Download the guide for great thrifting in Hennepin County (PDF).
Good news! There are many great thrift store shopping options available to you inside of Hennepin County. But, without a plan, thrift store shopping can be a frustrating experience. Sifting through the unknown is part of the adventure, no doubt. But it can also be a real challenge when one of your goals is to make thrift shopping a long-term, sustainable shopping option in your life.
This guide highlights several top-rated local thrift stores and gives you a better idea of what you might find there.
Thrift stores on a mission
Goodwill and salvation Army come to mind as organizations that sell donated goods to support their charitable missions, but there are several additional service-oriented options you might not have considered.
Arc’s Value Village
New Hope, Bloomington, Richfield
Arc’s Value Village Thrift Stores are large format operations with big selections of clothing, household goods, and books. The proceeds fund programs and services that benefit thousands of people with developmental disabilities in Minnesota.
2751 Winnetka Avenue North, New Hope, MN 55427 (Map to Arc's Value Village in New Hope)
10546 France Avenue South, Bloomington, MN 55431 (Map to Arc's Value Village in Bloomington)
The PROP Shop
Eden Prairie
The PROP Shop is a resale store and nonprofit serving the southwest suburbs of Minneapolis. The store has a family focus, full of quality clothing, household items, furniture, and kids items. Families in need may receive free clothing, household goods, and furniture.
15195 Martin Drive, Eden Prairie, MN 55344 (Map to the PROP Shop)
Old School by Steeple People
Minneapolis
First established in 1979, this thrift store is almost entirely run by volunteers and has been a cornerstone of the downtown community for decades, offering clothing, household goods, books, records, and jewelry.
1901 Nicollet Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55403 (Map to Old School by Steeple People)
Thrift stores with a unique twist
Thrift stores can be as unconventional as the people who run them. One of the most unique aspects of the second-hand goods shopping experience is how the goods were acquired, or what purpose they serve. These often eccentric circumstances add to the fun of the hunt.
Repair Lair
Minneapolis
Specializing in clothing and equipment that belongs in the Great Outdoors, Repair Lair – as the name implies – can fix that tear in your jacket or broken zipper on your sleeping bag. They also offer consignment so you can upgrade for your next great adventure, all the while keeping useful items out of the landfill.
3304 East Lake Street, Minneapolis, MN 55406 (Map to the Repair Lair)
Empty the Nest
Golden Valley
Empty the Nest was established to answer: “after you move or transition, what happens to all the stuff you can’t take?” Kid’s items, things that loved ones no longer want, or items left after downsizing, are a rich hunting ground for high-quality finds. They also offer home cleanout services, where many of these gems originate. Open Saturdays and Sundays only.
1000 Boone Avenue North, Suite 320, Golden Valley, MN 55427 (Map to Empty the Nest)
Habitat for Humanity ReStore
Minneapolis
Planning a project? Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity ReStore home improvement outlets feature gently used home improvement products and building materials. And yes, they might just have that window replacement you’re looking for. They’re open to the public, and sales support the local Habitat for Humanity affiliate.
2700 Minnehaha Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55406 (Map to Habitat for Humanity ReStore - Minneapolis)
Groovy’s
Minneapolis
This place puts the groove in your thrifting jam with a vintage vinyl emphasis. Match your music finds with vintage décor, mugs, or glassware like one of those giant ‘50s ashtrays. They also specialize in seasonal items to boost your Halloween, Christmas, or St Patty’s game.
4206 Cedar Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55407 (Map to Groovy's)
Turquoise Vintage
Minneapolis
Pyrex bowls, the classic homemaker cooking-and-serving dish, is ready made for cozy holidays. It’s also the specialty at Turquoise Vintage, where you’ll find stacks and stacks of pretty colored dishes. In addition to vintage finds, you’ll also find upcycled items like key chains made from classic Fisher Price little people. It’s a go-to store when you have no idea what to get someone.
3869 Minnehaha Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55406 (Map to Turquoise Vintage)
What about online thrifting?
Buying second-hand online is big business, providing access to almost limitless products, at retailers such as eBay. Shopping online is great, but before you do, consider buying local for the following reasons:
Being able to try on, inspect, or test an item gives you a much better idea if an item is right for you. (And of course, being able to try an item helps avoid buyer’s remorse!)
Shipping also has a built-in environmental impact in the form of transportation emissions.
Online stores
These resale retailers are for people who like fashion, function—and search functions. The big players offer the same perks and services of other online retailers: Shopping ease, quality goods and shipping.
Sites like thredUP, Poshmark and Swap.com are on trend and have the extra benefit of being easy on your wallet and the environment.
There are also online spaces where you can be both the buyer and the seller. A little more comparison shopping and research pays off here, but you can find amazing deals and not waste money on new: eBay, Facebook Marketplace, NextDoor, Craigslist.
A great way to shop
No matter where you shop, second-hand or thrifting is more ecologically minded than traditional retail. Secondhand shopping, a form of slow fashion, is an excellent way to reduce waste and support great local organizations, while getting that shopping fix in a more responsible way.
Find even more great resources
You can always search for even more retailers and organizations that donate, buy, rent, share or repair on the homepage of our website.
