You might be looking for a particular vintage trend or to  just incorporate thrifting into your lifestyle, but aren’t sure where to begin. Below are some of the best thrift shops to check out in Cleveland.

Value World

Value World is a large, department-styled store with various sections and a lot to go through. It’s on the cheaper end, so you can find rare stuff that’s extremely underpriced. You can also find great basic and essential pieces here. In fact, even some of the stores mentioned below make this store one of their go-to spots to find good conditioned rare items that they go on to resell in their own boutiques. That could also be a reason why being a vintage/rare-find reseller can make for a great side hustle or even a full-time job. This store has two locations, one in Lakewood and the other in Middleburg Heights.

Future No Future

We’re talking vintage here. This store is located on Detroit Avenue in Lakewood. It’s on the larger side, with various rooms to look through. This store is filled with some of the rarest items from 1930s to 1990s. According to its website, “All pieces are handpicked, by one person, with regard for wearability, current style and desirability.” It almost seems that, just as an artist might express creativity through different mediums, some of these store owners are expressing their own creative taste and style through the practice of buying and reselling vintage finds.

White Magnolia

This shop is known to be one of the coolest vintage shops in Cleveland. Located in Chagrin Falls, the vintage boutique collects items from around the world. We’re talking 1910-1920s French style. You can find a beautiful array of vintage hats, scarves, evening gowns, disco era go-go dancer dresses and much more. The items are rare, practically one-of-a-kind. The store is far more expensive, rightfully so, but even if you don’t buy anything, you should check it out exclusively for the experience. 

Cleveland Consignment Shoppe

Located on Chagrin Boulevard in Woodmere, this boutique is on the higher end, with designers ranging from Chanel to Manolo Blahnik and even rarer designers like Danielle Guizio. CCS buys and resells gently used designer items at a lower cost. According to CCS’s about page, it is “a unique shopping destination for those who like the ‘finer things in life’ as well as those who are passionate about sustainable fashion.”

Avalon Exchange

At these shops, located in Cleveland and Cleveland Heights, you can find lower end, less rare pieces. Avalon is definitely the gateway drug to discovering so many interesting places to thrift in and around Cleveland. You can often find brands like Free People and Next in this store.

Vintage Fashion CLE

The store recently moved to Lorain Avenue in Ohio City from Madison Avenue in Lakewood. This small boutique is easy to navigate and organized.

According to its website,  founder Heather Sapanos says, “There is a growing movement towards wearing vintage clothing. It’s an affordable, eco-friendly way to express individuality and embrace new trends. There is a cool factor in having a unique vintage find.” The items range from 1900s to 1990s and, fun fact, Sapanos said, “Sarah Jessica Parker has worn a couple of my vintage dresses on her HBO show Divorce.”

Vintage Fashion CLE also carries various styles and different eras of vintage Levi jeans and other vintage goods like funky patterned blouses and overcoats. It even has a great collection of gently-used vintage shoes. 

When it comes to thrifting, it’s about the journey, not the destination. Enjoy the experience of treasure hunting.