between. You’ll be able to score some amazing deals on designer items at Castanet!

Top Review: “I love love Castanet! Always find hidden gems and never leave without several special goodies!  Selection is amazing & as soon as I leave I am planning my next return.”Jessica D.

175 Newbury St Second Fl Boston, MA 02116, (617) 536-1919

Raspberry Beret

This store is best for: women’s clothes

If you’re in the market for some new women’s clothes, Raspberry Beret is the perfect store for you! Established in 2008, this thrift store has everything from dresses to blouses to skirts and pants.

They also carry a variety of different brands and styles so you’re sure to find something that suits your taste. The interior is long on cute and quaint, and you can gladly spend an afternoon here.

What to buy: In addition to clothes, they also have a small selection of shoes and accessories.

You can find everything from the latest trends to classic styles at Raspberry Beret. It’s the perfect place to shop for both everyday wear and special occasions!

Top Review: “Loved my experience here! I’m a regular at Buffalo Exchange, and I think Raspberry Beret has some higher quality items as well as more vintage finds – all at great prices! There are two floors, and the clothing & jewelry pieces seem well-curated. The space isn’t as overwhelming as other secondhand/consignment stores like the Garment District. It’s a manageable, enjoyable shopping experience, and the employee working that day was friendly and helpful. When she saw me with some items in hand, she asked if I’d like to start a fitting room and took them from me. More mobility means more shopping!”Cristina R.

Locations: Maynard, Cambridge , Call: Cambridge (617) 354-3700, Maynard: 978-897-8300

Goodwill

This store is best for: a little bit of everything

Goodwill is a great place to find affordable clothes and accessories for everyday wear. This store isn’t as eclectic as some of the other stores on this list, but that’s what makes it so much fun! You can find everything from formal wear to everyday basics at Goodwill all for reasonable prices.

What to buy: They have a large selection of clothes for both men and women as well as furniture, books, decor, and more. You can also find some great deals on furniture and home decor at Goodwill.

Great Eastern Trading Company

Photo: Stephen Z.

This store is best for: vintage pieces

The Great Eastern Trading Company is a Boston-based company that specializes in the sale of vintage and antique furniture, decor, and clothing.

They were one of the first thrift stores in the Boston area. If you’re looking for some amazing pieces to add to your collection, then be sure to check out Great Eastern Trading!

What to buy: The store’s collection ranges from the 1920s to 1980s vintage items. They’ve also got cool costumes perfect for Halloween and statement pieces that will help you stand out.

Top Review: “Absolutely awesome vintage store. This place is a Cambridge INSTITUTION: They’ve been in business for like fifty years. The store always has a huge selection of vintage clothing that always straddles the delightful line between stylish and absurd. When I’ve come in I’ve been helped by Emily, one of the nicest employees I’ve had the pleasure to meet. The store runner has lots of connections and manages to get all sorts of cool stuff that you won’t be able to find anywhere else. If you’re looking to add some edge or flare or excitement to your wardrobe this is the place to go!”Andres D.

49 River St Cambridge, MA 02139, (617) 354-5279

40 South Street

40 South Street Vintage and Thrift, boston mass

This store is best for: clothing

40 South Street is a unique store in Boston that offers an eclectic mix of classic and vintage clothing.

The store has a cool vibe to it that’s cemented by the punk classics playing throughout the store.

What to buy: They have a great selection of dresses, blouses, skirts, and pants. You can also find accessories like hats, scarves, and belts here.

If you’re looking for something different than the average clothing store, then be sure to check out 40 South Street!

Top Review: “Great, fair prices, well curated selection, awesome jewelry and shoes. I enjoyed talking to the owner – she was super chill and friendly and obviously took great pride in what she did and her selection of wares. I can’t wait to come back (all the way from Wakefield) and had to restrain myself from buying a few more items. This vintage fiend gives 40 South Street an A+”Christa S.

40 South St Jamaica Plain, MA 02130, (617) 522-5066

High Energy Vintage

Photo: Richard H.

This store is best for: vintage pieces

If you’re looking for some amazing vintage finds, then High Energy Vintage is the store for you! This shop is filled with funky and eclectic pieces from all eras but with a retro-futuristic vibe.

There are a lot of good deals here and a $5 “trunk o’ treasure” for some gems. Look through their collection while listening to the 80s electro-pop playing on the speakers.

What to buy: They have a great selection of clothes, accessories, and decor. You can find everything from ’70s bell-bottoms to ’80s power suits.

Aside from clothes, there are also video games and electronics. High Energy Vintage is the perfect place to find unique pieces that you won’t find anywhere else!

Top Review: “Great little vintage store with lots of colorful and patterned clothes. There aren’t that many racks but the clothes are specially selected so there’s lots of cool stuff. There’s also vintage games, cameras, records, and more, so lots of chances to find something right for you. For all the specialty stuff they have I expected higher prices–it’s not goodwill cheap, but it also doesn’t have the usual vintage finders fee. Staff is super friendly and helpful. Highly recommend it for any vintage and/or fashion lovers.”

429 Somerville Ave Somerville, MA 02143

Thrifty Threads

This store is best for: clothing and housewares

Thrifty Threads is a great place to go if you’re looking for affordable clothes and houseware. They have a wide selection of both modern and vintage pieces.

They’re run by volunteers and is the only thrift store in Brookline. If you’re in the area, don’t miss this affordable shop.

What to buy: Thrifty Threads has everything from dresses to blouses to skirts and pants. You can also find accessories like jewelry, scarves, and belts here.

Thrifty Threads is the perfect place to find stylish clothes without spending a lot of money!

210 Harvard St Brookline, MA 02446, (617) 277-6860

Sister Thrift

This store is best for: a little bit of everything

Sister Thrift is a great place to find whatever you need from homewares to clothing to toys. They have a wide selection of pieces that are such a steal, it’d be a waste not to go here. The best thing about Sister Thrift is that all proceeds go to supporting local animals and shelters in the area.

What to buy: Sister Thrift has everything from dresses to blouses to skirts and pants. You can also find various items like books, decor, and even furniture. This is the perfect place to go if you’re looking for a little bit of everything!

370 Pleasant St Watertown, MA 02472, (617) 923-1168

Buffalo Exchange

This store is best for: Clothing

If you’re in the market for some trendy new clothes, then Buffalo Exchange is the place to go! This store offers contemporary clothing at amazing prices.

What to buy: They’ve got a mix of old and new styles of clothes and brands. You can find low- and high-end brands and even designer clothes if you know where to look.

You can fill your closet with both basic and eclectic clothing just from this thrift store.

Two locations: Brookline & Somerville

Great roundup!

Boston is home to some amazing thrift stores, and we’ve highlighted just a few of them in this article. These stores are great for finding unique pieces at a fraction of the price. Whether you’re looking for clothes, furniture, or decor, there’s sure to be something perfect for you at one of these best thrift stores in Boston!

So, what are you waiting for? Start shopping!

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