Is there anything more satisfying than making the perfect find at a secondhand store?
Spend less time sifting through pages of Facebook Marketplace ads and more time sorting your way through the collections of curated goods at Boston’s best thrift stores, vintage shops, and consignments.
If you love vintage, you’ll love many of these stores. While there are many up-and-comers on the list, some of these shops have been open for 100 years and counting.
Just like thrift stores themselves, you’ll find a little of everything here. Shop with a guilt-free conscience by support local businesses, acting sustainably by purchasing secondhand, and give your money to non-profits who support important causes in our community. Happy thrifting!
Table of Contents
The Garment District
Cambridge’s Garment District calls itself an “alternative department store,” and with a location that covers 12,000 square feet, it’s hard to argue otherwise.
The store offers both new & used apparel, shoes, and accessories–including vintage pieces–for both men and women.
The Garment District is open daily, which is something we love considering many other thrift stores have limited open hours.
Whether you’re looking for summer tank tops or winter coats, there’s a good chance you’ll find the selection you’re looking for at The Garment District.
Address: 200 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02139
Website: The Garment District
Cambridge Antique Market
Open every day except Monday, the Cambridge Antique Market spans across five floors and supports up to 150 deals at any given time.
Not limited to just clothing, dealers at the Cambridge Antique Market offer a wide variety of items including furniture, paintings, sports memorabilia, kitchenware, ceramics, and more.
Be sure to grab lunch or dinner before you stop by the Cambridge Antique Market… We bet you’ll want to wander through the store for a while!
Address: 201 Monsignor O’Brien Highway, Cambridge, MA 02141
Website: Cambridge Antique Market
Buffalo Exchange
A popular chain in Texas and along the west coast, Buffalo Exchange has two locations in Massachusetts (found in Somerville and Brookline).
If you’re looking to buy, sell, or trade new or recycled clothing, stop on by the Buffalo Exchange nearest to you.
You can also learn more about the Buffalo Exchange brand through its online zines full of wardrobe tips and inspiration.
Address: 238 Elm St, Somerville, MA 02144; 312 Harvard St, Brookline, MA 02446
Website: Buffalo Exchange
Boomerangs
If you want to support a thrift store with a mission, you may want to choose Boomerangs of your store of choice.
Owned by AIDS Action, proceeds from Boomerangs help to provide HIV prevention and wellness services across the New England area.
Who doesn’t love shopping for a good cause?
Address: 563 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139; 1407 Washington St, Boston, MA 02118; 716 Centre St, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
Website: Boomerangs
Vivant Vintage
If you’ve driven by Allston’s Vivant Vintage, you may know the store for its large mural on Lincoln Street.
There’s plenty more to admire when you step inside their brick-and-mortar store.
Vivant Vintage is packed with vintage clothing, footwear, and accessories for all genders.
Vivant Vintage doesn’t stop there. The team offers creative services which include wardrobe rentals, clothing sourcing for large-scale projects, and professional styling.
Address: 318 Lincoln St, Allston, MA 02134
Website: Vivant Vintage
SoWa Vintage Market
Mark your calendars: The SoWa Vintage Market is open on Sunday afternoons and the first Friday night of each month.
The market features a wide inventory of clothing, jewelry, art, and decor offered by its rotating group of vendors.
SoWa Vintage Market happens all year long, so it’s always a good time to check it out and hunt for your next favorite find!
Address: 450 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02118
Website: SoWa Vintage Market
Goodwill Thift Stores
Did you know that the organization behind Goodwill Thrift Stores started in Boston around 120 years ago?
Today, there are seven Goodwill locations in the Boston metro area including spots in South Boston, Cambridge, Jamaica Plain, and Allston.
It’s hard to find a more convenient place to pick up some used household items and cookware.
Your business helps Goodwill to fulfill its non-profit mission of providing job training and employment placement assistance.
Address: Several
Website: Goodwill Store
Keezer’s Classic Clothing
While we can’t verify Keezer’s Classic Clothing’s claim that it’s “America’s oldest used clothing store,” the raving reviews from happy customers suggest that Keezer’s will be around for a very long time.
Keezer’s specializes in formal menswear, so if you or one of the men in your life is looking for a suit or tuxedo, this is the place to go.
In addition to high-quality new and used clothing, the folks at Keezer’s offer tailoring and alternations so you’ll leave feeling confident and comfortable in whatever you choose.
Rentals are available if you’re looking for classic menswear but not one to regularly dress up.
Address: 1740 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139
Website: Keezer’s Classic Clothing
Restoration Project Thrift Store
The Restoration Project Thrift Store is another one of Boston’s best thrift stores that supports a great cause.
Proceeds from the nonprofit’s store go toward helping adults and adolescents with mental illness or brain injuries receive vocational training and develop important life skills.
Restoration Project Thrift Store is open seven days a week from 10 am to 5 pm (opens at 11 am on Sundays).
Address: 334 Pleasant St, Belmont, MA 02478
Website: Restoration Project Nonprofit Program & Thrift Store
High Energy Vintage
Based near Somerville’s Union Square, High Energy Vintage is a huge success story. After starting as a vendor at the SoWa Vintage Market, High Energy Vintage expanded to its own storefront and found its current home in 2016.
Even if you don’t stop in at their brick-and-mortar store, you’ll have plenty of chances to shop through their carefully curated inventory as they’re regulars at flea markets across the metro Boston area.
Address: 429 Somerville Ave, Somerville, MA 02143
Website: High Energy Vintage
The Thrift Shop of Boston
Committed to supporting vulnerable children and families across the Boston area, The Thrift Shop of Boston has been open for nearly 100 years.
Located in the heart of Roslindale, this store offers deals you won’t want to miss.
If you love books, music, and movies (who doesn’t?), then stop in on Thursdays for 50% off those items. Or perhaps you’ll want to visit on Wednesday before all your favorite items are gone!
Address: 33 Corinth St, Roslindale, MA 02131
Website: The Thrift Shop of Boston
Growing Up Children’s Resale Boutique
If you’ve raised children, you already know how difficult it can be to keep kids in clean clothing that properly fits.
The Growing Up Children’s Boutique can’t make any promises about your children keeping their clothes clean, but they can help you find great deals on secondhand apparel in all sizes.
Aside from clothing, the store also offers gently used toys, books, gear, and maternity wear, so you can find cover lots of your shopping in just one stop!
Address: 443 Common St, Belmont, MA 02478
Website: Growing Up Children’s Resale Boutique
Great Eastern Trading Co
Once an army surplus store, the Great Eastern Trading Co (which goes by Great Eastern Vintage in Malden) offers unique vintage clothing that will cover any decade you’re looking for.
You will also find transformative costumes and eye-catching accessories to craft an outfit that’s perfect for your needs–whether that’s a themed party or just your own everyday wear.
Address: 49 River St, Cambridge, MA 02139; 258 Highland Avenue, Malden MA
Website: Great Eastern Trading Co
Raspberry Beret
At Raspberry Beret, you will find gently-used women’s clothing from popular brands like Anthropologie, Kate Spade, and Lululemon.
What you won’t find is any fast fashion, formalwear, or apparel for men or children–it’s all top brand, casual womenswear here!
Address: 2302 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140
Website: Raspberry Beret