The 11 Best Thrift Stores in San Antonio - Roaming Texas (2024)

The 11 Best Thrift Stores in San Antonio - Roaming Texas (1)

You know that feeling you get when you uncover an amazing thrift store find?

That’s what we’re looking for today!

Because sometimes, finding a great thrift store can be just as much of a thrill as finding the stuff inside it!

(Rest assured though, all of the places on today’s list have plenty of gems buried inside, too!)

Whether you’re looking for cool retro finds, amazing vintage clothing, or cheap DIY home supplies, here are my picks for the 11 best thrift stores in San Antonio.

Contents

  • Map of the Best Thrift Stores in San Antonio
  • Thrift City
  • Buffalo Exchange
  • Revolution Thrift
  • Boysville Thrift Store
  • Thrift Town
  • Habitat Home Center
  • Montage
  • Second Chances Thrift Shop
  • Green Door Thrift Shop
  • Clothes Mentor
  • Goodwill

Map of the Best Thrift Stores in San Antonio

Thrift City

Thrift City is one of my favorite thrift shops in San Antonio. Their goods are organized more neatly than other thrift stores, so if you need to find a particular shirt in a certain size, you’ll find it easily at Thrift City. I’m in love with their loyalty program, TC Rewards, which you can use to score sweet discounts. I’ve been able to shave $5 – $10 off my total using my rewards points, so it definitely adds up if you shop at Thrift City regularly.

Buffalo Exchange

Buffalo Exchange is definitely one of the trendier thrift stores I frequent. It’s smaller than other thrift stores in town, but the selection of up-to-date and designer brands definitely makes Buffalo Exchange a must for thrifters. Their focus is mainly on hip clothes for the younger crowd, so if you’re trying to dress a teen on a budget, this is the place to go.

Revolution Thrift

Plenty of thrift shops have a non-profit mission, but Revolution Thrift donates 100% of its profits back to the San Antonio community. If you want to give back while you shop, stop by Revolution Thrift for gently used clothing and household items. They have changing rooms so you can actually try on clothes before you buy them (unlike other thrift shops) and it’s definitely nicer than your run-of-the-mill Goodwill. Plus, their selection is huge! Revolution Thrift specializes in clothes, but you can also pick up kid’s toys, books, and furniture here.

Boysville Thrift Store

Boysville is one of the oldest thrift stores in San Antonio. They’ve been around since 1954 and donate 100% of their profits to a local children’s shelter. It definitely has a “musky, old thrift store” vibe, but I’ve found spectacular deals here on exercise equipment, furniture, and antiques. You’ll need a good eye, but Boysville has plenty of good deals if you know where to look. Whether you’re looking for a genuine Stetson, household knickknacks, or vintage baby strollers, Boysville has something for you.

Thrift Town

Thrift Town is one of the larger thrift shops in San Antonio. It’s organized very well, with separate departments for shoes, clothes, housewares, and toys. I bought my first George Foreman grill here, actually, as well as a $5 pair of shoes for my first office job. The clothes at Thrift Town are reasonably trendy, although you can also find a collection of 1990s prom dresses at the front of the store for a laugh. Thrift Town tends to have more furniture than your normal thrift store, so give them a look if you need a nightstand, coffee table, or dresser.

  • Address: 2864 Thousand Oaks Drive, San Antonio, TX 78232
  • Website: Thrift Town

Habitat Home Center

That’s right: Habitat for Humanity has several thrift shops in San Antonio. If you’re a new homeowner on a budget, check out Habitat’s thrift shops for doors, toilets, cabinets, light fixtures, and furnishings. You can also buy paint, tape, and other consumables here. Not everything is a good deal, though, so compare the Habitat Home Center’s prices against Lowe’s and Home Depot before you buy anything.

Keep in mind that Habitat Home Center is largely self-service. You’ll need to move, load, and transport anything you buy here, so bring a friend or three if you plan on purchasing large equipment or lumber.

  • Address 1: 311 Probandt Street, San Antonio, TX 78204
  • Address 1: 5482 Walzem Rd, San Antonio, TX 78218
  • Address 1: 8125 Meadow Leaf Dr, San Antonio, TX 78227
  • Website: Habitat Home Center

Montage

If you’re super into the retro aesthetic, check out Montage’s humble shop for clothing and accessories from another era. Its itty-bitty exterior and weathered metal roof definitely contribute to the retro vibe at Montage. They only sell clothing that’s 20 years old (or older), so if you’re on the hunt for old-timey clothing that doesn’t go out of style, give them a look. They definitely don’t charge thrift store prices for their wares, though, so be prepared to spend more than $0.50 on a t-shirt.

  • Address: 423 W Grayson, San Antonio, TX 78212
  • Website: Montage Style

Second Chances Thrift Shop

Second Chances’ cause is near and dear to my heart. This thrift shop is technically in Helotes, which is a 15-minute drive outside the San Antonio city limits. Helotes is a beautiful destination by itself, but if you’re in the area, support animal welfare by shopping at Second Chances. They sell books, antiques, clothes, and general household items. Because Second Chances is entirely run by volunteers, they’re only open Thursday through Saturday. Double-check their hours before you make the trip!

  • Address: 10671 Shaenfield Road, San Antonio, TX 78254
  • Website: Second Chances

Green Door Thrift Shop

The Green Door is an old thrift store: St. Luke’s Episcopal Church opened it in 1953. They’ve been in the same building since 1958 and still sell clothes and home goods to this day. The neat thing about this thrift shop is that it funds a grant program through the church that supports local non-profits and humanitarian initiatives. All of Green Door’s profits go to charity, which is a big bonus. They have funky hours, though, so you’re only able to shop Tuesday – Saturday from 10 am – 1 pm.

  • Address: 1030 Nacogdoches Road, San Antonio, TX 78209
  • Website: The Green Door

Clothes Mentor

I know Clothes Mentor is a thrift store chain, but man, do I love it. When I was making next to nothing at my first office job, I was only able to look halfway decent because of Clothes Mentor. They sell trendy women’s clothing, jewelry, purses, and shoes at a much more affordable price than a department store. There are a few locations in San Antonio, but I’ve had the most success with their location in Stone Oak. I once scored a Tommy Bahama designer jacket for $10; what a steal!

  • Address 1: 21038 US-281 #100, San Antonio, TX 78258
  • Address 2: 21038 US-281 #100, San Antonio, TX 78258
  • Website: Clothes Mentor San Antonio

Goodwill

Yes, everybody knows about Goodwill, but I’m particularly obsessed with their location off of 410 near North Park Mall. This location seems to carry more furniture than any other Goodwill in my area; the prices are sometimes a little high, though, so shop around before you buy a coffee table here. But even so, Goodwill is still my go-to for clothes, home goods, and kitchen appliances.

The 11 Best Thrift Stores in San Antonio - Roaming Texas (2024)

FAQs

What's the best day to go thrifting? ›

According to Goodwill, the perfect time slot to shop at thrift stores is in the morning on both Monday and Tuesday. This is because, at least as far as Goodwill is concerned, people tend to donate garage sale remnants on Sunday, so the pickings are new and fresh come early weekdays.

What city in Texas is best for thrifting? ›

Houston, Texas

Houston is the #1 City in Texas for Thrifting. They are #1 for the most consignment stores and #1 for the most Habitat for Humanity ReStores and Goodwill stores.

How to bargain at thrift store? ›

Thrift store prices are low, but that doesn't mean they can't go lower. If you think something is priced too high for what is, ask if they're willing to take less for it. Just be polite in doing so and don't be discouraged if they're not open to bargaining.

What is the best city for thrifting? ›

Here is the definitive list of the best cities for thrifting in the country. According to our data, the top five cities for thrifting in the U.S. are Riverside, CA, Atlanta, GA, Columbus, OH, Orlando, FL, and Tampa, FL.

How much money should you take when thrifting? ›

If you're planning to visit only one store, $30 ought to be enough if you're only going to buy a few things, and those few things cost less than $10 on average.

Do thrift stores wash clothes before? ›

Most secondhand stores don't wash the clothes before selling them. Donations are typically washed before they're donated, but we still recommend giving them a good cleaning when you get home. Even if the clothes are washed before they hit the thrift store floor, people will have since touched them.

What sells the most in thrift stores? ›

Clothing. Clothing is an item that sells best in thrift stores. Accounting for 31.8 percent of industry revenue, clothing is the largest revenue generator in the Thrift Stores industry, according to IBISWorld. Instead of paying higher retail prices, many people are switching to thrift stores for their clothing needs.

Where is the world's largest thrift store located? ›

Worlds Largest Thrift Store, Redlands CA.

What is the big retail store in Texas? ›

Department Stores in Texas
  • Scheels. Department Stores. ...
  • Sam Moon Trading Co. Department Stores. ...
  • Target. Department Stores.
  • The Shops at Highland Village. Factory Outlets. ...
  • AT&T Experience Store. Department Stores Downtown Dallas. ...
  • Stanley Korshak. Department Stores Oak Lawn.
  • Sikes Senter Mall. ...
  • Padre Islander & Island Sports.

How to save money at thrift store? ›

5 Thrift Shopping Tips for Saving Money and the Planet
  1. Always Check Thrift Stores First. Anytime you need something, make a note and try to find it used instead of new. ...
  2. Make a List. ...
  3. Don't Overbuy! ...
  4. Be Patient. ...
  5. Look Online. ...
  6. Secure Your FutureCard Visa and Save on Eco-Friendly Purchases.

How to thrift shop like a pro? ›

Here are 7 tips for learning how thrift like a pro.
  1. Tip #1: Dress the part. ...
  2. Tip #2: Have a plan (but allow for spontaneity and experimentation) ...
  3. Tip #3: Look for quality. ...
  4. Tip #4: Choose natural fibers. ...
  5. Tip #5: Find out when they restock and pop in regularly. ...
  6. Tip #6: Don't kid yourself. ...
  7. Tip #7: Check for household goods, too.

What are 10 tips for shopping at the thrift store so you don t get overwhelmed and find what you need? ›

Thrifting for the first time? Experts share their tips and tricks.
  1. 1Where you thrift matters.
  2. 2Consider estate sales.
  3. 3Avoid fast fashion.
  4. 4Hit the denim section.
  5. 5Assess leather goods for quality.
  6. 6Look for cool T-shirts and sweatshirts.
  7. 7Check the 'go-back' rack.
Jul 11, 2023

What state has the best thrift? ›

1. Florida. Florida's thriving thrift scene is a treasure trove for bargain hunters. With its diverse population and mild climate, the state boasts a wide range of thrift stores, offering everything from vintage fashion to home decor.

What is the thrifting capital of the US? ›

New York, NY

Is thrifting actually worth it? ›

Thrifting is extremely helpful when you're looking to buy a staple piece but don't want to splurge on something you won't wear very often. But even if you're not looking for something that's a little out there, you can find a lot of good quality basics, such as sweaters, t-shirts, cardigans, jeans, or blazers.

What day is best to go to Goodwill? ›

Tuesdays are terrific for those in the know—often, this is when a Goodwill store refreshes its inventory and rolls out new items that weren't on shelves over the weekend. It's the perfect day to get that designer piece or unique item that just didn't make it out on Monday!

What is the best day of the week to buy clothes? ›

Best Day of the Week to Buy Clothes

Thursday evenings usually provide the greatest overall bargains. On Thursday, a number of department stores begin their weekend sales.

What is the best day to buy stuff? ›

Some of the best times of the year to save money are three-day weekends attached to major holidays, such as Memorial Day and Labor Day. If you buy merchandise at a time when most people aren't interested in that item – like a winter coat just as warm weather starts – you'll likely find steep discounts.

What is the best day to go clothes shopping? ›

For frugal shoppers, shopping means buying clothes when you can get the very best prices, which can often take a bit of pre-planning. You can follow a few simple timing guidelines to get the best deals on new clothing, such as knowing that Thursday night may be the best day of the week to go to the store.

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