In the midst of this darned pandemic, let’s not forget about the beauty of second-hand shopping here in Raleigh.
By Addie Ladner

We live in a city that’s attracted people from all over the world, combined with people who love it so much they’ve never left. This means antique shops, thrift stores and vintage clothing spots are a treasure trove of both classic and worldly finds. Since the pandemic, it’s all too easy to online shop with the fast click of a button through bigger box stores. Lately, we’ve discovered many of our local beloved second-hand shops have adapted with the times: they now offer online or spaced out in-person shopping plus have amped up their social media to keep in touch with their patrons to make shopping easy. Here’s where to find what from mid-century modern to antique furniture to vintage dresses to thrifted linens in Raleigh.

Where to Find Quality Antiques & More:

Acquisitions

At Acquisitions Ltd on Wake Forest Rd., they pride themselves on sourcing European antiques from all over the globe. Keep up with their Instagram for a daily look at new inventory or shop in-person. In-person shopping only, with a site coming soon. 1930 Wake Forest Road.

Cheshire Cat Gallery

This shop located in the Village District (formerly known as Cameron Village) is full of vintage finds, has an extensive online shop broken down into dozens of categories from textiles to dolls, pottery, china, records and more from a variety of local antique vendors. Cheshire Cat Gallery offers online and in-person shopping. 2050 Clark Avenue.

Union Camp Collective

This town-favorite antique shop, run by savvy Charlotte Smith, has loads of its inventory online through the easy-to-navigate shopping portal, Chairish. Union Camp is open for in-person shopping with oddities and gorgeous pieces priced for everyone. 1109 N. West Street.

The Fab Foo

Located in the heart of Raleigh, this happy shop offers the largest selection of vintage barware in the Triangle, as well as a full line of paper products, candles, stir sticks, and home bar supplies. You can take a peek at their Instagram for a first look at all their new arrivals. The Fab Foo is open both online and for in-person shopping at 1846 Wake Forest Rd.

Father & Son Antiques

This cool shop is located near Union Station downtown and specializes in mid-century modern and vintage clothing. Check out Father and Son’s website for their online catalog, which includes sizing, fit details, and even modeling of the clothes to take the guesswork out of online shopping. The shop is open for both online and in-person shopping. 302 S West St.

Hunt & Gather

Like coming across the ultimate estate sale, Hunt & Gather is a treasure trove of fine antiques — from crystal and chandeliers to larger fine armoires and chaises. Shop in-person at 1910 Bernard St.

Pigfish Lane

Full of true Southern charm, Pigfish Lane is located near the fairgrounds, tucked off Hillsborough Street has an extensive selection of art, porcelain and other unique finds in addition to the classics. Shop either online or in-person at 5425 Hillsborough St.

The Shop for The Green Chair Project

The charity shop arm of nonprofit The Green Chair Project uses all proceeds from their sales to support their mission of furnishing homes for families transitioning out of homelessness, or experiencing crises. In addition to vintage couches and chairs, they offer an ever-changing selection of Mid-century pieces and more for great prices. Shop an array of items like napkins and kitchen wares from popular stores like Pottery Barn and Crate and Barrel too. Online only shopping at this time at Shopgreenchair.com 

Where to score vintage and second-hand clothes

Dress

Conveniently located on Wade Avenue, Dress Raleigh claims to be the state’s leading luxury brand destination to consign and buy upscale brands at great prices. From Chanel and Burberry blazes to Chloe and Gucci shoes, this is the place to go for those designer pieces you’ve always wanted to own. Shop in person at 3528 Wade Avenue online.

Raleigh Vintage

Right here in the City of Oaks is this gem that was named by VOGUE as one of the best vintage dealers in the States. Raleigh Vintage selectivity sources, one-of-a-kind quality pieces, many made with natural materials that you will keep for years and love wearing no matter what your style is. Shop in persona at 18 Glenwood Ave or online.

Revolver

A consignment shop in Glenwood South, Revolver has been in town for more than a decade with good options for both recent designer and vintage items at a reasonable price. Also pore through their second-hand selection of sunglasses, jewelry, hats and more. Shop either online or in-person at 122 Glenwood Avenue.

Where to thrift while supporting a cause 

A-Z Thrift Shop

A-Z Thrift Shop is a hidden gem in this area, run by the Assistance League of the Triangle, all proceeds of the shop to benefit women, children and families in the Triangle. It’s a smaller inventory than most thrift stores but think quality over quantity with exceptionally good pieces. This is a great place to find second-hand furniture that still has lots of life left on it, as well as kitchen tools. Shop in person at 1621 North Market Drive.

Cause for Paws 

Animals lovers enjoy shopping at these two local thrift stores for their mission to support local animal welfare and adoption. It’s another place to score furniture, smaller home accessories, clothes and the occasional sought-after antique bed frame, all while benefiting efforts to care for, foster, and find loving homes for cats and dogs across the Triangle. While shopping, know that your purchase is helping to provide care and adoption efforts for four-legged friends in need of a new home. Their two locations are 1634 S. Saunders St and 1657 N. Market Drive.

Dorcas Ministries 

A fun way to spend a Saturday afternoon, Dorcas is an expansive thrift shop that sells everything from second-hand art to clothes to children’s toys and furniture. The volunteer-led staff are hardworking and passionate about the Dorcas Ministries, which is helping the community in a variety of ways, including providing funding for education, food assistance for low-income families, job-training programs, and more. While the focus of Dorcas Ministries’ efforts change in response to community needs, their driving mission of helping the community become “stable and self-sufficient” remains the same. Shop Dorcas in person at 187 High House Rd., Cary.

Deja Vu Thrift Shop 

A hidden gem of a thrift shop, Deja Vu is a small charity store tucked off of Buck Jones Rd. It’s a great place to score find vintage purses, dishes, linens and gently used smaller furniture ideas plus high-quality antiques and art for a reasonable price. They also frequently have sales and coupons for shoppers. What’s more is all the proceeds from this charity shop go directly to Hope Connection International, a recovery and prevention center that works to empower survivors of abuse and addiction through free support groups, education, supportive, long-term housing and more. Shop in person at 1301 Buck Jones Rd., Cary.

Habitat for Humanity ReStore

Habitat for Humanity is widely known for its programs which build affordable houses across the country, but some people don’t realize you can support their mission while also collecting unique, affordable finds by shopping at their ReStore’s across the country. The Raleigh area has two ReStores of its own, with plenty more in neighboring towns across the Triangle. A great place for lights, door and furniture hardware, tools, art and more, proudly shop ReStore while knowing you’re supporting Habitat for Humanity’s effort to bring decent and affordable housing to locations across the country and world. Follow their Facebook for inventory updates or shop in person at 2420 N Raleigh Blvd or 8009 Glenwood Ave.

North Raleigh Ministries Thrift Shoppes

With two locations in Raleigh, the North Raleigh Ministries Thrift Shoppes are a great place to find bargain furniture, toys, and clothing, all while contributing to the Ministries’ mission of providing food, rent, and financial assistance to those most in need in the local community. During the pandemic, the services North Raleigh Ministries provide have become more essential than ever, like their Curbside Grocery Assistance program, which which helps provide neighbors in need with pantry items, produce, toiletries and more. Whether shopping at the Stony Brook or Harvest Plaza location, know your purchase is going towards a good, local cause. Shop in person at North Raleigh Ministries’ two locations on 2821 Brentwood Rd and 9650 Strickland Road.

Salvation Army

The so-well-known-it’s-obvious charity, the Salvation Army of Wake County has a robust program of food pantries, clothing drives, and shelters in the area, services that are perhaps more critical now than ever before. Known in particular for their great prices and excellent furniture finds, the Salvation Army’s stores are a great way to find what you need while doing good in the local community. For an easy way to support the work of the Salvation Army in Wake County, visit one of their two thrift locations, on 4015 Wake Forest and 205 Tryon Roads