If you’re looking for vintage finds, antique treasures, and just plain good deals, then Portland should be on your list of places to visit. With almost 50 vintage shops, antique stores, and thrift stores, Portland is known as a thrift shopping paradise for good reason.
Whether you’re on the hunt for a new wardrobe, furniture for your home, or rare antiques, Portland’s thrift stores offer it all.
This article will guide you through some of the best thrift shopping experiences Portland has to offer so you can make the most of your visit.
Portland’s thrift shopping scene
Portland has a vibrant secondhand shopping scene, but before you start your treasure hunt, it’s helpful to understand the lay of the land.
Thrift vs. vintage vs. antique
These terms are often used interchangeably, but they actually refer to different kinds of stores.
- Thrift stores typically sell donated items at very low prices.
- Vintage shops specialize in clothing and other items from specific eras, like the ’60s or ’70s.
- Antique stores focus on items that are at least 100 years old.
You might also run across consignment stores, which sell items for other people, and resale boutiques, which offer carefully chosen secondhand clothing.
Prime shopping neighborhoods
If you’re looking for vintage and antique shops, head to Southeast and Northeast Portland. You’ll find a high concentration of them in these areas, along with some notable shops in other parts of the city.
Why Portlanders love secondhand shopping
Thrift shopping is popular in Portland for a few reasons. It’s a great way to find unique and affordable items, and it’s also a sustainable way to shop. Buying secondhand reduces waste and keeps clothing out of landfills.
Plus, Portland’s vintage scene is closely connected to streetwear fashion, so you can often find cool and stylish pieces at thrift and vintage stores.
Top Thrift Stores in Portland
Portland is a great place for thrifting, no matter what you’re looking for. Here are a few of the city’s best thrift stores, organized by what they’re known for.
Budget-Friendly Finds
If you’re looking for a deal, you can’t go wrong with the popular thrift chains in Portland. Goodwill and Salvation Army both have multiple locations in the metro area that offer clothes, housewares, and furniture at bargain prices. Buffalo Exchange is another popular option, with a focus on trendy, gently used clothing.
In addition to the chains, Portland has plenty of local, independent thrift stores with good deals. Be sure to check out neighborhood shops; you never know what you might find.
Hidden Gems and Unique Selections
For a more curated selection of items, visit some of Portland’s more upscale thrift stores. These stores tend to be a bit more expensive than the budget-friendly options, but they offer a better chance of finding rare or unusual pieces.
Tips for Successful Thrifting
Thrifting can be overwhelming, but it’s also a lot of fun. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your thrifting experience:
- Go slowly and enjoy the thrill of the hunt.
- Have “a hell of a lot of tenacity,” as Portland thrifting expert Liz Gross puts it.
- Check items carefully for damage and stains.
- Try on clothing before you buy it.
Exploring Portland’s Vintage Scene
Beyond thrifting, Portland is known for its vibrant vintage scene, offering curated collections of clothing, accessories, and home goods. Here’s a peek into what you can find:
Clothing and Accessories
For clothing from specific eras, check out shops like Xtabay Vintage Clothing Boutique, which has even outfitted celebrities. Other local favorites include Kissing Booth, Magpie, Hello Sunshine, Gem Set Love, Hollywood Vintage, Wink Vintage, and Vein of Gold.
You can also find vintage accessories like jewelry, hats, and bags at many of these shops.
Furniture and Home Decor
If you’re into mid-century modern furniture and retro home goods, Portland has plenty of vintage shops specializing in those items. Scour these shops for unique vintage furniture pieces that will add character to your home.
The Portland Vintage Aesthetic
Portland’s vintage scene has a distinctive style that blends seamlessly with contemporary fashion trends. It’s all about mixing and matching unique pieces to create a personalized look that reflects the city’s quirky and creative spirit. Think floral dresses paired with combat boots, vintage band tees with modern denim, and statement jewelry that adds a touch of glam to any outfit.
Antique Shopping: A Journey Through Time
If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind vintage treasure, Portland’s antique shops offer a deep dive into decades past.
Antique Malls and Markets
One way to cover a lot of ground is to visit the city’s sprawling antique malls, where dozens or even hundreds of vendors offer antiques, collectibles, and vintage wares of all kinds. Stars & Splendid Antiques Mall and Monticello Antique Marketplace are great examples.
Portland also hosts a variety of antique markets and shows throughout the year.
Specialized Antique Shops
For a more focused hunt, consider visiting one of Portland’s many specialized antique shops. You’ll find shops dedicated to furniture, jewelry, vintage clothing, or rare collectibles. Antique Alley and Kenton Antiques are great places to start.
Some stores focus on specific historical periods, offering a curated selection of items from the Victorian era, the Art Deco period, or mid-century modern design.
Wrapping Up
Portland is a fantastic place to shop for thrift, vintage, and antique items. No matter what you’re looking for, you’re likely to find something special at one of the city’s many secondhand stores.
So, if you’re in Portland, be sure to check out the thrift scene. You might find a one-of-a-kind piece that you’ll treasure for years to come. Plus, you’ll be supporting sustainable practices by giving new life to pre-loved items.