Thrifting, or shopping for secondhand treasures, is not only an eco-friendly choice but also a journey into unique and affordable fashion. There are just so many great things lurking in thrift stores! After years of thrifting myself, I’ve come up with a list of the very best tips for scoring big at any secondhand shop. Keep reading for a complete thrifting 101 guide – let’s jump right into it!
Read More ➥Tag: thrift stores
bookmark_border4 Basic Rules of Thrifting That You Should Know
Hey earth muffins! A four day weekend for the holiday meant I did a lot of thrifting this weekend. 😍 I hope everyone had a wonderful Independence Day as well! Secondhand shopping is one of my favorite things – and a great way to find new clothes for the summer months. While thrift shopping is much better for Mother Earth, I make sure to follow these “rules of thrifting” to keep my consumption at a planet-friendly level. Let’s jump into the rules!
1. Only buy things that you will wear for the next 5+ years
Fashion trends change faster than the weather these days. So, it is important to buy clothing that is timeless and will last many years. Never buy anything that you will stop wearing after a few months. This results in buying more clothes and consuming more resources from the planet. Classic pieces never go out of style and can be reworn (and restyled) time and time again.
Read More ➥bookmark_borderThe Best Thrift Stores in Grand Rapids, MI
Hey earth muffins! After I moved out of my college apartment last summer, I wrote a post about my favorite thrift stores in Ann Arbor, MI. Now that I’ve settled into a whole new city, I thought it was time to share my favorite thrift stores in the Grand Rapids area! Mister Corona hindered many of my secondhand shopping plans this past year or so; but, now that I am fully vaccinated I’ve been able to get back into thrifting again. Let’s jump right into my favorite thrift stores in Grand Rapids! 🎉
Rustic Market – 389 68th St. SE
Over the years of perfecting my thrifting routine, I have found that small, local thrift shops often have great finds. This is totally true for Rustic Market. The store is volunteer run and has a nice “local” vibe to it. While the clothing selection isn’t very big, the rest of the store makes up for it. As soon as you walk in, the front of the store is dedicated to secondhand finds for the upcoming holiday(s)… I’ve found some really cute decor here! They also have a nice card selection for various occasions and events. Would definitely recommend shopping around if you are in the area!
World Mission Thrift Store – 2640 Burlingame Ave SW
If you are looking for a huge thrift store, this is the place to go! One of my top tips for thrifting is to look in every single department. Even if you don’t think you will find anything in the men’s clothing, you might actually find some really great stuff. Each section of the store is huge, with a lot of fun stuff to look through. I personally go here when I am looking for some home decor, as they have aisles dedicated to frames, holiday decor, kitchenware, etc. You can find some awesome things here!
Salvation Army – 4281 28th St. SE
I’ve always preferred Salvation Army to Goodwill; but, this is totally an opinion. There are a ton of great Goodwills in Grand Rapids too! I like this Salvation Army because they have a huge clothing department. I’ve found some great pieces here, including some high quality brand names. I remember shopping here during an internship a few summers ago… I found a Carlos Bakery t-shirt and was stupid enough to not purchase it. Definitely regret that every time I shop here. 😂 This location is on 28th Street, which means there are tons of other stores around it – perfect for a day of shopping!
Estate Sales Warehouse – 3524 E Mall Dr SE
While not technically a “thrift store” I had to include this place, as it is relatively close to the Salvation Army I mentioned above. This warehouse sells a bunch of random things from estate sales. While there aren’t a lot of clothing items, there are treasures galore. From furniture to kitchenware to baskets, you can find plenty here! It has rummage sale vibes for sure. I often head here if I have nothing in particular to buy but an itch to thrift… And usually find something super cute for my apartment. 😊 Definitely on my list for the best “thrift” stores in Grand Rapids!
Warehouse One Antiques – 449 Century Ave SW
While this is an antique store, I had to include it on the list anyway. Thrifting and antiquing have very different stereotypes, but I love them both the same. This is a HUGE antique mall; it has two floors and spans an old furniture factory downtown Grand Rapids. It is awesome – just make sure you have a lot of time to look at everything! Each booth is different, and I’ve found plenty of clothes (mostly vintage) among furniture, housewares, and anything else you can think of. Super fun place to go with friends because there is something for everyone.
Final Thoughts on the Best Thrift Stores in Grand Rapids
While there are a ton of other great secondhand stores not mentioned on this list, I wanted to share some of my favorites. I am hoping once Mister Corona settles down even further I’ll be able to thrift shop a bit more this summer… But, no promises! If you are interested in seeing thrift hauls or cute secondhand finds, feel free to follow me on Instagram! What are your favorite thrift stores currently?
Love,
Jenna ♥