Better for the Planet and Your Wallet
Thrifting is a sustainable and economical way to curate your best looks without breaking the bank. New Orleans is such an eclectic city that it almost goes without saying that our fashion scene is...well, pretty awesome.
Whether you're looking for the perfect vintage dress somebody's grandma wore in the '60's or trying to hop on the latest trends, the perfect pieces are no doubt waiting for you in one of these NOLA thrift stores! Don't be afraid to donate, as well, to keep these second-hand stores thriving!
1. Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Louisiana
Multiple Locations
goodwillno.org
A staple in neighborhoods around the world, Goodwill is one of the best known thrift stores. For second-hand clothes, toys, electronics, furniture, and more, Goodwill is a convenient and wallet-friendly option. Last year, Goodwill collected 518,831 donations and diverted 21,000,000 tons of waste from landfills. Whether you are looking to donate or shop second-hand, your choice to support Goodwill has a lasting impact!
2. Bridge House Thrift Store
Multiple Locations
bridgehouse.org
By shopping at or donating to the Bridge House Thrift Stores, you help Bridge House / Grace House in their mission to support and rehabilitate those afflicted by alcohol and drugs. For example, in 2019, about 140 out of the 700 people in Bridge House / Grace House's program benefitted due to the revenue the facility generated via the stores. The thrift store accepts clothing and most items that fall under the household category. Donors can also arrange pick-ups of their items if they would like!
3. Red White & Blue Thrift Store
Multiple Locations
redwhiteandbluethriftstore.com
Red White & Blue Thrift Stores have everything you could possibly need from fashion to homeware and books. Red White & Blue boasts thousands of new items each day, as well as daily 50% off deals. The stores' huge inventories and constant new additions make it the perfect place to find cheap deals on current styles. There are two Red White & Blue locations, one in Harahan and one in Gretna!
4. Out of the Closet
2900 Magazine St., (504) 208-4100
outofthecloset.org
Out of the Closet is more than a thrift store. Founded in 1990 to benefit the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Out of the Closet donates 96 cents out of every dollar made to the foundation to fund HIV treatments, making them pioneers for both healthcare and sustainability! Out of the Closet also offers HIV testing at all of their locations. The New Orleans store is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
5. Encore Shop
7814 Maple St., (504) 861-9028
encoreshopnola.com
The Encore Shop has all the elegant and luxurious styles you want at the prices that fit your budget. Sales benefit the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, and LPO volunteers operate the shop. The store features many designer labels and has racks dedicated to all the upscale brands you love. The Encore Shop is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
6. Swamp Rags
927 Royal St., (504) 298-9719
swamprags.com
For a lot of us, fashion is like wearing our heart on our sleeve. We will rep certain bands, sports teams, or movies that we love, especially ones that make us nostalgic for another time. Swamp Rags understand this, and, for them, nostalgia is the name of the game. Swamp Rags' shop is dedicated to '80s and '90s clothing that warms the heart and brings back good memories. The store is open from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
7. YEP Thrift Works
1626 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., (504) 702-8070
youthempowermentproject.org
In 2004, three juvenile justice advocates founded YEP Works as a reentry point for Louisiana kids who had been incarcerated. Now, YEP engages with more than 1,000 people in 13 parishes to provide jobs and develop skills. YEP Thrift Works is just one in the many programs YEP has began in effort to employ and train underserved youths in New Orleans. The shop is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
8. Salvation Army
Multiple Locations
southernusa.salvationarmy.org
While many may think of the Salvation Army solely as "the Santa Claus that rings a bell outside the mall during Christmas time," the Salvation Army is actually a large and influential organization helping with disaster relief, benefitting charities, and creating jobs. One of the ways Salvation Army does so is through their network of thrift stores. Proceeds benefit the Salvation Army's Adult Rehabilitation Centers. These organizations provide emotional, social, and spiritual assistance to adults, especially those in the grip of addiction.
9. GLUE Clothing
8206 Oak St., (504) 939-5865
glueclothingexchange.com
GLUE clothing has two passions: fashion and guitars. Musicians and music lovers will find a haven at GLUE clothing where they can buy guitars, amplifiers, and all sorts of music equipment alongside some really cool clothes. Also, if you think it's time to hang it up, you can donate your guitar (and clothes) to GLUE. The shop is open 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
10. Junk's Above
4626 D'Hemecourt St., (504) 952-5865
junksabove.com
Who doesn't love a bit of junk? Throughout our lives, we all collect our own personal junk that is precious to us, never to be gotten rid of because we have made friendship-like attachments to inanimate objects. Perhaps you feel like you're junk collection is not extensive enough. Enter Junk's Above, a warehouse full of junk that you are sure to form a bond with and proceed to display or shove in various attics for the rest of your life. Junk's Above is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
One Person's Trash, Another's Treasure
That saying couldn't be more true. And isn't that the special part about thrifting? That item had a life before it found its way into the thrift shop. It had adventures, and, in some improbable and quite magical way, it found you.
