What: Thrift Shopping
Neighborhood: NYC
When: Everyday
Thrift shopping has always been a great pastime for broke college students. With Halloween just around the corner, there has never been a more perfect time to hit up a second-hand store for some sweet deals. Nothing beats inexpensive clothing, especially if you are looking for a statement piece to add to your costume this year. Why drop $30 at Party City when you could find something better for cheaper?
Fortunately, there is no shortage of options when it comes to thrift shopping in the area. Here are a few that are conveniently located either in the Fordham area or a quick subway ride into Manhattan.
Salvation Army: With a store located within walking distance from campus, The Salvation Army is the closest, and is probably cheaper than the thrift stores in New York City. Located near the 4 Train on Jerome Avenue, it is not too far off the beaten track for any Fordham student. The store is spacious and full of great deals.
Housing Works: These thrift stores are located all over the city. Whether you are uptown, downtown, in Harlem or in the Bronx, you can find a Housing Works. These stores offer both clothing and home goods at comparatively reasonable prices. Although Housing Works tends to be a bit pricier than its counterparts, it still offers some pretty amazing deals on otherwise expensive items.
Vintage Thrift: Located at 286 Third Avenue (between 22nd and 23rd street) Vintage Thrift is the thrift store of your dreams. Quaint, cluttered and full of intriguing finds, Vintage Thrift is sure to have something for everyone. The selection here is a little more limited than some of the others, but it makes up for it in novelty.
Goodwill: Like Housing Works, Goodwill is littered throughout Manhattan. Similar to Salvation Army in many ways, Goodwill has a wide variety of used clothes, books and home goods at terrifically low prices.
Another great thing about thrift shopping is that many stores donate their profits to support a good cause. Proceeds from The Salvation Army go to support its Adult Rehabilitation Centers, establishments that prepare individuals to reenter society and the workforce. Housing Works supports those affected by HIV and AIDS, both through advocacy and financial support.
Vintage Thrift supports the United Jewish Council of the East Side, and Goodwill supports a wide variety of charities and causes.
Thrift shopping is a great way to spend an afternoon, and odds are, you will find something amazing you weren’t even looking for.
