Need an excuse to do some shopping? Earth Day is on Saturday, April 22, and one of the best ways to promote sustainability is by shopping secondhand. You’ll support a local business, curate a unique wardrobe, and save clothes from ending up in landfills, to name just a few benefits.
Whether you’re a thrifting enthusiast or are looking to switch up your shopping routine, the Boston area is home to some great thrift, consignment + vintage stores — here are some that we recommend.
Buffalo Exchange, Multiple locations
Buy, sell, and trade clothing at the two locations in Brookline and Somerville — shop the Earth Day sale for a selection of $1 items.
Boomerangs, Multiple locations
Operated by AIDS Action, shop for a cause at the Jamaica Plain or Cambridge locations. For a more curated thrifting experience, head to the South End Special Edition location.
Castanet, 175 Newbury St.
The Newbury Street store is stocked with a variety of high end clothing + interesting designer pieces.
Covet, Multiple locations
Shop the Beacon Hill, Back Bay, or South Boston locations for a curated collection of trendy items, or bring in your own items for cash.
The Garment District, 200 Broadway, Cambridge
Browse the store’s vast inventory of new + used clothes, and check out the massive “By the Pound” section to fill up a bag for just $2 per pound.
Great Eastern Trading Company, Multiple locations
Since 1969, Great Eastern Trading Co. has offered historic and unique clothing, accessories, and costumes from the 1920s to the 2000s. There are three locations to explore in Cambridge, Somerville, and Malden.
High Energy Vintage, 429 Somerville Ave., Somerville
Explore a large selection of clothing, shoes, classic vinyl + old school video games in Union Square. Pro tip: Check this schedule to see when the shop will pop up at local markets.
Vivant Vintage, 318 Lincoln St.
Head over to Allston to browse the eclectic + fun selection of vintage apparel, accessories, houseware, and products made by local artists.
You haven’t truly experienced Greater Boston thrifting until you’ve shopped at The Garment District.
Photo by @yellowbirdthrift
40 South Street, 40 South St.
Check out a rotating selection of hand-picked vintage fashion circa the 60s, 70s, and 80s in Jamaica Plain.
Vintage Taste, 100 Charles St.
The timeless consignment boutique in Beacon Hill carries modern designer items — peek at the collection on their website before heading over.
Raspberry Beret, 2302 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge
This upscale consignment store focuses on vintage, high quality, on-trend, and contemporary items. There’s another location in Maynard if you’re looking to thrift a bit further from the city.
The Thrift Shop of Boston, 33 Corinth St., Roslindale
All proceeds from this nonprofit thrift store’s sales benefit The Home for Little Wanderers, a child and family services agency.
Thrifty Threads, 210 Harvard St., Brookline
Never thrift shopped from a church before? Change that with a visit to this volunteer-led secondhand shop, which has been around since 1993.
Urban Renewals, 630 American Legion Hwy., Roslindale
The large family thrift store’s collection is organized by color, making it easier to scope out hidden gems to add to your wardrobe.
We Thieves, 1307 Cambridge St., Cambridge
The woman-owned and operated business sells carefully selected vintage pieces from its Inman Square storefront.
