Growing up in a low-income family, buying second hand was a necessity, not a trend. As an adult, buying second hand has become a way of life for me. Most of my family’s clothing was purchased secondhand, and our furniture is an eclectic mix of hand-me-downs, Facebook Marketplace purchases, and estate sale finds. I am of the belief that there is no reason to pay full price for something you can get used for way less. This saves money and the environment all at once! I have made a list of some of what I would consider the best thrift stores in the Louisville area, a guide to local thrifting!
Best for furniture and home goods:
- Eyedia Design It Again, 926 Baxter Ave, Louisville, KY 40204
Quirky and classic pieces alike can be found in this store. Some of the larger pieces are new, but still reasonably priced. There are discounts applied after an item has been there a set amount of time. Be sure to invest in a Highland card if you plan to shop here; they offer a great discount for members! - No Direction Home, 2509 Grinstead Dr, Louisville, KY 40206
One-of-a-kind vintage pieces galore! Looking for a piece of furniture to be a focal point? This is your place! - Fleur de Flea Vintage Market, 947 E Breckinridge St, Louisville, KY 40204
This market is like Joanna Gaines and Joe Ley had a baby.
Best for kids’ clothes/toys:
- Once Upon a Child, three locations in Louisville
Sign up for all their discount programs and coupons. You can’t beat the mass amounts of everything kiddo located in one place! - Buttons, Bows, and Britches, 111 Cannons Ln, Louisville, KY 40206
Such a cute little shop with lots of options for your littles, right in the heart of St. Matthews.
Best for menswear:
- Evolve: The Men’s ReSale Store, 2416 Frankfort Ave #2, Louisville, KY 40206
You might think you’re shopping in an old school, small town department store with how organized and curated this shop is! - Encore ReSale, 1045 Bardstown Rd, Louisville, KY 40204
A great mix of newer and vintage styles, with just the right amount of personality thrown in. The owner and his dog are both friendly!
Best to find a Derby outfit (upscale):
- Margaret’s Fine Consignment, 2700 Frankfort Ave, Louisville, KY 40206
Margaret’s offers name-brand clothing and accessories. Everything from formal dresses to every day clothing, as well as a small men’s section, can be found in this two story gem. - Sassy Fox Upscale Consignment, 150 Chenoweth Ln, Louisville, KY 40207
The perfect place to find name-brand treasures on a frugal budget.
Best of Indiana:
- Mariposa Consignments, 222 Pearl St # 102, New Albany, IN 47150
This shop offers everything from prom attire to casual clothes for women. Conveniently in beautiful, walkable downtown New Albany! - Back on the Rack Consignment, 568 E 10th St Unit 102, Jeffersonville, IN 47130
Name-brand items at a fraction of their normal prices, some of them are even new! They have a great social media presence as well, so you can check out their newest inventory online before heading into the store.
Best vintage-focused:
- Nitty Gritty, 996 Barret Ave, Louisville, KY 40204
Love dressing like you walked straight out of another decade? Need a costume for a themed party? Look no further than Nitty Gritty for your every day vintage wear, as well as costume rentals. - Tickled Pink Memorabilia Mall, 3269 Taylor Blvd, Louisville, KY 40215
Enjoy the treasure hunt in this family-owned, friendly shop with something for everyone! - Fat Rabbit Thrift and Vintage, 994 Barret Ave, Louisville, KY 40204
Looking for a curated amount of grunge and hipster vibes? Fat Rabbit offers up the perfect balance of price and atmosphere.
Something for everyone:
- Nearly New Thrift Shop, 1250 Bardstown Rd # 114, Louisville, KY 40204
Located in the basement of MidCity Mall on Bardstown Road, Nearly New offers clothing for all ages and gender identities, as well as toys, housewares, and holiday decor. They offer huge sales in the spring and fall, as well as a frequent shoppers card. Every purchase supports the National Council of Jewish Women. - Goodwill, multiple locations
If you are okay with digging and spending quite a bit of time, not much beats the pride from finding a pair of impeccable Madewell jeans for $6 at your local Goodwill. - St. Vincent de Paul, multiple locations
If you are fine not trying clothes on before purchasing them, you can get some great deals here! They also have a decent selection of housewares and support a great charity.
Of course, there are tons of other secondhand stores in the metro area. These are just some of my favorites and places that I frequent myself. Thrifting does generally take more time if you are shopping in person, but I just remind myself that I am investing in my savings account and making Captain Planet proud!
Happy hunting!
