Spotlight: Udelco Vintage Warehouse

Last weekend I finally checked out Udelco in Hawthorne, New Jersey. The massive vintage clothing distributor is open to the public and nothing’s over $20. Besides the affordability, I was looking forward to falling in love with the 60s, 70s and 80s apparel.

Like I stated, Udelco is a warehouse and most of the clothing is stacked on shelves in cardboard boxes. Though some people are turned off or intimidated by digging through tons of clothing, I love it. There’s nothing better than searching for a vintage, affordable treasure.

I spent two hours at the Udelco and I was in absolute heaven. Check out the pieces I found below as well as some tips on how to thrift in a warehouse location.

When you first enter the warehouse, some clothing, including dresses, pants and jumpsuits are on easy to navigate racks and shoes are nearly arranged.

{tons of vintage cowboy boots}

{i loved this sequin top but it was ripped pretty badly}

{midi print skirts and dresses}

A row of four or five boxes lined the wall of the entrance.

Once you go further in to the warehouse, that’s where the real fun begins. You’re surrounded by boxes, stacked about 10 feet high.

Each box is descriptively labeled, such as hippy skirts, 70s bell bottoms, 80s dresses, etc. I was surprised to find that everything was super organized. A box of 80s dresses really was full of 80s dresses. And the owner was super helpful and when I was looking for specific items like rompers and concert t-shirts, she knew exactly where to direct me.

{garth brooks concert tee}

{i loved this envelope style clutch but it had a lot of wear and tear at the edges}

{three boxes were full of military jackets}

This is the type of place you can easily spend hours in and like I wrote, I was there for two hours. Here’s what I ended up purchasing.

Of course I had to get this military jacket. It fit like a glove and I can’t wait to wear it on a chilly night with skinny jeans or a LBD. Vintage and thrift shops are perfect destinations if you want to embrace the military trend.

{only $8}

Of course I had to find some girly pieces as well. This bright silk accordion skirt was one of the first pieces I picked up.

I’m really in to long skirts for summer and I picked up an awesome green and gold number in the “hippy skirt” box. I had to try it on as soon as I got home. I’m. In. Love.

I really do feel like a hippy in this floor grazing beauty. I can see myself wearing this on a relaxing day spent in Brooklyn at Habana Outpost and the flea market or taking in some music at Central Park’s Summerstage.

My three items totaled $21. Thrift store score! Udelco really is a hidden treasure. It’s in such an unassuming location {it really just looks like a random warehouse} but if you’re in or near northern New Jersey, it’s worth stopping by. I think I’m going to make this a monthly shopping trip.

If you decide to hit up Udelco, here are a few things to keep in mind:
-Leave the debit card at home. The store is cash only.
-There aren’t any carts, so bring a shoulder bag to throw your items in while shopping.

While shopping, just be patient and you’re sure to find something. Bring along a friend for some fun or if you’re flying solo, just pop in your earbuds.

And be sure to dress comfortably as you’ll be doing a lot of bending and lifting boxes off of shelves. I kept my look simple with  a tee, fitted jeans, cross body bag and flats. Actually, the outfit I went thrift shopping in was thrifted!

{this awesome, creepy statue at Udelco’s entrance}

16 Comments
  • Mama Violet
    Posted at 17:28h, 29 June Reply

    Great finds! I need a Udelco in Chicago.

    • Looking Fly on a Dime
      Posted at 18:55h, 29 June Reply

      thanks! 

  • Gorgeousingredient
    Posted at 18:13h, 29 June Reply

    i really like that hippie skirt.  Cool place.  I think you will love the garment district in Cambridge,MA.  There was also a place called dollar a pound (not sure if it is still around) but the concept is as it’s name, clothes are $1 a pound.  

    • Looking Fly on a Dime
      Posted at 18:55h, 29 June Reply

      $1 a pound? Love it! I may have to make a trip out to Mass 🙂

  • Danielle
    Posted at 03:23h, 30 June Reply

    LOVE the skirt and the military jacket!

    • Looking Fly on a Dime
      Posted at 18:25h, 30 June Reply

      thanks! I love the jacket so much I want to sleep in it…but that would be a bit weird I guess 🙂

  • BlkQueen
    Posted at 16:27h, 30 June Reply

    Oh wow…Im so glad you showcased this! I cant wait to visit, I was afraid you were going to list some outrageous prices! But thats definitely not the case! Cant wait to pick me up a Military Jacket!

    • Looking Fly on a Dime
      Posted at 18:26h, 30 June Reply

      Yay, definitely let me know if you visit and pick anything up. Tons of military pieces. And the prices are unbelievable. 

  • Cyn
    Posted at 02:55h, 01 July Reply

    Oh, my jaw just dropped.  I want to go here so, so badly.  Just the clothes on the racks you photographed have me ready for the hunt.  I don’t know how you were able to show such restraint!

    • Looking Fly on a Dime
      Posted at 14:31h, 01 July Reply

      Haha, trust me. I had to put so many items back, otherwise I would have walked out with the entire warehouse 🙂
      But I’ll be heading back to Udelco soon! 

  • Robert James
    Posted at 09:49h, 04 August Reply

    I just loved the different types of clothes you showed in your post.. Specially, the skirt.. It looks like that you really enjoy shopping..

  • jenneki
    Posted at 21:20h, 05 December Reply

    I live in north Jersey so I’ll definitely check this place out soon!!

  • Duane Williams
    Posted at 17:53h, 11 February Reply

    That’s a pretty nice find! The area with the boxes has a nice system or organization. It’s simple, but it works for that kind of business where a ton of fun is in the exploration.

  • Matilda Nelson
    Posted at 14:26h, 13 March Reply

    Huh. That does seem like a pretty cool warehouse. You get a sense of adventure from those boxes, which is certainly appealing when it comes to vintage gear. The plain, old-school look works well for the place, and I assume that it helps spark sales.

  • Pingback:3 Reasons You Should Thrift Shop in a Small Town | Looking Fly on a Dime
    Posted at 09:21h, 21 October Reply

    […] have to deal with that intensity in sleepy towns. I remember the first time I checked out Udelco vintage warehouse in Hawthorne, New Jersey. It’s a massive space of cheap vintage pieces and even on a […]

  • Carol
    Posted at 18:41h, 22 September Reply

    Freestuff……freecolthers

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