The Best Thrift Stores in Austin, TX!
If you want to get to know what the people in a city are like, go thrifting.
Whenever I go out of town, I make it a priority to explore that area’s thrift shops. Not only do I score amazing finds, but I also get to learn about the people in that community from their castoffs. I feel a bit like a part thrifter/part anthropologist.
Austin, TX is one of my favorite cities to visit and thrift in. The people there are colorful, vibrant, fun & funky. They have mastered an effortlessly quirky street style that I seriously vibe with and want to emulate.
That’s why I’ve compiled this list of my favorite thrift stores in Austin. Whether you’re just visiting or are lucky enough to live there, I hope you find your next favorite thrift store here.
Treasure City Thrift | 2142 E. 7th Street
This is my favorite thrift store in Austin!
While it’s a smaller store, there are many “treasures” to be found here. This is my favorite source for unique one-of-kind pieces. I consistently find excellent vintage & western items AND I typically find really nice accessories and statement pieces as well.
Plus, they mark items down to $1 on the regular. Just follow them on social media to know when they’re having one of their sales!
Texas Thrift & City Thrift | 5319 North IH 35
Apparently, everything really IS bigger in Texas, as this place is flippin’ HUGE!
If you have the time to explore, you’re almost guaranteed to find something you like here. The quality of their wares is a little higher than other thrift stores in the area, and the staff is super-nice.
Sometimes thrift stores can be a little dim and dodgy, but Texas Thrift is bright, clean, and well-organized…making it a great introductory thrift store for secondhand newbies.
Top Drawer Thrift | 4902 Burnet Rd
The next few shops on my list are located on Burnet Road…a hotspot for thrift and vintage stores.
I just love Top Drawer’s signage, don’t you? You can tell you’re in for something special when you walk inside. I have found some of the coolest vintage pieces in my wardrobe here, and I have no doubt you’ll have the same level of success.
You’ll also be sure to find lots of vinyl, rock band T-shirts, and fab shoes to boot (pun intended).
Austin Pets Alive! Thrift | 5801 Burnet Rd | 1409 W Oltorf St
APA! is a boutique-style thrift shop that sells high-quality new and gently used items for super low prices. All of their net proceeds go to help fund their no-kill animal shelter, which warms the cockles of my little heart.
If you’re feeling a little fancy (but still thrifty), this is the place for you.
Savers | 5222 Burnet Rd #600
So sure…it’s a chain (and a big one at that). But we don’t have Savers in here in Columbia, SC and I really wish we did. Their marketing is spot-on (Digital Marketing Strategist here, folks) and so freaking cool.
This store is nicely laid out and has a wide array of different second-hand goodies, and what it lacks in quirkiness, it compensates for with a solid inventory. Plus, it’s on Burnet Road with loads of other thrift stores, so why not stop in?
Thrift Town | 5726 Manchaca Rd
Thrift Town is a smaller chain of thrift stores that offers typical thrifted wares at cheaper prices than other thrift stores in the area.
While it’s noticeably less expensive than some of the other shops on this list, it’s still well-labeled & organized, making it a good spot for ultra-budget thrifters looking for items to refashion (like myself) and college students.
10th Street GW Boutique | 914 N. Lamar Blvd
This isn’t your typical Goodwill. The GW Boutique features higher-end (and quality) goods and brands, meaning less digging for “the good stuff”. It’s still thrifting, but in easy mode.
The store is spacious and nicely laid out. It feels like shopping in a…well…boutique (hence the name).
This store is my favorite for finding really nice new-ish and vintage handbags.
St. Vincent de Paul Vintage Boutique & Thrift Store | 901 West Braker Ln
Affectionately known as Vinny’s, this is another boutique-style thrift shop. It’s a little pricier than your typical thrift store, but they have an excellent selection of furnishings & home goods that are well-priced.
Buffalo Exchange | 2904 Guadalupe St
University of Austin, TX students know and love Buffalo Exchange (it’s right near campus) as the place to buy, trade, and sell clothing.
This shop is always stocked with in-season & on-trend pieces and the staff is friendly & helpful.
Goodwill Blue Hangar Outlet | 6505 Burleson Rd
I’ve listed a few higher-priced thrift stores on this list, so I’m going to balance it out with this mecca for serious scavengers.
Also known as the Goodwill Clearance Center, this is the last stop for items that didn’t sell at regional Goodwill locations. Everything in this store starts at $1.49 per pound, making it one of the most affordable options out there.
But it’s not for the faint of heart. Instead of racks, huge blue bins of clothing are wheeled out every half hour, so come prepared to dig!
Austin Creative Reuse | 2005 Wheless Ln
Welcome to Crafter’s Paradise!
Austin Creative Reuse is a nonprofit whose goal is to foster conservation and reuse through creativity, education, and community building.
They collect, distribute, and sell reusable materials donated from industry and individuals…all at extremely low prices. They also teach classes and host events centered around their mission.
I love this place and wish we had something like it where I live. Whether you have a project in mind or are in search of inspiration, Austin Creative Reuse is a must-see experience.
What do you think? Doesn’t Austin look like a thrifting wonderland (I assure you it is)?
Also, if you can think of any places you think I’ve left out, please let me know, as I plan to keep this post updated with the best of the best thrift stores Austin has to offer!
Remember this dress I refashioned in my latest Austin visit?
Or this zebra-print Austin refashion?
Cheers!