[Note: This was originally published on KidFriendly DC, but has been repurposed for District Mix.]
There are a bunch of reasons I love secondhand shopping: It’s good for the environment, it’s good for the wallet, it’s good for satisfying my zeal for “treasure hunts,” and for the last few years, it’s been a great activity with Sasha. She’s learned to appreciate thrifting and consignment shopping just as much as me, and we’ve had many fun outings checking out stores that specialize in it around the area. I know lots of t(w)eens are into thrifting — and likely many parents, too. So, whether you’re a seasoned secondhand shopper or just getting started, here’s a round-up of places to search for pre-loved finds. Happy Seconds!
Shop in:
SECONDHAND IN DC
Goodwill of Greater DC
Where: 1403 New York Ave NE | Ivy City, DC
When: Monday – Saturday, 9am – 7pm | Sun, 10am – 6pm
Recently relocated from South Dakota Ave near Costco, this new Goodwill location on New York Ave is much bigger, thus holding much more inventory. Like all Goodwill stores, along with clothing, you can find accessories (jewelry, handbags, etc.), housewares, books, art, toys and games, and even some furniture.
H Street Outreach & Thrift
Where: 1108 H St NE | H Street Corridor, DC
When: Tuesday – Sunday, 11am – 7pm
A newer shop to DC, the space isn’t huge, but it holds a lot of great inventory – mostly clothes, and some accessories and knick knacks at the front of the store. On my first pop-in there, I found two lululemon tops for Sasha, and a J.Crew dress for me. And the best part: Kids clothes are free! This is part of founder Andrew Frenkel’s mission to provide free clothing and essential items to help support those in need. You can help, too, by donating clothes your kids (and you) no longer wear. [NOTE: Temporarily closed… moving to new space!]
Frugalista
Where: 3055 Mt Pleasant St NW | Mount Pleasant, DC
When: Sunday – Friday, 11am – 6pm | Saturday, 10am – 6pm
It’s not a huge shop, but there are plenty of clothes to browse and a small selection of accessories, too. There’s a wide variety of middle-of-the-road (ie, not high end) brands. On a recent trip there, Sasha easily found a couple of light cardigans she liked, which was exactly what she was looking for.
Clothes Encounters
Where: 202 7th Street SE | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Tuesday – Friday, 12pm – 6pm | Saturday – Sunday, 10am – 3:30pm
This consignment store across the street from Eastern Market is probably the secondhand shop we frequent most, since it’s just a few walkable blocks from our house. We’ve been going there for years (me, more like decades). All women’s fashion, they are selective about brands and items, and it’s all in great condition. You can find everything from workout clothes to casual pieces to formal dresses — and even more in between. Styles tend to be a little more classic than trendy, imo, but teens definitely can find things they like — Sasha always does.
Current Boutique
Where: 1318 14th Street NW | Logan Circle, DC
When: Monday – Friday, 12pm – 8pm | Saturday, 11am – 8pm | Sunday, 11am – 6pm
A great consignment shop for teens (and adults) with a broad range of trendy brands. Racks of dresses extend along the side walls, with circular racks in the middle of the store with tops, sweaters, jeans, jackets, workout wear, and more. They carry a selection of new items in the front of the store, mostly dresses, too. Also to note: Current has two more locations, in Old Town Alexandria and on Wilson Blvd in Clarendon. [Note: The above pic above is from the Alexandria location, but they are all set up very similarly.]
Secondi
Where: 1702 Connecticut Ave NW | Dupont Circle, DC
When: Monday – Saturday, 12-6pm | Sunday, 1-5pm
The consignment shop in Dupont Circle has been there for as long as I can remember… it opened in 1986, a decade before I moved to DC. If you’re looking for designer secondhand apparel, this is where to go — they easily have the best selection in the city, both current and classic. And while the brands are more upscale, you can find clothes and accessories for all occasions, not just fancy ones (but it is great for that).
Vintage Vintage Vintage
Where: 1256 4th St NE | Union Market District, DC
When: Tuesday -Friday, 1-7pm | Saturday – Sunday, 10am – 7pm
DC’s largest vintage store just opened last year, and the airy space near Union Market has a curated selection of vintage clothing and home decor from 20 different vendors. It’s fun to browse everything from mod jackets and dresses to old sweatshirts and sweaters to funky pieces to display at home. Take advantage of the location and stop by the market, too.
Reddz Trading
Where: 1413 Wisconsin Ave NW | Georgetown, DC
When: Daily, 12pm – 6pm
The shop on Wisconsin a few blocks up from M Street isn’t huge, but it’s full of very fashionable consigned clothes, shoes, and accessories for both gals and guys. Reddz carries lots of good brands, from mid — think J.Crew or Anthro — to higher end designers. (I so regret not getting a great Barbour sweater I tried on there.)
Ella Rue
Where: 3231 P St NW | Georgetown, DC
When: Monday – Saturday, 11am – 6pm | Sunday, 12-5pm
If you need a dress or outfit for an occasion, are looking for some beautiful “resort” wear, or just want to shop some special designer pieces, this small shop on P Street right off Wisconsin Ave in Georgetown is definitely worth a stop. All of the secondhand labels are highend and the items very nice. They also have some new retail available, too.
Eastern Market Flea Market
Where: Btwn 7th-8th on C Street SE | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Saturdays & Sundays, 9am – 4:30pm
On weekends, when the Eastern Market Flea Market is running, a few vendors sell secondhand apparel along C Street SE — and there are some gens to be found among the items. I’ve seen everything from nice, wool sweaters to leather jackets to campy T’s and sweatshirts to Coach bags to cowboy boots. And when you’re done browsing all of that, the rest of the market — outdoors and inside — is great to stroll and shop, too.
DC stores we haven’t been to yet, but are planning to visit soon (will update when we do):
Fia’s Fabulous Finds
Where: 843 Upshur St NW, | Mount Pleasant, DC
When: Tuesday – Friday, 12-7pm | Saturday, 11am – 6pm | Sunday, 12-5pm
Rosario’s Thrift Store
Where: 3616 14th St NW | Columbia Heights, DC
When: Monday – Friday, 9am – 6pm | Saturday, 11am – 6pm | Sunday, 10am – 6pm
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SECONDHAND IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA
Unique Merrifield
Where: 2956 Gallows Road | Falls Church, VA
When: Monday – Saturday, 9am – 9pm | Sunday, 10am – 7pm
Part of the Savers chain of for-profit thrift stores, Unique is massive! There is SO much here to browse — for women, men, teens, and kids. You’ll find all kinds of brands here, mostly mid-to-lower budget, but there are some gems among it all, too, especially if you have the patience to really take your time. Plus, there are household items galore that are fun to check out.
Goodwill (Arlington)
Where: 10 South Glebe Rd | Arlington, VA
When: Monday – Saturday, 9am – 8pm | Sunday, 9am – 7pm
I always seem to find keepers at this Goodwill location. The women’s section is pretty big, with many long racks full of clothing and accessories, and there are men’s and kids sections, too. Several rows of shelves at the back have tableware and other home items. The books and games section is good to browse, too.
Consignment Shops in Old Town Alexandria
There are several great consignment stores in Old Town, all within walking distance of each other. This District Mix post has the scoop on all of them, including a map with a walkable route!
Goodwill (Alexandria)
Where: 6220 Richmond Hwy | Alexandria, VA
When: Monday – Saturday, 10am – 8pm | Sunday, 10m – 6pm
I don’t have a photo for this location, but have been there a couple of times, and it’s comparable to other area Goodwills, maybe a bit smaller. Worth a stop if you’re out that way.
NoVA stores we haven’t been to yet, but want to visit:
Blossom and Buds (Consignment)
Where: 5906 Washington Blvd | Arlington, VA
When: Tuesday/Friday/Saturday, 10am – 5pm | Wednesday – Thursday, 10am – 6pm | Sunday, 11am – 5pm
The Fashion Exchange (Consignment)
Where: 6663 Old Dominion Dr | McLean, VA
When: Tuesday – Friday, 11am – 6pm | Saturday,10am – 5pm
New To You (Consignment)
Where: 1392 Chain Bridge Road | McLean, Va
When: Tuesday – Saturday, 11am – 5pm
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Cherry Hill Value Village
Where: 6611 Annapolis Road | Landover Hills, MD
When: Mon-Sat, 9am – 9pm | Sun, 10am – 7pm
Most people who thrift know Value Village well. I shopped there when I was in college — and inside it’s vast. Racks and racks of clothes for everyone — men, women, teens, girls, boys — plus shelves and shelves of housewares like kitchen appliances, dishes, cookware, and serving pieces. Plus, art, furniture, books…. and more! There is a location in Adelphi (2277 University Blvd E), as well.
Unique Hillendale
Where: 10141 New Hampshire Ave NE | Silver Spring, MD
When: Mon-Sat, 9am – 9pm | Sun, 10am – 7pm
Sasha and I happened upon this thrift store on our way back from one of her soccer matches — we stopped for Starbucks, and it was in the same shopping center. Of course, we had to pop in. Needless to say, we ended up getting home much later than planned, because we got caught up checking out the very extensive amount of inventory. This is one to make a destination, for sure.
Other MD stores we haven’t been to yet, but want to visit (will update when we do):
2nd Avenue Thrift
Where: 4960 Annapolis Rd | Bladensburg, MD
When: Daily, 9am – 9pm
Uptown Cheapskate
Where: College Park, MD
When: Mon–Fri, 10am – 8pm | Sat, 12-8pm | Sun, 12-6pm
Bespoke Not Broke (Consignment & Vintage)
Where: 7042 Carroll Avenue | Takoma Park, MD
When: Mon-Fri, 11am – 7pm | Sat, 11am-6pm | Sun, 11am – 5pm
Chapter Two Boutique (Consignment)
Where: 4932 Cordell Ave | Bethesda, MD
When: Weds-Sat, 12-5pm
Do you have a favorite secondhand store that you don’t see listed here? Share it with us in the comments, if so!
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