Like any shopping endeavor, it may take a couple of stores to find the perfect piece. If you’re looking to add something to your closet or finish decorating your place, I suggest stopping by one of these seven thrift stores. Even if you don’t find exactly what you’re looking for, you’re bound to find something you didn’t think you needed.
When a person embarks upon a thrifting journey, each shopper has a specific goal in mind. Sometimes the selection at your local Goodwill or Salvation Army doesn’t have exactly what you’re looking for.
Get the most out of Connecticut with our Fall Experience Checklist
Download your checklist!
1. Red Barn Thrift Shop – Woodbury
The Red Barn Thrift Shop in Woodbury was established by an outreach ministry from the First Congregational Church. They pride themselves in selling top designers like Anne Taylor, Tommy Hilfiger, and LL Bean. As we quickly start to approach the winter months, snagging a pair of LL Bean boots might be just what you need to keep warm this winter. The best part about the Red Barn is that they are a non-profit organization. All their profit from sales goes back to the First Congregational Church. The money is used to help outreach missions and community
2. Act II Thrift Shop – Madison
The Act II Thrift Shop specializes in quality and affordability. They’re located on Boston Post Road in Madison. They offer a diverse selection of clothing for men, women, and children. If clothing really isn’t your thing, don’t worry. There is art, books, and a furniture department. It’s not every day you walk into a thrift shop and see furniture displayed. Their selection includes small-scale furniture like dressers, tables, and bookshelves. It’d be pretty cool to put a copy of The Great Gatsby in a bookshelf from the 1920s.
3. Ridgefield Thrift Shop – Ridgefield
The Ridgefield Thrift Shop has been open since the late 1930s. The shop is run solely by volunteers and all of the revenue goes back to charitable organizations. That’s been their policy since they’ve opened. Operating hours for the Ridgefield Thrift Shop are Mondays through Fridays from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm and Saturdays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. They sell and accept a variety of items like clothes, antiques, sports equipment, artwork, and so much more.
4.Uptown Consignment – South Windsor, Rocky Hill, Southington, Hamden
Now this place is a little different than your average thrift shop. If you have clothes that you’re itching to give away and want to make some money while doing it, I suggest visiting one of the three Uptown Consignment locations. You can get a store credit from the clothes that you donate and an additional store credit discount bonus of 10%. If you’re interested in learning how to become a cosigner or filling up your closet with some affordable clothes, stop by their locations in Southington, Hamden, or Rocky Hill.
5. The Turnover Shop – Wilton
The Turnover Shop is located in Wilton. Over 75 years ago, they were founded by volunteers and they’ve kept the tradition alive. Their volunteers maintain and sell a wide variety of merchandise. They even sell vintage clothing at reasonable prices. Halloween is right around the corner and the Turnover Shop might be a place you want to put on your radar for costumes. If you need some help decorating your place, you should make this one of your first stops. They’ve helped furnish campus dorms and recent graduate apartments with their selection of small furniture, houseware, and decorations.
6. The Cedar Chest Ladies Consignment Boutique – Old Saybrook, Clinton, Waterford
The Cedar Chest has three different locations in Old Saybrook, Clinton, and Waterford. They appreciate how the resale shopping experience is fun and also eco-friendly. It makes the shopping experience a little less guilty knowing you’re doing you’re part to recycle. This women’s boutique offers all sorts of clothing, accessories, jewelry, home decor, and collector items. If you’re an avid collector and are looking for Hummel figurines or American Dolls, The Cedar Chest might have a new addition for you. Even if you aren’t, you’re sure to find something that appeals to your interest.
7. Hole in the Wall – Guilford
The name may be a bit misleading, but rest assured knowing that this consignment shop was voted one of the best boutiques in Connecticut by Shoreline Newspapers’ poll in 2017. They supply quality clothes, accessories, books, houseware, and jewelry for people in the Guilford area. Hole in the Wall is a non-profit and all their proceeds go to the “Guildford A Better Chance” program. This program allows minority women from disenfranchised communities to attend Guilford High School. Frequent visitors rave about the excellent service of the volunteers. Thrifting is a like sport. Finding the right piece can be just as difficult as creating the perfect play. The staff and management are dedicated to giving you that additional assistance. After all, what good is a quarterback without a wide receiver or running back to throw the ball to?
How’d we do?
Did we miss any of your favorite thrift stores or consignment shops? If so, let us know in the comments.