While thrift stores have been around for decades in New York City, younger generations have caused their recent upsurges in popularity. Social media apps such as Tik Tok and Instagram have entire bases devoted to the best thrifting finds and the different ways to ensure customers  are getting a good-quality item. Whether you are looking for a 90’s style jean jacket or a rock band cropped tee, here are some of New York City’s best thrift stores. 

MyUnique

MyUnique is a thrift store located one mile away from St. John’s University’s Queens campus. Junior Mariela Duartespeaks highly of the store, as she deems herself a “seasoned thrifter.” She and her friends enjoy spending time finding fun clothes that they will love at a fair price. 

The store offers a variety of items including clothes, jewelry and homegoods. MyUnique spends a lot of its time partnering with local charities, so students can spend minimal time and money investing in a local and ethical company knowing their purchases are for a good cause. 

However, MyUnique’s sister location in the Bronx has higher ratings than the Jamaica location. Hosting a two-star rating, the MyUnique in Queens is entirely subjective and depends on whether or not the store has what a customer is searching for. 

L Train Vintage

L Train Vintage is a thrift chain with seven stores located around Brooklyn and one store occupying Manhattan’s East Village.. With  prices that range anywhere from five dollars and over one hundred dollars, the stores carry furniture, antiques, shoes and clothes that have been meticulously examined to ensure quality.

Many St. John’s students — including junior Antonia Cuellar — can be seen with large tote bags from L Train that they customers receive after purchasing several items.  Cuellar said that most of her favorite thrifting spots are located in Brooklyn, including L train. L Train currently has a four-star review, with many customers noting how the staff is consistently restocking items to ensure that items are new and fresh. 

Buffalo Exchange

Buffalo Exchange is located in East Village and is known to buy, sell and trade items with customers. With a pink and orange exterior, a passerby would find the store impossible to miss. What sets Buffalo Exchange apart with the rest of the crowd, minus its eclectic design, happens to be its annual one dollar sales. This gives people, especially as college students, the perfect chance to have a fun day out without breaking the bank.

New York City is home to some of the most exciting trends in fashion. Some of the best ways that St. John’s students are participating in reviving retro is by thrifting in some of the best spots the city has to offer.