If you’re just visiting New Orleans, you’re probably wondering about which thrift stores you could visit without breaking the bank. Well, don’t worry, cos this list covers the best thrift stores where you can find designer items or vintage treasures for your home, at affordable prices.
New Orleans has always had a special relationship with thrifting even before this became a popular thing because you can easily create unique looks at an incredible price.
Make sure you take your time browsing through these thrift stores in New Orleans because you never know what hidden gems you’ll go home with.
Best Thrift Stores In New Orleans
1. bdffrnt Vintage
bdffrnt Vintage is the perfect spot for affordable unique and fashionable outfits in New Orleans. They offer a selection of vintage clothing from the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s – think bright blouses, retro tops, bottoms, and trending bomber jackets.
Shopping here is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that allows you to express your individuality and, more importantly, to stand out. You should know that top vintage thrift stores in New Orleans, like bdffrnt Vintage, influence fashion current trends and promote inclusivity in the community.
In case you get stuck at any point while shopping, the owner, Astrid, and her crew are always happy to assist you in finding something that meets your tastes. You may also love the community events organized here such as the group meditation and evening shopping.
2. Bridge House/Grace House Thrift Stores
The Bridge House/Grace House Thrift Stores is a hidden gem among the thrift stores in New Orleans. This store is known for its selection of goods for purchase, ranging from exquisite china to rare vintage furniture items that are no longer, in production.
Working together with Bridge House and Grace House, this thrift store provides support to those who have been addicted to drugs or alcohol. So, purchasing here is a form of charity and ensures that everyone in need, regardless of money, receives assistance.
So, shopping at Bridge House allows you to buy affordable items while also supporting individuals on their path to recovery from addiction, which is a win-win.
3. Blue Dream
Blue Dream might just be the best thrift store in New Orleans if you’re in need for boho, post-contemporary, and vintage designs.
You’ll get to shop everything from casual streetwear to chic and exquisite ensembles, including vintage Victoria’s Secret shirts and 70s high-waisted flare pants to match! You’ll also find a variety of unusual accessories, jewelry, purses, and shoes to finish your outfit.
In case you need a second opinion on your outfit choice, their staff is popular for being courteous, competent, and eager to assist. If you’re interested, you could also browse their online store for unique pieces for less than 20$.
4. Buffalo Exchange
Magazine Street has some of the best boutiques, restaurants, and vintage shops in New Orleans, but Buffalo Exchange has a different type of vibe.
This store, which is one of the best thrift stores in New Orleans, presents a one-of-a-kind New Orleans style straight from the locals’ closets. There is a clothing credit option that helps to provide its ever-changing stock of clothes, shoes, and accessories.
So, a staff member selects sellable items from your pile and returns comparable shop credit. You’ll get new clothes and give your gently worn items a new life with someone who will appreciate them as much as you did.
5. Funky Monkey
If you’re in New Orleans and you’re still looking for a thrift store near you that can attend to your unique taste, then you should check out Funky Monkey. This is a must-stop thrift store for newcomers and locals who have a unique and trending fashion style.
Here, you can find a broad and ever-changing range of clothing, accessories, and vintage products. You will definitely love some of their vivid and themed pieces, such as the zebra-printed clothing and plenty of sequins that will have you looking like you just stepped out of a fashion icon parade.
6. Glue Clothing Exchange
While exploring other thrift stores near you, you should stop at Glue Clothing Exchange because they provide a unique handpicked selection of items that explore different eras and boundaries of fashion. This store has a wide range of items including clothing, accessories, and even old instruments can be bought at a fair price.
With their low costs, you can time travel to any era and find vintage items in whatever style you like. Shopping here allows you to explore musical instruments while looking good, which is perfect for musical and shopping lovers.
7. Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Louisiana
Goodwill is a popular thrift store in New Orleans that you definitely don’t want to miss. This is one of the best thrift stores and it’s dedicated to a bigger cause that offers job training, foster care assistance, ex-offender workforce re-entry, and disability employment.
When you shop at Goodwill, you are helping others and the community at large. This thrift store which has multiple locations provides a varied assortment of apparel and home furnishings at reasonable prices.
Are you looking for a thrift store next to you or do you need to donate some of your no-longer-used items, Goodwill is the place to go. They accept clothing and used items donations both in-store and via pick-up.
8. Junk’s Above
Junk’s Above is a thrifter’s dream come true because they take pleasure in bringing new life to all secondhand objects. This store is in a refurbished plumbing supply building and is adorned with vivid colors and odd art pieces.
This boutique is filled with one-of-a-kind items such as antique records, handheld bags, metal lockboxes, throwback motorcycle helmets, and 1950s framed artwork. Here, you can find your next favorite board game, books, records, glassware, lamps, candlesticks, or clothing.
Junk’s Above is the best thrift store in New Orleans for collectors because they have new and vintage figurines from major pop culture franchises such as Power Rangers, Toy Story, and Disney.
9. Merchant House
Merchant House is widely known as one of the best thrift stores in New Orleans for furniture and household items. This thrift store displays carefully curated, one-of-a-kind vintage and antiques from local vendors.
The first floor contains larger artifacts such as quality Venetian Italianate console tables, dressers, seats, rugs, and other antiquities. The second floor displays a variety of smaller products, so if you’re looking for a trinket, new clothing, or a lamp, you’ll definitely find it here.
This thrift store gives a friendly and welcoming vibe, and their staff are eager to give more details behind each item. After shopping with them, you can have your items delivered through interstate shippers or local delivery services.
10. Oddz N Endz
One of the best thrift stores in New Orleans, Oddz N Endz is known for its variety of products and items, despite its small size.
Browsing through this store, you’ll find various commodities, from vintage and designer jeans to furniture, decor, and household goods. You might even come across bright red bar stools or a new pair of black leather Chelsea boots you need for a walk around.
The staff here is well-trained and known for their friendliness, hospitality, and responsiveness. And because Oddz N Endz is known for its clean surroundings and affordable prices, you should definitely stop by.
11. Out of the Closet
Are you looking for an affordable thrift store in New Orleans to browse through without breaking the bank? Out of the Closet is that thrift store and it offers a large assortment of thrift clothes and household items.
Out of the Closet was founded in 1990 to raise funds and awareness for the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, and it continues to provide 96 cents of every dollar to life-saving HIV care. So if you want to donate, they offer in-store donation and pick-up services.
Shopping at Out of the Closet is a guaranteed way to find hidden and cheap jewels in New Orleans.
12. Red White & Blue Thrift Store
With two locations in New Orleans, Red White & Blue gives some of the best thrift store experiences. You’ll get to browse through racks on racks of every type of clothes (arranged by color), furniture, decor, records, cassettes, CDs, and small appliances.
This thrift store is different from others because of its one unique feature: everyday deals. To keep inventory moving, select items are reduced down 50% every day (except on Wednesdays, when promotions are designated for seniors 55 and over).
13. Second Act
Second Act is one of the unique thrift stores in New Orleans because the original owner of whatever you buy receives a portion of the ultimate profit. Apart from that, this store has a carefully picked assortment of better and designer-label clothing, jewelry, shoes, and accessories that adhere to current fashion trends.
Here, you can browse through a variety of designer items, including blouses, handbags, jewelry, footwear, knits, sweaters, bottoms, dresses, and accessories. Their prices are higher than other thrift stores, but these high-quality finds are well worth the extra money.
14. SpayMart Thrift Store and Adoption Center
SpayMart Thrift Store and Adoption Center might just possibly be the cutest and best thrift store in New Orleans. This store mixes vintage treasures with a mission to ensure that no animal reaches local shelters at risk of death.
SpayMart ensures you are attracted to the adopted kittens and buy goods to help them. There is a large selection of presents, vintage furniture, dishware, accessories, and other thrift items you can browse through.
All earnings are used in animal welfare activities such as rescuing, caring for, and rehoming cats and kittens. And who knows, while shopping for an antique rocking chair, you may also go home with an adopted furry buddy.
15. Swamp Rags Vintage
Although it’s located outside the French Quarter, Swamp Rags Vintage is still on this list of the best thrift stores in New Orleans. This store sells both original and vintage clothing and offers a pleasant shopping experience for those looking for one-of-a-kind treasures.
Walking into Swamp Rags Vintage is like entering a time machine that transports you back to the 1980s or 1990s because the walls are covered with a large selection of vintage tees, caps, jean jackets, coats, patches, pinball machines, and other accessories.
With various standout pieces like classic Coogi Sweaters and near-mint vintage New Orleans Saints coats, you’ll find something to fit your taste.
16. Swap Boutique
If you need a thrift store near you in New Orleans where you can find fashionable outfits, then you should visit Swap Boutique. Swap Boutique has been providing attractive items to clients looking for the finer things while staying within their budget since 2008.
If you have lots of fashionable items in your closet, you can decide to cosign and recycle your clothes to earn money. As a consignor, you can keep your earnings or donate to a specific charity organization of your choice.
If an item is accepted, it is approved as either gently used or brand new condition so you are assured of shopping quality outfits. Also, items with minor issues and blemishes get a major discount, which you can take advantage of.
17. The Encore Shop
If you’re looking for a high-end thrift store in New Orleans, The Encore Shop is the place to go. The Encore Shop sells business and formal clothes in good condition at a low price. Since 1966, all proceeds from this consignment business have gone to aid the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and the preservation of music arts in New Orleans.
Gently used designer items can be contributed with an appointment, and garments can also be donated. So it will be easy to find a designer ball gown or suit for your dinner date at The Encore Shop.
18. The Green Project
The Green Project is a top-rated spot for thrifters in New Orleans and the best part, they promote environmental sustainability. They started as a volunteer paint recycling program to recycle usable paint and resell it back to the community at affordable prices.
This thrift store offers a one-of-a-kind shopping experience by displaying recovered and recycled building materials, architectural salvage, furniture, and home decor goods. You could attend their free environmental educational lessons and workshops held on creative ways to reuse waste.
The Green Project accepts donations of reusable building materials, appliances, and furniture, diverting them from landfills and making them available to the general public at reasonable prices.
19. Thrift City USA
Thrift City USA, located a little outside of New Orleans proper, is one of the best and most popular thrift stores in New Orleans. Thrift City was previously a popular destination for Mardi Gras and Halloween costumes, as well as inexpensive, interesting furnishings and clothing.
This thrift store now offers a wide range of clothing and shoes for both adults and children at 75% to 90% less than other retailers. This store is colorful and well organized so you will be comfortable while shopping for the best quality and style.
20. YEP Thrift Works
YEP Thrift Works is a must-visit thrift store in New Orleans known not only for its variety of secondhand products but also for its commitment to a worthy cause. The Youth Empowerment Project (YEP) provides young people with vital experience in customer service, point of sale, and inventory management through YEP Thrift Works.
This store has a large assortment of thrift items so have fun browsing through the racks of clothing, which include anything from wedding gowns to sequinned tops, as well as accessories, furnishings, and homewares.
Conclusion
It might have to do with New Orleans’ music, food, festivals, historic, and vintage scene but this is one of the best cities for thrifting from clothes to household goods.
Most New Orleans thrift store on this list has a partnered local charity so most of the time you are helping a good cause while making a purchase there.
Finding unique outfits is the easiest way to stand out and with the unique pieces you’re sure to find at these thrift stores, you can express your true self and join in on the fun!