A Guide for Second Hand Shopping in California
By Shira de Jong
Los Angeles is a treasure trove for all things vintage and second-hand. Whether you’re going to a flea market, vintage shop, reselling store, or a true thrift store, you are guaranteed to find that one-of-a-kind item of your dreams.
There are hundreds of second-hand stores all over LA and it can feel a bit overwhelming when trying to find the right one to go to, so to help you out, I have compiled a list of the best spots in the Golden State to help guide you on your thrifting journey!
Photo: Life in Wanderlust
FLEA MARKETS
The Melrose Trading Post is, without a doubt, the most well-known flea market in the Los Angeles area. Every Sunday, hundreds of vendors gather at Fairfax High School and sell everything from vintage leather jackets to handmade and upcycled pieces. This is the perfect spot to go to if you’re searching for that unique pair of Levi Jeans, or you just love to browse through unique antique goods and collectables. The Melrose Trading Post is also conveniently located on Melrose Ave, home to several vintage shops and boutiques that are guaranteed to have some goodies if you couldn’t find any in the flea market (which isn’t likely).
Photo: Guest of a Guest
VINTAGE SHOPS
There is certainly no shortage of second-hand shops in Los Angeles and greater California. These stores are typically pricier than the standard consignment shops or thrift stores due to their thoughtfully curated inventory; which consists of deadstock pieces, designer items, and true vintage and period pieces from as early as the 1920s. My favourite vintage store to check out is called Wasteland Vintage. If you’re looking for vintage designer items or simply want high-end pieces without having to break the bank, Wasteland is the place for you! Located next to countless other boutiques, vintage stores, and unique LA pop-up shops, Wasteland on Melrose Ave is the place to be if you’re planning a sustainable shopping day in Los Angeles.
Photo: Vastrik
RESELLING STORES
Resale stores have become increasingly popular in recent years for both thrifting and consigning gently-used clothing. They are great for those looking to declutter their closets and make some extra cash, as well as for people on a budget who want to score name-brand items at affordable prices. Places like Flashback, Crossroads, and Platos Closet offer a wide range of options for buyers and sellers, from trendy vintage pieces to high-end designer items. With so many great options available, it's no wonder that reselling stores have become a go-to destination for thrifting in California and across the United States. Personally, I recommend Buffalo Exchange, which is a great cross between a vintage store and a resale store, as their inventory is mainly eclectic vintage and period pieces that are priced lower since they were sold to the store rather than being outsourced. Established in Arizona, Buffalo Exchange has a handful of stores located all over California, including the heart of LA, and up and down the West Coast, and is a great place to shop if you’re wanting more of a shopping trip rather than a thrifting/searching-for-treasure experience. I absolutely love shopping here, but if you plan on selling your clothes, keep in mind: since their inventory is a little more niche than most reselling stores, they are a bit more selective in their buying process and may not accept as many items as other reselling stores. Make sure to bring your wackiest, most funkiest, most unique clothing when coming to sell here!
Photo: Check out San Diego
THRIFT SHOPS/CONSIGNMENT STORES
Finally, we have the classic thrift store. Truth be told, these can be quite overwhelming to go to; you walk in, and immediately you’re met with a sea of colours and fabrics with zero organisation to any of it. All the clothes appear to blend with each other and it may feel impossible to find anything in the seemingly endless clothing racks. Thrifting is truly a unique experience that cannot be compared to vintage and consignment shopping. It may take more time and patience, but believe me when I tell you that this is where the true treasures lie! When it comes to navigating thrift stores, I recommend steering away from the chains - Goodwill, Salvation Army, Savers, etc - and sticking to locally owned thrift shops. Not only are they usually much larger, but they also have cheaper prices (and not to mention you’re supporting a local business!). My absolute favourite thrift store of all time (I can’t believe I’m sharing my secrets) is called the Veterans Thrift Store in Spring Valley, California. This store isn’t exactly in the heart of Los Angeles and you’ll definitely need a car to drive down, but it’s 100% worth the trip and I guarantee you won’t regret it. This store is huge and sells everything from shoes to lamps. I found the most amazing pair of authentic cowboy boots from there that I wear all the time, and I even snagged a Versace tank top that was still in great condition. It may have taken hours of searching through the racks, but it was well worth it.
Now that you have a better gauge of the thrifting scene in California from this guide, you're ready to hit the shops and score some amazing finds. Remember, thrifting isn’t an exact science, and every trip to a thrift store is a unique experience, but keeping these tips in mind can help you navigate the world of thrifting with ease. Whether you're a seasoned thrifter or a newbie, the thrill of the hunt is always worth it. So, grab your reusable shopping bags and head out to explore the diverse range of thrift stores and vintage shops scattered throughout California. Happy hunting!