Shawnee, Oklahoma, boasts a thriving thrifting scene, offering an eclectic mix of secondhand gems and sustainable shopping options. With a plethora of thrift stores scattered throughout the city, treasure hunters and eco-conscious shoppers alike are sure to find something to suit their tastes and budgets.

The Benefits of Thrifting in Shawnee
Thrifting has gained immense popularity in recent years, and for good reasons. Here’s why you should consider visiting thrift stores in Shawnee:
-
Affordability: Thrift stores offer a cost-effective way to update your wardrobe, furnish your home, or find unique collectibles without breaking the bank.
-
Sustainability: By purchasing secondhand items, you contribute to reducing waste and promoting circular economies.
-
Unique Finds: Thrift stores are veritable treasure troves, where you can uncover hidden gems and one-of-a-kind pieces that you won’t find anywhere else.
-
Community Building: Thrifting supports local businesses and non-profit organizations, fostering a sense of community and giving back to your neighbors.
Must-Visit Thrift Stores in Shawnee
-
Goodwill Industries: Located at 3925 NE 23rd St, Goodwill is a renowned thrift store chain with a vast selection of clothing, furniture, electronics, and more.
-
Salvation Army: Situated at 115 N Union St, Salvation Army is another popular thrift store in Shawnee, offering a wide variety of gently used items.
-
Plato’s Closet: Found at 3729 N Kickapoo St, Plato’s Closet specializes in trendy clothing and accessories for teens and young adults.
-
Unique Thrift Store: Tucked away at 618 E Highland St, Unique Thrift Store is a small but mighty thrift store with a treasure hunt-worthy collection of eclectic items.
-
Value Village: Located at 3116 N Harrison St, Value Village is a large thrift store with a comprehensive array of clothing, home goods, and vintage finds.
Tips for Thrifting Success in Shawnee
-
Plan Ahead: Map out your thrifting journey in advance by creating a list of stores you want to visit and researching their hours of operation.
-
Go Early: The best finds are often snatched up quickly, so plan to arrive at the stores as soon as they open.
-
Be Patient: Thrifting requires patience and a meticulous eye. Don’t be afraid to dig deep and sift through stacks of items to find hidden treasures.
-
Inspect Items Carefully: Before purchasing any secondhand items, thoroughly inspect them for any flaws, stains, or damage.
-
Negotiate: Feel comfortable asking for a discount or negotiating a lower price, especially for larger purchases or multiple items.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Thrifting
-
Buying Too Much: It’s easy to get carried away in the excitement of thrifting, but avoid overspending or buying items you don’t need.
-
Ignoring Quality: Cheap does not always mean good. Make sure to assess the quality of items before buying, and don’t hesitate to pass up on items that are damaged or excessively worn.
-
Not Cleaning Your Finds: Always wash or clean secondhand clothing and items before using them to avoid any potential health hazards.
-
Shopping Unprepared: Carry a shopping bag and wear comfortable clothing to make your thrifting experience more enjoyable.
-
Being Afraid to Ask for Help: If you can’t find what you’re looking for, don’t be afraid to ask a store associate for assistance.
Conclusion
Thrift stores in Shawnee, OK, are a wonderful resource for sustainable shopping, unique finds, and budget-friendly purchases. By following these tips and exploring the treasure troves that Shawnee has to offer, you can discover amazing items while supporting local businesses and reducing waste. Embrace the thrill of thrifting and let the unexpected delights of secondhand shopping surprise and inspire you.
-
Join Thrifting Groups: Connect with other thrifting enthusiasts in your area through online groups or social media platforms.
-
Use Thrifting Apps: Download thrifting apps to your smartphone to browse thrift store inventories, set alerts for specific items, and track your purchases.
-
Be Open to Customization: Don’t be afraid to give secondhand items a new life by customizing them with paint, fabric, or other creative touches.
-
Repurpose Your Finds: Get creative by finding new uses for thrift store finds, such as turning an old t-shirt into a tote bag or a vintage suitcase into a plant stand.
-
Embrace the Hunt: Thrifting is all about the thrill of the find. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t find what you’re looking for right away. Keep exploring and have fun with the process.
Store Name | Address | Phone Number | Hours of Operation |
---|---|---|---|
Goodwill Industries | 3925 NE 23rd St | (405) 275-3151 | Monday-Saturday: 9 am – 9 pm; Sunday: 12 pm – 6 pm |
Salvation Army | 115 N Union St | (405) 273-2165 | Monday-Friday: 9 am – 5 pm; Saturday: 9 am – 4 pm |
Plato’s Closet | 3729 N Kickapoo St | (405) 275-6056 | Monday-Thursday: 10 am – 8 pm; Friday-Saturday: 10 am – 9 pm; Sunday: 12 pm – 6 pm |
Unique Thrift Store | 618 E Highland St | (405) 214-2273 | Monday-Saturday: 10 am – 6 pm; Sunday: 1 pm – 5 pm |
Value Village | 3116 N Harrison St | (405) 275-8282 | Monday-Saturday: 9 am – 9 pm; Sunday: 10 am – 7 pm |
Need | Want | Example |
---|---|---|
Affordable clothing | Designer brands | Vintage Chanel jacket |
Unique home decor | Mid-century modern furniture | Art Deco lamp |
Vintage collectibles | Comics | First edition of Superman |
Eco-friendly shopping | Sustainable products | Upcycled jewelry |
Community involvement | Supporting local charities | Volunteering at Goodwill |
Category | Subcategory | Example |
---|---|---|
Clothing | Women’s clothing | Maxi dress |
Home Goods | Furniture | Chesterfield sofa |
Books | Fiction | “To Kill a Mockingbird” |
Electronics | Smartphones | iPhone |
Collectibles | Comic books | “The Amazing Spider-Man” #1 |
Budget | Type of Thrifting | Examples |
---|---|---|
Less than $20 | Bargain hunting | Thrift store sale days |
$20-$50 | Moderate shopping | Goodwill’s 50% off days |
$50-$100 | Selective purchases | Designer thrift stores |
$100+ | Investment pieces | Vintage luxury finds |