5 MUST-SEE Thrift Stores In Williamsburg, Brooklyn

These stores cater to just about every aesthetic in some way, from the semi-minimalistic Instagrammer to the Bohemian maximalist!  

After one long train ride out to Brooklyn, I found myself combing through racks and racks of thrifted clothes. Fast fashion can be “cool,” but not at the cost of the planet. To prove that with New York thrifting there is something for everybody, here 5 stores that caught my attention. Whether you are a seasoned or novice thrifter, you are going to enjoy reducing waste shopping at these places.

Mother of Junk

Starting off with the most interesting choice, Mother of Junk. Located at 567 Driggs Avenue, this place is definitely as advertised. The place is full of everything you could think of, from clothes to creepy trinkets. Everything is priced fairly reasonable for the quality (which is quite worn or dusty.)

The people working there are very nice and accommodating, especially since there is so much to look at hanging from the ceiling. Watch your head, this is not a place for those of us that are accident-prone. Another warning, this place is more eerie looking than in photos. I could imagine this place really cool to visit during the fall or just Halloween with the amount of haunted looking furniture, but maybe go in the daytime if you’re scared of the dark.

Crossroads Trading

Imagine Burlington and Goodwill had a love child, that is how I would describe Crossroads Trading. Located at 135 N 7th St. in Brooklyn, the store has the attributes of both. As for pricing, I rarely found any clothing over $40. I must say, this store has hidden gems that I’ve never seen. They have name brands like Levis, Adidas, Nike and more. I also found some thrifted items that had been customized by their previous owner, which included a striking bedazzled denim jacket covered in skulls, patches and even logos. Unfortunately, someone grabbed it before I realized, and I did not get a photo in time. I am pleased to report that it is possible to find clothes that fit plus-sized beauties at the store as well! Their sizes go up to 4X if you don’t mind digging. Here are some tips on how to build your own curated wardrobe.

Buffalo Exchange

This is probably the most well-known on this list. Buffalo Exchange is a chain store familiar to the thrifting community after all, located at 504 Driggs Ave. It is often very crowded with the trendiest of people. They keep their store very neat, which makes sense because they keep to a certain uniformity like Crossroads Trading. However, they did have a lot of colorful pieces that any vintage lover would swoon over. Rick and Morty or cartoon-lovers in general are welcome to check out their racks of themed tee-shirts. Also, their shoe selection goes up to size 11 and there are a lot of fun and fresh picks for here.

Monk Vintage

This is a 70’s paradise! Monk Vintage is “gadgets-and-gizmos-a-plenty” at its finest. There was so much color and mannequins dressed to the 9s that no one could be sad walking into this store. Located on 500 Driggs Ave (literally right next door to Buffalo Exchange,) they have everything from statement pieces and six-inch-heels to classic flannels and dress shirts. The workers were really kind. They let you look around, take pictures and videos in peace, but are always happy to help if you have any questions. Prices were either low or reasonable (some pieces are custom painted, stitched and sewn together,) so you won’t be disappointed. As you leave, make sure you get a picture with R2D2 on your way out. Definitely a must-see!

The Attic

Taking a hard left from all the colors, we have a very Instagrammable spot called The Attic. Located on 231 Grand Street, you will find all the cool kids definitely shop here. The average price is $20, they have jewelry for as low as $1 and all the name brands. I fell in love with their graphic tees.

They are size inclusive as well, with plus-sized options both in store and online. The workers are very nice and will let you do what you want; An introvert-friendly environment!

HONORABLE MENTION: Awoke Vintage 

Another Instagram-worthy spot is Awoke Vintage; Very neon, pink and white aesthetic. Located on 132 N 5th Street, they have jeans laid out at every turn. Trendy at its finest with the puffy hair scrunchies and industrial-looking hair clips, but my favorites were the jewelry and sunglasses. However, the high price tags for the majority of these items didn’t sit right with my wallet, but “to-each-their-own” as they say.