Atlanta Thrifting Guide

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By Melissa Gallagher

I've had hit or miss success with the Lithia Springs location of this shop, although they have a solid section of baby clothes and home goods there, and I've had days where I've had a great haul. Decatur's location is a regular haunt for me, and it's always got some treasure! If you like your thrift stores gritty, you'll love it there. To me, that just adds to the sense of discovery! Don't miss the housewares set atop the clothing racks if you like vintage glassware, silver trays, and brass bookends.

I've been to several locations of Park Avenue Thrift, and they've all been solid. Sign up for text coupons that are worth the daily ping at 8:30am. However, the real treat is the Outlet. The week there starts on Thursday with fresh inventory and everything inside is $2.50. Then the price drops each day until Wednesday when everything is just $.50 (albeit picked over). (Note: they close early Wednesday to re-stock.) This means that each week you have massive inventory refreshes and crazy low prices. Expect it to be busy!

There are two sister shops next door to each other, the clothing shop and the furniture store. Definitely stop by the furniture store for a perusal, but the clothing is where you're more likely to score (mostly women's clothing). It's called "upscale resale," and it's the least thrifty of the shops on this list with higher quality donations and an atmosphere that's more boutique-y. Ask to be directed toward the vintage rack (usually a small collection) for immaculately kept pieces from the 1940s-1980s, or designer racks where prices might go up to $30, but you could score Chloe. Don't forget to check the wall of shoes beside the counter where I've spied Louboutins and Gucci.

This follows basic common sense for thrift stores, that if you go to the wealthier neighborhoods, you're more likely to get higher quality and, hence, better deals. This rings true for this Goodwill. Here you'll find fewer vintage pieces but also fewer Forever 21 cast-offs. So if you like labels and current trends, this is a good spot.

This is an independent thrift store in Austell. It's not huge, but there seems to be consistent scores as long as you're not counting on finding something specific. One day, you might find that dreamy solid wood farmhouse table, the next it might be some perfect high waisted jeans. Sometimes thrift stores can feel like they are filled with cheap items that were purchased in the last five years from Walmarts, Targets, and bargain stores. This seems to be a place where you can find some older novelty and quality, even if you have to dig a little.

There are several Value Villages around Atlanta, and they all deliver. They're clean, fairly expansive, and easy to find. They also have a good mix of men's, women's, kids, and home goods, so chances are you'll find something. I frequent the one in Decatur, but also recommend the Tucker location and the one in Atlanta on Moreland Ave.

This is a great little undiscovered shop that is filled with goodies. Expect name brands and designer labels with decent pricing (and higher prices with luxury brands). If you're looking for career wear or brands like Banana Republic, Tibi and Saks, there are lots of suits, blazers, blouses and dresses of good quality and recent styles. Not a lot of housewares. Don't forget to hit up the shoes that are $6 each no matter the brand!