Where to Thrift in Portland, Oregon
written by Thomas Starr
Of course Portland, the city famed for being weird and full of hipsters, is also full of places to buy second-hand clothing. But with all the options, it can be hard to decide where to go and effectively plan a thrifting trip. That’s why we’re here, to help you figure out just which spots are worth visiting in PDX, regardless of your budget. Thanks to the help of our IG followers, we’ve compiled a list of the best second-hand stores in the city at every price point. So whether you’re a tenured local or visiting for the first time, this list should help you the next time you’re craving some vintage clothing.
SUPER DISCOUNTS:
Goodwill Bins
Ah the bins, or the Goodwill Outlet as they’re officially known. The second home of every avid thrifter across the country. And for good reason: the bins are famous for their incredible deals, with clothing being purchased by weight at only a dollar or two per pound. Clothes end up here after not being sold in traditional Goodwill stores, but that doesn’t mean you can’t score some amazing finds here. In Portland, the bins are located off 122nd out by the airport.
The Garage Sale Warehouse
Essentially a permanent indoor flea market, The Garage Sale Warehouse features over 80 vendors across 12,000 sq. ft. of retail space. With all these vendors, it’s hard not to find a good deal or two. While not every vendor sells clothing, more than enough do to make it worth a trip down to Lake Oswego to check it out.
Portland Flea Market
On the last weekend of every month, rain or shine, you can be sure to find dozens of vendors crowding together in downtown Portland to put on the premier flea market in the city. Just be sure you’re in the right spot on the right day, on Saturdays the flea is at Ecotrust but on Sundays it’s at the Nova Building across the river.
ACTUAL THRIFTS:
William Temple House
If you’re in search of a second-hand shop where your money goes towards helping a good cause, look no further than William Temple House thrift store. Proceeds from the store go to support food and counseling programs to less fortunate Portland residents, meaning that you can feel even better about scoring a sweet vintage piece there.
Better Bargains Thrift Store
One of the most recommended Portland thrift stores online, Better Bargains lives up to its name by featuring deals every Wednesday and Saturday as well as every other Friday. Located off Parkrose near the 205, add a stop at Better Bargains after your next bins trip.
Red White and Blue Thrift Store
This thrift, part of a small national chain, is located south of Portland in Gladstone. However, their daily 50% off specials are too good to resist, making this store worth a drive if you’re in search of a steal.
CURATED VTG STORES:
Village Merchants
Another heavily recommended second-hand store, Village Merchants is a buy-sell-trade-consignment store located in the Richmond neighborhood east of downtown. Use that trade credit to get crazy deals on their well curated selection of clothing, furniture, and accessories.
ReRun
A PDX staple, ReRun’s Fremont location has been open for 17 years, while the newer ReRun2 has been open for 5. The hours differ between the stores though, so make sure you check before you visit.
I Want Seconds
Plus-sized focused store I Want Seconds provides an essential service to the Portland vintage community, stocking almost exclusively larger sizes to help serve those who may struggle to find clothing at other vintage shops. Its storefront used to be home to Fat Fancy, another plus-size resale boutique.
House of Vintage
If you’re looking for options, House of Vintage is the place to go. Featuring over 60 different vendors under one roof, House of Vintage is the perfect place to shop through countless curated selections of old clothes.
HIGH-END HITS:
Gem Set Love
Formerly Gilt Jewelry, Gem Set Love is an antique/vintage jewelry store, filling a hole often left by other vintage stores. Be sure to check their hours though, as they’re only open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.
Kissing Booth
A featured vendor at Thriftcon Portland, Kissing Booth easily has one of the best curated true vintage collections in the whole Northwest. So if you’re willing to spend the money on some crazy pieces, head to Kissing Booth off SW Alder street in Downtown.
Vein of Gold
Specializing more in high-end contemporary women’s wear, Vein of Gold is a consignment boutique located in North Portland. They also make their own line of t-shirts, which sees a portion of its sales donated to a local non-profit.
