Manhattan

Goodwill (W 25th)

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Goodwill (W 25th)

103 W 25th St, New York, NY 10001, (646) 638-1725

Welcome to the 25th Street Goodwill – your standard thrift stop. It’s not the biggest place, and the ladies’ section dominates the scene, taking up about 80% of the floor. Gentlemen, you might find your options a tad limited.

Now, when it comes to labeling, it’s a bit of a maze. Clothes play hide and seek with accurate tags – genders get swapped, and clothing types take on a cryptic language of their own.

Staffing is on the minimalist side – one trooper at the cash register and another playing thrift guardian. Fitting room? You’ve got one, and a couple of mirrors for those on-the-spot fashion decisions.

Dive into the selection, and it’s a mixed bag. All sorts of clothes are in the mix, but don’t expect top-notch quality. Sizes and colors might throw you a curveball, but there’s a surprise element – big-name brands like North Face and Patagonia make a cameo. Brace yourself for a slight dent in your wallet, though.

Heading to the shoe corner, it’s a rack-filled spectacle. But before you break into a victory dance, it’s mainly a sea of women’s heels. Stiletto enthusiasts, rejoice.

In a nutshell, it’s your typical Goodwill – a quick browse without grand expectations. It’s that reliable friend who won’t dazzle you but is always there. I’d slap a 4/10 on the rating scale – a decent thrift spot with a few quirks.

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No Relation/L Train (E. Village)

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No Relation/L Train (E. Village)

204 1st Ave., NY, NY 10019 (212) 228-5201

No Relation, most well known as L Train is a very popular thrift store located in the East Village in Manhattan. L Train is best known to have vintage/ retro clothes for both men and women. Most thrift stores have a much larger clothing section for Women compared to men’s clothes, however L Train has a complete equal selection of clothing for men and women as well as plenty of unisex clothes. L train is on the pricey side of thrift stores; however, they have many pieces that are completely worth it and you will almost never leave without buying something.

 However, being in the East village which is an area of Manhattan filled with thrift stores, if you don’t end up finding anything there are plenty of other thrift stores you can go to next. L Train has roughly 8 fitting rooms in the back so you can make sure the pieces you like fit well. There are not many staff members in the store, a person or two at the register, someone at the fitting rooms, and either one or two people walking around helping with questions or restocking the racks. L Train has any type of vintage or retro clothes you could want; all kinds of jeans, cargo pants, track pants, shorts of all different fabrics and cuts, jerseys, jackets, sweaters and sweatshirts. As well as plenty of shoes, belts, hats, and some specialty items in the glass cases at the register. Organization is relatively well done in L Train, it is clear which racks are for what kind of clothes.

However there are some sections of the store that are very tight and because the store is so popular it is usually busy and can get crowded in certain places. L train had a downstairs level that was mostly mens clothes, however the past few times I have gone it has been closed off, which is why the main floor is a bit more crowded than usual. Their shorts selection is very small, they have one section filled with girls jean shorts and then one small rack of a few cargo shorts for guys. Other than that, they have a great selection for all types of clothing. The more expensive items are varsity/leather/bomber jackets and their specialty jeans and vintage tees. Besides those items the prices of everything else are standard. L Train isn’t known for specific brands or organization by brand. Popular brands I’ve seen are True Religion, Rocawear, Carhart, and Dickies. All of those being pants.  

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Unique Boutique (Murray Hill)

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Unique Boutique (Murray Hill)

402 3rd Ave, NY, NY 10016

Located on 3rd Avenue in Murray Hill, Unique Boutique Thrift Shop offers a discreet shopping experience that may challenge even the most seasoned thrifters to locate. Once you find this hidden gem, the interior reveals a narrow but deep space filled with an assortment of items that extend much further back than initially apparent.

Specializing predominantly in women’s clothing, Unique Boutique presents a varied selection of shirts, pants, jackets, belts, hats, and jewelry. There’s also a smaller assortment for men, but it’s clear that the women’s section is the main attraction with its breadth and depth of options.

Affordability is a notable advantage at this shop, with prices that are competitively low for the area. However, shoppers should temper expectations regarding quality, as it tends to correspond with the economical pricing. While you may not find large, brand-name items in mint condition, you will encounter apparel that has been well-loved and is ready for a new home, demanding a discerning eye to sift through the eclectic mix.

The store is managed by a single individual who handles both the cash register and customer inquiries. The absence of fitting rooms and a limited number of small mirrors may complicate the process of trying on clothes and assessing their fit.

For those willing to delve into the densely packed racks, Unique Boutique Thrift Shop offers a truly authentic, albeit somewhat chaotic, thrift store experience. The extensive array of items promises the possibility of discovering hidden gems, provided you’re willing to spend the time searching. Be prepared for a hands-on experience, as the compact nature of the store makes for a challenging exploration. If you’re prepared for an adventure and are unfazed by the lack of modern retail conveniences, this shop could become a favored spot. Overall, I’d give Unique Boutique Thrift Shop a 6 out of 10 for its unique charm and the opportunity it offers for discovery.

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Salvation Army (E 23rd)

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Salvation Army (E 23rd)

208 E 23ed St, NY, NY 10010

Located in the bustling East 20s of Manhattan, the Salvation Army on 23rd Street offers a broad range of affordable fashion finds. This spacious store features an array of clothing options, from daily staples like jeans and t-shirts to distinct vintage blazers and dresses. The prices are attractively low, making it a prime spot for budget-conscious shoppers, although the quality can vary, necessitating a more thorough search for those standout pieces in excellent condition.

The store’s inventory changes regularly, which enhances the shopping experience. In addition to clothing, it also includes accessories, shoes, and a selection of housewares, providing a comprehensive thrifting opportunity right in the heart of the city.

There are, however, some restrictions that could impact your shopping experience. The absence of fitting rooms and the limited number of mirrors may make it challenging to evaluate the fit and appearance of garments. Furthermore, customer service is minimal, with only two employees typically stationed at the front cashier, whose assistance might be less than enthusiastic.

The layout of the store is elegantly simple, with clothing racks placed centrally and books, toys, and various other thrift-store items filling the corners and lining the walls. This organization facilitates easy navigation and exploration.

For individuals traveling through Manhattan’s East 20s, this Salvation Army location offers a convenient and cost-effective option for thrift shopping. It is usually not overcrowded, which allows for a more relaxed exploration of its offerings. Despite common perceptions of Salvation Army stores as lesser-quality thrift options, this particular store demonstrates that with diligence and careful searching, valuable finds are indeed possible. I rate this Salvation Army a solid 7/10 for its mix of affordability, diversity, and the enriching experience it provides.

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