9 Thrift Stores In Boston Cradling Liberty & Circularity

Open Thursday–Sunday, 40 South St.’s hours may be limited, but their style isn’t.

Formerly called Gumshoe, they’ve been one of the best vintage thrift stores in Boston for more than 30 years.

Their rotating selection is packed with hand-picked treasures from the 60s, 70s, and 80s, with a range of prices (some cheap, some expensive) to boot.

Owner Hilken Mancini is a singer-songwriter and author who made 40 South St. the headquarters for Girls Rock Campaign Boston!—a self-esteem-building organization for girls, gender non-conforming youth, and trans youth.

You can support the progressive, punk-rock-friendly shop from afar via their Etsy shop.

Price: $-$$$

Want a conversation-starting look à la Backstreet Boys tee with fringe jacket from decades earlier?

Then Vivant Vintage was made for you.

Not only are they one of the best thrift stores in Boston, but their product range also includes upcycled clothing. But what is upcycled clothing, you ask? Think of clothing like a cavas or read our deep dive on the subject.

That’s in addition to vintage shirts, jewelry, tops, bottoms, dresses, outerwear, swimwear, lingerie, accessories, prom and formal wear, and goods from local artisans.

VV is open 7 days a week and with stylists available to kit you out in the ultimate throwback, you’ll be living the good ol’ days once again.

If you happen to be an artist, photographer, or from a film and theater company, you can rent out their entire inventory.

Price: $-$$

Looking to channel your 8-bit inner child?

Besides vintage (1940s-1990s) clothing and accessories for all genders, High Energy Vintage sets itself apart with a throwback collection of old-school video games and classic vinyl.

This blast from the past is one of the best in Boston if you enjoy a good ol’ reminisce—just ask local mag, Scout Somerville.

The shop got its start as a pop-up at SoWa Vintage Market and now has a presence at markets around the city, a static brick-and-mortar location, and online store.

Price: $-$$$

If bespoke is the order of the day, the unique secondhand vintage shops in Cambridge & Malden known as Great Eastern will satisfy your curiosity.

Between two locations, there’s no shortage of distinct costumes, vinyl records, classic accessories, and vintage clothing for men, women, and non-binaries.

Providing nothing short of a “magical shopping experience” their stylists are on hand to help you find belly dance gear, Venetian masks, and anything in the 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s.

Heading to the Boston Calling music festival? Don’t miss this weird wonderland before rocking out.

Price: $-$$

We Thieves is a women-owned capsule secondhand vintage boutique selling “stolen from the past” pieces.

As a cult-favorited vintage shop, they make it easy to find tops, shirts, pants, skirts, jumpsuits, lingerie, sets, jackets, and accessories for men and women.

Pieces from the 1950s – 1980s are most represented. While prices are not necessarily thrifty, they’re extremely reasonable for carefully curated vintage.

They also have modern accessories, gifts, and apothecary goods from some of our favorite zero waste skin care brands.

Follow their socials to stay in the loop on regular clothing repair and other pop-up classes.

You can sell garments to them by appointment only. For some items for $250 in retail value, consignment options may be available too.

Price: $-$$$

Specializing in luxury retailers, On Again Consignment is the place to dress in the best for less.

Perfect for high end designer thrifting in Boston, you can expect to find brands like Burberry, Gucci, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton.

The collection includes clothes, purses, shoes, sunglasses, and other accessories.

Price: $$-$$$

With some of the best thrift stores in Massachusetts, The Blessing Barn and sharing center has three locations around the Boston area.

Each brightly-lit, clean, beautifully-displayed non-profit location supports a specific program.

Purchased/donated furniture, clothing, vintage items, and household decor are available, profits of which support various local charities:

• The charming Home Store supports crisis care programs operated by Compassion New England
• The Beacon Hill location exists to support patients needing medical care and their families with short-term housing
• The Mattapan location is powered by StoryHeights Foundation, which offers grants for childcare, groceries, and housing for those looking to improve their lives.

Price: $-$$

Neighbors Who Care Thrift Shop wears its heart on its elbow-patched tweed sleeves.

It’s one of the few thrift stores in Waltham, yet it’s an excellent place to find household items like bedding, kitchenware, small electrical appliances, as well as art, crafts, hand tools, and candles.

They also have clothing, shoes, and accessories for the whole family.

100% of profits support their efforts to provide comfort and alleviate isolation and loneliness for local seniors.

In your twilight years? If yes, then stop by on Thursdays for senior citizens 30% discount.

Price: $-$$

Why go to a vintage shop when you can eat your heart out at a vintage market?

Operating every Sunday and the first Friday of each month, the SoWa Vintage Market is home to 25+ vendors.

That means a massive curated collection of vintage and designer clothes, jewelry, accessories, lighting, art, antiques, and furniture.

Considered one of the better furniture thrift stores Boston has to offer, their range of antique, Mid-Century modern, and vintage furniture, art, lighting, sculpture, barware, and mirrors can fully furnish any room in your home and then some.

There’s a budget spectrum for cashless College students to professional investors.

Don’t forget to say hi to one of the adorable shop dogs that frequent the market.

Price: $-$$