Today we’re bringing you the best thrift stores in Athens, Georgia. There are many thrift stores but we’re focusing on the top 21 of these stores for vintage shopping and greatest unique finds.

Athens, Georgia, is home to a treasure trove of thrift stores where thrifters and bargain hunters can uncover amazing deals. This college town has an eclectic mix of large national chains like Goodwill as well as local gems. With so many options, it can be hard to know where to start your thrifting adventure in Athens.

That’s why I’ve put together this guide to the top 21 best thrift stores in Athens, Georgia. From clothing boutiques to antique malls, you’ll discover all the prime spots to score secondhand goods and hidden gems in Athens. Read on for tips on thrifting in Athens plus detailed profiles of the top 21 thrift stores that should be on your radar!

Why Thrifting is So Popular in Athens

Thrifting has become a way of life for many Athenians thanks to:

• Affordable Prices: Compared to regular retail, thrift stores allow you to grab quality items at bargain prices. Whether you are a student on a budget or just love a good deal, thrifting is a wallet-friendly way to shop in Athens.
• Large Student Population: The University of Georgia campus attracts over 37,000 students to Athens. This young demographic loves hunting for used clothing, dorm furniture, and other thrift finds as an alternative to high-priced shopping.
• Chance to Find Rare Treasures: Thrifting lets you uncover one-of-a-kind vintage pieces and other rare collectibles you won’t find elsewhere in Athens. It’s a treasure hunt every time you walk down the aisles!
• Eco-Friendly: Buying secondhand reduces waste and stops usable goods from ending up in landfills. Thrifting is a sustainable way to shop in Athens.
• Thrifting is Trendy: Hunting for unique thrift store finds has become a popular hobby. Plenty of Athens thrifters love the thrill of the hunt and curating distinctive looks from used goods.

Tips for Thrifting Success in Athens

Follow these tips and tricks to have the best thrifting experience at Athens stores:

• Time your visits around student move-out periods in late spring and summer to score student cast-offs and basically new items.
• Ask staff members when new donations typically are put out so you can come at the right time to grab the top picks.
• Be prepared to dig and hunt for the real hidden gems. The most coveted items won’t be right at the front door.
• Visit often as inventory changes rapidly. What was there yesterday won’t be there today.
• Bring your own shopping bags or tote so you can carry multiple purchases.
• Wear easily removable layers like cardigans so you can try on clothes efficiently.
• Keep an open mind and browse all sections of a thrift store. You never know what you’ll uncover.
• Have cash on hand as some Athens thrift stores don’t accept credit cards.
• Transport larger items safely by bringing rope, furniture pads, and hand trucks if needed.

Thrift Stores in Athens –  Top 21

Now let’s dive into the details on Athens’ top thrift stores! Each profile includes an overview, address, and an expanded description of what makes the store unique.

1. Goodwill

With two convenient Athens locations, Goodwill is a prime place to start your thrifting adventure. This chain offers a huge selection of clothing, shoes, books, furniture, electronics, housewares, toys, and more.

Locations:

• 1689 South Lumpkin Street
• 265 North Ave, Athens, GA 30601

Description: The expansive Athens Goodwill stores are treasure troves just waiting to be explored. The clothing sections are laden with racks of men’s, women’s, and children’s apparel spanning casual to business wear. Brand-name jeans, athletic tops, dresses, suits, and more await. Make sure to check the shoe aisles for major brands at discount prices.

Beyond apparel, Goodwill has full sections dedicated to media including books, movies, music, and video games. The book collection covers all genres from fiction to cooking to textbooks.

You’ll also find a bounty of housewares from vintage kitchenware to decorative items. The furniture section reveals an array of tables, couches, armchairs, and storage pieces. Don’t miss the electronics area for tested computers, stereos, or other gadgets in working order.

Goodwill gets daily donations meaning fresh stock hits the floor every day. Be sure to ask associates when new merchandise comes out. The staff are also great about holding items at the register if you want to continue browsing. With deep discounts across all departments, Goodwill is a thrifting essential in Athens.

2. America’s Thrift Store

This Athens favorite has a cult following thanks to its massive inventory spanning two buildings. They offer just about everything you could need for unbelievable prices.

Location: 3020 Atlanta Hwy Bogart, GA 30622

Description: The sprawling two-building layout of America’s Thrift Store takes time to fully explore but promises hidden gems around every corner. The main building houses the clothing and housewares sections where racks are stuffed to maximum capacity.

You’ll be sifting through piles of shirts, pants, dresses, and other apparel. Beyond clothing, there is a mind-boggling array of knick-knacks, kitchen appliances, toys, art, books, and everything in between crammed onto shelves.

The second building is entirely dedicated to furniture with room after room filled with tables, couches, dressers, TV stands, and more for a fraction of typical retail prices. There is also a grocery area with surplus and expired food items at huge discounts.

The sheer volume of donations received means America’s Thrift has an ever-changing inventory. Be prepared to take some time digging here with good chances of uncovering great used treasures.

3. Plato’s Closet

Focusing on current style used clothing for teens and 20-somethings, Plato’s Closet is the place to thrift boutique styles. They buy and sell gently used items so inventory is curated.

Location: 167A Mitchell Bridge Rd. Athens, GA 30606

Description: Catering to young and trendy shoppers, Plato’s Closet offers a carefully curated selection of used clothing and accessories. You can sell your own gently worn apparel here, and their buyers hand-select items from brands like Forever21, American Eagle, Hollister, Nike, and more. Shop the jeans wall to find premium denim at discount prices.

The store organizes its merchandise by size and color making browsing efficient. Look for mall-brand tanks, cropped tops, rompers, and other contemporary styles for women. The men’s section includes sporty athletic shorts, hoodies, Vans, and street-style sneakers.

Beyond clothing, find belts, sunglasses, handbags, jewelry, and shoes. Try searching the clearance racks for even deeper discounts. With a minimum of wear and tear, the youthful fashions in Plato’s Closet aim to impress.

4. Habitat for Humanity ReStore

This thrift shop supports the Habitat mission while providing discounted home goods and materials. Find furniture, building supplies, appliances, and more.

Location: 410 North Ave Athens, GA 30601

Description: Offering a one-stop shop for household items, Habitat ReStore’s varied inventory proves you never know what you’ll find thrifting. Browse living room furniture like couches, coffee tables, end tables, and armchairs all on the cheaper side. The appliance area features washers, dryers, microwaves, refrigerators and more that have been tested and guaranteed working.

Shelves are stocked with home accents like throw pillows, frames, vases, and lamps perfect for sprucing up dorms and apartments on a budget. You can also score hardware, tools, flooring materials, sinks, lighting, and building supplies ideal for DIYers. Proceeds from purchases help fund Habitat for Humanity’s mission to provide affordable housing locally.

5. Salvation Army Thrift Store

Part of the national nonprofit network, the Athens Salvation Army is another go-to for broadly stocked thrifting. Offerings run the gamut from clothing to housewares, books, toys, decor and electronics.

Location: 1290 S Milledge Ave Athens, GA 30605

Description: Making thrifting accessible to all, Athens’ Salvation Army location offers an immense selection of clothing, shoes, media, housewares, furniture, toys, and everything in between. The clothing racks burst with men’s, women’s, children’s, and baby apparel from formal wear to casual pieces in all seasons. From jeans to suits to winter coats, expect to uncover wearable bargains.

Beyond clothing, the aisles are filled with dishware, vases, picture frames, lamps and other home goods. Shelves of books, DVDs, CDs and games have deals under $1. Don’t miss the furniture section with eclectic chairs, tables, dressers and more. New merchandise gets rolled out daily here. Time your visits around 50% off color tag sales for the best thrifting.

6. Picky Peach

This upscale women’s consignment boutique sells lightly used designer brands at discounted prices. Expect to find premium labels along with jewelry, shoes and handbags.

Location: 1583 Prince Ave Athens, GA 30606

Description: For high-end thrifting, Picky Peach curates upscale designer clothing, shoes, jewelry and handbags. Racks are lined with contemporary styles from Kate Spade, Tory Burch, Michael Kors alongside dressy selections from Anthropologie, J. Crew, and Banana Republic. The shoe room impresses with Manolo Blahnik, Jimmy Choo, and Gucci while the handbag cases feature premium leather Coach, Dooney & Burke, Louis Vuitton.

The jewelry counter gleams with Brighton, Kendra Scott, and Tiffany & Co. pieces. Clothing ranges from jeans to cocktail dresses and business casual in sizes 0-16. The tasteful selections hit that sweet spot between quality and price. Regulars check the new arrivals daily for first dibs on designer items before they sell. For top labels at frugal prices, Picky Peach excels.

7. Classic City Consignment

Focusing exclusively on women’s apparel and accessories, Classic City Consignment offers stylish secondhand finds in an elegant boutique setting.

Location: 1658 South Lumpkin St. Athens, GA 30606

Description: With tastefully curated women’s clothing and accessories, Classic City Consignment excels at upscale thrifting. The racks brim with contemporary brands like Anthropologie, BCBG, J. Crew, Free People, and Banana Republic in on-trend silhouettes. Lots of dressy tops, pants, skirts, cocktail dresses, gowns, and suits stock the floors.

The shoe area impresses with major labels like Coach, Michael Kors, Kate Spade plus designer heels. Expect to uncover quality leather crossbody, satchel, and tote bags as well. Sections for petites, maternity clothing, swimwear, and athleisure cater to all lifestyles. The jewelry case adds the finishing touch with dangly earrings, statement necklaces, and sparkling bracelets. The upscale selections hit that elusive mark between fashionable and frugal.

8. Finders Keepers

Nestled on Clayton Street, this hidden gem prides itself on unique home decor and antique finds. Expect everything from vintage Pyrex to mid-century bar carts and antique oil paintings.

Location: 164 Clayton St Athens, GA 30601

Description: For truly one-of-a-kind thrifted home furnishings, Finders Keepers merits a visit. Every inch of the store is crammed with vintage furniture, antique decor, and curated housewares. The vintage furniture includes ornate wooden armoires, upholstered settees, carved bookshelves, and dainty vanity tables.

Mid-century modern credenzas and sleek bar carts also populate the floors. The home decor section impresses with antique oil paintings, etched stemware, embroidered pillows, and milkglass lamps. Nostalgic finds like Pyrex mixing bowls, transistor radios, film cameras, and typewriters abound. For rare antique treasures or statement vintage furniture, Finders Keepers offers an intriguing browse.

9. Thrift Store & Donation Center

Run by the nonprofit organization Project Safe, this thrift store gives back by helping victims of domestic violence. Beyond women’s clothing, they have a broad inventory including furniture, books, shoes, and housewares.

Location: 880 Timothy Rd Athens, GA 30606

Description: With proceeds benefiting Project Safe’s important mission, the Thrift Store & Donation Center offers an inspiring place to thrift in Athens. The women’s clothing section stays stocked with professional dresses, blouses, suits and shoes perfect for the office or interviews. Lots of school uniforms, maternity clothes, scrubs, and athletic apparel fill the racks too.

Beyond clothing, scope out the accessories, lingerie, shoes, handbags and jewelry. The loft upstairs overflows with couches, armchairs, coffee tables, cabinets and shelves. Downstairs, find books, movies, games, small appliances, and housewares. Treasures hide around every corner here while supporting an amazing cause.

10. Dynamite

With a motto of “updated threads for contemporary crowds,” Dynamite offers trendy fashions for men and women. Lots of jeans along with current brand name clothing and accessories.

Location: 1190 Mitchell Bridge Rd. Athens, GA 30606

Description: Catering to hip college crowds, Dynamite stocks contemporary casual clothing for guys and gals with a trendy edge. Madewell jeans in washes from dark to distressed fill the shelves alongside overalls, graphic tees, flannels, and Athleta leggings. The masculine side offers sporty Nike Dri-FIT along with rugged Carhartt outerwear and vintage rock band tees.

Urban accessories like oversized hoops, neon wayfarers, fanny packs and chunky sneakers imbue street style. Concert merch and collectible footwear reveal rare gems. While not big, Dynamite’s selections skew young and vibrant. Perfect for students on a budget seeking urban apparel and accessories beyond basic thrift.

11. Treasure Mart

Billing itself as “Athens’ most unusual thrift store,” everything here is donated and proceeds support local charities. Find art, books, clothes, and an array of unique knick-knacks.

Location: 1854 South Lumpkin Street Athens, GA 30606

Description: Living up to its catchphrase, Treasure Mart is truly Athens’ most unusual thrift store thanks to its diverse array of art, clothing, media and collectibles. One aisle bursts with funky printed tee shirts and retro jackets while the next overflows with antique glassware and vintage books. In between, you’ll uncover classic Coca-Cola signs, decorative mirrors, golf clubs, 1980s toys and other rare relics.

The entire back wall serves as a gallery for donated art including oil paintings, charcoal sketches, watercolors and more waiting to be discovered. Beyond goods, Treasure Mart’s friendly staff and charitable mission make thrifting here rewarding. For Athens’ most eclectic array of treasures, don’t miss this multi-faceted gem.

12. Madison Thrift Store

This clean, organized thrift spot benefits Madison County schools. Beyond clothing, they have furniture, books, housewares, toys, and electronics priced to sell.

Location: 1394 S Main St Madison, GA 30650

Description: Operating in neighboring Madison, the Madison Thrift Store offers a neatly organized thrifting experience where all purchases support Madison County education. Browse the apparel section to uncover collegiate jerseys, local screen-printing tees and UGA Bulldogs fan gear alongside dressy tops, jeans, and children’s clothing.

Further in, find entertainment items like DVDs, books, video games and records all affordably priced. The furniture selection reveals desks ideal for dorms, cozy armchairs, retro tables and storage. Don’t miss the café up front slinging freshly baked sweet treats, coffee, and food items. With an expansive inventory and charitable support of schools, Madison Thrift Store makes frequent visits rewarding.

13. Crossroads Trading Co.

Focusing on used hipster clothing, you’ll find major streetwear brands, vintage tees, jeans, jackets and more here. A young crowd loves its curated, stylish selections.

Location: 1660 South Lumpkin St. Athens, GA 30606

Description: Crossroads Trading Co. attracts hip college students with its handpicked selection of contemporary street style and vintage threads. Men’s shelves feature major brands like Supreme, Champion, Levi’s, Vans, and Dr. Martens alongside collectible tees. The fitting rooms stay busy with gals trying on Hudson and Pilot denim, cropped faux leather jackets, Adidas sneakers, and boho maxi dresses.

Accessories like chunky glasses, Fjallraven backpacks and trendy phone cases imbue urban flair. While smaller in scale, Crossroads focuses on curating current styles and designer streetwear coveted by youth. Trade in your own gently worn apparel for payouts on the spot too. This spot satisfies Athens students craving thrifted urban cool.

14. Retween

Retween takes in very gently used children’s clothing and resells them at bargain prices so families can affordably dress their kids. They have clothes, shoes, toys and gear for babies to juniors.

Location: 100 New St, Athens, GA 30601

Description: Making kids’ resale affordable for Athens families, Retween offers major deals on children’s clothing, toys and gear. The infant section brims with onesies, rompers, baby shoes and cloth diapers. As kids grow, find play outfits, dress clothes, sneakers, rain boots and outerwear through their teens. Durable Fisher Price toys, play kitchens, and bikes with training wheels cater to young imaginative minds.

The maternity rack provides nursing tops, stylish bump-friendly fashions and more for expecting mothers. Costumes, craft supplies and books inspire young minds. Crammed into a small space, Retween stretches every inch to provide quality discounted kids’ necessities for parents.

15. Kid to Kid Athens

Similar to Retween, this kids resale boutique buys and sells children’s clothing and shoes-sized newborns to youth. Expect practically new items from popular brands.

Location: 3152 Atlanta Hwy Athens, GA 30606

Description: Offering top brands for less, Kid to Kid Athens specializes in the latest children’s fashions. Parents can sell quality used clothing in good condition to be resold. Shelves burst with boys’ tops, shorts, and hoodies from Old Navy, Carters, and Nike alongside dressy girls’ leggings, skirts, and rompers from H&M, Target, and Justice. For little ones, find blankets, bibs, and toy bags.

Beyond apparel, the baby gear section stocks strollers, high chairs, monitors, and bath essentials. The shoe aisle lines up sneakers, sandals, and rain boots galore. Books, toys, stuffed animals, and games provide entertainment. For the best thrifted brands at bargain prices, Kid to Kid hits the mark.

16. My Sister’s Room

Catering to the college crowd, this boutique offers bohemian women’s fashions, funky accessories, room decor and gifts on consignment.

Location: 258 E Dougherty St Athens, GA 30601

Description: My Sister’s Room brings together hippie chic clothing with dorm decor essentials for the boho Athens woman. Flowy maxi dresses, printed kimonos, and high-waisted shorts fill the racks in keeping with Coachella styles. The contemporary gypsy vibe continues with tapestry shoulder bags, flower headbands, beaded jewelry, and gladiator sandals.

Patches, hookahs, incense, tapestries, and lights outfit college living spaces on a budget. Vintage rock tees, flannels, and embroidered denim appeal to the indie music lover. This groovy boutique’s laidback fashions and funky finds indulge the tastes of free-spirited Athens ladies.

17. Abbey Road

Abbey Road fills its cozy space with an impressively curated inventory of vinyl records spanning all genres. Music lovers flock here to browse thousands of vinyls.

Location:
112 W Clayton St Athens, GA 30601

Description: For Athens’ best selection of vinyl records, Abbey Road can’t be beat. Flipping through thousands of LPs, you’ll unearth albums across rock, pop, hip-hop, alternative, metal, country, soul and other genres. Cratedigger culture thrives via the $1 record bargain bins and rare vintage pressings including Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd and other iconic bands.

Beyond vinyl, scope out the selection of vintage audio equipment like turntables, receivers and speakers. Music memorabilia like concert posters and band tees adorn the walls. New and used turntables get tested on-site as well. With deep inventory spanning decades, Abbey Road provides a treasure trove for Athens’ vinyl junkies.

18. Popes on Prince

Nestled right on Prince Avenue, this well-organized thrift store benefits the Interfaith Hospitality Network. Beyond clothing, they stock furniture, books, household items, toys and specialty boutique items.

Location: 543 Prince Avenue
Athens, GA 30601

Description: Supporting Athens’ Interfaith Hospitality Network for the homeless, Popes on Prince offers an uplifting thrifting spot where purchases fund this great cause. The clothing options range from professional button-downs and slacks to jeans, t-shirts, shoes and suits for bargain prices. Expanding beyond apparel, find small appliances, kitchenware, luggage, linens, knick-knacks and more across the categories.

The expansive furniture section reveals sofas, dining sets, desks, and shelving galore. Don’t miss the fantastic collection of children’s books, toys, and games too. Boutique-style accessories like scarves and statement jewelry shine in their own dedicated section. Thoughtfully organized and priced, Popes on Prince provides quality secondhand goods for shoppers while giving back.

19. Threads and Treads

Catering to women looking for office attire, Threads and Treads fills its racks with work-ready consignment clothing from business casual to professional. Lots of contemporary brands and styles.

Location: 1583 Prince Avenue Athens, GA 30606

Description: Threads and Treads helps Athens’ career-minded ladies thrift attractive work apparel at wallet-friendly prices. Racks brim with contemporary office-ready styles from Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, J. Crew, Talbots, White House Black Market and more. Lots of coordinated separates like blouses, cardigans, blazers, trousers and pencil skirts.

The petite and plus size sections ensure proper fit. Shelves full of Nine West and Coach work flats, pumps and wedges finish your business chic look. Stylish satchels, shoulder bags and totes by Kate Spade, Dooney & Bourke provide polished accessorizing. With curated contemporary labels and versatile office options, Threads and Treads helps ladies thrift for workplace success.

20. Clothes Warehouse

This discount clothing store gets overflow stock from major retailers and sells everything at rock-bottom prices. Find brand-name clothes for men, women, juniors and children.

Location:
3700 Atlanta Hwy Athens, GA 30606

Description: Offering brand-name apparel at warehouse sale prices, Clothes Warehouse is Athens’ ultimate discount clothing source. The inventory comes from major retailers’ overstock and discontinued items but sells here at a fraction of the typical retail cost. Brands like Nike, Under Armour, Levi’s, Columbia, and Calvin Klein pack the racks alongside graphic tees, hoodies, dresses, swimwear and more.

The juniors section brims with cute tops, jeans, jackets, and athletic wear from Forever 21, American Eagle, and similar popular shops. Menswear includes Polo Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, and sporty Nike styles. While crammed, locating desirable brands at these wholesale-style prices is a bargain hunter’s dream.

21. Bargain Hunter Thrift Store

A no-frills thrift spot, Bargain Hunter has a wide selection of clothing, shoes, books, and housewares available on the cheap.

Location: 2545 Danielsville Rd Athens, GA 30601

Description: True to its name, Bargain Hunter Thrift Store offers unbeatable deals on used clothing, furniture, housewares, books, DVDs and everything in between. While no-frills, the prices can’t be beat with most items under $5.

Racks and shelves are constantly replenished with new donations spanning casual and business wear, shoes, toys, kitchenware and electronics. An entire section up front is dedicated to discount bread donated from local stores.

With new inventory rolling in daily, each visit brings fresh options for thrifters on a dime. Beyond goods, Bargain Hunter supports local food banks and youth organizations with sales. For maximum deals on an ever-changing selection, this go-to thrift spot satisfies bargain hunters in Athens.

Get Ready for Your Athens Thrifting Adventure

Now that you’re armed with the top spots for scoring secondhand goods, it’s time to start planning your thrifting adventure in Athens!

Here are some final tips to make your shopping trip a success:

• Bring snacks and drinks so you can shop for hours without needing to stop
• Wear comfy (but cute!) shoes so you can really dig through racks and bins
• Have cash on hand as some thrift stores don’t accept credit cards
• Bring your own bags or a cart to transport all your thrifted treasures
• Bring a friend so you can get a second opinion on items
• Most importantly, keep an open mind and have fun treasure hunting!

Athens’ amazing selection of thrift stores won’t disappoint. Whether you’re a bargain shopper, free spirit, treasure hunter, or vintage clothing lover, you’ll find a thrifting paradise in Athens. Happy thrifting!