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Uncover Hidden Gems at Illinois' Best Thrift Shops

il thrift store

Thereโ€™s nothing quite like finding a high-quality item at a thrift store, and then checking the price tag to discover itโ€™s just a few bucks. Shopping at thrift stores is addicting because itโ€™s like going on a treasure hunt. You never know what youโ€™ll findโ€”a piece of vintage furniture or designer jeansโ€”but you can almost guarantee itโ€™ll be priced very affordably. Illinois is home to several great thrift storesโ€”the best of which offer high-quality second hand items, friendly service, and phenomenal low prices. Here are the best in the state.


Sparrow's Nest Thrift Store, Mundelein, IL

For a wide selection of high-quality used items at great prices, look no further than Sparrowโ€™s Nest Thrift Store. The store is very clean and organized, and the items are priced very affordably. Sparrowโ€™s Nest is more of a boutique than a thrift store.

Neighborhood Thrift Store, Bloomington, IL

If youโ€™re looking for quality used furniture at great prices, look no further than Neighborhood Thrift Store in Bloomington. Theyโ€™ve got used, vintage, retro, and even new furniture coming through their store every day. The friendly, helpful staff also enhances the experience. 

Pass It On Thrift Center, Crestwood, IL

Pass It On Thrift Center is clean, organized, and run by volunteers. Aside from their awesome prices, this hidden gem offers a great selection of furniture, houseware items, clothing, books, and more. 

AbleLight Thrift Shop, Crystal Lake, IL

AbleLight Thrift Shop in Crystal Lake is another well-organized, clean thrift shop that supports a worthy cause. It looks like a department store, but the prices are very low. Theyโ€™ve got lots of clearance sales throughout the year, as well. The employees are also friendly. 

Eureka Et Cetera Thrift Shop, Eureka, IL

Another hidden gem, Eureka Et Cetera Thrift Shop is a one-shop-stop for all your clothing and household needs. Local volunteers dedicate their time to ensuring this shop operates smoothly. Customers appreciate the fantastic bargains, friendly staff, and overall great selection of second-hand items throughout the store. 

Encore Thrift Store, Clinton, IL

Encore Thrift Store is one of the best thrift stores in the state because of their caring staff, expansive selection of a wide variety of quality items, and overall pleasant shopping atmosphere. Thereโ€™s always a great sale or bargain going on every day, making Encore worth the trip. You never what youโ€™re going to find, but you can count on friendly, helpful staff. 

The Thrift Shop, Carbondale, IL

The Thrift Shop is a clean shop boasting lower prices than the popular chain thrift shops. Customers claim you can find many unique second-hand โ€œtreasuresโ€ here at unbeatable prices. Their selection is always changing, as well, thanks to the contact influx of new donations. 

ReNew Consignment & Thrift, Lincoln, IL

For exceptional products at amazing prices, look no further than ReNew Consignment. They carry a wide selection of consignment furniture, antiques, clothing, household items, and much more. Above all else, customers really appreciate the knowledgeable staff who enjoy helping customers. 

The Bridge Thrift Store, Orland Park, IL

The Bridge Thrift Store carries everything from DVDs to bicycles in a welcoming environment. They also sell second-hand apparel, furniture, home goods, electronics, antiques, and many other items here. The store is also very clean, well-organized, and run by friendly staff. 

Strange Cargo, Chicago, IL

If you're a collector of T-shirts, Strange Cargo is your place. Find T-shirts adorned with everything from Chicago sports logos and other local references to funny sayings and famous musicians. It's hard to leave empty handed after a visit to Strange Cargo. 

Key Insights at a Glance

  • Sparrow's Nest Thrift Store: Offers a boutique-like experience with a wide selection of high-quality, affordable items. Known for being clean and well-organized.
  • Neighborhood Thrift Store: Specializes in quality used and vintage furniture. Praised for its friendly staff and daily new arrivals.
  • Pass It On Thrift Center: Volunteer-run and well-organized, featuring a diverse selection of furniture, housewares, clothing, and books at low prices.
  • AbleLight Thrift Shop: Resembles a department store with low prices and regular clearance sales. Supports a good cause and is known for friendly service.
  • Eureka Et Cetera Thrift Shop: Local volunteers keep this shop running smoothly, offering a great selection of clothing and household items alongside fantastic bargains.
  • Encore Thrift Store: Known for its caring staff and wide variety of quality items. Constant sales make it a must-visit for thrifty shoppers.
  • The Thrift Shop: Offers lower prices than chain thrift stores and a frequently refreshed selection of unique second-hand finds.
  • ReNew Consignment & Thrift: Carries a broad array of consignment furniture, antiques, clothing, and household items. Customers appreciate the knowledgeable and helpful staff.
  • The Bridge Thrift Store: Sells a diverse range of items including DVDs, bicycles, furniture, and electronics. Known for its clean, organized environment and friendly staff.
  • Strange Cargo: A go-to spot for unique T-shirts featuring sports logos, local references, humorous sayings, and famous musicians.
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