Secondhand shopping is one of my favorite things to do in Columbus.
Whether we are looking for furniture or adding to our wardrobe, I tend to go thrifting before purchasing new. This habit was born for purely financial reasons in my early twenties. I was living on an extremely tight budget and I was always looking for ways to leave more money for experiences instead of items.
As time has passed, I have grown to enjoy buying items second-hand, making me feel like I’m doing something tangible to help the environment. The fast fashion industry has had massive impacts on the planet and the people making the clothes. It’s lovely living in a place that has some fantastic thrift stores.
Out Of The Closet
I love shopping for a good cause and that’s exactly what you’re doing when you make purchases at Out of the Closet. $.96 of every dollar collected by the store goes directly to fund AIDS Healthcare Foundation’s HIV/AIDS programs and services. Additionally, the store offers HIV testing to anyone, regardless of their ability to pay. The store carries clothes, books, housewares, and more.
Location: 1230 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201
Website: Out Of The Closet
Clothes Mentor
Clothes Mentor specifically focuses on designer clothing, shoes, handbags, jewelry, and other accessories for women. It’s a great shop to visit if you’re updating your professional wardrobe. One of my favorite things about Clothes Mentor is the consistency of the quality of items they sell. You will likely find like-new pieces that can save you big bucks. You can also sell items to Clothes Mentor if you’re in the mood to overhaul your wardrobe.
Location: Multiple locations
Website: Clothes Mentor
Grandview Mercantile
Okay so let’s be real: Grandview Mercantile isn’t exactly what you think of when you hear the words “thrift store.” The shop focuses on antiques and fine home consignment and their 20k+ square foot showroom is full of amazing treasures. From unique pieces of furniture to amazing jewelry items, Grandview Mercantile is the kind of place you can get lost in for hours.
Location: 1489 Grandview Ave, Columbus, OH 43212
Website: Grandview Mercantile
One More Time
One More Time has both a furniture/home decor focused store and a clothing store. I really enjoy shopping for clothes at One More Time and they have such a good variety of options for all body types. The store accepts consignments in addition to selling items, so it’s easy to revamp your wardrobe.
Location: 1521 W 5th Ave, Columbus, OH 43212
Website: One More Time
Flower Child
If it’s vintage items you’re after, you have to go to Flower Child. This shop sells clothing, accessories, furniture, home decor, art, and so much more. The items in the shop range from the 1930s to the 1980s and walking through the store is like hopping in a time machine. You can find some pretty incredible deals at Flower Child as well as some fantastic customer service.
Location: 233 E 5th Ave, Columbus, OH 43201
Website: Flower Child
