Find Thrift Store in Iowa

Iowa has a strong thrift store culture. Whether you live in Des Moines or a small rural town, you can find great deals on clothes, furniture, and household goods. This guide helps you find thrift stores across the state and shop smarter.

Major Thrift Store Chains in Iowa

Several well-known chains operate throughout Iowa. These stores are easy to find and accept donations too.

Goodwill of the Heartland is the largest thrift network in Iowa. It runs dozens of stores across the state. Goodwill stores in Iowa support job training programs for people with disabilities and barriers to employment. You can find locations in Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Waterloo, and many other cities.

The Salvation Army Family Stores also has a strong presence in Iowa. Their locations are spread across Des Moines, Sioux City, Davenport, and other major metro areas. Purchases directly fund their local social service programs including food assistance and disaster relief.

Savers operates in Iowa as well. Savers is a for-profit chain that buys donated goods from nonprofit partners and resells them. Their stores tend to be large with a wide selection. They often run weekly discount promotions by color tag.

Value Village operates under the same parent company as Savers. In some parts of Iowa you may see these two brand names used interchangeably. Check both names when searching online.

Arc of East Central Iowa runs thrift stores in the Cedar Rapids area. Proceeds support adults with intellectual disabilities. This is a locally important chain to know about if you shop in eastern Iowa.

Habitat for Humanity ReStores are another strong option. These stores sell donated building materials, appliances, and home goods at deep discounts. ReStores operate in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Dubuque, and other cities. They are perfect for home improvement on a budget.

Iowa Cities with the Most Thrift Stores

Bigger cities naturally have more options. Here are the best cities in Iowa for thrift shopping.

Des Moines is the capital and the largest city in Iowa. It has the highest concentration of thrift stores. You will find multiple Goodwill and Salvation Army locations plus specialty shops in neighborhoods like the East Village and South Side.

Cedar Rapids is the second-largest city. It has a solid mix of chain stores and locally-run shops. The Arc stores here are especially worth visiting.

Iowa City benefits from the University of Iowa. Students move in and out every year, donating quality items. Goodwill stores here often have great book and clothing finds.

Davenport sits on the Mississippi River and is part of the Quad Cities metro. It has access to thrift stores on both the Iowa and Illinois sides of the river.

Waterloo and Cedar Falls form a twin-city area in northeast Iowa. This corridor has several Goodwill locations and independent resale shops.

Sioux City in western Iowa has Salvation Army stores and several local consignment shops. It is a good option for shoppers in the western part of the state.

Dubuque in the northeast corner has a growing thrift scene including a Habitat ReStore and local church-run shops.

What You Can Find at Iowa Thrift Stores

Iowa thrift stores carry a wide variety of goods. Knowing what to look for helps you plan your trip.

• Clothing and shoes - Coats, jeans, work boots, and casual wear are common. Iowa winters mean lots of donated cold-weather gear.
• Furniture - Couches, dressers, dining tables, and chairs rotate in regularly. Larger stores like Goodwill and Salvation Army have dedicated furniture sections.
• Books and media - Paperbacks, hardcovers, DVDs, and vinyl records are often priced under a dollar. Iowa City stores near the university are especially stocked.
• Kitchen and housewares - Dishes, pots, pans, small appliances, and glassware are plentiful in most locations.
• Tools and hardware - ReStores carry building materials, plumbing supplies, and hand tools at steep discounts.
• Toys and games - Board games, puzzles, and children's toys appear frequently especially after the holidays.
• Electronics - Lamps, clocks, radios, and older electronics are common. Test anything with a power cord before buying.
• Sporting goods - Iowa's outdoor culture means frequent donations of hunting gear, fishing equipment, and exercise machines.

Tips for Thrift Shopping in Iowa

Getting the best deals takes a little strategy. These tips will help you shop smarter at Iowa thrift stores.

Shop on discount days. Most chains run weekly promotions. Goodwill of the Heartland rotates discounts by color tag. The Salvation Army often has half-price days. Ask staff which day is best at your local store.

Go early in the week. Mondays and Tuesdays are often the best days. Staff process weekend donations early in the week. Shelves are freshly stocked by Tuesday morning.

Check for university move-out seasons. In Iowa City and Ames (home of Iowa State University), thrift stores get flooded with donations in May and August. These are prime times to find furniture, electronics, and kitchen gear.

Bring cash and small bills. Some smaller Iowa thrift shops and church rummage sales prefer cash. It also helps you stick to a budget.

Inspect items carefully. Most thrift stores in Iowa have a no-return or limited-return policy. Check zippers, seams, and plugs before you buy.

Use the store locator tools online. Goodwill of the Heartland has a strong website with store hours and donation drop-off info. The Salvation Army's national site also has an Iowa store finder.

Watch for special sales events. Iowa Goodwill stores occasionally hold clearance sales where items are priced at 50 to 75 percent off. Sign up for email lists to catch these.

Donate to give back. Iowa thrift chains depend on local donations to keep shelves stocked. If you clear out your home, consider donating to Goodwill of the Heartland, the Arc, or a local nonprofit shop rather than throwing items away.

Frequently Asked Questions