Michigan's Best Thrift Store Finds

Trouve Upscale Resale Boutique, Shelby Township, MI

The Trouve Upscale Resale Boutique, found in Shelby Township, managed to land top honors as Readers' Choice thrift shop last year from Metro Times. Called a “hidden gem” that allows shoppers to find not only the basics of wear, but also a variety of higher-end material at bargain basement prices, which is pretty much the fundamental nature of a thrift shop. Throw in the endorsement of a whole lot of shoppers and the value of Trouve shines through.

Regeneration New & Used Clothing, Clawson and Pleasant Ridge, MI

With locations in both Clawson and Pleasant Ridge, Regeneration New & Used Clothing knows its customer base fairly well. Featuring an entire section specifically geared toward Halloween items, those looking for that special piece—or pieces—to round out a costume will likely find it here. Said to be packed to the gills with shoes, hats and beyond, a trip to Regeneration is a dress-up haven. Throw in the occasional coupon deal—check their website—and the end result is value and fun for all.

Ann Arbor PTO Thrift Shops, Ann Arbor, MI

Again, the call of doing good by shopping is hard to resist, and Ann Arbor's PTO Thrift Shop—purchases from which go in part to local schools—offers just such an opportunity. Where to begin in offerings? There's everything from clothes to housewares here, and there was even a piano featured there at one point. A piano! An actual piano! How does anyone go through life without wanting to check out the place with a used piano?

Your Estate Outlet, Schoolcraft, MI

For those who have ever hit an estate sale to check out the often unusual goods contained therein, Schoolcraft's Your Estate Outlet is exactly what you need to see. It operates almost like a continuously-running estate sale, featuring glassware, housewares, clothes, electronics and more at prices that are plenty far off retail. Family-run and packed with bargains, this former factory is now stuffed full of frequently-changing goods at low prices.

6 Degrees Retail Store, Benton Harbor, MI

Benton Harbor's 6 Degrees Retail Store—built around the idea that everybody on Earth knows everyone else on Earth by a separation of six degrees—offers not only a “funky eclectic retail experience,” but also a connection with Emergency Shelter Services Inc., so shopping here will do some good in the long run. Featuring clothes, furniture, and just about everything else that can fit under the banner of funky and eclectic, the fact that they take Visa and MasterCard is even better.

Traverse City Resale Trail, Traverse City, MI

Instead of one store, Traverse City has a slew of them, all handily organized into what's known as the Traverse City Resale Trail. A complete roster of stores from child-specific stores to stores connected to food pantries and the like, the Resale Trail even offers a complete brochure with map, so you'll know exactly where you're going to go “thrifting” in Traverse City.

Pak Ratz Resale, Marquette, MI

Fair warning when you go to Pak Ratz Resale—which supports not only a harbor house but also the women's center for Marquette and Alger County—in Marquette, as a sign announces that unattended children will be given espresso and a free puppy. Seriously, though, Pak Ratz offers most everything from Christmas gear to furniture and beyond, so this constantly-changing dose of Upper Peninsula thrift shopping should deliver on most every front.

New 2 You Shoppe, Grand Rapids, MI

New 2 You Shoppe in Grand Rapids represents a massive array of thrift shopping possibilities under one roof. While there's certainly a lot going on here—with electronics, glassware, housewares and more under one roof—it's also said to be extremely well organized. Couple a massive variety of items with excellent organization and the end result is a shopping experience that's easily a match for big box stores with brand new items.

Key Insights at a Glance

• Trouve Upscale Resale Boutique: Celebrated as a Readers' Choice thrift shop, this boutique offers both everyday wear and higher-end items at low prices. Known as a hidden gem within the community.
• Regeneration New & Used Clothing: Known for its extensive selection of Halloween costumes and accessories, along with a wide array of shoes and hats. Regular coupon deals enhance the shopping experience.
• Ann Arbor PTO Thrift Shops: Supports local schools through sales. Offers a diverse range of items from clothes to housewares, and even unique finds like pianos.
• Your Estate Outlet: Functions like a perpetual estate sale, offering a variety of goods including glassware, electronics, and clothing at significantly reduced prices. A family-run business in a former factory space.
• 6 Degrees Retail Store: Provides a funky eclectic retail experience with proceeds supporting Emergency Shelter Services Inc. Stocks a broad range of items including clothing and furniture.
• Traverse City Resale Trail: A network of thrift stores offering a variety of goods from children's items to furniture, connected to community services. Features a detailed brochure and map for easy navigation.
• Pak Ratz Resale: Supports local women's centers and offers a wide variety of items including holiday decorations and furniture. Known for its humorous approach to customer engagement and dynamic inventory.
• New 2 You Shoppe: Offers a vast selection of thrift items from electronics to housewares in a well-organized space. Competes with big-box retailers by offering an expansive and orderly shopping environment.