Looking to purchase some vintage in Boston but don’t know where to go? Check out this post for the 7 best thrift stores in Boston for vintage!
Although I’m not the most avid thrift shopper, thrift shopping is the most budget-friendly way to find high-value vintage at a great price. In fact, if you’re in Boston, there’s no shortage of the amount of thrift shops you can visit. There are some up in Cambridge, some down by Brookline, and some in the middle of Boston.
So, if you’re looking to purchase some vintage in Boston and don’t know where to go, you’ve come to the right place! This post alone highlights 7 of the best thrift stores you can visit in Boston for some awesome vintage.
New England Bucket List Series
P.S. This is a post in my New England Bucket List Series. Here is the complete series:
Road Trips: 30 Best Road Trips From Boston
Ice Skating: The Top 7 Places for Free Ice Skating in Boston
Hiking: 20 Best Hikes for Fall Foliage in New England
Fall Foliage: 12 Best Places for Fall Foliage in Boston
Thrift Stores: The 7 Best Thrift Stores in Boston for Vintage
Salem: One Day in Salem Massachusetts: Hocus Pocus Edition
Museums: The Top 8 Free Museums in Boston for College Students
Best Thrift Stores in Boston Map
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Buffalo Exchange (best thrift stores in boston)
Buffalo Exchange is a great thrift shop to find vintage in Boston. Located in Brookline, the shop is known for being an amalgamation between a thrift shop and a consignment store. In fact, if you were to visit the store, you would also notice that they have brands ranging from H&M and Urban Outfitters to expensive brands like Calvin Klein.
In addition, selling clothes at this thrift shop is a great way to make some pocket change as well. You can get 25% percent of the clothes in cash if you sold them or 50% for store credit. Overall, you’re getting a good bang for your buck while helping someone else in need.
So, if you’re planning to visit the Buffalo Exchange for the first time in Boston, I highly recommend it. If you purchase a bag from them, Buffalo Exchange will even donate the money to a charity organization of your choice.
The Garment District (best thrift stores in boston)
The Garment District is another great thrift shop to find vintage in Boston! Located in Cambridge, The Garment District is known for having the biggest selection of vintage clothing in the Boston area. In fact, it’s a one stop shop for both vintage and contemporary secondhand clothes.
For women, vintage blouses start at $7 to $14 and for dresses, they start at $10. In fact, all of the vintage pieces you’ll find range in style from the ’50s to the ’90s.
So, if you’re planning to visit the Garment District for the first time in Boston, I highly recommend it. The thrift shop itself even houses the Boston Costume which is one of Boston’s biggest costume rental locations.
Vivant Vintage (best thrift stores in boston)
Vivant Vintage is another great thrift shop for vintage in Boston! Located in Allston, the Vivant Vintage has nicknamed itself as being the home of the traveling spectacular. In fact, if you were to walk inside the shop, you would also notice the eccentric atmosphere to it too.
Some, like other visitors, have even went so far as to say that visiting the store is like walking into a collector’s attic. They have items that range from vintage cameras and old typewriters to over 1,000 pairs of jeans. In fact, some have even said it can be hard to tell what’s permanent decor and what’s for sale. But, if that’s your dilemma, the staff are always happy to help you clarify the difference.
So, if you’re planning to visit Vivant Vintage for the first time in Boston, I highly recommend it. Their clothes will have a rock n’ roll bohemian vibe to them which include but are not limited to leather jackets, graphic T-shirts, and button-downs.
Boomerangs (best thrift stores in boston)
The Boomerangs is another great thrift shop for vintage in Boston! Located in Jamaica Plain, Cambridge, and the South End, the Boomerangs is known for being one of Boston’s most popular thrift store chains. In fact, if you were to visit the Boomerangs, you’ll even notice their lavish windows during the holiday season. They don’t hesitate the opportunity to decorate the shop accordingly, making the shop all the more rich and inviting.
In addition to that, students and teachers who shop at the thrift store are also able to get 20% off all purchases on Wednesdays as a special deal. Proceeds themselves will go to the AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts so you’ll be helping a good cause as you shop.
Therefore, if you’re planning to visit the Boomerangs for the first time in Boston, I highly recommend it. Not only can you purchase vintage in person there, but you can also do it online too.
40 South Street (best thrift stores in boston)
40 South Street is another great thrift shop for vintage in Boston! Located in Jamaica Plain, 40 South Street is known for its down-to-earth, fun and weird vibe. Inside, they have a huge vintage collection which includes but is not limited to vintage denim, pleated skirts, and dresses. In fact, most of the women pieces are from the ’60s to the ’80s, giving you three decades as your options.
So, if you’re planning to visit 40 South Street for the first time in Boston, I highly recommend it. Similar to other thrift shops, you can also purchase from their online selection on Ebay too.
Great Eastern Trading Company (best thrift stores in boston)
The Great Eastern Trading Co. is another great thrift shop for vintage in Boston! Located in Cambridge, this thrift shop was one of the first vintage stores in the Boston area. In fact, today, it’s known for its unique clothing for all genders, binary and nonbinary.
The vintage clothing, in addition, are even from decades starting from the 1920s all the way to the 1980s. So, if you’re planning to visit the Great Eastern Trading Co. for the first time in Boston, I highly recommend it. The thrift store even has some statement items such as corsets, frocks, and suede jackets.
Raspberry Beret (best thrift stores in boston)
Raspberry Beret is another great thrift shop for vintage in Boston! Located in Cambridge, Raspberry Beret is known for retailing both new and consigned pieces of women’s clothing. In fact, the thrift store has an eclectic assortment of high-end designer items as well as low-end trendy merchandise.
So, if you’re planning to visit the Raspberry Beret for the first time in Boston, I highly recommend it. The vintage merchandise, however, is on crowded, non-color-coordinated racks so do plan ahead to spend some time in there.
Best Thrift Stores in Boston FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions you might have about thrift shopping in Boston!
What is the best day to visit thrift stores?
While there isn’t a perfect day to visit a thrift store, many people have stated shopping early on Monday or Tuesday is the best way to do it.
Do you wash thrift clothes after buying it?
It’s always a great idea to wash your thrift clothes after buying them since they’re secondhand.
Overall, I really hope you enjoyed this post on the 7 best thrift stores in Boston for vintage ! Please let me know in the comments down below which thrift store you would like to visit the most! I would love to hear from you. 🙂
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