A city is known around the globe for its miles of pristine beaches, its calm and inviting climate, and its various attractions: the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and LEGOLAND California – San Diego also has in store an amazing array of choices to fill in your wardrobe. Read on to find out the best thrift stores San Diego has in store to shop for the loveliest gifts for your loved ones!
Whether you’re just a high schooler trying to find the best vintage skirt at affordable prices or a fashion blogger looking for that one last piece of your outfit that will set you apart from the rest of the crowd, the thrift stores in San Diego have, can help you find loads of vintage clothing and hidden treasures.
If you’re looking for some of the best thrift stores San Diego shoppers love to frequent, stock up your wardrobe, beautiful furniture at reasonable prices, or some rare antique pieces, here’s a comprehensive list of the most favorite thrift stores San Diego has!
Not only that, but you can also recreate your favorite celebrity looks from all centuries!
That’s right!
Whether your favorite celebrity icon is someone as recent as Alexa Demie or someone from far back like Bessie Smith, you can always put your hands on some vintage clothing in the best thrift shops San Diego has to offer.
So, what are you waiting for?
Scroll down and read on to find out the best thrift stores in San Diego to spice your next outfit or decorate your home with the rarest hidden gems you can find from these thrift stores.
1. 8 Best Thrift Stores San Diego has in Store
1.1. Home Start Thrift Boutique
1.1.1. Introduction
The Home Start Thrift Boutique in San Diego first opened its doors to welcome customers and fashion enthusiasts from all corners of San Diego County in the year 2018. A vintage home turned into a thrift store; this non-profit thrift shop has in its store a wide variety of superior quality secondhand products, vintage clothing, household goods, and furniture.
1.1.2. Other Reasons to Shop Here
Another reason this is among the best thrift stores in San Diego is that this resale shop’s earnings and profits are allocated to charity. The store also supports young mothers through its Maternity Housing Program by helping them develop skills and gain work experience. So, remember that when you’re shopping at Home Start Thrift Boutique in San Diego, you are already contributing to a greater cause.
1.1.3. Things You Can Find Here
This thrift store has a beautiful collection of high-quality clothing and loads of options for furniture shopping. You can also find household goods, decor items for your room, vintage clothes, shirts, skirts, jackets, and many more at very reasonable prices.
The Icy Tales team talked to Andrew Johnson, Founder of Giveaways.org, on how thrift shopping affects your style, sustainability efforts, and overall shopping experience. Here is what he said:
“There are a few things that draw me to thrift stores for shopping. First and foremost, one of the main attractions is the excitement of finding rare and original objects. It enables me to develop a distinctive, unique style that deviates from the norm.
Additionally, my dedication to sustainability is supported by my thrift store purchases. I lessen my environmental impact and help to reduce waste by giving used goods a second chance at life.
Last but not least, thrift store shopping is a thrilling and surprising experience altogether, since you never know what gems you might find.”
1.2. Rock Thrift Store
1.2.1. Introduction
If you’re looking for a thrift shop with a wide variety of clothes, shoes, and back-to-school accessories and different sizes, styles, and colors of outfits, then you HAVE to look at Rock Thrift Store in San Diego.
1.2.2. Become a Contributor to the Society
One of the many reasons this thrift store stands out from the rest of the thrift shops in San Diego is that students and people from all across San Diego actively donate and contribute to developing underprivileged communities through their service. You can become a generous contributor too! You can donate clothes and even serve in their thrift store to contribute to the local outreach program and help those in need.
1.2.3. Things You Can Buy
If you’re looking for back-to-school supplies, affordable clothing, toys, goodies, or home decor at great deals in the San Diego area, then this thrift shop is the best place. It provides high-quality secondhand clothes, decors, and other goodies that you’ll cherish for a lifetime.
1.3. Salvation Army Thrift Store
1.3.1. Introduction
The Salvation Army is a charitable organization, acclaimed all around the globe, which is headquartered in England.
It has over 1.7 million members from all over the globe, including soldiers and officers. It has over 8000 locations in the United States. Chances are, there’s a Salvation Army Thrift Shop right next to it.
It is one of the most charitable thrift stores in San Diego. So, drop by if you’re looking for vintage goods or furniture.
1.3.2. Things You Can Buy Here:
Among the many thrift stores, San Diego houses a variety of vintage goods, antique furniture, and handmade jewelry. This thrift shop stands out with its striking and affordable collection of recycled clothes, vintage threads, sandals, shoes, t-shirts, and a lot more!
You can also find electronics and vintage jackets. With its extremely affordable price range, it is among the best thrift stores San Diego has to go thrift shopping for cheap clothes or stock up on your favorite back-to-school materials.
We talked to Adam Wright, CEO of Human Tonik, about his thrift shopping experience. Here is an excerpt from the interview:
“From my experience, exploring thrift stores transcends the mere act of finding bargains—it represents a conscientious choice against the rapid consumption cycle of fast fashion.
I’d say that my motivation is somewhat similar to embarking on an elegant treasure hunt, where each piece is unique and rich with history. This practice is not only about style but also sustainability.
By choosing second-hand, we prevent garments from ending up in landfills, thus reducing environmental impact.
Each item found is more than just clothing; it’s a narrative of past and present intertwined. Thrifting reshapes our approach to consumption, encouraging thoughtful purchases that defy ephemeral trends.
It’s a movement that redefines personal style and sustainability, one garment at a time.”
1.4. Honest Thrift Studio
1.4.1. Introduction
This thrift shop in San Diego is famous among shopaholics as one of the best thrift shops for specially curated products.
It is a small, cozy thrift shop located in Old Town, San Diego, and is owned by a single person who handpicks the spectacular collection of inventory that attracts thrift shoppers from all across San Diego to this thrift store.
While its collection is not as vast, you can find several goods you will surely cherish for a lifetime.
1.4.2. Things You Can Buy Here:
Being one of the top-rated thrift stores in San Diego, this vintage shop has a lucrative collection of vintage clothes and furniture items. All the items are extremely high quality as the shop owner picks them out.
You can find vintage t-shirts, plants, or even unique home decor products.
So if you’re in Old Town and are looking for a cozy thrift store, make sure to drop into Honest Thrift Studio!
1.5. AMVETS Thrift Store
1.5.1. Introduction
The list of the best collection of thrift stores in San Diego remains incomplete without the mention of the AMVETS Thrift Store.
This is one of those thrift stores that the shoppers of San Diego would flock to for awesome chances of bargaining and avail huge discounts on quality clothing and other beautiful products.
What’s more?
Bonus points to this store, as you get to support American veterans while shopping for what you love!
That’s right! All AMVETS thrift stores contribute a steady revenue for all veteran support programs. So not only are you buying your favorite products, but you are also contributing to these veteran support programs!
1.5.2. Things You Can Buy Here:
This unique shop has a wide variety of quality products in its store. Here, you can find used clothes in the newest condition available at the lowest prices.
Household goods, toys, furniture, and other goodies are also some interesting items that you can add to your shopping list.
1.6. Auntie Helen’s Thrift Store
1.6.1. Introduction
If you’re in San Diego and are scouting thrift stores where you can find unique clothes to spice up your outfit game, then you’ve GOT to check out Auntie Helen’s Thrift Store.
This is one of the many thrift stores in San Diego, which is famous among its customers for providing quality products at extremely reasonable prices.
Another reason why many of San Diego’s shoppers love Auntie Helen’s is that it is not just a thrift store but a charitable and safe space. This vintage shop was founded to help those suffering from HIV/AIDS.
Today, its proceeds are also allocated toward helping low-income people, the homeless, and even members of the LGBTQIA+ community. It is a charitable hub where you can find beautiful additions to your closet and help those in need.
1.6.2. Things You Can Buy Here:
Among the many thrift stores in San Diego, Auntie Helen’s stands out with its huge collection of clothes and household goods. You can also find shoes, vintage footwear, clothes, and antique furniture.
All proceeds from your purchases help them provide emergency clothing, food, and hygiene kits.
So, if you’re searching for stores in San Diego with a beautiful collection of clothes and household goods, you know where to head to!
Matthew Smith, Marketing Director of Right Hook Studio, shared key reasons that motivated him to shop at thrift stores. Here is what he had to say:
“As an avid thrifter for over a decade, I’m motivated to shop at thrift stores for a few key reasons. The thrill of the hunt for unique vintage pieces or designer brands at bargain prices is a huge draw. I love being able to express my style through one-of-a-kind finds.
Thrifting is also better for the environment, allowing me to recycle fashion and reduce waste. By shopping secondhand, I lower my carbon footprint.
Beyond that, thrift stores create a fun, social experience. Browsing the aisles feels more engaging than clicking online. Chatting with employees and other shoppers makes it an adventure.
Ultimately, thrifting lets me stand out fashion-wise while sticking to my budget and values. It’s become integral to how I shop sustainably and stylishly on a dime. The treasures I unearth at thrift shops continue to shape my distinctive look.”
1.7. Humble Heart Thrift Store
1.7.1. Introduction
The Humble Heart Thrift Store is among the best stores in San Diego. A blog about “San Diego Thrift Stores” is incomplete without the mention of this store.
It is a great store to purchase secondhand products.
It has three locations across the San Diego area, each providing the best quality products at stellar prices.
Read on to find out all the fun things you can buy in this San Diego thrift store at the lowest prices!
1.7.2. Things You Can Buy Here:
Other thrift stores in San Diego fade into the background when this vintage store is being discussed. You can find the best quality shirts, skirts, clothing, fun accessories, decorative items, furniture, and even antique jewelry!
Bookworms can also delight as this store has several secondhand books! You can also find musical instruments, retro collectibles, and other home decor items.
Because of its versatility, this store in San Diego is one of the most well-known vintage stores that all San Diego shoppers love to shop in. Reviewers call it one of the “best consignment stores” San Diego has, with its clean and organized storage facilities and knowledgeable helpers who can easily help you find exactly what you need.
So, the next time you’re thrifting, visit Humble Heart Thrift Store!
1.8. Buffalo Exchange
1.8.1. Introduction
Buffalo Exchange is among the top thrift stores in San Diego, with an attractive collection of high-quality second-hand clothes, bags, accessories, and home decor. It is a good thrift store to buy whatever you need on the go.
This store is a nationwide thrift shop chain and is present in multiple locations across the United States. It has two locations downtown in San Diego: Hillcrest and Pacific Beach, each offering various hidden gems you will enjoy shopping.
It has a diverse collection of clothes in its store, including a hipster, urban, and day vintage look.
Even if you are trying to recreate your favorite celebrity looks, this cool store has all the outfits you need.
This is why the Buffalo Exchange is one of the best vintage shops in San Diego.
1.8.2. Things You Can Buy Here:
At Buffalo Exchange, you can find different outfits for various occasions all year round.
You can find denim jackets, denim t-shirts, denim shorts and skirts, boots, shoes, t-shirts and shirts, beautiful accessories to spice up your outfit, goodies to decorate your room and other home decor products, and a lot more.
It offers some of the best consignment classics of all time.
If you are looking for some trendy clothes at pocket-friendly prices, then this store has some great options in its store to offer you. Lightweight sweaters, cardigans, day vintage clothes, sweatshirts, blouses, button-ups, tees, shirts, sundresses, denim jackets and jeans are other attractive clothing options you can find here.
You can also find vinyl records, sporting goods, jewelry, toys, arts and crafts products, home goods, and other supplies over here.
This store is where you can shop all that you want all at once – literally, all the items you’ll ever need!
So, the next time you’re in Pacific Beach and on the lookout for some good home decor products, cheap but good quality clothes, and other supplies, make sure to head on to the Buffalo Exchange Consignment Shop and shop all you want in an affordable price range!
In an interview with the Icy Tales team, Carly Hill, Operations Manager at Virtual Holiday Party, discussed her reasons for shopping at thrift stores. Here is what she said:
“What motivates me to shop at thrift stores is the thrill of discovering unique and one-of-a-kind pieces that I wouldn’t typically find in mainstream retail stores.
This contributes to my style by allowing me to create a wardrobe that is distinctive and reflects my individuality.
In addition, shopping at thrift stores aligns with my sustainability efforts by giving new life to pre-loved items and reducing the demand for fast-fashion products that harm the environment.
The overall shopping experience at thrift stores is also rewarding, as it involves digging through racks of clothing to uncover hidden gems, which adds an element of excitement and satisfaction to the process.
For example, I once found a vintage leather jacket at a thrift store that perfectly complemented my style aesthetic, and it has since become a staple in my wardrobe.
This unexpected find not only enhanced my style but also reinforced my belief in the value of shopping sustainably while enjoying a more fulfilling shopping experience overall.”
Bottom Line
Phew! That was a long and exhaustive list of thrift stores San Diego shoppers love.
But now that you have a list of 8 of the greatest thrift stores San Diego has for you, what are you waiting for? Head to the nearest thrift shop and shop all your favorite clothes, fun accessories, beautiful jewelry, elaborate home decor products, and other items you have added to your wishlist at the lowest prices ever!
Go ahead and shop on!
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Guest Author: Saket Kumar
Last Updated on by Sathi