Thrifting is more than a way to shop; it is a way have an adventure one afternoon, discovering and imagining what your treasures could become. There are endless opportunities to let your creativity shine through the pieces you find. Here are the five best places to thrift shop in Birmingham.
Vapor Thrift Store | Vestavia Hills
1069 Montgomery Highway
Have you ever stepped into a second-hand store and immediately felt overstimulated? Shopping at Vapor Thrift Store in Vestavia Hills feels effortless due to the neatly organized space, which allows you to explore instead of digging through clutter.
Vapor makes your finds feel new, eliminating the lingering perception that your treasures lived a whole life before you. There is a wide selection of brand-name items across men’s, women’s and children’s clothing in addition to home goods and books.
While you are there, take a look at Vapor’s jewelry section when you are getting ready to check out! You can elevate your favorite bag by picking up some necklaces and repurposing them into bag charms! It’s quick and easy: find a longer necklace, horizontally clasp it from left to right of your straps. Now, you have the perfect purse customized just for you!
Sozo Trading Co. | Avondale
4 41st Street South
Why not get the best of both worlds at Sozo Trading Co. in Avondale? At Sozo, you can find curated booths, carefully crafted by local Birminghamians, as well as shelves and racks that fill the whole store. This is a great place to shop, especially if you are looking to pass the time.
Sozo has its very own Thriftique section where you can find brand names for a fraction of the price. This section has everything from designer purses, clothes, and shoes. Another unique quality about Sozo is located towards the back of the store. There, you can find hidden print gems of the past. Vintage ads, posters, and prints make for the perfect room decor!
An additional fun and easy way to repurpose your thrift finds is by picking up a teacup and its matching plate. Take the teacup and glue its side to the plate, tie twine around the handle, add a little bit of bird food, and voila, you now have a bird feeder!
Hanna Antiques Mall | Birmingham
2424 7th Avenue South
Hanna Antiques Mall is the perfect place to get lost. This antique mall is a multi-vendor set-up with two floors, so every booth tells a different story, and you will find a wide range of styles and price points. From character-rich furniture and decor to glamorous jewelry to vintage designer to any oddity you can think of, Hanna has something you didn’t know you needed.
In need of a girls’ night? Take your best friends to Hanna’s and browse through vintage letters, postcards, and old magazines. You and your girls can transform these finds into a collage that reflects your personality and is the perfect addition to your home. All you need is some Mod Podge, wine, and your best friends!
King’s Home Thrift | Homewood
142 Green Springs Highway
If you are serious about thrifting in Birmingham, King’s Home Thrift on Green Springs is a hidden gem you must check out. This spot always has a rotating colored tag discount, helping you save more when shopping second-hand. Think jackpot energy for women’s shoes and glassware, with shelves that make every browse feel like a score.
One of the easiest ways to repurpose a thrifted find is by picking up kitchen glassware and using it as a jewelry dish. You get the opportunity to elevate your space by choosing a dish that matches your personality, creating a visually appealing place for your jewelry stack to rest at the end of your day. This is a simple idea, but it keeps your jewelry untangled and reminds you of what you already have!
The Salvation Army Thrift Store | Hoover
2729 John Hawkins Parkway
Hoover’s Family Salvation Army is different from any other thrift store in the area. The first thing you are able to notice is how spacious the store layout is. The open floor makes shopping for your prize finds effortless and welcoming.
This thrift gem has everything you can possibly imagine, and the t-shirt wall towards the back of the store holds the perfect vintage tee. Not only is this thrift store great for clothing, but it also has a huge furniture selection. From couches to wall decor, you can truly find your home’s new statement piece.
To elevate your home more, stop by the jewelry section and pick out a few broaches or larger earrings. You can glue your finds to fridge magnets, romanticizing your kitchen. This idea also works for any clip-on earrings you may find. Now, your fridge can look as unique as your style!
