Thrift Store Reviews
Here are a few of my reviews for thrifting in the Northern VA, Washington DC, and Baltimore areas. You can see my overall scores for quick reference. The scores are a combination of the number scores at the bottom and my qualitative experience. If you have any thrift stores you love let me know on the contact page. I'm always looking for new thrifting spots!
Northern Virginia
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Goodwill Retail Store
Location: 10 S Glebe Rd, Arlington, VA 22204 Overall: ★★★★★ Experience: I'm going to say the same thing about every Goodwill Retail store in Arlington because they are all basically the same-run by the same management. A range of brands, plenty of J. Crew, Factory, Ann Taylor, Loft, and Banana Republic. I've even found some Cole Haan shoes at this location. These stores are organized by size and color. Although the sizing is off most of the time so my tip is to look through everything from XS-XXL because you never know. Will I be back? Every week! This one is very close to my apartment. Quality: ★★★★ Quantity: ★★★★★ Pricing: ★★★★ Organization: ★★★ Goodwill Retail Store
Location: 6136 Arlington Blvd, Falls Church, VA 22044-2901 Overall: ★★★★ Experience: I've found some good appliances and dresses at this location. They also seem to have better shoes as well. These stores are organized by size and color. Will I be back? It's a regular on my list. Quality: ★★★★ Quantity: ★★★★★ Pricing: ★★★★ Organization: ★★★ Hospice of Northern Virginia Thrift Store
Location: Willston Centre 1, 6172 Arlington Blvd, Falls Church, VA 22044 Overall: ★★★ Experience: This shop actually has two storefronts right next to each other. One has more glassware and a few clothing items, all priced a little too high for me. The other had tons of knick knacks and more clothing at more reasonable prices. CASH ONLY! Luckily I had $5 so I picked up a Gap blazer for $3. I'll take that any day! Will I be back? Sure, if I'm at the Goodwill across the street it's worth the trip. Quality: ★★★ Quantity: ★ Pricing: ★★★★★ Organization: ★★★★★ Goodwill Retail Store
Location: 4714 Columbia Pike, Arlington, VA 22204 Overall: ★★★★★ Experience: I've found great dresses at this location. My best find was a Lilly Pulitzer! They also have a basement with larger furniture and tons of books. Will I be back? It's a regular on my list. Quality: ★★★★ Quantity: ★★★★★ Pricing: ★★★★ Organization: ★★★ |
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Columbia Pike Thrift Shop
Location: 4101 Columbia Pike, Arlington, VA 22204 Overall: ★★★ Experience: This is a cute little shop and the women working there were friendly and helpful. It's pretty cramped but everything is organized by color and type of clothing. Most of their items had stains or tears so you have to be really vigilant before purchasing. Their prices are truly rock bottom though. I got a BCBG pants for my roommate for $2. Will I be back? It's a good spot to stop by when visiting the Goodwill down the street. Quality: ★★ Quantity: ★★ Pricing: ★★★★★ Organization: ★★★★★ Goodwill Retail Store
Location: 2936 Annandale Rd, Falls Church, VA 22042 Overall: ★★★★★ Experience: I've had two big finds here: pristine Jack Rogers for $6 and a Tahari dress for $8. These stores are organized by size and color. Will I be back? It's a regular on my list. Quality: ★★★★ Quantity: ★★★★★ Pricing: ★★★★ Organization: ★★★ Thrift Store Center
Location: 3115 Sherwood Hall Ln Alexandria, VA 22306 Overall: ★★★★ Experience: A lot of people on Yelp disliked the prices at this store and I do have to agree that some things were really overpriced. Where I disagree is that there aren't still some amazing pieces to find. I purchased a Kate Spade crossbody and Stuart Weitzman flats that would have retailed over $300 together, for a total of $9. The lesson here is to give yourself a few hours and really comb through everything, that's how you'll find the pieces they missed in their brand mark-ups. Will I be back? I think I would be crazy not to stop by here when I'm in the area. Quality: ★★★ Quantity: ★★★★★ Pricing: ★★★ Organization: ★★★★ Goodwill Retail Store
Location: 6220 Richmond Hwy, Alexandria, VA 22303 Overall: ★★★★★ Experience: So far, I've only been here once since it's a little further away for me. I had some fantastic finds though. I found leather boots for both my friend and myself and my boyfriend found a vintage Woolrich button up. Best of all, I found a new side table! To wrap all of this together, the store is very well organized and the normal racks were fairly priced. Only one downside, they do have a few of those annoying "boutique" racks. I saw a great sequin Banana Republic dress, but I didn't even try it on because it was priced over $25, so I guess check it out but beware of the boutique racks! Will I be back? If I have time on a weekend. Quality: ★★★★ Quantity: ★★★★★ Pricing: ★★★ Organization: ★★★★★ |
Washington, DC
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Buffalo Exchange
Location: 3279 M St NW, Washington, DC 20007 Overall: ★★★★ Experience: Buffalo Exchange is actually a chain of consignment stores, so not exactly thrifting. I am including it here because I think there are some great deals to be found and it's worth a trip. A lot of clothing with tags still attached and a big purse selection. My friend purchased a Michael Kors crossbody that was essentially new with the dust bag for $60, it retails for more than twice that. If you're new to purchasing second hand, start here. Will I be back? If I don't feel like digging or I'm looking for a dress for an event, jewelry, or a bag then definitely. Quality: ★★★★★ Quantity: ★★★ Pricing: ★★★ Organization: ★★★★★ Fia's Fabulous Finds
Location: 806 Upshur St NW, Washington, DC 20011 Overall: ★★★ Experience: This is a really cute little storefront that had a lot of special occasion dresses. There was also a big selection of shoes and pants. I didn't find anything I could justify buying (dresses were up near $30, but they retail over $100 so that's alright). There's also a basement section with a $20 fill up bag option. While it's very tempting-you can fit a ton in the bag-I still didn't score too much. The owner is friendly and keeps a great atmosphere though. Will I be back? If I need a dress for a special event, yes. Quality: ★★★ Quantity: ★★★ Pricing: ★★ Organization: ★★★★ Crossroads Trading Co.
Location: 2015 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009 Overall: ★★★ Experience: This is a really impressive storefront with tons of inventory. The staff was helpful as well. The reason I just can't get behind this place is the PRICING. In what world is a pilled and worn target or old navy dress $20? Then I found tons of J. Crew/Factory/Loft skirts that were in style, in great condition for $15, which seems more appropriate. So I guess if you have awhile to dig that's cool. I walked out with a new loft skirt for $13, but otherwise I couldn't justify the price. Really, I could go to the outlet stores and buy something new for similar prices. Will I be back? No, this just isn't my kind of thrifting. Quality: ★★★★ Quantity: ★★★★★ Pricing: ★ Organization: ★★★★★ Unique & Value Village
Location: 1014 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20903 Overall: ★★★★★ Experience: This is actually two stores in one! They are right next to each other in the strip mall and are of equal impressive size. The inventory is amazing. Last time I was there I scored a few Eileen Fisher tank tops, and I didn't even have time to get to the whole Value Village side. The store wasn't too crowded and the prices were decent, I can't wait to go back there! Will I be back? Yes! It's a bit of a trek for me in my new apartment, but I could spend a whole day there. Quality: ★★★★ Quantity: ★★★★★ Pricing: ★★★ Organization: ★★★★★ |
Baltimore
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Goodwill Outlet (NOW CLOSED) :(
Location: Alameda Shopping Center, 5620 The Alameda, Baltimore, MD 21239 Overall: ★★★★★ Experience; This place is an experience like no other. There are huge plastic bins full of clothing throughout this warehouse space. Clothing is weighed by the pound for $1.60 and shoes are $3 a pair. I've found some Free People, Anthropologie, and Under Armour pieces here. By far my biggest find has been two pairs of Stuart Weitzman shoes!! You will need at least two hours, you will have to be ok with questionable thrifty smells, and you must be ready to dig through the bins. But you'll find something worth it. Will I be back? As often as possible...but I love to dig! Quality: ★★ Quantity: ★★★★★ Pricing: ★★★★★ Organization: ★ Junior League of Baltimore Wise Penny Thrift Store
Location: 5902 York Rd. Baltimore, MD 21212 Overall: ★★★ Experience:This is a nice and clean little thrift store. The ladies working there are helpful and very friendly. There was a mix of brand names and not as well as good and bad conditions. I was looking for a plate or bowl set but they didn't have very many options. They did however have tons of silver and glassware in fantastic condition at average thrift prices. It's basically a hit or miss but VERY well organized so you won't spend all day sifting. Will I be back? If I'm in the area, sure. Quality:★★★★ Quantity:★★ Pricing:★★★ Organization:★★★★★ Savers Thrift Store
Location: 9800 Reisterstown Rd, Owings Mills, MD 21117 Overall: ★★★★★ Experience: This place is knick-knack heaven. It's a warehouse type space and very well organized. They have plenty of room and shelving to spread everything out. Last time I was there my boyfriend found a massive decorative globe for $20 that retails over $500! Tons of good quality slow cookers and kitchen items. I didn't have much time to sort through the clothes, but they are all hung up nicely on the racks. Will I be back? Yes! Especially if I'm looking for furniture. Quality: ★★★★ Quantity: ★★★★★ Pricing: ★★★★ Organization: ★★★★★ Goodwill Retail Store
Location: 6999 Reisterstown Rd, Baltimore, MD 21215 Overall: ★★ Experience: I am not a fan of the prices at this location. While Baltimore has the glorious outlets, the retail leaves a lot to be desired. There were many brand new low end items that were pretty much the same price as just going to Walmart. I did find an awesome Nautica rain coat, which I was willing to pay up to $20 for. When I checked out the price I almost choked, $45. They sell for less on eBay... I did end up picking up some new fleece lined leggings for $5, not a huge deal. Although they did have some nice silver and new toys. UPDATE: I recently moved closer to this location and have been back. I have found some great deals on shoes, Cole Haan and Ferragamo, while the majority of their pricing is still questionable, it's worth a quick stop! Also, they repaved the parking lot and road next to it, much better! Will I be back? Probably not. UPDATE: I'll eat my words..I've been back. Quality: ★★ Quantity: ★★★ Pricing: ★ Organization: ★★★★ Salvation Army
Location: 8715 Liberty Rd, Randallstown, MD 21133 Overall: ★★★★ Experience: This store is pretty well organized and the staff is very friendly. It's never been too crowded when I have visited, so that makes for a nice experience. I hit up this location on Fridays, when they have their 50% off sale, yup off of everything in the store. I had one of my all time best finds here, a men's Barbour flannel new with tags for $7. They also have some nice furniture at great prices. Will I be back? Every Friday! Quality: ★★★ Quantity: ★★★ Pricing: ★★★★ Organization: ★★★★ |