2025-08-14T19:04:22-04:00

Thrifting Tips for National Thrift Shop Day on August 17th!

August 14, 2025/ToniOnThrifting.com/Leave a comment

Thrifting is a great joy to me, and I am very passionate about it. I am thrilled we get to celebrate it on August 17th. I think it should be a national holiday, don’t you? I wanted to remind you of tips, tricks, and advice for thrifting or making purposeful donations. I hope you find them helpful. Let’s live by the reduce, reuse, and recycle motto and live sustainably.

First and foremost, let’s be kind to one another. Some thrift shops are small; if two people browse the same rack, please don’t overreach. We will all get a turn.

Merchandise is also very geographical, so go out of your area, and you will be surprised at how different (in a good way) the merchandise is.

Please do not haggle when shopping at small, independent, charitable thrift stores. Every penny they make goes back into their community, whether to a food bank, back-to-school supplies, services for the elderly, or so much more. Every dollar earned is another dollar to help someone truly in need.

Be kind to anyone who works at a thrift shop, especially charity thrift shops. Most are volunteers, and a little appreciation goes a long way.

Always visit estate sales later in the day unless you have something specific in mind that was advertised. You’re more likely to get a lower price because the sales staff doesn’t want to pack up more than they must after a sale.

Keep cell phone conversations to a minimum. Some thrift stores are small, and you take the fun out of a person’s adventure by loudly talking on your phone.

The fundamental rule of donating with a purpose is NOT to leave donations outside thrift stores after hours. They then become unusable and must be thrown away, which defeats the purpose of donating and the workers’ effort to discard them. This is one of the most significant issues facing thrift shops today.

Do not donate anything ripped, torn, stained, or unusable. Remember, if you wouldn’t buy it yourself, don’t donate it.

Always ensure that the thrift shop you donate to accepts all your donations.

The way we donate can positively influence the environment, especially in our local communities. When we donate purposefully, we play an essential role in extending the life of items we no longer need, helping to protect this beautiful planet for future generations.

Until next time, Happy Thrifting!

Why Remix Market is a Thrift Shopper’s Paradise

August 9, 2025/ToniOnThrifting.com/Leave a comment

It was love at first sight during my first visit to Remix Market, and I plan to visit many more times in the future. The variety is incredible, ranging from old to new, vintage to antique. This place is amazing. I loved that Remix has such an eclectic décor collection—all of it is fantastic. It’s the kind of thrift shop or market where you could furnish a new apartment with everything they carry. And there are so many items that you can buy cheaply and repurpose.

I spotted a Herman Miller chair in perfect condition for less than a third of its original price – you can’t beat that. There are so many hidden treasures and gems here. They also had a lamp I was interested in, and when I checked their website (remixmarketnyc.com) to see if it was still available, it was already sold. If you’re shopping here and find something you like, buy it because it won’t be on the shelves for long. I love mixing old and new décor, and this will be my first stop whenever I need to refresh or redecorate.

I think thrift shops have the most beautiful and high-quality serveware. You can be very adventurous when buying glasses, dishes, and serveware. There are many options, and you can mix and match patterns, which look incredible on the table. Additionally, older lamps are more beautiful, sturdier, and full of character.

My photos don’t do Remix Market justice, so please check out their website (remixmarketnyc.com). They also have the coolest Instagram page, @RemixMarketNYC. I’ve been following it for a while now—I wish I had gone to the store sooner.

They receive daily deliveries from Junk Luggers NYC, and from what I observed, they receive some exceptional deliveries. Now for the parts that truly steal my heart: Remix Market donates 50% of its inventory to verified 501(c)3 charities. The icing on the cake is that Remix Market is a professional fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity and donates 10% of its proceeds to them. I love them even more now. I’ll be back soon.

PLEASE NOTE: Remix Market does not take donations.

Remix Market
5-38 46th Ave,
Long Island City, NY 11101
Phone: (929) 302-3954

Monday – Friday 10 AM–7  PM
Saturday & Sunday 10 AM–6 PM

Until next time, Happy Thrifting!

62nd St Goodwill and 64th St Housing Works on the Upper East Side – Two Excellent Choices!

July 8, 2025July 8, 2025/ToniOnThrifting.com/Leave a comment

Every thrift shopper knows you can’t go thrift shopping and always expect to find what you need. But on those lucky days, you can hit the jackpot! Thrift shopping has always been a kind of hit or miss. Cherish the days when a store is stocked with your size and enjoy them, because one might not come along again for a while.

Exterior view of the 62nd St Goodwill store showcasing sustainable shopping and diverse clothing options.

I hit the jackpot at the Goodwill on 62d St. I had walked in thinking I would check out activewear tops. After going through the racks, I found three activewear tops. I could have bought more, but I restrained myself. The store’s selection of tops was unbelievable, so many were priced at $7.99 for every single brand you can think of.

I was pleasantly surprised because I hadn’t visited this Goodwill in a long time. The store was well stocked with men’s and women’s clothing, and the prices were great, offering a fantastic variety. Although the household section was sparse, it more than made up for it in other sections.

This Goodwill also functions as a donation center. The staff collecting donations and those at checkout were friendly, courteous, and professional, which always enhances the shopping experience. While I may not always be so lucky when shopping at this Goodwill, I’m sure it will be worth checking everything out. It’s always good to remember how many people you are helping by shopping at Goodwill.

Their proceeds go to helping people with disabilities and disadvantages do powerful things, like finding work, gaining independence, and building careers.

Goodwill
1114 1st Ave,
New York, NY 10065
Open Monday to Sunday from 11 am – 7 pm

I love Housing Works’ selection of clothing, shoes, and accessories. Their home décor is always spot on. I think Housing Works gets the best and most unique home décor. Of course, the day that I went, they had the most gorgeous desk lamp. I wish that I had gotten it; it was stunning.

Exterior view of 64th St Housing Works, a high-end thrift shop known for quality clothing and unique items.

The store is well-curated and has eye-catching displays. Their clothes are above average and a little more costly pricewise, but you get high-quality items. This tends to be a more high-end thrift shop with fantastic items in all departments. You are getting great value for the money you spend there. The shop is smaller than many other Housing Works, but it still packs a punch when finding treasures/clothes. You will pay a bit more, but you will get good value for the money. The staff is always kind and helpful, and worth stopping in to look around.

Housing Works’s mission is to provide safe, secure, and stable housing to homeless New Yorkers living with HIV/AIDS and/or other chronic health conditions—a great reason to shop at any Housing Works. The store is well-curated, and they have eye-catching displays. Their clothes are above average and a little more costly pricewise, but you get high-quality items. This tends to be a more high-end thrift shop with fantastic items in all departments. You are getting great value for the money you spend there.

The shop is smaller than many other Housing Works, but it still packs a punch when it comes to finding treasures or clothes. You will pay a bit more, but you will get good value for the money. The staff is always kind and helpful, and it is worth stopping to look around.

Housing Works
1222 2’* Ave
New York, NY 10065
Monday – Saturday 11 am – 7 pm
Sunday 12 pm – 5 pm

Until next time, Happy Thrifting!

W. 26th St. in Chelsea is Thrift Row, the place to be for buying and selling vintage.

May 11, 2025/ToniOnThrifting.com/Leave a comment

When in Chelsea, I highly recommend that you go to W. 26th St. for an abundance (and I mean abundance) of thrift and vintage opportunities, both buying and selling.

Each one of these stores is fabulous and has loads of vintage t-shirts, clothing, shoes, sneakers, and accessories. They all have a broad range of clothes and shoes in New York City at appropriate prices. AND in each store, you will find unique vintage pieces. Also, all these stores carry on-trend clothing, and these pieces are priced appropriately. We all have different tastes. Our styles look very different. So, it is a personal choice as to which shop will be your favorite. You will definitely find merchandise you like. It will be in one of these stores. I found a few items that I could not leave without.

Here are some of the stores that I visited:

Crossroads Trading
@crossroadtrading
24 West 26th St
Crossroadtrading.com

If you want to sell clothes, Crossroads has an app that tells you the number of sellers ahead of you. If you do not have time to wait, they have a 48-hour drop-off selling service and a sell-by-mail service.

Buffalo Exchange
@buffaloexchange
114 West 26th St
Buffaloexchange.com

They also have a text notification system that alerts sellers about their place in line, so you can trade for store credit.

Garage Sale Vintage
@garagesale_vintage
122 West 26th St
Gargarsalevintage.com

I can only say this is one of the most fabulous vintage shops I’ve ever been in. Garage Sale Vintage has a great vibe and a fantastic selection( there is even a record section), and it is a great space that offers a great shopping experience. This is a must-see stop on Thrift Row. See their website for details on the store and the more fun events at the shop

Thrift NYC
@thriftnycchelsea
150 West 26th St.

Thrift NYC has an excellent reputation for having the friendliest and most helpful staff and an excellent selection. It is well worth the trip.

2nd Street Chelsea
@secondstreetusa
142 West 26th St
ec.2ndstreetusa.com

They have stores nationwide, and with 250K followers, they are very popula

Flamingos Vintage Pound
110 West 26th St

Flamingos Vintage Pound is incredible. You must stop in to feel the vibe and see all the clothes. The staff is chill and very helpful—a great way to shop.

Goodwill
103 West 25th St.
Goodwillnynj.org

Goodwill is also around the corner, and their prices and variety were great. How can you not stop at Goodwill if it is right there?

Do not forget, if you go on a Saturday or Sunday. Do not miss the Chelsea flea market at 29 W. 25th St. between Sixth Avenue and Broadway. I promise it is worth going, even to browse. They are open 8 AM to 5 PM year-round.

Please remember sustainability and the importance of REDUCE, REUSE, AND RECYCLE!

Visit my Facebook page for local sales in Westchester County.

Until next time, Happy Thrifting!

How Thrift Shopping is Changing in 2025

May 4, 2025May 19, 2025/ToniOnThrifting.com/1 Comment

According to the Thred Up 2024 Annual Report, two-fifths of the clothing items purchased were secondhand. The report also states that 55% of consumers say that if the economy doesn’t improve, they’ll spend more of their apparel budget on secondhand, and 60% say shopping for secondhand apparel gives them the most bang for their buck.

I have seen this increase in the number of people shopping in the thrift stores I visit; prices are starting to increase in some stores. Some thrift store managers state that more resellers than ever are shopping to increase their inventory; quite a few thrift stores are now checking Poshmark and eBay to see what their items are worth and adjusting their pricing. The demand for second-hand clothing is increasing dramatically every year. I know of one thrift store that has adjusted its pricing by charging Poshmark prices. Rummage sales and thrift stores have special sections with new items with tags and designer merchandise. It is a sign of this new thrifting era.

With this many people shopping secondhand, it is harder to find the bargains of yesteryear, but don’t despair. There are still plenty of bargains out there; it just takes a world of patience now. I love local rummage sales, especially when the money goes back into the community (The same for smaller independent stores, where the money goes right back into the community). Rummage sales are gaining in popularity by leaps and bounds. I recently went to a rummage sale in Westchester County that started at 9 am. I got there at 8:30 am to get in line, and there were 64 people ahead of me. That was unheard of just a few years ago. The good news is that most rummage sales have fixed pricing on clothing and shoes. Fixed pricing usually does not include high-end merchandise, but if it does, jackpot! Patience and a good eye will always be the key to excellent thrift shopping scores.

Thrift store shoppers save approximately $1,760 each year by making purchases secondhand. Approximately one-third of clothing and apparel items purchased in the U.S. over the past year were secondhand. In 2023, the U.S. secondhand market generated an estimated $53 billion in revenue. Resellers are also taking advantage of the booming thrifting business. For some, it is a full-time business; for others, it is a way to make ends meet.

I still love the thrill of the hunt when thrift shopping and seeing so many people that I have become friendly with on the thrifting circuit. So go out there and REDUCE, REUSE, AND RECYCLE, and most of all, enjoy finding those great bargains that we all love to brag about and show off. There are still plenty of bargains out there. So keep thrifting!

Please check out my Facebook page for local sales!

Until next time, Happy Thrifting!

The Habitat NYC and Westchester Restore in Yonkers just celebrated its first anniversary, and they have much to celebrate.

October 30, 2024October 30, 2024/ToniOnThrifting.com/Leave a comment

After visiting the Habitat NYC and Westchester Restore in Yonkers, New York, I can see why. The store is jam-packed with furniture, appliances, building materials, kitchen cabinets, paint, home décor, and more. These are overstock and second-hand high-quality items donated to the Restore, all at 50 to 80% off original retail pricing. They have an additional store in Queens. The merchandise is quite impressive, with so many options. Join their Facebook page to see new items posted for sale: Their page is Habitat NYC and Westchester Restore.

If you or someone you know is getting their first home, first apartment, going back to school, or tragically, a victim of floods or fire, this is the place to get furniture and other home supplies at a fraction of what you would pay at a retailer. I saw beautiful couches, loveseats, and chairs: paint, some hardware, appliances, and lots of home décor. The staff is accommodating and kind. On. A recent weekend, I was in the store where families bought furniture and other items, and everything was seamless. It was busy, but each person/group received the staff’s undivided attention.

I spoke to Harris (pictured), the manager, who is equally passionate about Habitat for Humanity New York City, Westchester, and the ReStore. You can tell by going through the store how much Harris and everyone who works there cares about what they do and the people they do it for.

More about the Habitat for Humanity NYC and Westchester. Habitat NYC and Westchester create, preserve, and advocate for healthy, affordable homes and the generational equity-building opportunities homeownership provides.

Here are some great ways that you can get involved and help Habitat for Humanity:

Donate:

Whether you’re renovating your home, cleaning out your garage, downsizing or decluttering, Habitat NYC and Westchester’s ReStore will pick up and remove your gently used furniture, building materials, appliances, cabinetry, countertops, and household items. Pick-up is available!

Shop:

For your next DIY project, shop at the Habitat ReStore! You’ll be able to purchase necessary items at a steep discount, and your purchase will help Habitat NYC and Westchester build more homes.

Volunteer:

Join the team as a ReStore volunteer! It’s a perfect fit for community members interested in retail sales, interior design, or do-it-yourself projects and people simply interested in making a difference in the community. Volunteer opportunities include helping as a retail associate, doing donation pick-ups, refinishing furniture, and much more.

I thoroughly enjoyed my visit. I loved all the items on display and the store’s vibe and feel. I admire that the ReStore has diverted over 3,000 tons of waste from landfills. Do you need a better reason to shop the Restore than helping save the planet and help families in need? You can shop at either the Yonkers or Queens location. Both have outstanding merchandise.

Visit the website at http://www.habitatnycwc.org for more information and their hours of operation.

Westchester Restore NYC Restore

470 Nepperhan Ave 62-01 Northern Blvd

Yonkers, NY 10701 Queens, NY 11377

Until next time, Happy Thrifting!

August 17th is National Thrift Shop Day

August 17, 2024August 17, 2024/ToniOnThrifting.com/Leave a comment

August 17th is National Thrift Shop Day. We all know that I think it should be a national holiday. I love my thrift shopping – both shopping and writing about it. Why do people love thrift shopping? Why do I love thrift shopping? The thrill of the hunt is looking for that great find. The chance to create your style and make a fashion statement. The ability to save money by not shopping in expensive department stores. Secondhand and vintage clothes are better quality than today’s fast fashion. Even thrift stores have sales. Help your community by supporting local thrift shops that use their proceeds to help people in their communities. It gives you a chance to keep updating your wardrobe at reasonable prices. If you dislike a purchase, you can donate it right back.

Most importantly, by thrift shopping, you are saving the planet and keeping clothes out of landfills. These are just some of the reasons why we all love thrift shopping. I have been thrift shopping for over forty years, and it brings me great joy and is my passion. There is no better way to enjoy a few hours than by going to a thrift shop and just looking through all the racks hoping to find those unique pieces that I will buy and love for years to come.

Happy National Thrift Shop Day!!

Thank you for reading – if you like my blogs, please like my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/tonionthrifting/

Until next time, Happy Thrifting!

August 17th is National Thrift Shop Day

August 16, 2022August 16, 2022/ToniOnThrifting.com/1 Comment

Happy National Thrift Shop Day!!

Thank you for reading – if you like my blogs, please like my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/tonionthrifting/

Until next time, Happy Thrifting!

The Thrifty Hog – High-End Thrifting at its Best and All for a Great Cause!

April 22, 2022April 22, 2022/ToniOnThrifting.com/Leave a comment

When you walk into the Thrifty Hog, you feel like you are in an upscale boutique. The impeccable displays, the friendly staff, and the unique selections all make the shop dazzling. This shop is well-curated to give you the ultimate shopping experience. Make no mistake; this is not your average thrift store. With donations from high-profile models, designers, fashion influencers, and beauty experts, to name a few, there is no shortage of fabulous on any given day. But what makes the Thrifty Hog extraordinary is that The Thrifty Hog’s net proceeds directly fund programs that help homeless mothers and their children.

The Founder & CEO of the Thrifty Hog is Deborah Koenigsberger. She is also the Founder & CEO of the nonprofit charity Hearts of Gold. Hearts of Gold’s mission and its purpose is reimagining the future of homeless mothers and their children. Their programs work with these moms to become confident and self-sufficient as they prepare to transition from New York City shelter system into permanent homes. The Thrifty Hog’s (an acronym for Hearts of Gold) net proceeds directly fund Hearts of Gold’s programs and services. Deborah’s efforts on behalf of Hearts of Gold have been featured on NY1, CBS New York, and Fox News, to name a few. Here is a link that will give you an in-depth look at Deborah and Hearts of Gold. https://www.heartsofgold.org/whatwedo

The pictures do not do the Thrifty Hog justice; only a visit there will. The selections are unique and unlike any other thrift/consignment store that you go to. You will pay more for designer duds, but you are getting the designers we all crave at a significant discount on original pricing. And there is plenty of affordable merchandise for sale throughout the store, especially in the accessories section. The inventory has a high turnover rate because the shop is trendy and in a high foot traffic area. Please do yourself a favor and make it a point to go to the Thrifty Hog. Well worth a trip or two or three.

The Thrifty Hog

11 West 25th Street NY, NY | (212) 206-1174 | info@heartsofgold.org

Store Hours

MONDAY & TUESDAY
Closed

WEDS, THURS, FRI

10:30AM – 6:3OPM

SATURDAY

11:00AM–6:00PM

SUNDAY

11:00AM–5:00PM

Until next time, Happy Thrifting!!

Thrifting is back and here are some standouts to share with you.

November 22, 2021June 18, 2022/ToniOnThrifting.com/Leave a comment

One of my favorite passions is thrifting as you all know. Here are some thrift shops I have come across recently. I will write in-depth about them soon but I just have to share these gems with you.

Please call first as some thrift shops change their hours or close during the holidays.

Deer Hill Thrift Shop in Danbury. It is part of the First Congregational Church of Danbury. Located at 164 Deer Hill Ave. What a great surprise. Maybe I was just lucky the day I shopped. I scored Calvin Klein kitten heels on sale for $5.00. A Talbot’s sweater for $8.00 and Chico’s cargo pants for $4.00. I have a feeling that this one stays well stocked. They are open Saturday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. The phone number is (203) 792-3110.

Carousel Thrift Shop, a thrift shop affiliated with the Southport Congregational Church is another gem with lots of high-end merchandise and priced accordingly. They are located at 524 Pequot Ave, Southport, CT 06890. They are open Tuesday thru Saturday from 11am to 3pm. The phone number is (203) 255-6629. https://www.loc8nearme.com/connecticut/southport/southport-congregational-church/6491122/

The Hillside Thrift Shop is located at Zion Episcopal Church, at 55 Cedar Street, Dobbs Ferry NY, right before the intersection with Main Street. Just go up the driveway, where you’ll find ample parking, and go through the little red door with the thrift-shop sign. Open on Thursdays and Saturdays from 12:00 to 4:00 and accept donations on Mondays from 10:00 to 12:00. The phone number is (914) 693-9320.

St. Bartholomew’s Thrift Shop reopened and just as great as ever. Lots of Eileen Fisher merchandise too. They are located at 82 Prospect Ave., White Plains, NY 10607. Open Saturdays 9-1 and Thursdays 3 pm – 6pm. The phone number is (914) 949-5611.

Ridgefield Thrift Shop. (Please read my blog about the RTS) Top rated. Top merchandise. Unbelievable prices. They are located at 21 Governor St, Ridgefield, CT 06877. They are open Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 12pm – 4pm. The phone number is (203) 438-3328.

All of these thrift shops help those in need and are a great reason to shop at one, two, or all.

Thrilled to be back to thrifting and lots more to come. Please send any thrift shops suggestions to toniononthrifting@gmail.com. I would love to hear what your favorite places are.

Until next time, HAPPY SHOPPING!!!!

ToniOnThrifting