Best thrift stores in Los Angeles

The 15 Best Thrift Stores in Los Angeles – Best Shops for Unique Finds

Last Updated: April 2, 2025By

Los Angeles, the epicenter of fashion trends and celebrity style, holds a lesser-known treasure trove for savvy shoppers: an extraordinary thrift store scene that rivals any in the world. And today I’m  revealing the best thrift stores in Los Angeles, in fact, 15 of them.

Beyond the glitzy boutiques of Rodeo Drive and the trendy shops of Melrose Avenue lies a parallel universe of secondhand gems where vintage Levi’s, designer handbags, and mid-century furniture await at a fraction of their original prices.

As an avid thrifter who has spent countless weekends exploring the hidden corners of LA’s secondhand landscape, I’ve witnessed firsthand how thrifting in this city transcends mere shopping—it’s a cultural experience that reflects the diverse, creative spirit of Los Angeles itself.

From high-end consignment stores showcasing barely-worn luxury items to sprawling warehouses where patience yields incredible rewards, the LA thrift scene offers something for every style and budget.

But thrifting in Los Angeles isn’t just about scoring amazing deals (though finding that $300 Theory blazer for $15 certainly doesn’t hurt). It’s also about making a conscious choice for sustainability in a city that’s increasingly embracing eco-friendly practices.

Every pre-loved item purchased represents one less new product manufactured, reducing the carbon footprint associated with production and transportation. In a time when fast fashion’s environmental impact has never been more evident, Los Angeles thrift stores emerge as beacons of hope for conscious consumers.

Whether you’re a longtime Angeleno looking to discover new haunting grounds or a visitor hoping to bring home unique souvenirs, this comprehensive guide will navigate you through the best thrift stores across the city. We’ve organized our selections by price point and specialty, providing all the practical information you need—from locations and hours to insider tips on when to visit and what to look for at each store.

Get ready to explore the 15 best thrift stores in Los Angeles, where sustainable shopping meets style, savings, and the thrill of the hunt. Your next favorite piece isn’t sitting in a department store—it’s waiting to be discovered in one of these remarkable secondhand shops.

Why Thrift Shopping in Los Angeles is Special

Los Angeles stands at a unique crossroads of culture, entertainment, and fashion that makes its thrift scene unlike any other in the world. The city’s position as the heart of the entertainment industry means that costume departments regularly cycle through high-quality clothing, while celebrity closet clean-outs often find their way to local consignment shops. This creates an ecosystem where extraordinary pieces—from vintage Hollywood glamour to contemporary designer items—regularly circulate through the secondhand market.

The environmental impact of choosing secondhand in Los Angeles is particularly significant. California generates approximately 1.2 million tons of textile waste annually, with Los Angeles County contributing a substantial portion. Every purchase from a thrift store diverts items from this waste stream. According to sustainability research, extending the life of clothing by just nine months reduces its carbon, water, and waste footprints by 20-30%. In a city where water conservation is critical, choosing pre-loved fashion is an impactful environmental choice.

The geographic diversity of Los Angeles also enriches its thrifting landscape. From the curated vintage boutiques of Silver Lake to the sprawling warehouse outlets of the Valley, each neighborhood offers a distinct thrifting experience reflecting its unique character. The city’s multicultural fabric means you might find Mexican folk art alongside Japanese vintage kimonos and French designer pieces—all within a single afternoon of thrifting.

Los Angeles’ thrift culture has been further elevated by celebrity endorsement. Stars like Macklemore (whose hit “Thrift Shop” brought secondhand shopping into the mainstream) and actresses like Winona Ryder and Tilda Swinton have been spotted at LA thrift stores. This celebrity influence has helped transform thrifting from a necessity to a celebrated lifestyle choice.

The film and television industry’s relationship with LA thrift stores runs deep. Costume designers regularly source from—and donate to—local thrift shops. It’s not uncommon to find items with studio tags still attached or pieces that might have appeared in the background of your favorite shows. Stores like It’s A Wrap specifically sell items sourced directly from production sets, offering film enthusiasts a chance to own a piece of Hollywood history.

Finally, in a city known for its high cost of living, thrifting provides an economic lifeline for many Angelenos. Fashion-forward residents can maintain style without the financial burden of retail prices, while budget-conscious shoppers can find quality necessities at accessible price points. This economic dimension makes LA’s thrift culture not just environmentally conscious but socially significant as well.

How This Guide is Organized

To help you navigate Los Angeles’ diverse thrifting landscape, we’ve organized this guide by price point and specialty. Each store has been categorized using a simple price indicator system:

  • $$$ – High-end thrift and consignment stores where you’ll find designer and luxury items at discounted prices (typically $30-100+ per item)
  • $$ – Mid-range thrift stores offering quality secondhand goods at moderate prices (typically $10-30 per item)
  • $ – Budget-friendly thrift stores where bargains abound (typically under $10 per item)

For each store, we provide comprehensive information including:

  • Exact location and neighborhood context
  • Price range and what to expect
  • Specialty items or unique selling points
  • Personal experiences and notable finds
  • Practical details like hours, payment options, and parking availability
  • Pros and cons based on multiple visits

We’ve also included a custom Google Map at the end of this article that plots all 15 locations, making it easy to plan your thrifting adventures across the city. Whether you’re looking for a single destination or planning a full day of thrift store hopping, this guide will help you maximize your secondhand shopping experience in Los Angeles.

Let’s dive into the best thrift stores Los Angeles has to offer, beginning with the high-end options for those seeking designer and luxury items at more accessible price points.

High-End Thrift and Consignment Stores ($$$ Price Point)

For those seeking designer labels and luxury items without the premium price tags, Los Angeles offers several high-end thrift and consignment stores where quality and curation take precedence. These establishments carefully select their inventory, often requiring items to meet specific standards of condition, brand recognition, and current style relevance. While prices at these stores run higher than traditional thrift shops, they still represent significant savings compared to retail—often 50-70% off original prices for items that may have been worn only once or still carry their original tags.

1. Crossroads Trading Co – Silverlake

Location: 2656 Griffith Park Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039

Nestled in the heart of trendy Silverlake, Crossroads Trading Co has established itself as a premier destination for fashion-forward thrifters. The store’s bright, organized interior feels more like a boutique than a secondhand shop, with carefully curated racks organized by type and size rather than the treasure-hunt chaos of traditional thrift stores.

Crossroads specializes in contemporary designer and high-street brands that appeal to style-conscious shoppers. On any given visit, you might find pieces from Theory, Vince, Reformation, Rag & Bone, and Madewell at 50-70% off retail prices. The store particularly excels in its selection of denim, contemporary dresses, and seasonal accessories.

What sets Crossroads apart from other consignment stores is its buy-sell-trade model. Shoppers can bring in their gently used clothing and accessories to sell for either cash (at about 30% of the resale value) or store credit (at about 50% of the resale value). This creates a dynamic inventory that refreshes constantly, with new items hitting the floor daily.

During my recent visits, standout finds included a barely-worn pair of Rothy’s sneakers for $40 (retail $180), a Vince cashmere sweater for $45 (retail $320), and several pristine Equipment silk blouses for $30-40 each (retail $200+). The men’s section, while smaller than the women’s, offers quality basics and statement pieces from brands like Bonobos, Buck Mason, and occasionally higher-end designers like John Varvatos.

Pros:

  • Highly curated selection ensuring quality and current styles
  • Clean, organized shopping environment
  • Excellent selection of contemporary designer brands
  • Buy-sell-trade model for immediate store credit
  • Friendly, knowledgeable staff who can help with sizing and authenticity questions

Cons:

  • Higher price point than traditional thrift stores
  • Selective buying process can be disappointing if your items aren’t accepted
  • Popular sizes sell quickly, requiring frequent visits for best selection
  • Limited furniture and home goods

Practical Information:

  • Hours: Monday-Saturday 11am-7pm, Sunday 12pm-6pm
  • Payment Options: Credit cards, cash, store credit
  • Parking: Limited street parking available; weekday mornings offer the best parking options
  • Best Time to Visit: Tuesday mornings when they’ve processed weekend acquisitions

2. Buffalo Exchange

Locations:

  • 7912 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046
  • 468 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91101
  • 14621 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403

Buffalo Exchange has built a national reputation for quality secondhand clothing, and its Los Angeles locations stand among the best in the chain. With three stores strategically positioned across the LA area, Buffalo Exchange offers accessible high-end thrifting to residents throughout the city.

The Melrose location, situated in one of LA’s premier shopping districts, tends to feature the most coveted designer pieces and trend-forward items. The store’s proximity to fashion-conscious neighborhoods and entertainment industry professionals means the racks frequently contain exceptional finds from luxury brands and emerging designers alike.

Like Crossroads, Buffalo Exchange operates on a buy-sell-trade model, creating a constantly evolving inventory. The store’s buyers are highly selective, focusing on current styles, excellent condition, and authentic designer items. This curatorial approach means shoppers can browse with confidence, knowing that each piece has been vetted for quality and style relevance.

Buffalo Exchange particularly excels in its selection of statement pieces, vintage denim, and designer accessories. Recent notable finds included a Comme Des Garçons jacket for $75 (retail $800+), pristine Acne Studios jeans for $45 (retail $230), and a collection of barely-worn Reformation dresses ranging from $35-55 (retail $180-250).

The store also demonstrates a commitment to sustainability beyond its secondhand business model. Their “Tokens for Bags” program donates five cents to selected charities every time a customer declines a bag, having raised over $819,000 for nonprofit organizations since 1994. Their annual Earth Day $1 sale has supported numerous environmental causes, making your purchase not just a style choice but an ethical one.

Pros:

  • Exceptional curation with a mix of vintage and contemporary pieces
  • Strong selection of designer items at significant discounts
  • Multiple locations throughout LA area
  • Environmental and charitable initiatives
  • Knowledgeable staff who can authenticate designer items

Cons:

  • Competitive shopping environment, especially on weekends
  • Higher price point than traditional thrift stores
  • Strict buying standards for selling your own items
  • Limited home goods section

Practical Information:

  • Hours: Daily 11am-7pm (hours may vary by location)
  • Payment Options: Credit cards, cash, store credit
  • Parking: Varies by location; Melrose has metered street parking, Pasadena and Sherman Oaks have nearby lots
  • Best Time to Visit: Weekday afternoons for new merchandise, early mornings on weekends to beat crowds

3. Wasteland

Location: 7428 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046

Just down the street from Buffalo Exchange on Melrose Avenue sits Wasteland, perhaps the most upscale of LA’s consignment stores and a longtime favorite of fashion industry insiders. Since 1985, Wasteland has built a reputation for carrying the most coveted designer vintage and contemporary luxury items in the city.

Walking into Wasteland feels like entering a high-end boutique rather than a secondhand store. The spacious, well-lit interior features carefully styled displays and organized sections that showcase the store’s premium offerings. Unlike many thrift stores, Wasteland employs visual merchandising techniques typically found in luxury retail, creating a shopping experience that feels elevated and intentional.

Wasteland specializes in designer labels, rare vintage pieces, and current-season luxury items. The store’s buying team is notoriously selective, accepting only pieces that meet their exacting standards for condition, authenticity, and desirability. This rigorous curation means prices run higher than at other consignment stores—typically 30-50% of retail for contemporary items and market value for vintage—but the quality and authenticity assurance justify the premium.

The store has long been a favorite resource for Hollywood stylists, costume designers, and celebrities. It’s not uncommon to spot familiar faces browsing the racks, and many items come directly from celebrity closets. This connection to the entertainment industry ensures a steady flow of exceptional pieces that might not be available elsewhere.

During recent visits, standout finds included a vintage Chanel tweed jacket for $450 (worth $3,000+), pristine Gucci loafers for $220 (retail $850), and an array of contemporary designer dresses from brands like Isabel Marant and Alexander Wang ranging from $95-250 (retail $400-1,000+). The men’s section offers an impressive selection of designer streetwear, vintage leather jackets, and luxury basics.

Pros:

  • Highest-quality designer and vintage selection in Los Angeles
  • Authentication guaranteed for luxury items
  • Spacious, boutique-like shopping environment
  • Exceptional vintage collection spanning multiple decades
  • Celebrity connections bringing in rare and desirable pieces

Cons:

  • Highest price point among LA consignment stores
  • Extremely selective buying process for selling items
  • Investment pieces still require significant spending
  • Limited selection of affordable basics

Practical Information:

  • Hours: Monday-Saturday 11am-7pm, Sunday 12pm-6pm
  • Payment Options: Credit cards and cash
  • Parking: Metered street parking on Melrose and surrounding streets; paid lots nearby
  • Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings for the freshest selection and most attentive service

Mid-Range Thrift Stores ($$ Price Point)

For shoppers seeking quality secondhand items without the premium prices of designer consignment, Los Angeles offers an excellent selection of mid-range thrift stores. These establishments strike a balance between careful curation and affordability, typically featuring a mix of contemporary brands, vintage pieces, and unique finds at prices ranging from $10-30 per item. These stores represent the sweet spot in LA’s thrifting scene—organized enough to provide a pleasant shopping experience while still offering the thrill of unexpected discoveries.

4. The Council Shop Thrift Stores

Locations:

  • Westwood: 10960 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025
  • Sawtelle: 11801 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025
  • Mar Vista: 12120 Venice Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066

The Council Shop Thrift Stores, operated by the National Council of Jewish Women, have earned a reputation as some of the most consistently rewarding thrift destinations in Los Angeles. With three locations across the Westside, these stores offer a well-organized, clean shopping environment that removes much of the chaos typically associated with thrifting.

What makes The Council shops stand out is their fixed pricing system for clothing categories. Rather than individually pricing each item, they use a standardized approach where all long-sleeve shirts, pants, shoes, and similar categories have set prices (typically $7.99-12.99 per item). This creates a refreshingly straightforward shopping experience where you know exactly what you’ll pay before heading to the register.

The Westwood location is particularly notable for its expansive, well-organized furniture section, making it an excellent destination for home decor hunters. The stores receive regular donations from affluent Westside neighborhoods, resulting in a steady stream of high-quality items from brands like Theory, LuLulemon, Buck Mason, and Optimism—often at a fraction of their retail prices.

During recent visits, standout finds included pristine Thousand Fell sneakers for $7.99 (retail $120), multiple LuLulemon long-sleeve shirts for $7.99 each (retail $68-88), and Theory pants for $7.99 (retail $200+). The furniture section regularly features solid wood pieces, designer lamps, and quality home accessories at 70-90% off retail prices.

One important note: The Council shops do not offer dressing rooms, and all sales are final. Shoppers should come prepared with measurements and a good understanding of how different brands fit them.

Pros:

  • Fixed pricing system creates exceptional value for higher-end brands
  • Clean, organized shopping environment
  • Excellent furniture and home goods selection
  • Regular inventory turnover with fresh merchandise daily
  • Supports charitable initiatives through the National Council of Jewish Women

Cons:

  • No dressing rooms available
  • All sales are final with no returns or exchanges
  • Can get crowded on weekends
  • Limited designer and luxury items compared to consignment stores

Practical Information:

  • Hours: Monday-Saturday 10am-5:30pm, Sunday 10am-5pm
  • Payment Options: Credit cards and cash
  • Parking: Free parking lots at all locations
  • Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings for freshest selection and least crowded experience


Thrift Store Comparison Chart

Store Name Price Point Best For Neighborhood Dressing Rooms Parking
Crossroads Trading Co $$$ Contemporary designer clothing Silverlake Yes Street
Buffalo Exchange $$$ Trendy clothing, vintage denim Multiple Yes Varies
Wasteland $$$ Luxury designer, rare vintage Melrose Yes Street
The Council Shop $$ Quality basics, furniture Westside No Free lot
Out of the Closet $$ Home decor, furniture Glassell Park Yes Free lot
Jet Rag $$ Authentic vintage clothing La Brea Yes Street
Helping Hand $$ Eclectic mix, international items Little Ethiopia Yes Street
Goodwill $ Bargain hunting, basics Multiple Limited Varies
Salvation Army $ Housewares, furniture Santa Monica Yes Free lot
St. Vincent de Paul $ Furniture, large selection DTLA Limited Free lot
ACS Discovery Shop $ Curated quality, housewares West LA Yes Free lot
Habitat ReStore $$ Home improvement, furniture South LA N/A Free lot
It’s A Wrap $$ TV/film wardrobe items Burbank Yes Free lot
Rose Bowl Flea Market $-$$$ Vintage, antiques, variety Pasadena No Paid lot
Melrose Trading Post $$-$$$ Curated vintage, artisan goods Fairfax No Street

Environmental Impact of Thrifting in LA

Los Angeles faces unique environmental challenges that make thrifting not just a fashion choice but an ecological imperative. Understanding the environmental impact of your secondhand shopping helps contextualize its importance beyond personal style and savings.

Environmental Impact of Thrifting Chart

Environmental savings from thrifting in Los Angeles County

The fashion industry generates approximately 10% of global carbon emissions—more than international flights and maritime shipping combined. In Los Angeles County alone, textiles represent approximately 7% of landfill waste, amounting to hundreds of thousands of tons annually. Every garment purchased secondhand rather than new represents a significant reduction in this environmental burden.

Water conservation, particularly crucial in drought-prone Southern California, provides another compelling reason to embrace thrifting. Manufacturing a single cotton t-shirt requires approximately 700 gallons of water—enough for one person to drink for 2.5 years. By purchasing that shirt secondhand, you effectively save that water footprint while extending the garment’s useful life.

Los Angeles has emerged as a leader in sustainable fashion initiatives that complement its thrifting culture. Organizations like Sustainable Fashion Alliance Los Angeles (SFALA) and the California Fashion Association have developed programs to reduce textile waste and promote circular fashion economies. Many LA-based designers now incorporate deadstock fabrics and upcycled materials into their collections, creating synergy between the new and secondhand markets.

Local thrift stores have also innovated to maximize their environmental impact. Goodwill Southern California operates one of the nation’s most sophisticated textile recycling programs, ensuring that even damaged items avoid landfills. Out of the Closet stores partner with textile recyclers to process items unsuitable for retail, while Crossroads Trading and Buffalo Exchange have implemented energy efficiency measures in their stores to reduce their carbon footprint.

By choosing to thrift in Los Angeles, you’re participating in a growing movement that recognizes fashion’s environmental impact and takes concrete steps to mitigate it. Every purchase represents a small but meaningful contribution to a more sustainable future for this city and beyond.

Thrifting Tips for Los Angeles

Timing Your Visits

The day and time you choose to thrift can dramatically impact your success rate. For traditional thrift stores like Goodwill, Salvation Army, and St. Vincent de Paul:

  • Monday and Tuesday mornings (10am-12pm) typically offer the freshest merchandise, as stores process weekend donations and put out new items at the beginning of the week.
  • Weekday afternoons (2pm-4pm) often provide a good balance between fresh stock and manageable crowds.
  • Avoid Saturday afternoons at all costs—this is when stores are most crowded and picked over.
  • End-of-month visits can yield unexpected treasures as people moving apartments often donate before their lease ends.

Seasonal Considerations

Los Angeles’ thrifting scene follows distinct seasonal patterns:

  • January brings a surge of donations following holiday gift exchanges and New Year’s decluttering resolutions.
  • Spring (March-April) offers excellent home goods as spring cleaning motivates donations.
  • August-September features back-to-school donations and summer clearance.
  • Post-holiday period (December 26-31) sees a significant increase in high-quality donations, including unwanted gifts still with tags.

Thematic Thrifting Routes

To optimize your Los Angeles thrifting adventures, consider these curated routes that group complementary stores by location and specialty. Each route is designed to be completed in a single day, with suggestions for transportation, timing, and nearby refreshment stops.

Westside Luxury Route

This route focuses on high-end consignment and curated thrift stores on LA’s affluent Westside:

  1. Start: Crossroads Trading (Santa Monica) – 9:30am
    • Begin with contemporary designer items in a well-organized setting
    • Focus on accessories and statement pieces
  2. Buffalo Exchange (Santa Monica) – 11:00am
    • Short walk from Crossroads
    • Broader selection with slightly lower price points
  3. Lunch: Urth Caffé – 12:30pm
    • Refuel with organic fare and people-watching
  4. American Cancer Society Discovery Shop – 1:30pm
    • Short drive with excellent parking
    • Curated selection with frequent designer finds
  5. The Council Shop (Westwood) – 3:00pm
    • Finish with this hidden gem for furniture and home goods
    • Fixed pricing creates exceptional value

Transportation Tips: This route works best with a car, though the first three stops are walkable from each other. Parking is relatively easy at all locations except during peak weekend hours.

Conclusion

Los Angeles offers an unparalleled thrifting landscape that reflects the city’s diversity, creativity, and evolving relationship with consumption and sustainability. From high-end consignment stores showcasing barely-worn designer pieces to massive warehouses where patient treasure hunters can assemble entire wardrobes for under $100, the spectrum of secondhand shopping experiences accommodates every style preference and budget constraint.

What makes thrifting in Los Angeles truly special is how it transcends mere shopping to become a cultural experience. Each store tells a story about its neighborhood, the communities it serves, and the city’s broader identity. The entertainment industry’s influence creates unique opportunities to own pieces of Hollywood history, while the city’s position as a fashion hub ensures a constant flow of quality items into the secondhand ecosystem.

As you explore the stores featured in this guide, I encourage you to venture beyond your usual neighborhoods and comfort zones. Some of the most rewarding thrifting experiences come from unexpected places—the Valley Value Center with no online presence but racks of designer clothing, or the unassuming Salvation Army in Santa Monica with its treasure trove of high-end housewares. Embrace the adventure and unpredictability that makes thrifting so different from conventional retail.

Remember that beyond the personal benefits of unique style and significant savings, your thrifting choices contribute to a more sustainable Los Angeles. Every secondhand purchase represents resources conserved, waste diverted, and a small but meaningful step toward more conscious consumption patterns. In a city often characterized by excess and disposability, the thriving thrift scene offers a powerful counternarrative about value, quality, and thoughtful acquisition.

I invite you to share your own thrifting experiences and discoveries on social media using #LAThriftFinds, creating a community resource that extends beyond this guide. Your unexpected treasures and insider tips can help others navigate this dynamic landscape while celebrating the joy of the hunt.

The future of thrifting in Los Angeles looks exceptionally bright as younger generations embrace secondhand shopping not as a necessity but as a preferred way to express individual style while aligning with environmental values. As the city continues to evolve, its thrift stores will remain vital cultural institutions—places where history, fashion, sustainability, and community converge in uniquely Angeleno ways.

Happy thrifting!

Additional Resources

Los Angeles Thrift Store Map

Map of Los Angeles Thrift Stores

Interactive map available for download with all 15 featured thrift stores

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