Illustration: Annelise Capossela/Axios
Central Ohio shoppers on the hunt for savings and sustainability have lots of options thanks to our thriving thrift store scene.
Why it matters: Amid inflation and growing concerns about fast fashion's climate impact, buying secondhand is an easy way to save money, lower your carbon footprint and discover unique items.
State of play: 93% of U.S. shoppers have or are open to buying secondhand products, up from 70% in 2019, Axios' Hope King reports.
How it works: Thrift stores range from places that accept and sell almost anything, like Goodwill and Salvation Army, to high-end consignment shops.
- Many will buy your goods to resell.
Some of our local favorites:
🖼️ For trinkets and decor: One More Time Etc., with a fashion shop a few storefronts away.
- Grandview Heights.
🎮 For games and movies: VGMX, the self-proclaimed "nerd emporium."
- Northland.
👕 For a good cause: Out of the Closet, with proceeds benefiting the AIDS Healthcare Foundation.
- Short North.
👗 If you like things neatly organized: Clothes Mentor, Alissa's go-to for dresses and cheap Chuck Taylors.
- Multiple locations.
💪 If you don't mind getting dirty: Goodwill Outlet, where you can dig through unsorted bins for buried treasures sold by the pound.
- Far East Side.
💭 Alissa's thought bubble: Thrifting is all about the thrill of the hunt. If you keep an open mind, you never know what you'll find.
- I snagged a retired Thomas Kinkade puzzle of my favorite movie, "The Little Mermaid," for just $7 at Volunteers of America on Indianola Avenue. this week. Brand new!
- Thanks to reader Mark M. for the suggestion!
🛍 Bonus: Your thrifting picks
Mark M.: "St. Vincent de Paul's on East Main Street past 270. Monday through Wednesday they have tag colors on sale."
- Others: M&M Thrift and the South Drive-in Flea Market.
- "I’ve been here 40 years now and I virtually never buy anything retail except for my food and gasoline."
Challen B.: "ABSOLUTELY Second Chance in Grandview — best thrift store! Probably 80% of my wardrobe comes from there."
Jane H.: "One More Time in Grandview. I’ve scored Prada and Missoni off their designer rack (usually near the back). Eileen Fisher items usually are hidden in the regular racks."
Rebecca E.: Ohio Thrift and Volunteers of America on West Broad Street and Goodwill on Renner Road.
Joyce C.: Heritage Square Antique Mall at Brice Road & Livingston Avenue.
- "I still can’t believe a lot of people don’t know about it. A wide variety of vendors. Sylvia’s A-Z Closet, space C-33, a hidden gem."
📬 Want to add your favorite to our list? Email [email protected].
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