Avid thrift shoppers know that thrift shopping isn’t just about the shopping—it’s about the hunt. Sometimes it’s fun to rummage through seemingly endless racks of donated clothing at Goodwill, but there’s also something appealing about heading to an expertly curated vintage store dedicated to the best thrift finds. Whether you’re more of a traveler or destination shopper, this alphabetized guide offers options for all types of thrift shops in Milwaukee:
2652 S. KINNICKINNIC AVE. | $$
You can find unusual pieces of all kinds at Alive and well in Bay View, along with vintage from the ’50s, ’60s, ’70s and ’80s. The store opened in 2016 after owner Ashley Smith hosted a series of successful pop-up shops and began selling vintage online. Alive and Fine promotes sales and events through its Instagram page @aliveandfinestore.
1411 S. 72nd ST., WEST ALLIS; BAYSHORE | $$$
All goods promises unique finds for graphic T-shirts and streetwear. All Owner Ali Acevedo exude a retro feel with shirts and jerseys from various sports teams from Milwaukee and around the nation, as well as T-shirts with graphics and references to pop culture from the 80s and 90s.
1224 E. BRADY ST. | $$$
Bandit MKE offers a boutique atmosphere for shoppers looking for vintage and second-hand items. The store opened on Brady Street after years of successful pop-up events in the Midwest. Shoppers can bring in items they no longer wear and receive cash for their donation if Bandit MKE likes them for his collection. The store also offers an online collection on its website, but don’t miss a visit to the store – the vibrant interior with colorful window displays draws shoppers.
2830 N. OAKLAND AVE. | $
It would be impossible to create a Milwaukee thrift guide without mentioning at least one Goodwill, and this one is great. This GoodwillLocated on Oakland Avenue, it doesn’t disappoint when it comes to clothing. From vintage Nike to gently worn name-brand items, it’s hard to walk into this store and not leave with at least a few really good finds.
190 N. BROADWAY ST. | $$
This store in the Third Ward gives the Goodwill experience a boutique feel. The secondhand items at Retique have been carefully selected to offer the best items on the shelves. If you’re a fan of the hunt that comes with saving money, Retique makes it all too easy for you, hence the higher prices. But if you’re simply looking for a solid bargain without sacrificing quality, this is the store for you.
5020 S. 74TH ST. AND 16750 W. BLUEMOUND ROAD | $$
The target group are teenagers and young adults. Plato’s Closet offers shoppers well-known brands like Lululemon, H&M, Zara and more at affordable prices. Plato’s Closet staff sifts through donations and only puts on the rack styles that they believe will be popular with the store’s younger customers. Unlike most regular thrift stores, Plato’s Closet staff pays donors for unwanted clothing based on its quality.
3001 S. KINNICKINNIC AVE. | $$$
Also on Kinnickinnic Avenue, Feather is a second-hand shop that offers more than just clothesLocated just below “The Nest,” Plume’s creatively decorated upstairs exhibition and event space, the shop houses carefully selected vintage and modern goods – there’s something for everyone. All vintage items are recreated on Plume’s Etsy site, where shoppers can explore hundreds of designs and price points. Check out the Instagram page @plume_vtg for a rundown of collection highlights.
1920 E. CAPITOL DRIVE | $$$
This upscale secondhand option offers the best deals on gently used items from higher-end designers like Madewell, Zara, J-Crew, Jimmy Choo, Tory Burch and more. Rethread The carefully curated collection offers sought-after products that correspond to the current trends and are available at a bargain price.
7713 W. GREENFIELD AVE. | $
Described as a destination for real, committed savers, The Salvation Army Family Store and Donation Center in West Allis is said to have everything a thrift shopper could be looking for – and at very low prices. One of the highlights of this store is the furniture selection. With a similar atmosphere to Goodwill and Value Village, this thrift store is a classic if you’re willing to dig through many racks of clothing and appliances.
1693 N. HUMBOLDT AVE. | $$
Another destination for bargain hunters on Brady Street. Only salvationoffers unique items including popular brands like Coach and Calvin Klein. owner On her Facebook page, Rochelle Nelson is praised for the tasteful decor of the store and her attention to the needs of her customers.
5333 N. 91st Street | $
SuperThrift is exactly what the name suggests: a super thrift store in size, quality, and mission. SuperThrift is the only thrift store in Wisconsin run exclusively by people in recovery and supports a local addiction treatment center called The Great Lakes Challenge for adults and youth. This well-organized thrift store is very spacious and offers a wide selection of home decor, clothing, appliances, and more. Donations are accepted both in the store and at the dropbox locations.
729 S. LAYTON BLVD. | $
Wertdorf is all about the joy of the hunt. You’ll find a wealth of secondhand items, from dishes to antique watches to the perfect pair of shoes. Walking into a crowded thrift store can be overwhelming, and Value Village knows this, which is why the website is full of guides on how to find exactly what you need. The website includes models of what you can do with the stuff you get, like How to create the perfect summer brunch table with things you find at Value Village.
