Thrift scores
Great finds at Great Finds.
Yes, thrift and secondhand stores are great for getting good deals on gently-used new clothing brands, but if you're anything like me, you're heading there for the funky stuff, and not the marked-down Target merch.
From my experience, the best stuff is usually found in the smaller thrift stores. If you're looking for some awesome thrift scores in Albany here are a couple of don't-miss shops.
Great Finds
260 Washington Ave
Albany, NY 12210
(518) 449-7715
Hours: M-F, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
The lowdown: You've seen this place if you've driven down Washington Avenue. It's the one with the awesome window displays. Sorry fellas, this shop only caters to the ladies. And while it's mainly clothes and accessories, you can find a few decent books and knickknacks tucked in amongst the sweaters and skirts. There are great sales, friendly clerks and the money goes to help support the Clearview Center.
The pants selection is usually a little lacking, and the dresses here are definitely the thing to go for. The wedding dress selection is remarkably large too, there's dressing rooms and the store boasts an impressive plus-sized selection. Check the shoe rack too for some sweet pumps. Anything that's been in the store for more than two months is typically marked off. Be sure to bring quarters for the parking meters outside! And you can leave your credit cards at home. Great finds only accepts cash and checks.
Fave finds: I'm all about the "vintage" rack here. I totally wanted this button-up floral dress with matching belt ($12) and this very cool turquoise half-kimono for $10. I also fell in love with a button-up white blouse with a ruffled collar for $3. The selection of $7 detachable fake fur collars were also hard to resist.
The Treasure Chest
295 Hamilton St
Albany, NY 12210
(518) 436-7451
Hours: M-F, 11-6; Saturday 10-4.
If vintage housewares are more your style, be sure to check out The Treasure Chest on Hamilton Ave. All proceeds at this cool little shop go to the Damien Center.
The lowdown: The clothes section here is nothing special. Go here for the impressive and affordable book selection, and to find funky housewares. If you're looking for bar ware, you'll find a great selection. A set of small martini glasses for $4? Yes, please!
Fave finds: I'm still a little in love with this retro popcorn bowl set I found here two years ago for $3. The lettering is totally vintage-cool and it came with three, matching smaller bowls. I use this set all the time! I also had a really hard time resisting this vintage typewriter (best offer).
Earlier on AOA:
+ The Brunswick Goodwill: a great place to score new, or nearly new, stuff cheap
+ The Salvation Army Thriftstore
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Comments
What about Metropolis Vintage on Fuller Rd.? They're definitely not cheap, but they have an unbelievable selection.
... said Siobhan on Feb 9, 2009 at 3:17 PM | link
Plato's closet at 818 Central Avenue is a spot to check out as well. I bought a pair of pink heels there recently in perfect condition for only $2! They are geared toward the younger crowd and have more selection for ladies then men but it is definitely worth checking out if you need some new stuff but are on a budget.
... said MissCeeBee on Feb 9, 2009 at 3:51 PM | link
Agreed w/Siobhan about Metropolis Vintage--but it should be noted too that while MV's stuff is wicked high priced (it's gorgeous, high-end retro stuff in perfect shape,) their sale racks are awesome, (found a beautiful coat there for $20,) and a lot of their pretty retro costume jewelry is quite a bargain! ($10 and under for a gorgeous circle pin.)
... said Kim on Feb 9, 2009 at 4:31 PM | link
Hi Jessica,
I'm Sean... the redhead volunteer from the Treasure Chest Thrift Store who actually sold you the typewriter last Saturday! (I didn't catch your name that afternoon, but I definitely remember the typewriter and that pinkish tray that it's on!)
Funny that I should stumble upon your blog here on AOA!
Thanks for the review of the store and happy shopping!! :-)
Sean
... said Sean McLaughlin on Feb 13, 2009 at 9:29 AM | link