Thrift stores in Cape Town are definitely worth exploring, and can be a fun and rewarding experience. Not only can you find unique and one-of-a-kind items at a fraction of the cost of retail stores, but shopping at thrift shops is also a sustainable and environmentally friendly way to shop. Additionally, many thrift stores in Cape Town support local charities and community organizations, so your purchase can also benefit those in need.
What is Thrifting?
The practice of shopping at garage sales, thrift stores, flea markets, and other venues where people sell their used goods is known as thrifting. Finding interesting and unusual things that you might not be able to get anyplace else can be enjoyable. You may also save money buying high-quality products for a small portion of the price of brand-new ones. Thrifting can also resemble a treasure hunt. You never know what you’ll come upon, and the rush of discovering a treasure buried deep within a shelf is quite enjoyable! Remember to do some research first, and take into account the kind of goods that a specific thrift store sells – some stores may have a large variety of goods like electronics, furniture, home decor or books, while others may specialise in clothing.
Popular Cape Town Thrift Shops
A charity-driven thrift shop that hosts annual sales events in Cape Town. The store offers a curated selection of vintage and designer clothing, as well as accessories and home goods. Proceeds from the sales go towards supporting various local charities. You can browse the latest pre-loved designer items online, and at annual pop-up sales.
A popular thrift store and vintage online store for women based in Cape Town, that offers a mix of vintage clothing, modern secondhand items, and unique finds. The store prides itself on its diverse range of styles and affordable prices.
Glitterati
Timeless boutique located in the Long Street Antique Arcade, selling quality retro and vintage apparel – for men and women – from the 1950s to the 1980s.
A diverse selection of new and vintage clothing, hats, shoes, scarves, and locally made festival apparel are available at this very popular store in Observatory, Cape Town. This treasure trove of used goods promises a thrilling and unusual shopping experience, because their inventory changes every week.
Established in 1971, it is a renowned secondhand clothing store in Claremont, Cape Town, with a rich history that offers both vintage and modern women’s clothing. An ever-changing assortment that includes modern, contemporary clothing from upscale domestic and international companies alongside vintage items from the early 1900s.
With a funky, bohemian air, it’s a bustling thrift store and market in Observatory, Cape Town that offers an amazing selection of affordable vintage shoes, clothes, accessories, and home décor goods.
Unique vintage apparel that has been hand-picked and expertly curated from all over the world can be found at this thrift store in Gardens, Cape Town. Excellent apparel from the 1980s and 1990s. In-store shopping only, no online sales.
We hand-pick and remodel vintage for men and women in Cape Town, to provide you high-quality, fashionable goods – streetwear and festival wear from the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s, and some current things that complement our overall offering and aesthetic. Online shopping only.
Tips for Shopping at Thrift Stores
- Dress comfortably for easy try-ons
- Allocate plenty of time for shopping and exploring
- Bring a friend for decision-making assistance and feedback
- Maintain an open mind for unique finds
- Inspect items for defects before purchasing
- Negotiate prices on damaged or imperfect items
Charity Shops
TEARS, Hidden Treasure, St. Luke’s Hospice, U-Turn Charity Stores and other charity stores – all depend on contributions from the general population. Games, toys, books, clothes, jewellery, kitchenware, furniture, electronics, and trinkets are all included. You may contribute by purchasing items from these stores or donating money – all for a good cause, to fund a wide variety of community projects.
