Thrifting Spots

Thrifting for clothes has many benefits from stylistic to more environmentally friendly points of view.

This can include thrifting used clothes to reduce waste. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reported that Americans create 16 million tons of textile waste every year, totaling 6 percent of municipal waste. Thrifting is also more cost-effective for those looking to reduce spending and it can also be fun with undiscovered treasures waiting to be found and unique, vintage clothing to be repurposed in modern looks.

Many thrifting shops are also run by nonprofits, so any purchases are invested back in the community.

The Wilmington region has several thrifting locations ready to be perused.

One well-known provider of used clothing, items, and furniture is Goodwill, with three locations in Wilmington: at 709 S. Kerr Ave., 1745 Sir Tyler Drive, and 5662 Carolina Beach Road. Another nearby location is 2050 Olde Regent Way in Leland. Goodwill Industries of Eastern North Carolina has been around since 1965 and according to its website provides innovative employment education and life enrichment opportunities to the region.

A locally founded shop is Assistance League of Greater Wilmington which has a thrift store at 420 Eastwood Road. The Assistance League is a nonprofit with about 145 members whose mission is to help children and seniors in New Hanover, Pender, and Brunswick counties through various programs. The shops have quality clothing, household goods, giftware, and small furniture. The store hosts fundraisers each year, including the Bags and Bling event featuring some designer handbags, jewelry, and holiday-wear clothing.

Bargain Box of Wilmington is a nonprofit resale boutique operated by the aegis of the Church of the Servant, Episcopal. The store is described as upscale offering low-cost quality merchandise. Located at 4213 Princess Place Drive, the shop often features items on its Instagram page and on its website. The store provides jobs and training to hard-to-employ area residents transitioning from prison, homelessness, and abuse recovery. Profits from the thrift shop are returned to the community through various grants to existing service organizations, according to its website.

Vintage Values Resale Shops are thrift stores operated by Wilmington-based Domestic Violence Shelter and Services Inc. The nonprofit has three resale shops: at 609 Castle Street, 413 and 5226 South College Road. The stores carry clothing, household items, furniture, and more. The Monkey Junction location also has a “New with Tags” rack and stores even have a big selection of wedding gowns. The organization provides a shelter and ongoing direct services such as 24-hour crisis intervention, advocacy, counseling, children’s program, and more. The thrift store is also currently looking for volunteers, with duties from sorting to cashiering to arranging displays and more.

Want more WILMA? Click here to sign up for our WILMA Weekly email and announcements.