A guide to Fort Worth thrift shops for bargain hunters, trendy shoppers
No matter your style, buying secondhand can give your wallet and the environment a break, often while benefiting a good cause.
Nowadays, it’s easier to find trendy items while thrifting from secondhand stores. The U.S. secondhand market is projected to see its fastest growth, 24%, this year, according to a recent report from Lawn Love. The secondhand market in the U.S. is expected to reach $82 billion by 2026.
Texas is ranked one of the thriftiest states, with three Lone Star State cities — Houston (No. 2), San Antonio (No. 4), and Austin (No. 8) — in the top 10 best cities for thrifting. Meanwhile, Dallas ranked 12th and Fort Worth ranked 25th in the country.
Hunting for new-to-you clothing, furniture, or decor? Fort Worth boasts a number of thrift stores, consignment shops, flea markets, Goodwill boutiques, outlets, and other specialty thrift shops. To mark National Thrift Shop Day on Aug. 17, the Star-Telegram compiled this guide to thrift shops in Fort Worth.
Thrift Shopping Tips
Whether you’re a bargain lover who is new to secondhand shopping, or a thrifting pro who always finds hidden gems, there are some tricks to help you find that trendy secondhand item you’ve been searching for. Here’s some expert guidance from the Lawn Love report.
Mondays and Tuesdays, in the early morning when the store first opens, are usually the best times to search for secondhand finds. Better yet, ask when your thrift store restocks so you can choose the best day to shop.
Clothes
Have a good sense of the suppliers to your thrift shop. Check if the store has any policy as to what it does and doesn’t take.
Be open-minded as you look through secondhand merchandise. Try finding a silhouette you do not normally wear and experiment with making it work for you. Ask yourself: How could I spice this up? What are some fun ways I could use this product?
Stay away from merchandise that is beyond the point of reasonable repair. You don’t want to make any investment, however small, in something that you really can’t use.
Have a clear sense of what you are looking for and consider trendy. Do quick online research on current fashion trends, such as trendy colors, silhouettes, and other design details, before going to a store. Look for clothing in similar silhouettes to the current trends and styles that are not too dated. Or, play it safe by choosing classic styles, traditional fabrics, and basic neutral colors that transcend time.
Be patient and look at everything. Great finds can be hidden on the racks.
If you are trying things on, wear a close-fitting top and leggings so that you can be fast; even try on in the aisle.
If you are a sewer, be sure to look at the textiles, linens, etc. There are often quality items that can be made into garments.
Trust your sense of style. If you know you can identify something chic and style it well, you don’t have to be tied to what’s on-trend at the moment.
Look for unique details such as pockets, seams, and design details like collars, sleeves. and closures, as well as interesting prints and quality fabrics.
Furniture
When shopping for furniture, check for quality of materials and structure, and avoid flammable materials.
Thoroughly check the furniture for major damages and test it before purchasing it or leaving the store with it. If it’s a couch, chair or bed, you want to sit on it to make sure it is sturdy and will last for the desired duration you need it.
It’s best to clean the furniture before putting it into your car or truck and before bringing it into your space.
Choose wood instead of upholstered. Check the underside for stability and inherent structure.
If it is painted, test it for lead. Also, repainting furniture is a way to introduce color into your space.
Vintage
To spot vintage clothing, shop around and check that the store down the street does not have another version of the same piece.
The easiest and most straightforward way to identify vintage clothing is to look at the tag of the clothes. Older labels are much better quality and the brand is normally woven into the label instead of printed. Use an online tool like Label Resource to make it easier.
Identify the notable brands and designers when shopping vintage. You can spot vintage clothing based on its immaculate construction, exquisite details, solid structures, and fine fabrics and textiles. Additionally, vintage apparel usually has standard silhouettes and styles, rich and bold colors, clearly defined neutrals, and distinctive prints and patterns. Vintage clothing often has more detail than contemporary fashions (tucks, darts, fitting seams, buttons, and trims).
Thrift stores in Fort Worth
Family Thrift Outlet — Family Thrift stores feature thousands of used clothing items from popular brands at discount prices. They also stock a variety of household items, toys and books. Location: 1950 Ephriham Ave. Website: familythriftcenter.com Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday Phone: (817) 625-0707 Rating: 3.9
The Resale Shop — Secondhand store selling clothing & housewares with proceeds benefitting the Fort Worth YWCA. Location: 6500 Camp Bowie Blvd. Website: transforminglives.org/The-Resale-Shop Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday, closed Sunday Phone: (817) 377-0664 Rating: 4.4
Haltom Thrift Store — New/gently used clothing and shoes at less than half the price. Puts out 4,000 pieces daily. Location: 3848 Altamesa Blvd. Website: facebook.com/Haltom-Thrift-1637972779677468/ Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Saturday, closed Sunday. Phone: (817) 370-7181 Rating: 4
Uptown Cheapskate — Retailer known for buying and selling secondhand designer apparel and accessories for young adults. Location: 5230 S Hulen St. Website: uptowncheapskate.com Hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. Phone: (817) 292-2227 Rating: 4.3
Family Thrift Center — Big shop that supports local charities and is filled with used clothing, toys, furnishings and books. Location: 5203 Mc Cart Ave. Website: familythriftcenter.com Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday Phone: (817) 921-9971 Rating: 3.5
Texas Hearts of Faith Thrift Store — This store run by Hearts of Faith Ministry benefits human trafficking victims. Location: 2444 Jacksboro Hwy. Website: lovehof.com Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Phone: (972) 765-8108 Rating: 3.6
25¢ Thrift — This secondhand store features a rotating inventory of home furnishings and more. Location: 3615 Mansfield Hwy. Website: facebook.com/25centthriftstore Hours: 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday, closed Sunday and Monday Phone: (817) 534-3497 Rating: 3.8
Berry Good Buys Resale — Resale shop stocking clothing and housewares. Proceeds benefit domestic violence victims. Location: 1701 W Berry St. Website: safehaventc.org/berry-good-buys Hours: 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, closed Sunday Phone: (817) 921-2793 Rating: 4.2
Goodwill — Long-standing nonprofit chain with a range of pre-owned clothing, housewares and more. Locations: 3124 Townsend Dr., 2100 Altamesa Blvd., 6297 Granbury Rd., 2452 Mansfield Hwy., 10851 N Beach St., 5600 I-20, 6908 Camp Bowie Blvd., 3200 Basswood Blvd. Website: goodwillnorthcentraltexas.org Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday
Thrift Depot Lancaster — An affordable second-hand retail store selling quality product including family clothing, shoes and accessories. Location: 3522 E Lancaster Ave. Hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Thursday and Friday, 2 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, closed Tuesday Phone: (682) 970-2038 Rating: 4.8
Community Storehouse Upscale Resale — Sales from Community Storehouse stores help fund essential programs for undeserved children. Location: 6650 N Beach St. STE 120 Website: communitystorehouse.org Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday Phone: (817) 576-4566 Rating: 4
Second Treasure Resale Store — Second Treasure Resale Store features a large variety of pre-owned, high-quality clothes, furniture and accessories. Location: 6620 Meadowbrook Dr. Website: secondtreasureresale.store Hours: 1 to 6 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, closed Sunday and Monday Phone: (817) 470-2824 Rating: 5
L&L Treasures Thrift Store — L&L Treasures Thrift Store accepts donations of gently used and new merchandise. They donate a portion of sales to the Humane Society of North Texas every month. Location: 3027 Lackland Rd. Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday, closed Sunday and Monday Phone: (682) 359-8405 Rating: 5
Thrift Depot — An affordable second-hand retail store selling quality product including family clothing, shoes and accessories. Location: 9124 Camp Bowie W Blvd. # 550 Hours: noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday, closed Sunday and Monday Rating: 5
The House Thrift Store — This is a local community thrift store selling unique clothing, shoes and home decor. Location: 4745 E Lancaster Ave. Hours: 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday, closed Sunday and Monday Phone: (682) 299-7781 Rating: 5
Dr. Deals Resale Mall Flea Market — This flea market was voted 2018 and 2019 Best Thrift Store in Fort Worth. Location: 4715 E Lancaster Ave. Website: facebook.com/DrDealsResaleMall Hours: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday and Tuesday Phone: (817) 420-6131 Rating: 4.8
2 Broke Girls Resale — A newly opened thrift store offers antiques, furniture, home decor, clothing and shoes. Location: 1207 Country Club Ln. Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday, 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday Phone: (817) 851-1525 Rating: 3.6
Kid to Kid — Kid to Kid is a resale store that serves local families by offering brands for a fraction of the price. They sell new and gently used kids clothing, baby clothing, toys, maternity clothes, and other children’s equipment at affordable prices. Location: 5248 S Hulen St. Website: kidtokid.com Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday, 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday Phone: (817) 263-4660 Rating: 3.9
