Looking to pop some tags? Only got $20 in your pocket? Austin’s thrift shops are the perfect place to visit if you’re looking to save some green, support local businesses, and enjoy the city’s personality.
When it comes to Austin’s shopping scene, we love a good treasure hunt, and a good bargain. Our city is home to several stellar swap meets, cool co-ops, fabulous vintage shops, and resale gems. So get in, we’re going shopping.
Swap meets and flea markets
The Austin Flea, multiple locations
This rotating market — which offers handmade goods, vintage clothing, and art — has been gathering local artists since 2009. Pro tip: follow the Austin Flea on Instagram to stay up-to-date on upcoming markets.
Citywide Vintage Sale, Palmer Events Center
Although the Citywide Vintage Sale only opens a handful of weekends per year, it fills the Palmer Events Center with artists, collectors, curators, fashions, and curios. You’ll want to set aside a few hours to see it all.
Catch this market at pop-ups, keep up through Instagram.
Photo via @passportvintage
Passport Vintage, pop-up market
What started as a vintage shop in Chicago has become a south Austin treasure. Passport Vintage specializes in stylish denim, vintage T-shirts, and sweatshirts.
Uncommon Objects, 1602 Fort View Rd.
Antique store Uncommon Objects has been called “your eccentric uncle’s attic on steroids,” and for good reason. This “emporium of transcendent junk” is great for exploring and has everything you never thought you needed.
Vintage shops
Find gems like vintage prom attire at this local boutique.
Photo via Blue Velvet
Blue Velvet, 217 W. N. Loop Blvd.
This mom-and-daughter-owned shop has dealt vintage goods for more than 27 years. The shop offers a selection of men’s and women’s vintage clothing and accessories for any vintage lover.
Don’t miss the “funkyard” out back.
Photo via @faroutatx
Far Out Home Fittings, 1500 W. Ben White Blvd.
Far Out Home Fittings provides Austin shoppers with affordable vintage furniture, unique home decor pieces, jewelry, and a “funkyard” out back.
Pavement sells clothes in recent styles and vintage, plus a wide selection of accessories.
Photo by @pavementaustin
Pavement, multiple locations
This vintage and thrift shop is known for its $5-$10 fill-a-bag sales, $1-$5 bin sales, and wraparound lines to get inside. You’ll know you’ve made it to Pavement when you see the classic rainbow exterior.
Prototype’s shop is a little on the pricier side, featuring vintage clothing, glasses, jewelry, and shoes.
Photo via Prototype Vintage
Prototype Vintage, 1700 S. Congress Ave.
Head over to Prototype Vintage for an upscale assortment of vintage goods sorted through the eras. Be on the lookout for name-brand goodies and style-specific pieces.
Photo via @shop.revival.atx
Revival Vintage, 5201 N. Lamar
Owner and creative director Sonia Rife curates her shop — which started as a pop-up market and online store — with vintage furniture, decor, and stylish clothing for men, women and children.
Find the goods for an eclectic home at Room Service Vintage.
Photo via @roomservicevintage
Room Service Vintage, 107 E. N. Loop Blvd.
Room Service Vintage is known for its massive selection of vintage furniture, plus clothing, jewelry, art, books, and home decor. The shop uploads new arrivals daily on its Instagram page, so keep up with there to find that statement chair you’ve been dying to have.
Resale and consignment shops
2nd Street USA, multiple locations
This Japan-based secondhand luxury chain focuses on streetwear and offers competitive prices on designer wares.
Austin Creative Reuse, 2005 Wheless Lane
For the crafty thrifter, look no further than Austin Creative Reuse. We’re talking yards of fabric for $5 or less, $1 skeins of yarn, beads by the string, and gently used office supplies.
Who wouldn’t want to help support this sweet face?
Photo via @austinpetsalivethrift
Austin Pets Alive! Thrift, multiple locations
Besides getting good deals inside this “retro” variety thrift, 100% net proceeds go directly to Austin Pets Alive! to help support and save hundreds of animals.
Half Price Books, multiple locations
Fill your bookshelves or backpacks with used books, games, records, magazines, and more for a fraction of the original price.
Fill your library for just a few dollars at Recycled Reads.
Photo by @aprilklingmeyer
Recycled Reads, 5335 Burnet Rd.
This bookstore sells the Austin Public Library’s weeded material — including books, DVDs, art, and games — often for just a few dollars apiece.
Sift through this aisle of men’s shirts at Vinny’s Thrift store.
Photo via @vinnysatxthrift
Society of St. Vincent de Paul Thrift, 901 W. Braker Lane
St. Vincent de Paul is a charity-run thrift store, meaning all proceeds go toward community and charity projects around town. The shop offers fashion-forward pieces and fun home decor.
South Congress Books, 3703 Kerbey Lane
Breathe in that old book smell at this used bookshop, which is now open in a new location.
Don’t miss the outdoor pop-up markets at Treasure City.
Photo via @treasurecitythrift
Treasure City Thrift, 2142 E. 7th St.
Collectively owned and managed by seven Austinites, Treasure City Thrift provides affordable goods while giving back to the Austin community by working with local charities. Expect clothes, accessories, books, toys, home decor, and more.
The colorful shop is reopening on Airport Blvd.
Photo via @topdrawerthriftaustin
Top Drawer Thrift, 5312 Airport Blvd.
After 30 years on Burnet Road, Top Drawer Thrift has moved to 5312 Airport Blvd. Expect the same wacky goods, statement pieces, and eccentric exterior at the new location. All proceeds benefit Project Transitions.
Keep an eye out for color tag sales at Texas Thrift.
Photo via Texas Thrift & City Thrift
Texas Thrift, multiple locations
Beware, this massive thrift warehouse is often very crowded, thanks to its great deals. Find the best deals at Texas Thrift by looking for colored tags with discounts for different days of the week.
Thrift Town, 5726 Manchaca Rd.
Don’t miss discounted color tag sales at the Austin branch of this chain store, which offers the full thrift gamut.
