Boston Thrift Stores and Second-Hand Shops
Hidden Treasures: Exploring Thrift Stores in Boston
Boston, with its rich history and diverse culture, is home to a vibrant thrift store scene. Whether you're a budget-conscious shopper, a vintage enthusiast, or simply enjoy the thrill of the hunt, thrift stores in Boston offer a treasure trove of unique finds waiting to be discovered.
From trendy clothing and accessories to retro furniture and collectibles, there's something for everyone at these eclectic shops. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at some of the best thrift stores in Boston, where you can score great deals and unearth hidden gems while supporting sustainable shopping practices.
Boomerangs
With multiple locations across the city, Boomerangs is a beloved thrift store chain in Boston known for its curated selection of clothing, accessories, furniture, and home goods. Proceeds from sales at Boomerangs support the work of the AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts, making it a shopping destination with a cause. Whether you're hunting for vintage clothing or searching for unique home decor items, Boomerangs has something for everyone.
Buffalo Exchange
For those with a penchant for trendy, fashion-forward finds, Buffalo Exchange is a must-visit thrift store in Boston. Located in the vibrant Davis Square neighborhood of Somerville, Buffalo Exchange offers a curated selection of stylish clothing and accessories for men and women. Whether you're looking to update your wardrobe with on-trend pieces or score designer labels at a fraction of the cost, Buffalo Exchange has you covered.
Cambridge Antique Market
The Cambridge Antique Market is a five-story antique mall in East Cambridge that sells nostalgic items, antique furniture, vintage clothes, textiles, artwork, jewelry and more. What makes this market different from others is the sheer volume offered across 150 booths, all within a fairly wide range of prices.
The parking lot for this venue is very small, so if you have to drive, get there early to find a spot. If you can take the T to Lechmere, it’s a three-minute walk from the station.
Goodwill
Goodwill is a household name in the world of thrift shopping, and Boston is home to several Goodwill locations where you can browse a wide variety of gently used items at affordable prices. From clothing and shoes to books and electronics, Goodwill stores offer a diverse selection of secondhand goods. Plus, by shopping at Goodwill, you're not only saving money but also supporting job training and employment programs for individuals with disabilities and other barriers to employment.
The Garment District
Located in Cambridge, just across the river from Boston, The Garment District is a vintage and used clothing store that's a favorite among thrifty fashionistas. This sprawling store is famous for its "By the Pound" section, where you can fill a bag with clothing and pay by the pound—a budget-friendly option for savvy shoppers. In addition to clothing, The Garment District also offers a wide selection of costumes, accessories, and retro finds.
Great Eastern Trading Company
Nestled in the eclectic Central Square neighborhood of Cambridge, the Great Eastern Trading Company is a local institution beloved by thrifters and vintage enthusiasts alike. This spacious store offers an extensive selection of vintage clothing, accessories, records, books, and unique treasures from decades past.
Whether you're searching for a one-of-a-kind piece to add to your wardrobe or hoping to score some retro home decor, Great Eastern Trading Company has something for everyone. With its laid-back atmosphere and ever-changing inventory, it's no wonder that this hidden gem has been a favorite haunt for Bostonians in the know for over four decades.
Salvation Army Store
The Somerville Salvation Army store is well worth a visit if you are looking for a great selection of second hand clothes and items. It's located in Macoun Square, a short walk from the Macoun Square Green line station. Visit their website for a full list of Boston area locations.
High Energy Vintage
It’s back to the ’80s and earlier at this Union Square gem that sells vintage clothing and funky shoes along with vinyl records and vintage electronics—including working VCRs and video games. It originally began as a pop-up at the Sunday SoWa vintage market and proved so popular the owners opened their own storefront that beckons with an arcade game and a welcoming, down-to-earth vibe.
Swank Seconds
Nestled a few blocks away from the main intersection of Somerville’s Davis Square is Swank Seconds, a thrift and consignment store with a curated collection of fine leather goods, accessories and women’s clothing.
The store’s assortment of shoes deserves a special shout out. You’ll find row upon row of leather cowboy boots, designer heels and other vintage footwear.
Urban Renewals
Tucked away in the Allston neighborhood of Boston, Urban Renewals is a hidden gem among thrift stores in the city. This large, warehouse-style store offers a vast array of secondhand goods, including clothing, furniture, housewares, and more. With its constantly changing inventory and affordable prices, Urban Renewals is a favorite haunt for bargain hunters and DIY enthusiasts looking for unique pieces to repurpose and upcycle.
Vivant Vintage
Vivant Vintage made its debut on the streets of Boston. Owner Justin Pomerleau started off selling thrifted clothes out of a cart similar to the kind you’d see on the Boston Common peddling popcorn. Pomerleau’s small operation expanded over the years into a brick and mortar shop you can visit in Allston and an online store.
You’ll find a range of items here, from funky, patterned sweaters and coats to vintage lingerie, European workwear, and even jewelry and crystals. Prices range, though they can definitely skew high for designer items or those made from natural materials (but real leather isn’t usually cheap, anyway.)
Thrifting is Fun!
In short, thrifting in Boston offers a fun and sustainable way to shop while uncovering hidden treasures and supporting local charitable organizations. Whether you're on the hunt for vintage clothing, unique home decor items, or budget-friendly finds, the city's thrift stores have something for everyone.
So grab your reusable tote bag and embark on a thrifting adventure in Boston—you never know what treasures you'll discover along the way!
Find More Fun Things to do in Boston
You can find more great ideas for adventures and things to do in Boston for young adults in our handy guide to exploring the city. Discover a new place to go Rock Climbing, play some Simulator Golf, and lots more.
For more information about things to do in the Boston Area in the Winter, visit our Winter Guide to Family Fun in Boston, a list of where to ice skate in Boston, and our February Vacation Guide. Being in the know about where the best sledding hills near Boston can also be key for outdoor family fun.
Stay on top of all the fun happenings in Boston with our Boston events calendar and our weekly Boston events newsletter. We highlight lots of family-friendly events and activities to help you make the best of your free time.
Stacey Sao has been the Managing Director of the family-friendly events and activities website, BostonCentral for over 20 years. She continues to enjoy discovering and exploring new places to visit in the Greater Boston area.