Exploring Raleigh, North Carolina’s 8 Best Thrift Stores

Have you been thrifting lately? Then you know the feeling when you find just the right item, at the right price. Thrift stores are the perfect place to search because they buy gently used items from many different people, instead of one or two suppliers. This means they may only have one or two of each blouse or trinket in the store. Ever. So enjoy exploring Raleigh’s 8 best thrift stores, and may you find exactly what you seek.

A-Z Thrift Shop

1621 N Market Dr., Raleigh, NC 27609

This spot feels like a boutique, but you don’t have to worry about boutique prices. This is a volunteer-run shop, which means they are only open for part of the week from Wednesday through Saturday. Wednesdays are prime shopping days as it’s when you’ll find the most sales, but you can also snag a good deal on Thursdays and Fridays. There are other sales worth inquiring about.

On the last Friday and Saturday of the month, for instance, they have 50% off sales on certain items, including books and DVDs. Ask about their color-coding system to determine which items are on sale each day they’re open. Mostly, you’ll find houseware and furniture along with books and toys. This isn’t your go-to spot for thrifting clothing, but you may come across some adult and children’s items in a specified section of the store.

North Raleigh Ministries

2821 Brentwood Rd., Raleigh, NC 27604 and 9650 Brentwood Road, Raleigh, NC 27604

These thrift shops are locally run, and both offer plenty by way of sales. No matter which day you go, you’re going to find that they both offer 50% off specials for different items using a color-coding price tag system. Additionally, you can score on their BOGO offers!

There are lots of clothing items in both shops for the whole family and they’re neatly organized by size. They offer bedding items as well as some games and toys for the kiddos. Toward the front of the store, you’re greeted with a beautiful display of artificial floral arrangements, which you can purchase to spruce up your home décor.

Recovered Treasures

4011 Capital Blvd., Ste. 113, Raleigh, NC 27604

Previously in Cary, Recovered Treasures made its way over to Raleigh and is now open seven days a week. When you shop here, you’re contributing to the organization Healing Transitions, which helps those who are in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction.

You can find low prices each day you visit, discovering a new sale each time. For example, on Wednesdays, they offer $1.00 clothing days. On Saturdays, you can visit to enjoy 25% off all items. If it’s furniture you’re looking for, this thrift shop is a dream. For only $20, you can get your items delivered. Plus, on occasion, they have items at no cost!

Cause for Paws Thrift Shop

1657 N. Market Dr., Raleigh, NC, 27609 and 1634 S. Saunders St., Raleigh, NC 27603

Love thrifting and kitties? Look no further! You might get a bit distracted, however, since these thrift shops host both adult cats and kittens in multi-story enclosures. The locations are in north and south Raleigh and remain open every day of the week.

They have a vast selection of clothing items for adults and kiddos. But you can also score large items like furniture and appliances. Each Friday, they announce yet another great deal. When you walk in, look for the sign that decodes their colored tag discounts. While there, you can also use their computer system to peruse adoptable cats and dogs!

ReTails Thrift Shop

2821 Spring Forest Rd., Raleigh, NC 27616

When you choose to shop at this thrift shop, you support AnimalKind, a non-profit organization that provides low-income pet owners with access to spay and neutering services. Over the years, this store has grown considerably, which means they’ve been able to expand their offerings. You can find tons of clothes, shoes, and books but you can also check out the store for furniture items.

Being that they support animals, this is also a great spot to find pet supplies. Each week, they announce a new special and each month, you can plan a visit to take advantage of their two 50% off clean sweep sales. Whereas other shops are best during certain days, ReTails Thrift Shop is one you can visit any day of the week and at any hour while they’re open because they’re constantly restocking!

Missions Thrift Store

2721 E. Millbrook Rd., Raleigh, NC 27604

This thrift shop offers a range of items, including clothing, shoes, home décor, and furniture. You can even check out vinyl records here! The store is roomy and there’s a dressing room where you can try on any clothing items that draw your attention. The staff keeps this shop tidy, ensuring you have a positive experience with easy access to all the available deals. They’ve been contributing to non-profits since 2011 and continue receiving donations from the local community to ensure there are available items for all who pay a visit.

HandmeUps Thrift

8320 Litchford Rd., #102, Raleigh, NC 27615

This thrift shop is unique in that it was created with a single vision to provide both employment and volunteer opportunities for those who have been diagnosed with an intellectual developmental disability, including people with autism. Inside, you can find a range of items, including houseware, books, toys, clothing, and even jewelry. The store is spacious and neatly organized, allowing you to shop with ease. They’re open Monday through Sunday, though their hours are more limited on Sundays.

Fabulous Affordable Treasures

5655 Western Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27606

This shop offers a selection of one-of-a-kind items at a reasonable cost. This is a boutique where you can find various furnishings in different styles, ranging from modern to vintage. You won’t find clothing or toys here, but you can certainly come upon a once-in-a-lifetime find to take home and cherish!

Tips for Thrifting in Raleigh

Before you head out, have a budget in mind. Bargains can make it easy to go overboard and even grab items you don’t need, so have a plan before you get in your car to drive. In the same vein, consider clearing out your own closet for items you no longer need and donating them. Doing this provides you with insight into what items you could make good use of.

If you’re planning to visit more than one thrift shop in a day, schedule your visits for each depending on the types of items they sell. You may want to look for designer items in the earlier part of the day and shop for toys and books in the later part of the day. Keep in mind that some stores are more kid-friendly than others so be sure to double-check to ensure the spaces are roomy enough to prevent accidents.

Thrifting means you’re going to come into contact with second-hand items. There’s no way around that and not every shop you visit goes through the process of cleaning or washing the items they receive before putting them on display. Take your hand sanitizer along with you for the day trip and remember to wash and sanitize items you purchase once you’re home!

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