We Ranked 10 Of Pennsylvania’s Best Thrift Stores And Here’s What We Found
One thrift shop on this list stacks its goods across three full floors.
Another sends the money from your secondhand sweater straight to local AIDS organizations.
That combo hooked me right away, and it made me curious about the rest of the state.
I love the idea that a bargain lamp can also do some good, and I can’t resist a store big enough to need stairs.
Pennsylvania has a serious secondhand scene in big cities and small farm-country towns alike.
The stops ahead include vintage racks, designer consignment, roomy nonprofit shops, and one place with a name that practically winks at you.
I ranked ten of them on selection, layout, and pure fun factor, and a few surprises popped up along the way.
So which one deserves your next free Saturday, and how much trunk space should you clear out before you go?
1. Philly AIDS Thrift, Philadelphia, PA
Shopping here comes with a bonus feel-good feeling attached to the receipt.
Proceeds from Philly AIDS Thrift go to local AIDS organizations, so your new favorite jacket helps your neighbors too.
The store sits in South Philly, and it packs a lot of variety under one roof. You can browse used clothing, furniture, art, books, and home decor in a single trip.
Jewelry is a real highlight, so give those cases a slow look. Beautiful pieces turn up there, and a small treasure fits nicely in your pocket on the ride home.
Art lovers should check the walls before heading to the clothing racks. Framed pieces and decor items can give a plain apartment instant personality without a big spending spree.
Timing is easy, since the shop opens at 11 AM seven days a week. It stays open until 8 PM Monday through Saturday and 7 PM on Sunday, which helps after-work shoppers.
The store is also known as an LGBTQ+ friendly space, which adds to its welcoming reputation. Street parking is available nearby, with both free and paid spots in the area.
Earning the top spot on this Pennsylvania list feels well deserved. Great finds plus a good cause is a hard combo to beat.
Address: 710 S 5th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
2. Avalon Exchange, Pittsburgh, PA
Vintage prices have climbed lately, but this Pittsburgh shop keeps things surprisingly reasonable. That alone makes Avalon Exchange worth a stop on Forbes Avenue.
The store buys, sells, and trades secondhand fashion, with curated designer pieces sitting alongside unique vintage clothing.
Racks cover both men’s and women’s styles, so nobody in your group gets stuck waiting outside.
Organization is a big strength here. Neat racks make it easier to spot that one bold shirt you didn’t know you needed.
Friendly staff add to the easygoing mood of the place. The store is also an LGBTQ+ friendly shop and a transgender safe space.
Want the racks mostly to yourself? Tuesday mornings tend to be the quietest time, while weekend afternoons and Friday evenings get busy.
Hours run from 11 AM to 8 PM Monday through Saturday. Sunday hours are noon to 6 PM.
One practical tip matters before you go. The shop has no restroom, so plan a quick stop elsewhere if you’re making a long day of it.
Address: 5834 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
3. Re-Uzit Shop of New Holland, New Holland, PA
Lancaster County charm and serious bargain hunting meet on West Main Street.
The Re-Uzit Shop of New Holland brings plenty of room to roam.
Space is the first thing that stands out. The store is roomy and well organized, which makes browsing feel relaxed instead of like a treasure hunt in a closet.
Variety is the other big draw. You’ll find clothing, furniture, and housewares, so one visit can cover a closet refresh and a kitchen upgrade.
Furniture shoppers, take note of that free parking lot. Hauling a dresser to your car is much easier when you can park right outside.
Early birds will like the schedule here. Doors open at 9 AM Monday through Saturday, and the shop closes at 5 PM.
Sundays are a day off, so plan your trip for another day. Pairing a morning stop with a drive through the surrounding farmland makes for a pleasant outing.
Housewares sections like this can be a goldmine for first apartments. Mugs, dishes, and odds and ends add up fast when you buy them new.
Address: 707 W Main St, New Holland, PA 17557
4. CommunityAid, Mechanicsburg, PA
Night owls, this one’s for you. CommunityAid on the Carlisle Pike stays open until 9 PM Monday through Saturday.
That late closing time is a big deal for busy people. You can swing by after work or dinner without racing the clock.
CommunityAid is a nonprofit thrift store, so your shopping supports a bigger purpose. It’s a nice reason to feel good about that bag of bargains.
The selection leans heavily on clothing and household items. A wide range means you can grab jeans, a winter coat, and a picture frame in one trip.
Organization helps a lot in a store with this much stuff. Tidy sections let you move straight to what you need instead of wandering in circles.
The doors open at 9 AM, giving you a full twelve hours to shop on most days. Sundays are closed, so save your Sunday errands for somewhere else.
Mechanicsburg sits in central Pennsylvania near Harrisburg, which makes this an easy stop for plenty of drivers. Clear some trunk space before you go, just in case.
Address: 4833 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
5. Cobb’s Second Time Around Thrift Shop, Erie, PA
Three floors of secondhand goods? Your step counter is about to have a very good day.
Cobb’s Second Time Around Thrift Shop in Erie spreads its finds across three stories. That kind of size turns a quick stop into a real adventure.
Furniture, clothing, and household goods fill the space. With so much ground to cover, it helps to start at the top and work your way down.
The shop also buys used goods, which is handy if your basement is overflowing. You might leave with cash and a new end table in the same trip.
Delivery is offered here, and that’s rare for a thrift store. A big couch suddenly seems a lot more doable when you don’t need a truck.
Hours run 10 AM to 6 PM Monday through Saturday. The shop is closed on Sundays.
Free off-street parking is available, making it easier to load up larger purchases. Comfortable shoes are a smart idea too, given all those stairs.
Erie sits up in the northwest corner of the state near the lake. This shop gives you one more reason to make the drive.
Address: 1215 Parade St, Erie, PA 16503
6. St Vincent De Paul Thrift Store, State College, PA
College towns run on tight budgets, and this store gets that.
St Vincent De Paul Thrift Store on Benner Pike focuses on affordable clothing and accessories.
Students, families, and anyone watching their wallet can find something here. A wide selection keeps the racks interesting from one visit to the next.
The store is well organized, which saves you time. Sorting through neat racks beats digging through a mystery pile any day.
Accessories deserve a careful look. Belts, bags, and similar extras can finish an outfit for far less than a mall trip.
Need to check a price or text a friend a photo? Free Wi-Fi is available, which is a nice and unusual perk for a thrift shop.
Plan your visit carefully, because hours are on the shorter side. The store is open 10 AM to 4 PM Monday through Saturday and closed Sunday.
That afternoon closing time means late shoppers can miss out. A late-morning stop gives you plenty of time to browse without rushing.
State College sits right in the middle of Pennsylvania, making it a handy break on a longer road trip. Your closet will thank you for the detour.
Address: 1300 Benner Pike, State College, PA 16801
7. Style Encore, Allentown, PA
feels more like a boutique than a bargain bin. The store offers men’s and women’s clothing at affordable prices.
Its layout is organized, so finding your size takes less effort.
Handbags are a strong reason to visit. Shoes get plenty of attention too, which is great news if your closet floor needs a refresh.
Quiet shopping is possible if you time it right. Sunday mornings, Wednesday evenings, and Friday mornings tend to be calmer.
Busier stretches include Tuesday evening, Wednesday afternoon, and Thursday morning. Expect more company at the racks during those times.
Hours run 10 AM to 8 PM Monday through Saturday, with Sunday hours from 11 AM to 6 PM.
Practical comforts make the trip easier. There’s a restroom inside and a free on-site parking lot right outside.
Want a little shopping strategy? Try on a few styles you’d never buy new, since lower prices make experimenting much less scary.
Address: 1898 Catasauqua Rd #1, Allentown, PA 18109
8. Uncle Funky’s Thrift Shop, Denver, PA
With a name like Uncle Funky’s, you already know this isn’t a beige kind of store.
The Denver shop leans into fun with vintage clothing and unique jewelry.
Vintage fans will want to give the racks plenty of time. Retro styles can be the easiest way to stand out at school, work, or a party.
The jewelry selection is a big part of the appeal. Unusual pieces make great gifts, especially for that friend who has everything.
Getting there is simple along North Reading Road. A free on-site parking lot means you won’t circle the block looking for a spot.
Hours run 11 AM to 5 PM Monday through Saturday. The shop is closed on Sundays, so plan around that.
Denver is a small town in northern Lancaster County, not the big city out west. Expect a laid-back, small-town Pennsylvania stop rather than a giant mall trip.
A quick visit works here, but vintage hunting rewards patience. Check each rack twice, because the best pieces often hide between ordinary ones.
Address: 2350 N Reading Rd, Denver, PA 17517
9. De Novo Clothing Exchange, Stroudsburg, PA
De Novo means something like starting fresh, and that fits a closet makeover perfectly.
This Stroudsburg shop gives clothes a brand-new chapter.
The store blends thrift and consignment on Main Street. That mix means you’ll see a diverse range of apparel, shoes, and accessories.
Organization keeps the browsing smooth. You can move from tops to shoes without feeling lost in a maze of hangers.
Accessories can be the secret weapon here. A great scarf or bag can make an old outfit feel new again.
A gender-neutral restroom is available, which is a thoughtful touch. Small details like that make a shop feel welcoming to more people.
Hours are friendly to almost any schedule. Weekdays run 10 AM to 7 PM, Saturday runs 10 AM to 5 PM, and Sunday runs 11 AM to 4 PM.
Sunday hours stand out, since several shops on this list close that day. That makes De Novo a solid pick for a weekend getaway.
Stroudsburg sits in the Poconos, a popular spot for outdoor trips. Shopping downtown makes a fun break between scenic drives.
Address: 586 Main St, Stroudsburg, PA 18360
10. Christian Clothing, Wilkes-Barre Township, PA
Saturday night plans? Christian Clothing stays open until 9 PM on Saturdays, which makes late-night bargain hunting totally possible.
The Wilkes-Barre Township store offers a diverse selection of apparel, footwear, and household goods. That range covers both your closet and your kitchen cabinets.
Footwear deserves its own visit. Kids outgrow shoes fast, so secondhand pairs can save families a lot over a school year.
Household goods round out the shelves. Dishes, decor, and other home basics are smart buys when you’re setting up a new place.
Hours here are some of the longest on this list. Weekdays run 9 AM to 8 PM, Saturday runs 9 AM to 9 PM, and Sunday runs 10 AM to 6 PM.
That schedule makes it easy to fit a stop into almost any week. Seven days of shopping means fewer excuses to skip it.
Wilkes-Barre Township sits in northeastern Pennsylvania along a busy shopping boulevard. A thrift stop pairs easily with other errands in the area.
Here’s a final tip for any thrift trip. Bring a reusable bag, set a budget, and leave room for one happy surprise.
Address: 925 Wilkes Barre Township Blvd, Wilkes-Barre Township, PA 18702