Thrifting Tips and the Best Thrift Stores in "Atlanta"

Thrift Tips

Tip 1: Try everything on. If there isn't an option, bring a tape measurer. Know your size measurements prior to thrifting and jot them down in your phone. 

Tip 2: Vintage clothes run small. I usually a 6/8 in modern pants but find that 8-12 work best for me when it comes to 90's and earlier styles.  

Tip 3: Gather inspiration, make a list. I do this to see what styles I am most looking for. Sometimes when shopping online, I realize I can thrift a lot of the stuff in my cart and will just make a list in my iPhone notes. You can also make a Pinterest board or save some outfits on insta!

Tip 4: Don't get overwhelmed. When you first enter large thrift stores like Goodwill, it can be intimidating. Start in small sections like skirts or handbags and work your way around. Coming with a list of items you want helps with focusing on specific sections.

Tip 5: Weekdays are best for shopping. It's less crowded and usually restocked form the weekend.

Tip 6: Check what deals there might be going on. Goodwill does 1/2 off of certain colors for a week. Consignment will sometimes run % sales or have tags that decrease in price with time. 

Tip 7: If you don't absolutely love or need it, don't buy it! Getting wrapped up in lowered prices has made me purchase things I regret. Leave the item for someone who will LOVE the piece. 

Tip 8: Shop out of season. Sometimes the best gems are found out of season. Most people shop for the current weather and will overlook coats in the summer and skirts in the winter!

Tip 9: Try thrifting in affluent areas. Higher income sometimes means nicer donations and usually means overconsumption. I've found more items at the Buckhead Goodwill with tags still on it than any other place!

Tip 10: You won't find awesome pieces every time. Don't give up if you can't find anything the first few times you go. I've been thrifting for over 15 years and sometimes there just isn't anything I'm looking for. 

My Favorite Places

1. Goodwill

Goodwill never disappoints me. I have always found really solid pieces, but I do suggest going on a weekday because Saturday and Sunday get very busy. Some days the racks are a little too packed, but the racks never seems to be low in stock. Goodwill is most people's go to and it a great starting point for thrifting as they're usually everywhere. 

My favorite locations:

Address: 6650 Roswell Rd, Atlanta, GA 30328

Address: 3906 Roswell Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30342

Address: 10779 Alpharetta Hwy, Roswell, GA 30076

This outfit was completely thrifted (minus the necklace and sunnies).

2. Ecologie Vintage and Consignment

Located in Kennesaw, GA, this was my favorite place to hit up in college. The staff is very friendly, which is always an added bonus. Plus, they have decent prices and occasional sales. If you are looking for more curated vintage or modern pieces, this is a great place to go! Depending on what your budget is and what you're looking for, Ecologie has some solid options in many price ranges. Pre-pandemic they even offered bi-annual $1 sales. 

Address: 2615 George Busbee Pkwy NW #12, Kennesaw, GA 30144

3. The Twisted Thread

Located in Milton, GA, this store is awesome if you are in search of designer pieces. They have regular brands as well, and I've found some awesome pieces. What's great about this store is things aren't snatched up as quickly and it's organized so well. I loved a dress from there, but didn't want to pay the price. I came back a month later, and it was still there and cheaper. 

Address: 12660 Crabapple Rd, Alpharetta, GA 30004

I bought this Loft dress from the Twisted Thread for under $20.

4. Park Avenue Thrift

This location can be a little intimidating. I hate the layout, and it's not organized. That being said, I think people shop here less which means highly sought after items can be found here. For example, I found two very on-trend puffer jackets. Their prices are pretty solid, maybe a smidge higher than Goodwill, but definitely lower than consignment. 

Address: 2145 Roswell Rd, Marietta, GA 30062

5. Back by Popular Demand

I grew up going to the Lilburn location and have loved it since! I was so excited to see a location closer to me. This is a consignment store, so the prices are a little higher than thrifting. However, I feel as though it is slightly more curated and in better shape. I also found that this store may be geared to a more mature crowd. Great location for modest or professional clothes!

Address: 1255 Johnson Ferry Rd, Marietta, GA 30068

6. Rag-O-Rama

I have only been to the Sandy Springs location once, but they do have a solid selection of items. Like Ecologie, this store is certainly more curated since it is a consignment modeled store. Since it is not specifically a thrift store, I noticed the prices to be a little higher from about $10-30. When I last went there, I was looking mainly for pants and they were all about $16-18. In my head, that's like shopping on Poshmark, so I feel okay with spending about that much for second-hand items. It is not my go-to place and I don't love their return policy, but it is great for people learning to shop second hand.

Address: 6500 Roswell Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30328