16 Apr Most Affordable NYC Thrift Stores

I tend to get the same question over and over, “Patrice, what’s your favorite thrift store in NYC?” Well, I’ve done quite a few posts on my favorites {including thrift shopping 101}, but this post is all about my favorite, most affordable shops. These are the places I go when I want serious bang for my limited buck. Yes, New York can be expensive and some thrift stores charge $10, $15 or even $20 for a basic dress, but not these shops.

Check out my top three picks for most affordable thrift stores in New York. I’m talking as low as less than $1 for vintage and designer goods.

Housing Works Buy the Bag 159 28th Street Brooklyn, NY
First up is Housing Works Buy the Bag. Buy the Bag works like this: you get a big brown bag, stuff it full of clothing and it’s yours for 25 bucks. I’ve managed to fit 35 or even 40 pieces of clothes in a single bag, which averages out to less than 70 cents per garment. Though you have to dig for pieces since everything is in bins, it’s totally worth it. On my last trip, one of my scores included an Oscar de la Renta oversized cardigan. And on one of my Nate Berkus Show appearances, I wore a $1 beaded cocktail dress I bought at Buy the Bag a few years ago. The sales used to be on select Saturdays in the summer, but last year, Housing Works opened a stand alone Buy the Bag shop in Brooklyn.

Salvation Army 536 West 46th Street New York, NY
I have a few Salvation Army locations I like, but the 46th Street Salvation Army is a favorite. The store is organized {a great plus if you’re new to thrifting} and the prices are reasonable, on average around $4-$7. If you’re in the market for home decor, their third floor is full of couches, desks, tables, lamps and more. This location also has the amazing thrift store coat sale every season. Most outwear starts at $5 and $10 and I walked away with a DSquared parka for $2. And if you shop here on Wednesday, most items are half off. They have a great selection of dresses, vintage button down blouses and trousers.

Goodwill Outlet 47-47 Van Dam Street Long Island City, NY
When I discovered the Goodwill Outlet a few years ago, I walked in to a thrifter’s paradise. Instead of items being individually priced, clothes are $1.69 per pound. This is another location where you’ll have to dig through bins, but once again, it’s well worth it. On any given day, I’ve walked away with clothes from H&M, J. Crew, Nicole Miller and White House Black Market. As you can see from the receipt above, more than 7 pounds of clothes and accessories was just over $15.

What are your favorite, affordable NYC thrift stores? Are there similar buy the bag or pay per pound shops you love? If you’re not in New York, share your favorite shops below.