Thrifting has been a hobby of mine for decades so it’s no secret that I am a huge supporter of second-hand stores. Some of my favorite memories of my mom are of the countless Saturdays we spent “treasure hunting” together. These outings sparked tales of her childhood, hilarious fitting room fashion shows, and conversations I’ll never forget. I share these special times with my own daughter now and whether it’s mid-century modern furnishings, vintage Pyrex, or retro clothing, I love finding unique pieces that inspire me.
Thrifting is not only great for your wallet but it’s great for the community and environment as well. When you buy from local thrift stores, you’re supporting small business owners, or the money is likely going to a nonprofit organization to help those less fortunate.
Thrifting is the ultimate way to recycle. The reuse of furniture and appliances reduces the number of large items being sent to landfills and shopping for a pre-loved wardrobe rescues those pieces from joining the billions of pounds of clothing thrown out annually.
Statesboro/Bulloch County offers a wide variety of antique and unique thrift and consignment shopping for treasure hunters of all kinds. Looking for designer handbags, classic books, or standout home décor? You can find it here.
Charlie’s Funky Junk Shop — Kitschy, fun, quirky and cool are all words that describe this store on West Main Street. The owners are a mother/daughter duo that has an eye for not only offering oddities and overlooked treasures but also displaying them in a manner that makes “shopping selfies” a must while browsing.
ReTails Thrift Shop — Every purchase made benefits the mission of the Humane Society of Statesboro & Bulloch County directly saving local animals. You’ll find clothing, household décor, books, jewelry, and lots of smiling faces at this little cottage house on North College Street. Look for their 11th anniversary sale happening this November.
Marketplace on 67 — This antique mall is a collector’s paradise. Located less than 10 minutes from Statesboro, you can’t miss the big red building on your right just before you hit I-16. You’ll find everything from vintage furniture to mid-century glassware and everything in between. They also offer a large selection of locally made items like candles, soaps, and jellies just to name a few.
Material Girl Boutique — Did you know luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Gucci can be found right here in the Boro? Find purses, shoes, and accessories in new to gently-used condition and pay just a fraction of the retail price. The store embodies the personality of the owner, Madison Lane, who opened this girly girl boutique on West Main in April.
The Hot Vintage Market — Come for the cheeky name, stay for the upcycled and classic designs. Their continually changing inventory includes nostalgic knick-knacks, timeless furniture, and lots of jewelry you won’t find in today’s stores. This thrifting hotspot is located just off the Blue Mile on Grady Street.
Spike’s ReStore — Furniture, appliances, home accessories, and building materials can be found at a fraction of the retail price at this Johnson Street location. Independently owned by Habitat for Humanity of Bulloch County, proceeds are used to help build strength, stability, self-reliance, and shelter in our community.
This is just a short list of local places to plunder but you can go to visitstatesboro.org to see more. Whether you’re on the hunt for budget-friendly clothing, vintage records or your favorite childhood lunchbox from fifth grade, there’s a thrill that comes with visiting second-hand stores. You never know what you might find, and you may just walk away with a true treasure.