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11/13/2025 | News release | Distributed by Public on 11/14/2025 01:09
Love Thrift Shopping? Check Out Our Guide to the Best Secondhand Shops in and around Boston
Love Thrift Shopping? Check Out Our Guide to the Best Secondhand Shops in and around Boston
These spots will help you save money on clothes, furniture, and accessories
The closest Goodwill to BU is right in West Campus. Photo courtesy of Goodwill
In the City
Love Thrift Shopping? Check Out Our Guide to the Best Secondhand Shops in and around Boston
These spots will help you save money on clothes, furniture, and accessories
- BU Today staff
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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 by Becca McHaffie/Unsplash1.
Punkcatspace
Studio 52, 52 Everett St., Allston
Punkcatspace is by appointment only, but its selection of voguish items makes fashion experimentation easy. The store is small, but carries more than 200 curated pieces that are available for purchase or rental. Items are also available for showcase if you're looking to jazz up your Instagram feed. You'll find brands like Balenciaga, Rick Owens, and Comme de Garçons and pieces are typically updated weekly. Appointments are generally one hour long and are free to book.
Hours: By appointment
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2.
Vivant Vintage
318 Lincoln St., Allston; 857-228-8565
332 Newbury St., Boston; 617-375-0100
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 every Monday at the Allston location and every Wednesday at the Newbury Street location. Finally, the store's sidewalk sale is every Friday (weather permitting), with bins of $5 clothing items just outside the store.
Hours: Daily, 11 am to 6 pm
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3.
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.
(Note: the store is temporarily closed for renovations, but is expected to reopen before Christmas).
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 7 pm; Sunday, 11 am to 6 pm
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4.
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, Hello Kitty and Snoopy pins are among dozens lining countertops, band tees and other vintage goodies are thoughtfully distributed around the eclectic haven. A hybrid of existing local businesses Cheapo Records and Vivant Vintage, the basement shop opened in October 2022; formerly, the space was 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
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5.
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 are from high-end designers like Chanel, Balenciaga, Isabel Marant, and more. Castanet squeezes a lot of merchandise into a small 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 5:30 pm; Sunday, 1 to 5 pm, but hours are subject to change, so be sure to call ahead before visiting.
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6.
Covet
391 W. Broadway, South Boston; 617-268-1100
109 Charles St., Boston; 617-530-1111
176 Newbury St., Back Bay; 857-305-3982
575 Tremont St., Boston; 617-356-0040
Consignment boutique Covet has four locations in the city, offerng 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 upscale finds include a Prada bag ($550), Golden Goose sneakers (from $280), and Gucci sunglasses ($225). Check out Covet's Instagram stories (@covetfashion) for almost 100 daily updates on their inventory. If you're looking for more affordable prices, the store also offers quarterly bin sales, where select in-store items can be purchased for just $5.
Southie and Charles Street hours:
Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 7 pm; Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm
Back Bay and Tremont Street hours:
Daily, 10 am to 7 pm
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7.
SoWa Vintage Market
450 Harrison Ave., Boston; 617-286-6750
Part of the SoWa arts and design district in Boston's South End, SoWa Vintage Market is a year-round home to dozens of vintage and secondhand vendors and attracts shoppers from all over the Boston area. Nestled inside an antique brick warehouse, the market has a rotating selection of vendors (SoWa Open Market artists are just floors above). It's the place to go for old maps and photographs, paintings and sculptures, and a wide range of clothes like sweaters, vests, and dresses. The market also hosts seasonal winter and summer festivals with an extended selection of vendors.
Hours: Sunday, 11 am to 4 pm; First Friday of each month, 5 pm to 9 pm
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8.
Vintage Taste
100 Charles St., Boston; 617-367-9191
Vintage Taste Boutique specializes in luxury and vintage designer items, carrying brands like Armani, Cartier, and Hermes. If you're looking for specific high-end purses, shoes, sunglasses, and clothes on a budget, Vintage Taste's stylists will be able to help you. The store also has a consignment service and offers private styling consultations by appointment.
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 11 am to 5 pm
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9.
Groovy Thrift
64 Brighton Ave., Boston; 603-384-8658
Located at the end of a block and down a few stairs, Groovy Thrift is a curated vintage and upcycled shop. Besides a selection of vintage clothing, the store's selling point is its handmade upcycled collection. You can find embroidered cargo pants with multicolor patches, branded sweatshirts, and upcycled Red Sox tees. Upcycled clothing is $50 on average, though the store's traditional vintage clothing is usually in the $25 to $35 range (there's usually a $5 bin too).
Hours: Wednesday to Friday, noon to 6 pm; Saturday, 11 am to 4 pm; Sunday, 11 am to 3 pm
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10.
Thrifty Threads
210 Harvard St., Brookline (15 Marion St. entrance); 617-277-6860
Thrifty Threads is inside 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. You'll also find jewelry, shoes, and purses for 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 website to see what is and is not accepted for donations.
Hours: Friday and Saturday, noon to 3 pm
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11.
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 in 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
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12.
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 locations carry statement items like gorgeous corsets, suede jackets with long fringe, and eye-catching vintage frocks.
Hours: Sunday and Monday, 1 to 6 pm; Wednesday to Saturday, noon to 7 pm
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13.
We Thieves
1307 Cambridge St., Cambridge; 857-997-8907
1735 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge; 617-945-7498
A woman-owned small business, We Thieves, on Cambridge Street in East Cambridge, is an intimate boutique (just 420 square feet). It's a must 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 in 2023, offering a similar selection of trendy pieces. Expect to find vintage clothing, jewelry, and shoes-as well as 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 We Thieves online store.
Hours:
1307 Cambridge Street, Cambridge: Monday to Wednesday, 11 am to 6 pm; Tuesday to Saturday, 11 am to 7 pm; Sunday 11 am to 5 pm
1735 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge: Monday to Saturday, 11 am to 6 pm; Sunday 11 am to 5 pm
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14.
Friends and Family Cambridge
1073 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge
This carefully curated vintage shop in the heart of Central Square straddles the line between trendy and eclectic. You can expect to find items from embroidered denim jackets to studded monochrome purses. Clothes aren't necessarily sorted by style or color, though, so be prepared to spend some time browsing if you're looking for something in particular.
Hours: Tuesday to Friday, noon to 6 pm; Saturday, 11 am to 6 pm; Sunday, noon to 5 pm
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15.
The Attic
1218 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge; 857-242-1970
Overflowing racks of leather and denim jackets and a wall filled with every color handbag imaginable are just some of what this woman-owned vintage shop in Harvard Square offers. The Attic's small store doesn't deter big turnouts, with regularly hosted vintage events and block parties. There's a specific $10 and under room and a constantly updated Etsy shop with vintage '70s Gunne Sax dresses and '90s Coach purses.
Hours: Daily, 11 am to 6 pm
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16.
Keezer's Classic Clothing & Le Couturier House of Alterations
1738 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge; 617-547-2455
Regarded as the oldest second-hand clothing store in America, Keezer's Classic Clothing's selection of formal wear is hard to beat. New clothes bought from overstock and closeout sales help keep brand names affordable at Keezer's. The store provides a formal wear rental service that has outfitted organizations like the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Boston Pops, and the Harvard Glee Club. There's also a tailoring shop on the premises: the House of Alterations tailors dresses, suits, jeans, and even offers complete clothing reconstructions.
Hours: Monday to Thursday, 10 am to 6 pm; Friday, 10 am to 8 pm; Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm
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17.
Raspberry Beret
2302 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge; 617-354-3700
384 Cambridge St., Allston; 617-870-7176
Bring in some gently used clothing or just stop by to peruse 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: unsold items after 60 days are sent to the local nonprofit Mass Appeal International to be redistributed to those in need. In addition to the Cambridge storefront, there is a newer location in Allston. Items are also available for purchase online.
Cambridge hours: Monday to Thursday, 11 am to 6 pm; Friday to Sunday, 11 am to 8 pm
Allston hours: Wednesday and Thursday, noon to 7 pm; Friday to Sunday, noon to 8 pm
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18.
FOUND Boston
5 Columbia St., Cambridge
Half brick-and-mortar vintage store, half pop-up market, you'll find almost anything you're looking for at FOUND Boston. The physical store in Cambridge is small, but well stocked. Clothes are typically organized by color, and there's an extra rack for additionally discounted clothes. Besides apparel, you'll find vinyl albums, magazines, posters, and adverts. The store also has a charm bar, with dozens of gold, silver, and novelty charms to add to necklaces and bracelets. In addition to its permanent location, FOUND Boston hosts several vintage markets throughout the year. Each market typically has more than 60 vendors and thousands of vintage clothes, shoes, and accessories for sale. Entry to the markets is always free and they make for good wandering.
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, noon to 6 pm
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19.
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 one of the area's biggest costume rental locations, Boston Costume, open daily during October, with the same hours.
The Garment District and Boston Costume hours: Monday to Friday, 11 am to 8 pm; Saturday, 10 am to 8 pm; Sunday, 11 am to 7pm
By the pound hours: Monday to Thursday, 11 am to 8 pm; Friday, 11 am to 6 pm; Saturday, 10 am to 8 pm; Sunday, 11 am to 7 pm
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20.
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 this 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 to 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 here to get a taste of the selection.
Hours: Thursday and Friday, noon to 6 pm; Saturday, 11 am to 6 pm; Sunday, noon to 5 pm
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21.
Diversity Consignment
713 Centre St., Jamaica Plain; 617-942-2672
This cozy shop has two levels filled to the brim with clothing, jewelry, vinyl records, and home decor. There's a healthy selection of unisex items, thanks to the store's booming consignment service, which paid out more than $100,000 in 2024. Besides shopping and selling, the store holds a monthly $5 Fill-a-Bag sale and a fashion show. Project Runway Reworked is Diversity Consignment's fashion competition celebrating creativity, sustainability, and self-expression. Designers are paired with models and tasked with creating original outfits from recycled clothes to showcase at Jamaica Plain's Open Streets, in hopes of winning the $250 cash prize.
Hours: Monday, 11 am to 6 pm; Tuesday to Sunday, 11 am to 7 pm
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21.
Urban Renewals
630 American Legion Highway, Roslindale; 617-522-7383
Though it's a bit of a hike to get there via public transportation, Urban Renewals is worth the trouble. You'll need some time to take in the offerings-the color-coordinated racks can feel endless. This cash-only thrift chain has locations in Texas and Florida and is a prime spot for getting good deals on home items. Brass and silver teapots and serving dishes crowd shelves next to antique figurines, children's toys, sports equipment, and $1 books. The assortment doesn't end there-there's plenty of jewelry, hats, belts, shoes, and even picture frames to choose from. If you can think of it, Urban Renewals probably has it. Don't worry about the cash-only policy; there's an ATM inside.
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 6 pm; Sunday, noon to 5 pm
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23.
The Thrift Shop of Boston
33 Corinth St., Roslindale; 617-325-5300
Established nearly a century ago (1926), The Thrift Shop of Boston is a nonprofit secondhand shop dedicated to giving back to the community. The shop has provided more than $1 million to the nonprofit Home for Little Wanderers, the oldest child welfare agency in America. Clothing styles are varied, and the shop features seasonal items like winter jackets and swim trunks. You can also find affordable holiday decor for sale. The shop has everything to furnish an entire apartment, including sofas, dining room tables and chairs, microwaves, and mini fridges.
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9:30 am to 5 pm
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24.
Blue Bandana Relics
One Bow Market Way, Somerville
Blue Bandana Relics specializes in menswear, industrial antiques, and anything "Americana," though the curated shop at Somerville's Bow Market carries much more than that. From vintage snowshoes and boxing gloves to knit beanies and dozens of different kinds of flannel, there's something for everyone here. Even if the store doesn't cater to your specific style, its varied assortment is interesting enough to merit a visit.
Hours: Monday, 11 am to 6 pm; Thursday and Friday, 11 am to 7 pm; Saturday, 11 am to 8 pm; Sunday, 11 am to 6 pm
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25.
High Energy Vintage
429 Somerville Ave., Somerville
The first thing you notice when you walk into High Energy Vintage is a wall of vinyl records and old-school video games. If you're able to look past the dizzying assortment of 8-track and VHS tapes, you'll discover an assortment of colorful coats, rugged denim jackets, band tees, and vintage knit sweaters. Check out the store's eBay shop, where certain items are available for pickup and delivery.
Hours: Sunday, Monday, Thursday, noon to 6 pm; Friday and Saturday, noon to 7 pm
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26.
Sister Thrift
370 Pleasant St., Watertown; 617-923-1168
Sister Thrift is a woman-owned and operated thrift shop dedicated to helping local animal shelters. The shop has everything you'd find in a typical antique store: homeware, holiday decor, vintage designer items, and clothes for everyday wear. Items are reasonably priced, with children's clothing starting at $2.49, pajama sets at $4.99, and suit jackets at $7.49. Part of the shop's proceeds go to support the MetroWest Humane Society, a shelter servicing the MetroWest Boston area.
Hours: Tuesday to Friday, 10 am to 6 pm; Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm
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Boston University published this content on November 13, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on November 14, 2025 at 07:10 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]