Sure we’re not running the Boston Marathon, but we’d make a marathon out of Boston thrift stores any day. Besides the American Revolution… Image by Covet #thriftstoresboston #bestthriftstoresboston #thriftshopsboston #bostonthriftstores #bostonthriftshops #thriftstoresinboston #sustainablejungle
Image by Covet

13 Thrift Stores In Boston Cradling Liberty & Circularity

Sure we’re not running the Boston Marathon, but we’d make a marathon out of Boston thrift stores any day. 

So to answer the question, “Does Boston have good thriting?”, yes. Yes, it does.

Besides kicking off the American Revolution, Boston also happens to lead the secondhand fashion revolution.

Thrift stores in Boston blend preppy Ivy League with laid-back New England flair; think: sweater with elbow patches meets duck boots. 

With furniture, costumes, artwork, and decor, thrifting Boston is the most fun and sustainable way to fill your wardrobe, home, and heart with one-of-a-kind treasures.

Pop on down to the infamous bar from Cheers, grab a Samuel Adams Boston Lager, and review our thrift shopping tips before heading out on a Boston thrifting adventure.

1. DIVERSITY CONSIGNMENT

Sure we’re not running the Boston Marathon, but we’d make a marathon out of Boston thrift stores any day. Besides the American Revolution… Image by Diversity Consignment #thriftstoresboston #bestthriftstoresboston #thriftshopsboston #bostonthriftstores #bostonthriftshops #thriftstoresinboston #sustainablejungle
Image by Diversity Consignment

About DIVERSITY Consignment Thrift Store Boston

Community-oriented DIVERSITY Consignment stocks men’s, women’s, and unisex clothing, instruments, records, and art pieces made by local artisans.

Two floors filled with funky, retro vibes and beautifully curated collections. 

As one of the best Boston thrift stores for musicians, they don’t just sell instruments and records, they connect the community with new and emerging artists. 

“The Basement Buzz” is DIVERSITY’s own interview series, sharing stories of local musicians and influencers.  

For sellers, they offer a 30-day consignment option or trade option (50% of estimated sale price received in-store credit right away). 

Location: Jamaica Plain

2. 40 SOUTH ST.

Sure we’re not running the Boston Marathon, but we’d make a marathon out of Boston thrift stores any day. Besides the American Revolution… Image by 40 South St Vintage #thriftstoresboston #bestthriftstoresboston #thriftshopsboston #bostonthriftstores #bostonthriftshops #thriftstoresinboston #sustainablejungle
Image by 40 South St Vintage

About 40 South St.—Some of the Best Thrifting in Boston

Open Thursday–Sunday, 40 South St.’s hours may be limited, but their style isn’t.

Formerly called Gumshoe, they’ve been one of the best vintage thrift stores in Boston for more than 30 years. 

Their rotating selection is packed with hand-picked treasures from the 60s, 70s, and 80s, with reasonable prices to boot.  

Owner Hilken Mancini is a singer-songwriter and author who made 40 South St. the headquarters for Girls Rock Campaign Boston!—a self-esteem-building organization for girls, gender non-conforming youth, and trans youth.  

You can support the progressive, punk-rock-friendly shop from afar via their Etsy shop.

Location: Jamaica Plain

3. VIVANT VINTAGE

Sure we’re not running the Boston Marathon, but we’d make a marathon out of Boston thrift stores any day. Besides the American Revolution… Image by Vivant Vintage #thriftstoresboston #bestthriftstoresboston #thriftshopsboston #bostonthriftstores #bostonthriftshops #thriftstoresinboston #sustainablejungle
Image by Vivant

About Vivant Vintage: One of the Top Vintage Boston Thrift Shops

Want a conversation-starting look à la Backstreet Boys tee with fringe jacket from decades earlier?

Then Vivant Vintage was made for you.

Not only are they one of the best thrift stores Boston has to offer, but their product range also includes upcycled clothing. But what is upcycled clothing, you ask? Think of clothing like a cavas or read our deep dive on the subject.

That’s in addition to vintage shirts, jewelry, tops, bottoms, dresses, outerwear, swimwear, lingerie, accessories, prom and formal wear, and goods from local artisans. 

VV is open 7 days a week and with stylists available to kit you out in the ultimate throwback, you’ll be living the good ol’ days once again.

If you happen to be an artist, photographer, or from a film and theater company, you can rent out their entire inventory.

Location: Allston

4. HIGH ENERGY VINTAGE

Sure we’re not running the Boston Marathon, but we’d make a marathon out of Boston thrift stores any day. Besides the American Revolution… Image by High Energy Vintage #thriftstoresboston #bestthriftstoresboston #thriftshopsboston #bostonthriftstores #bostonthriftshops #thriftstoresinboston #sustainablejungle
Image by High Energy Vintage

About High Energy Vintage Store

Looking to channel your 8-bit inner child?

Besides vintage (1940s-1990s) clothing and accessories for all genders, High Energy Vintage sets itself apart with a throwback collection of old school video games and classic vinyl.

This blast from the past is one of the best in Boston if you enjoy a good ol’ reminisce—just ask local mag, Scout Somerville.

The shop got its start as a pop-up at SoWa Vintage Market and now has a presence at markets around the city, a static brick-and-mortar location, and online store.

Location: Somerville

5. GREAT EASTERN TRADING CO.

Sure we’re not running the Boston Marathon, but we’d make a marathon out of Boston thrift stores any day. Besides the American Revolution… Image by Great Eastern Trading Co #thriftstoresboston #bestthriftstoresboston #thriftshopsboston #bostonthriftstores #bostonthriftshops #thriftstoresinboston #sustainablejungle
Image by Great Eastern Trading Co

About Great Eastern Trading Co. Massachusetts

If bespoke is the order of the day, the unique secondhand vintage shops in Cambridge & Malden known as Great Eastern will satisfy your curiosity.

Between two locations, there’s no shortage of distinct costumes, vinyl records, classic accessories, and vintage clothing for men, women, and non-binaries. 

Providing nothing short of a “magical shopping experience” their stylists are on hand to help you find belly dance gear, Venetian masks, and anything in the 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s.

Heading to the Boston Calling music festival? Don’t miss this weird wonderland before rocking-out.

Location: Cambridge | Malden

6. WE THIEVES

Sure we’re not running the Boston Marathon, but we’d make a marathon out of Boston thrift stores any day. Besides the American Revolution… Image by We Thieves #thriftstoresboston #bestthriftstoresboston #thriftshopsboston #bostonthriftstores #bostonthriftshops #thriftstoresinboston #sustainablejungle
Image by We Thieves

About We Thieves Cambridge

We Thieves is a women-owned capsule secondhand vintage boutique selling “stolen from the past” pieces.

As a cult-favorited vintage shop, they make it easy to find tops, shirts, pants, skirts, jumpsuits, lingerie, sets, jackets, and accessories for men and women.

Pieces from the 1950s – 1980s are most represented. While prices are not necessarily thrifty, they’re extremely reasonable for carefully curated vintage.

They also have modern accessories, gifts, and apothecary goods from some of our favorite zero waste skin care brands.

Follow their socials to stay in the loop on regular clothing repair and other pop-up classes.

You can sell garments to them by appointment only. For some items for $250 in retail value, consignment options may be available too.

Location: Cambridge

7. ON AGAIN CONSIGNMENT

Sure we’re not running the Boston Marathon, but we’d make a marathon out of Boston thrift stores any day. Besides the American Revolution… Image by On Again Consignment #thriftstoresboston #bestthriftstoresboston #thriftshopsboston #bostonthriftstores #bostonthriftshops #thriftstoresinboston #sustainablejungle
Image by On Again Consignment

About On Again Consignment Thrift Shop Boston

Specializing in luxury retailers, On Again Consignment is the place to dress in the best for less. 

Perfect for high end designer thrifting in Boston, you can expect to find brands like Burberry, Gucci, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton. 

The collection includes clothes, purses, shoes, sunglasses, and other accessories.

Location: Charlestown

8. THE BLESSING BARN

Sure we’re not running the Boston Marathon, but we’d make a marathon out of Boston thrift stores any day. Besides the American Revolution… Image by The Blessing Barn #thriftstoresboston #bestthriftstoresboston #thriftshopsboston #bostonthriftstores #bostonthriftshops #thriftstoresinboston #sustainablejungle
Image by The Blessing Barn

About The Blessing Barn: For-Change Furniture Thrift Stores Boston

With some of the best thrift stores in Massachusetts, The Blessing Barn and sharing center has three locations around the Boston area. 

Each brightly-lit, clean, beautifully-displayed non-profit location supports a specific program. 

Purchased/donated furniture, clothing, vintage items, and household decor are available, profits of which support various local charities:

  • The charming Home Store supports crisis care programs operated by Compassion New England
  • The Beacon Hill location exists to support patients needing medical care and their families with short-term housing
  • The Mattapan location is powered by StoryHeights Foundation, which offers grants for childcare, groceries, and housing for those looking to improve their lives. 
Location: Mendon (Home Store) | Mattapan | Beacon Hill

9. NEIGHBORS WHO CARE THRIFT SHOP

Sure we’re not running the Boston Marathon, but we’d make a marathon out of Boston thrift stores any day. Besides the American Revolution… Image by Neighbors Who Care Thrift Shop #thriftstoresboston #bestthriftstoresboston #thriftshopsboston #bostonthriftstores #bostonthriftshops #thriftstoresinboston #sustainablejungle
Image by Neighbors Who Care Thrift Shop

About Neighbors Who Care Thrift Shop Massachusetts

Neighbors Who Care Thrift Shop wears its heart on its elbow-patched tweed sleeves. 

As one of the few thrift stores in Waltham, it’s an excellent place to find household items like bedding, kitchenware, small electrical appliances, as well as art, crafts, hand tools, and candles. 

They also have clothing, shoes, and accessories for the whole family. 

100% of profits support their efforts to provide comfort and alleviate isolation and loneliness for local seniors. 

In your twilight years? If yes, then stop by on Thursdays for senior citizens 30% discount.

Location: Waltham

10. SOWA VINTAGE MARKET

Sure we’re not running the Boston Marathon, but we’d make a marathon out of Boston thrift stores any day. Besides the American Revolution… Image by SoWa Vintage #thriftstoresboston #bestthriftstoresboston #thriftshopsboston #bostonthriftstores #bostonthriftshops #thriftstoresinboston #sustainablejungle
Image by SoWa Vintage

About SoWa Vintage Market—A Weekly Thrift Store in Boston

Why go to a vintage shop when you can eat your heart out at a vintage market?

Operating every Sunday and the first Friday of each month, the SoWa Vintage Market is home to 25+ vendors.

That means a massive curated collection of vintage and designer clothes, jewelry, accessories, lighting, art, antiques, and furniture. 

Considered one of the better furniture thrift stores Boston has to offer, their range of antique, Mid-Century modern, and vintage furniture, art, lighting, sculpture, barware, and mirrors can fully furnish any room in your home and then some. 

There’s a budget spectrum for cashless College students to professional investors. 

Don’t forget to say hi to one of the adorable shop dogs that frequent the market.

Location: South End

11. COVET

Sure we’re not running the Boston Marathon, but we’d make a marathon out of Boston thrift stores any day. Besides the American Revolution… Image by Covet #thriftstoresboston #bestthriftstoresboston #thriftshopsboston #bostonthriftstores #bostonthriftshops #thriftstoresinboston #sustainablejungle
Image by Covet

About Covet Boston Thrift Stores

You’ll certainly Covet garments offered by this stylish second hand store in Boston. 

With designer pieces and consignment options, it’s a one-stop shop for women’s low-impact luxury shopping and selling. 

While high-end is the shop’s forte, its two clean and welcoming spaces also offer on-trend merchandise at affordable prices. 

Location: South Boston | Beacon Hill

12. BOOMERANGS BOSTON

Sure we’re not running the Boston Marathon, but we’d make a marathon out of Boston thrift stores any day. Besides the American Revolution… Image by Boomerangs Boston #thriftstoresboston #bestthriftstoresboston #thriftshopsboston #bostonthriftstores #bostonthriftshops #thriftstoresinboston #sustainablejungle
Image by Boomerangs Boston

About Boomerangs Boston, Boomerangs Jamaica Plain, and Boomerangs Cambridge Thrift Stores Boston

Boomerangs Boston, Jamaica Plain or Cambridge…whichever store you happen to visit, treasures-steals are the common denominator. 

They’re definitely some of the best thrift stores in the Boston area for all tastes and styles.

Boomerangs is filled with new or gently-loved vintage clothing, music, movies, home decor, dishware, furniture, small appliances, and knick-knacks at affordable prices. 

So affordable that you’ll likely end up with a lot of $5 and $10 finds. 

100% of proceeds benefit the AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts, New England’s top provider of wellness services, advocacy, research, education, and HIV prevention. 

Location: Boomerangs Boston (South End) | Boomerangs Jamaica Plain | Boomerangs Cambridge 

13. NEARLY NEW THRIFT SHOP

Sure we’re not running the Boston Marathon, but we’d make a marathon out of Boston thrift stores any day. Besides the American Revolution… Image by Nearly New #thriftstoresboston #bestthriftstoresboston #thriftshopsboston #bostonthriftstores #bostonthriftshops #thriftstoresinboston #sustainablejungle
Image by Nearly New

About Nearly New Thrift Shop

Open Wednesdays from 3-6 and the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month from 10-1, Nearly New Thrift Shop is one of the most affordable sources of clothes for the whole family.

Did we mention their family-friendly range of books, kitchen items, and knick-knacks, too?

You’ll see many ridiculous price tags under $5—and a majority of items are $1.

All proceeds support Brighton Allston Congregational Church and its many offerings: community suppers, community gardens, and a food pantry.

The shop’s parent church is also passionate about advocating for social justice movements under the belief that, “Justice is what love looks like in public!”

Location: Brighton

WHY GO THRIFTING IN BOSTON

Slow down to a comforting cup of clam chowder and slow down to slow fashion

Along with the zero waste stores Boston offers, the thrift stores in Boston, MA are leading a revolution—using what already exists—keeping precious materials out of landfills and sharing unique treasures in the process. 

As part of its Zero Waste Plan, Boston has textile drop box locations around the city and they’ve recently announced a weekend curbside textile collection program.  

And for good reason. 

In an average year, an American consumes roughly 100 pounds of textiles, 81% of which end up in the trash. This equates to ~41,000 pounds of textiles collected in Boston… EVERY MONTH. 

Even though efforts like this make Boston one of the greenest cities in the US, they’re not an excuse for us Bostonian’s to rest on our laurels.

To support efforts curbing textile waste, Massachusetts shoppers and visitors can benefit from a wide range of wallet-friendly secondhand goods. 

Besides, what better way to accompany your trek on the Freedom Trail than by freeing yourself from the clutches of fast fashion?!

Is there any better reason to party like a lob-star (roll)?


FINAL THOUGHTS ON THE BEST THRIFT STORES IN BOSTON

Conde Nast Traveler may rank Boston #3 for the best large city to visit, but the best thrift shops in Boston beg to differ.

A trip to a Boston thrift store will help you avoid fast fashion and give you the opportunity to score from an endless range of eclectic and remarkable clothes, decor, and furniture.

As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Boston is the one place in America where wealth and knowledge of how to use it are apt to coincide.”

If you’re a Bostonian or heading into the city for a Red Sox game, be sure to combine your environmental knowledge and wealth in a way that supports our planet.


Sure we’re not running the Boston Marathon, but we’d make a marathon out of Boston thrift stores any day. Besides the American Revolution… Image by SoWa Vintage #thriftstoresboston #bestthriftstoresboston #thriftshopsboston #bostonthriftstores #bostonthriftshops #thriftstoresinboston #sustainablejungle

Leave a comment