Holiday celebrations will be a bit different this year. Parties may be lower-key, dinners might be smaller. But the holidays can still be joyful and meaningful. And by following these tips to incorporate used goods into your gift giving and holiday decorating, you might just make the 2020 holiday season one of the greenest ever.
How can buying used help enrich the holidays? For one thing, you’ll be spreading a lot of joy to community-based businesses, since most reuse retail is locally owned and operated. Reuse retailers are also more apt to have one-of-a-kind items, which will make your gift giving and decorating more thoughtful and distinctive. Buying used is a lot easier on the environment, too. And let’s not forget that it’s also lighter on your wallet.
Check out our holiday guide to get the juices flowing.
Smart idea: Before you visit any store, check hours and COVID-19 shopping requirements, since they might change unexpectedly. Lower your risk while you're shopping. Keep up on CDC guidelines.
"I need a simple solution for my holiday shopping and decorating."
This post is all about making it simpler than ever to shop for used gifts and decorative items. How? By directing you to nearby reuse retailers where you can get a lot of shopping done in a single visit. What’s more, many of these retailers are offering special promotions from now until the end of year, which will make it even easier for you to find carefully curated—AND specially priced—holiday items in one fell swoop.
We’re paying special attention in this blog entry to some great reuse retailers that are clustered in the western suburbs, but remember: Used shopping opportunities abound throughout the metro area. Use our location finder to zero in on nearby reuse retailers who are likely to meet your needs.
You know about Black Friday—but also remember Small Business Saturday
As you’d expect, many reuse retailers are offering great Black Friday savings, but mark your calendar for Small Business Saturday—November 28, 2020. Held every year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, it’s a great way for small businesses to enjoy the spotlight, and for shoppers to get some extraordinary deals at local holiday shopping events. Not all of our retailers advertise Small Business Saturday promotions, but odds are they’ll be observing the day with impressive markdowns and offers on holiday gifts and décor. So, note the day because it’s going to be a great opportunity to get a lot of holiday shopping done efficiently, without overspending.
One more thing to note: Holiday décor can also make a special holiday gift. From decorative dishes and snowmen figurines to wreaths and artwork, decorative items help jumpstart everyone’s holiday planning. Items such as these are especially good for young people and newlyweds who are just setting up households.
Ready to shop?
Here’s our list of some of the western suburbs’ premier reuse retailers – stores with great holiday gift options and decorative items, fantastic buys, and truly helpful staffers who’ll do their best to make your shopping easier and more rewarding.
Antiques on Mainstreet
913 Mainstreet
Hopkins, MN 55343
Hours: Monday–Saturday 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sunday 12–5 p.m.
All manner of holiday discoveries await you at this two-level, 7,000 square-foot mall of 48 dealers offering an eclectic mix of antique, vintage and collectible treasures, including holiday decorative items by the sleigh-full. The variety on display at Antiques on Mainstreet has made this one of the area's most popular shopping destinations. Plus, there’s a large parking lot directly behind the store.
Pre-Black Friday Facebook live sale—Tuesday, November 24, starting at 7 p.m.
Enjoy 10% savings on a wide variety of offerings and register to win a basket of goodies. Learn more on Facebook.
Hopkins Antique Mall
1008 Mainstreet
Hopkins, MN 55343
Hours: Monday–Saturday 11 a.m.–6 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
If you’re in need of mid-century modern lamps, figurines, kitchen wares, vintage Barbies, books, toys, and so much more, Hopkins Antique Mall is a must. With over 10,000 square feet of dealer space on two levels, they offer an excellent selection of antiques, vintage, and collectibles. Besides finding some wonderful collectibles and antiques, you’ll get the experience of taking a trip down memory lane. So be sure to stop in during the holiday season because there’s potential here to find holiday gifts for practically everyone on your list.
Visit them on Facebook and Instagram.
The Vintage Loft
434 2nd St.
Excelsior, MN 55331
Hours: Thursdays, 12–5 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.–4PM
Promoting the upcycling of vintage furniture, The Vintage Loft offers a collection of tastefully repurposed painted furniture, locally made goods, and a mix of new and handpicked vintage décor. A particular strength is their lake-inspired décor and garden accessories. These make great holiday gifts now and can be enjoyed year-round. Discover The Vintage Loft’s latest offerings; the selection is always changing and well curated.
Think BIG, Shop SMALL—November 28
Stop by for great sales, a raffle for one of The Vintage Loft’s upcoming workshops, and a free gift!
Visit them on Facebook and Instagram.
Hope Chest
3850 Shoreline Drive
Wayzata, MN 55391
Hours: Tuesday–Saturday: 12–6 p.m., Sunday 12–5 p.m. Monday: Closed
This is the place to find gently used, high-end women’s clothing and accessories, as well as upscale furnishings and home décor. You’ll find excellent quality, excellent buys—all for an excellent cause! Even better: Hope Chest is selective in the items they take because they want them to sell. That means the store is full of high-demand merchandise that would be expensive if purchased elsewhere.
Small Business Saturday—November 28
To thank you for your support, Hope Chest will offer $25 OFF every $100 spent.
Black Friday Deals—All November long
Follow Hope Chest on Instagram and Facebook for Daily Deals and Specials. Also, be sure to sign up for Hope Chest’s Pink Points Rewards program. Sign up at the store and receive 200 Bonus Pink Points towards your Rewards account.
12 Days of Christmas—Beginning December 12
For 12 days starting on December 12th, Hope Chest will offer daily specials. Look for the offers to be posted on Facebook and Instagram.
The Wabi Sabi Shop
3620 County Road 101S
Wayzata, MN 55391
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday 12–5 p.m.; Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
You’ll find area rugs, patio and porch sets, dishes, beds, home décor, lighting, case goods, and more at the The Wabi Sabi Shop. They’re always getting new arrivals, so we suggest visiting often to check out the endless selection. Curious about the name? “Wabi sabi,” which translates roughly as “humble beauty,” is a practical philosophy that infuses the concepts of ecology and sustainability with human emotions and spirituality. We love how mindfully the owners collect their merchandise. That passion and attention to detail translate directly into remarkable holiday shopping opportunities on Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and throughout the season.
Visit them on Facebook.
aloom Consignment Boutique
278 Water Street
Excelsior, MN 55331
Hours: Tuesday–Friday, 10:30 a.m.–6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sunday 12–4 p.m.
Looking for a reuse retailer that has newer and more high-end? From designer handbags to clothes with the tags still on them, aloom Consignment Boutique offers designer and better-label women’s consignment clothing and accessories. Make a holiday shopping outing of it and take a stroll through historic Excelsior, near Lake Minnetonka. Then stop by aloom for outstanding apparel and accessories priced 50% to 75% off retail.
Visit them on Facebook and Instagram.
Bethesda Thrift Shop
4749 County Road 101
Minnetonka, MN 55345
Hours: Tuesday–Friday, 10:30 a.m.–6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sunday 12–4 p.m.
You’ll find luggage, games, small electronics, purses, clothes and many more items that are ideal for gift giving. Also, be sure to check out their Facebook page, where they share outfits of the week and fun, DIY projects to try at home. Beyond all the used items you can buy here, we love Bethesda Thrift Shop for the incredible things it does for the community, particularly for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This is a place where every purchase has a purpose. And there’s quite a bit to choose from, especially now during the holiday season.
Weekly Color Promotions
Each week, items identified by a certain color will be 50-75% off. Check Facebook for color and timing information.
Weekly Item Sales
Every week, Bethesda will mark down certain categories of items, from furniture to books, based on inventory. Go to Facebook to check the Item Sales,
Seasonal Sales
Check Facebook for discounts of 50-75% off now until Christmas.
Visit them on Instagram.
Play It Again Sports - Minnetonka
11317 Highway 7
Minnetonka, MN 55305
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–8:30 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.–7 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Head on in for gently used sporting goods and fitness gear. This locally owned and operated reuse retailer buys, sells and trades gear for fitness & exercise, football, baseball and softball, volleyball, ice and field hockey, lacrosse, bicycles, track & field, winter sports, and soccer. Not only that, staff members are trained to provide athletes with the best possible fit in the gear needed to play the game. So, if you’re shopping for sports lovers, put Play It Again Sports at the top of your list. You’ll definitely skate out of here with bargains in hand.
Visit them on Facebook and Instagram.
Music Go Round—Minnetonka
11319 Highway 7
Minnetonka, MN 55305
Hours: Monday–Friday, 11 a.m.–7 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.–4 p.m., Sunday 12–4 p.m.
Music is a priceless gift—and often a pricy purchase. So, if you’re shopping for music lovers, head on over to Music Go Round for high-quality musical instruments and gear, plus a wide array of accessories at remarkably low prices. In addition to the vast selection, what we love about shopping here is the knowledge that all their products have been tested and retested before they hit the shelves – and that includes vintage instruments. This really is a seasonal wonderland where you’ll find bargains in every category, from practically every manufacturer.
Visit them on Facebook and Instagram.
Mill City Sound
812 Mainstreet
Hopkins, MN 55343
Hours: Monday–Thursday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Friday 10 a.m.–8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sunday closed
This is heaven for music lovers—particularly vinyl fanatics. One of America’s most acclaimed used record stores, Mill City Sound is constantly adding to its already huge used vinyl area. And as far as fresh pressings go, they not only stock the best new releases, but have one of the area’s largest vinyl back catalogs. Mill City Sound also offers a full line of stereo components, including turntables, powered speakers, phono pre-amps, stereo receivers, mixers, Bluetooth & USB audio interfaces and more. Want to pick up audio cables and connectors? You’ll find them here as well. One more thing: if you need a turntable refurbished, this is the place. So, check your shopping list. Put an asterisk by the names of the music lovers you’re shopping for. And head on over to Mill City Sound.
And don’t miss Record Store Day on Black Friday, November 27. Details coming on their Facebook page.
Visit them on Instagram.
Plato’s Closet
Plato’s Closet—Minnetonka
12951 Ridgedale Drive
Minnetonka, MN 55305
Monday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–6 p.m., Sunday 12–5 p.m.
Plato’s Closet—Eden Prairie
8431 Joiner Way
Eden Prairie, MN 55344
Monday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–9 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Plato’s Closet—Maple Grove
13608 80th Circle N
Maple Grove, MN 55369
Monday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–9 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
There’s a reason Plato’s Closet has taken over America: They sell fantastic apparel for teens and young adults—quality brands in up-to-date styles (no more than 12-18 months old) at great prices. Don’t come here for holiday décor, and don’t expect to find much in the way of seasonal gifts like Christmas sweaters, but if you want to look your best or give someone a present they’ll love to wear, Plato’s Closet will make your spirit soar.
Visit them on Facebook and Instagram:
www.facebook.com/PlatosClosetMinnetonkaMN/
www.facebook.com/platosclosetedenprairiemn/
www.facebook.com/platosclosetmaplegrovemn
www.instagram.com/platosclosetminnetonka1/?hl=en
www.instagram.com/platosclosetedenprairie/?hl=en
www.instagram.com/platoscloset_maplegrove/?hl=en
Fashion Avenue
4936 France Avenue South
Edina, MN 55410
Hours: Monday–Wednesday 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m.– 7 p.m., Friday 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sunday closed
810 East Lake Street
Wayzata, MN 55391
Hours: Monday–Wednesday 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m.–7 p.m., Friday 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sunday closed
Ready for some high-end holiday shopping? Both Fashion Avenue locations offer a wide array of designer clothing for men and women, as well as jewelry, accessories, shoes and handbags. Most styles are current, although you’ll find vintage pieces on occasion as well. Whatever the era, the products are sure to be tasteful and luxurious. After all, Fashion Avenue is home to one of the largest selections of Chanel, Hermes and Vuitton offerings in the Minneapolis area – authenticity assured. Better yet, the owners source their selections from an extensive local and national network, from designers to store owners, industry experts, country clubs, stylists and more. That means you’ll often find current pieces and items you simply won’t find anywhere else. So, if you’re looking for something special: Ho, ho, ho, off you go to Fashion Avenue.
Visit them on Facebook and Instagram:
Arc’s Value Village
10546 France Avenue S.
Bloomington, MN 55431
2751 Winnetka Ave N
New Hope, MN 55427
6528 Penn Ave. S.
Richfield, MN 55423
Hours: 10 a.m.–6 p.m. daily
Shop the Merry Thriftmas department at Arc’s Value Village where you’ll find festive fashions, holiday decorations, bakeware, clothing and more. All of these treasures have been donated from our local community and your shopping dollars support people with disabilities and social justice through works of The Arc Minnesota. Whichever location you visit, you’ll find well-organized stores with about 20,000 items stocked daily, including merchandise arranged by department, size and color. They also offer a virtual personal shopping service option.
Visit them on Facebook and Instagram.
Make a list. Check it twice. Shop just once!
Whether you’re shopping for gifts or hunting for holiday décor, some amazing discoveries await you at Hennepin County reuse retailers. Our advice: Get yourself organized, figure out your budget, and devise your holiday shopping plan of attack. Now THAT will make the season bright!