8 Best Thrift Stores in Charleston, SC

In the case of fashion, what goes around comes around. We're moving things offline and into our backyard due to the popularity of buying and selling used clothing and other products through apps like Poshmark, ThredUp, and more. Before we dive in further, here are some major differences between the businesses. A vintage business independently sources and curates vintage products. A consignment shop purchases clothing and other items from local vendors, and a thrift shop relies on donations. Here you may get second-hand goods, from gently used Louis Vuitton bags to vintage baby outfits at discounted prices. If you are not from Charleston but want to visit their best thrift stores, you should find some places to stay. So, where are the best thrift stores in Charleston, SC?

 

Top 8 Best Thrift Stores in Charleston, SC

One of the most environmentally friendly methods to purchase is to buy used or antique items, which give previously made clothing a second chance in your closet. Purchasing used goods is simpler than ever these days. Online shops are a great place to buy and sell fantastic items.

Assorted clothing hanging on the clothing racks.

 

However, if you prefer to see the clothes in person before buying them, then local thrift stores are the one for you. If you want to discover where to shop in Charleston, here is the list of the top 8 best thrift stores in Charleston, SC.

Red Rose Vintage Shop

This shop is one for the Instagrammer. Amy, the owner and Instagram mogul of the top vintage store in Charleston, is knowledgeable about high-quality vintage clothing. You may see her popping up in her Airstream RV from 1976 around CHS, follow her Instagram for pop-up announcements and Insta-sales, or go to her lottery Instagram page, where bids start at only $5. It is a mobile and antique store. Common findings include a ton of vintage denim and 80s and 90s clothing for both men and women.

Find.Keep.Vintage

We can't forget about the kids when it comes to vintage apparel. A toddler wearing a vintage frock from the 1960s is priceless. FK Vintage carries many vintage items for adults, but they don't stop there. You'll find genuine items for you and your stylish child on Etsy or at their shop from a rebuilt school bus. This also makes it a mobile vintage store. Vintage denim, Loom Imports rugs, baby/toddler outfits, and unique vintage treasures are common finds. And if you follow them on Instagram, you'll be able to follow them in real-time! They always announce a different pop-up location, so you know where to catch them.

 

Ensemble Consignment

This one is for boutique shoppers. The Ensemble is well-known for offering discounted versions of things still available at each store. Women's apparel comes in various styles, from athletic wear to ball gowns to your go-to everyday outfits. Additionally, from Monday through Thursday during office hours, you are welcome to bring your own gently worn clothing to sell for some fast money. While you're shopping, you may want to take a break. Charleston has plenty of popular food places where you can eat and rest.

We all prefer buying from our favorite brands, but occasionally we don't like the price.

 

Consigning Women and Men

The brands you've always wanted but couldn't afford are easily accessible at Consigning Women and Men. They provide a massive selection of gently used designer labels at considerably lower prices for both men and women. You can also buy clothing and accessories from well-known mainstream retailers like Free People, Anthropologie, and others. Lacking time to visit? They deliver and take Venmo. You may find Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Kate Spade, Tory Burch, and many more here. 

 

Reinvented Upscale Resale

The Post and Courier just named Reinvented Upscale Resale as Charleston's Best Vintage Consignment Shop. They have a diverse selection of apparel, footwear, and accessories that they hope will appeal to people from all backgrounds. They offer something for everyone, from colorful skirts and jackets to hats in the derby style. Eileen Fisher, Prada, Chicos, Talbots, Banana Republic, and more are common finds.

 

Goodwill

The king of thrift stores, Goodwill, has eight outlets in Charleston and the Lowcountry. This is the place to go if you want to get used clothing, accessories, furniture, housewares, and more at incredibly low costs for people of all ages, genders, and sizes. You can discover a Dior purse, Louis Vuitton heels, a Harley Davidson leather jacket, and Stuart Weitzman heels at the spot on Folly Road, proving that you can almost always expect to unearth hidden treasures. Remember to acquire your tax receipt when you contribute to Goodwill to be eligible for charitable tax deductions. Regular finds include a wide range of home furnishings and everything from designer to cozy colors.

 

Holy City Vintage Market

For the ultimate vintage shopping experience, Holy City Vintage Market brings together all of Charleston's top vintage stores. The market, which is regularly held in various places throughout the city and was started by Runaround Sue Vintage, has as its goal "to bring awareness to the requirement of sustainable fashion." They post information on pop-up dates and locations on their Facebook and Instagram profiles. The sellers are Runaround Sue Vintage, FK Vintage, and Grease Kelly Vintage.


You can find a Dior pocketbook, a Harley Davidson leather jacket, Stuart Weitzman heels, and many more hidden gems.

 

 

Community Thrift Store

Cheap, guilt-free shopping that benefits our neighborhood? Say no more. Community Thrift Store gives the best deals on used furniture, appliances, apparel, trinkets, and other items. In addition to providing high-quality goods at competitive prices, they also support the neighborhood by generating jobs and acquiring goods from nonprofits, community groups, educational institutions, and government agencies. After the merchandise is sold, the proceeds are donated to their activities.

As you can see, Charleston is a paradise for vintage, antique and unique second-hand purchases. And you can decorate both yourself and your home! So if you are from the Sunny State, for example, and want to leave Florida for good, you can hire movers for interstate moving from FL to Charleston to enjoy this and all the other stores often.

THRIFT TIPS FOR FIRST-TIMERS

For those who might be new to the world of thrift shopping or visiting Charleston's thrift stores for the first time, here are some handy tips to make your experience worthwhile:

1. Be Patient: Unlike regular stores, thrift stores have a unique collection of items. Sifting through the racks to find the perfect piece might take a while, so ensure you allocate enough time for your thrift shopping spree.

2. Check for Sales: Many thrift stores have specific days or times when they offer additional discounts. It might be a good idea to check in advance or ask the staff about any ongoing or upcoming sales.

3. Visit Often: The inventory in thrift stores changes frequently. If you didn’t find something on your first visit, you might find a treasure on your next visit.

4. Inspect Items: Always inspect items for any damage, stains, or defects before buying. Remember, most thrift stores have a no-return policy.

5. Stay Open-minded: The unpredictability is part of the fun in thrift shopping. You might not always find what you’re looking for, but you might stumble upon something even better.

6. Research Before Reselling: If you're thinking of reselling a thrifted item, do some research to determine its value. Some vintage pieces might be worth more than you think!

7. Wash Before Wearing: This goes without saying, but always wash or clean thrifted items before using or wearing them.

8. Explore Different Sections: Don’t just stick to your size or section. Sometimes, items get misplaced, or an oversized piece from another section might just be the style you're looking for.

Remember, thrift shopping is not just about finding the best deals; it's also about sustainability and giving back to the community. 

CONCLUSION

You can find high-end apparel, shoes, accessories, home goods, toys, furniture, and more at substantial discounts from retail pricing by thrift shopping. Everyone enjoys a good deal, right? Purchasing used instead of new benefits the environment in more ways than just financial savings and exciting discoveries since it lessens the amount of waste we make and protects the natural resources utilized in the production, packaging, transportation, and final disposal of new products. Good luck with your shopping!

 

 

 

Photos used:

https://www.pexels.com/photo/women-at-the-thrift-store-6069552/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/assorted-clothing-hanging-in-the-clothing-racks-6069079/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/garage-sale-1087727/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-wearing-white-long-sleeved-shirt-with-scarf-standing-near-clothes-374679/