Find Thrift Store in Maine
Maine has a strong thrift shopping culture. From Portland to Bangor, you can find hundreds of stores selling gently used clothing, furniture, books, and household goods. Whether you are on a tight budget or love hunting for unique items, Maine's thrift scene has something for you.
This guide covers the best thrift store chains, the top cities to shop in, what to expect on the shelves, and tips to help you score great deals.
Major Thrift Store Chains in Maine
Several national and regional chains operate across Maine. These stores are reliable, well-organized, and restock their shelves regularly.
Goodwill
Goodwill is one of the most recognized thrift chains in the country. In Maine, Goodwill operates stores in Portland, South Portland, Scarborough, Augusta, Bangor, and several other locations. Goodwill sells clothing, electronics, books, kitchenware, and furniture. Their prices are generally low, and they run weekly color-tag sales that discount select items by 50 percent or more. Goodwill also employs people with disabilities and other barriers to employment, so every purchase supports the community.
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army runs thrift stores called Salvation Army Family Stores throughout Maine. You can find locations in Portland, Biddeford, Lewiston, Auburn, and Rockland. These stores stock clothing for all ages, household goods, and seasonal items. The Salvation Army frequently rotates stock, so visiting often pays off. Donations go directly toward local shelter, food, and disaster relief programs.
Savers / Value Village
Savers, also known as Value Village in some regions, operates in Maine. The South Portland location near the Maine Mall area is one of the largest thrift stores in the state. Savers is known for its massive selection and frequent 50-percent-off sales tied to specific color tags. They carry a wide range of clothing sizes, including plus sizes, as well as accessories, shoes, and home goods.
Local and Regional Thrift Stores in Maine
Beyond the national chains, Maine has a rich network of independent and nonprofit thrift stores. Some well-known local options include:
- Treasure Chest Thrift Store - Found in several southern Maine communities, run by local nonprofits
- Marden's Surplus and Salvage - A beloved Maine-only chain with locations in Brewer, Calais, Saco, Scarborough, Sanford, Auburn, Augusta, Ellsworth, and Waterville. Marden's sells overstock, returned goods, and salvage items at deep discounts. It is a Maine institution.
- Big Brothers Big Sisters Thrift Stores - Operate in the Portland metro area and support mentoring programs for Maine youth
- Habitat for Humanity ReStores - Located in Portland, Bangor, and other cities, focusing on building materials, furniture, and appliances
- Preble Street Resource Center Thrift Shop - Portland-based store that funds homeless services in the city
Best Cities in Maine to Find Thrift Stores
Thrift stores are spread across the state, but some cities have a higher concentration of options.
Portland
Portland is the largest city in Maine and has the most thrift stores. You can find Goodwill, Salvation Army, Savers, and several independent shops within a short drive. The East End and Bayside neighborhoods also have consignment boutiques that complement the thrift scene.
Bangor
Bangor serves as the hub for northern and central Maine shopping. Goodwill and Salvation Army both have strong presences here. Marden's in nearby Brewer is also a popular stop for Bangor-area shoppers looking for surplus deals.
Lewiston and Auburn
These twin cities in central Maine offer a solid selection of thrift options. The Salvation Army in Lewiston is well-stocked, and the Auburn area has several community-run stores. This region is known for affordable pricing across the board.
Augusta
Maine's capital city has Goodwill and Salvation Army locations, plus Marden's nearby. Augusta is a convenient stop for shoppers traveling between Portland and Bangor on I-95.
Biddeford and Saco
These southern Maine cities near the New Hampshire border have a growing thrift scene. The Salvation Army in Biddeford and Marden's in Saco make this area worth a visit, especially if you live in York County.
What You Will Find at Maine Thrift Stores
Maine thrift stores carry a wide variety of items. Stock changes daily, so no two visits are the same.
Clothing and Accessories
Clothing is the most common category. You can find outerwear - a must in Maine winters - including flannel shirts, wool sweaters, and heavy coats. Brands like L.L. Bean and Patagonia show up regularly in Maine thrift stores because locals wear them hard and donate often. You will also find shoes, boots, belts, handbags, and jewelry.
Furniture and Home Goods
Habitat for Humanity ReStores specialize in furniture and building materials. Goodwill and Salvation Army also carry tables, chairs, lamps, and shelving. Kitchen items like pots, pans, dishes, and small appliances are available at almost every location.
Books, Media, and Toys
Maine thrift stores usually have large book sections. You can find novels, cookbooks, children's books, and reference materials for one to two dollars each. CDs, DVDs, and board games are also common finds.
Sporting and Outdoor Gear
Given Maine's love of the outdoors, thrift stores often stock hiking boots, fishing gear, skis, snowshoes, camping equipment, and bicycles. This is especially true at Marden's and Habitat ReStores.
Seasonal and Holiday Items
Watch for seasonal sales. In fall and winter, stores get flooded with Halloween costumes, holiday decorations, and winter gear. Prices drop significantly after the holiday passes.
Tips for Thrift Shopping in Maine
Getting the most out of thrift shopping takes a little strategy. Here are some practical tips for Maine shoppers.
- Visit on sale days. Goodwill and Savers run regular color-tag sales. Check their websites or sign up for email alerts to know when 50-percent-off days fall.
- Go early in the week. Most stores restock from weekend donations on Mondays and Tuesdays. Early in the week means freshest inventory.
- Check the off-season racks. Maine stores often put summer clothing out in fall and vice versa. You can get great deals on items that are not currently in season.
- Bring a tape measure. Furniture dimensions matter. Thrift stores do not allow returns on large items in most cases.
- Inspect items carefully. Check zippers, seams, and electronics before buying. Most thrift stores do not accept returns.
- Visit Marden's for big-ticket deals. If you need appliances, tools, or outdoor gear, Marden's often has surplus items at a fraction of retail cost.
- Donate to get discounts. Some Maine thrift stores, including Goodwill locations, offer a discount coupon when you bring in a donation bag on the same shopping trip.
- Check store hours before driving. Smaller Maine thrift stores may keep limited hours, especially in rural areas or during winter months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the biggest thrift store in Maine?
The Savers location in South Portland is one of the largest thrift stores in the state. It carries a huge selection of clothing, accessories, and household goods. Marden's in Scarborough and Brewer also offer large floor spaces with a wide range of surplus and salvage merchandise. Both are worth the trip if you want lots of options under one roof.
Does Maine have Salvation Army thrift stores?
Yes, the Salvation Army operates Family Stores in several Maine cities, including Portland, Biddeford, Lewiston, Auburn, and Rockland. These stores sell donated clothing, furniture, and household goods at affordable prices. Proceeds fund the Salvation Army's social programs in Maine, including food assistance, shelter services, and disaster relief for local residents in need.
What is Marden's, and is it a thrift store?
Marden's Surplus and Salvage is a Maine-only retail chain that sells overstock, returned merchandise, and salvage goods. It is not a traditional thrift store because items are new or like-new rather than donated. However, prices are deeply discounted - often 50 to 80 percent below retail. Marden's has locations in Brewer, Saco, Scarborough, Sanford, Calais, Augusta, Ellsworth, Waterville, and Auburn.
Can I find L.L. Bean items at Maine thrift stores?
Yes, L.L. Bean gear shows up regularly at Maine thrift stores. Because L.L. Bean is headquartered in Freeport, Maine, and is a local favorite, residents donate used Bean clothing and outdoor gear often. Look for fleece jackets, boots, backpacks, and canvas totes. Goodwill and Savers in the Portland and southern Maine area tend to have the best selection of quality outdoor brands.