Find Thrift Store in New Jersey
New Jersey is one of the best states for thrift shopping. With dozens of stores across every county, you can find great deals on clothing, furniture, books, and more. Whether you live in Newark or Cape May, a thrift store is never far away.
This guide covers the top thrift store chains in New Jersey, the best cities to shop, and tips to help you find hidden gems on every visit.
Major Thrift Store Chains in New Jersey
Several large national and regional chains operate throughout New Jersey. Each one has a slightly different focus and price range.
Goodwill
Goodwill is one of the most recognized thrift chains in the country. New Jersey has many Goodwill locations, especially in northern and central parts of the state. Goodwill accepts donations of clothing, electronics, household goods, and furniture. Money from sales funds job training programs for people in the community. Check their website to find a store near you.
The Salvation Army Thrift Stores
The Salvation Army runs thrift stores across New Jersey in cities like Trenton, Camden, Elizabeth, and Paterson. Their stores carry clothing, kitchen items, books, and furniture. Prices are typically very low. The Salvation Army also runs a pickup service for large furniture donations in many areas.
Savers / Value Village
Savers, which operates under the Value Village name in some regions, has several New Jersey locations. These stores are known for well-organized layouts and a wide variety of clothing. Savers often runs tag-color discount sales throughout the week. They buy donated goods from nonprofit partners, so shopping there supports local charities.
ReStore by Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity ReStores are a unique option in New Jersey. These stores focus on home improvement items - think cabinets, doors, windows, flooring, and appliances. Prices are far below retail. New Jersey has ReStore locations in areas like Parsippany, Burlington, and Middlesex County. Great for home renovators on a budget.
Local and Regional Chains
New Jersey also has strong local thrift networks. New Hope Community Thrift and various church-run stores operate in South Jersey. The Junior League chapters in towns like Montclair and Short Hills run consignment and thrift sales seasonally. Keep an eye on community boards for pop-up and estate sale events too.
Best Cities in New Jersey for Thrift Shopping
Some cities have a higher concentration of thrift stores than others. Here are the top spots to target.
- Newark - The largest city in New Jersey has multiple Goodwill and Salvation Army locations. Prices tend to be lower here than in suburban areas.
- Trenton - The state capital has several thrift stores and donation centers within a short drive of each other. Good for clothing and household basics.
- Camden - Camden has several well-stocked thrift stores and is close to Philadelphia thrift options as well.
- Paterson - A dense urban area with multiple thrift and secondhand shops, including ethnic clothing stores with unique finds.
- New Brunswick - Home to Rutgers University, this city has thrift stores that frequently get donations from students moving in and out.
- Jersey City - Close to New York City but with lower prices. Jersey City has a growing secondhand scene, including vintage and consignment shops.
- Cherry Hill - A suburban shopping hub in South Jersey with Savers and other donation-based stores nearby.
- Woodbridge - Central Jersey location with easy access to multiple large chain thrift stores and flea markets.
What You Can Find at New Jersey Thrift Stores
New Jersey thrift stores carry an impressive variety of items. Here is what shoppers commonly find.
Clothing and Accessories
Clothing is the most common item in thrift stores. You can find everything from everyday jeans to formal wear. New Jersey's mix of suburban and urban donors means a wide range of styles and sizes. Designer labels turn up regularly, especially in wealthier suburban areas like Millburn, Summit, and Princeton.
Furniture and Home Goods
Couches, bookshelves, dining sets, and lamps are common finds. Habitat for Humanity ReStores specialize in this category. Goodwill and Salvation Army also carry furniture at many locations. Check condition carefully before buying large items.
Books, Media, and Games
Paperbacks, hardcovers, DVDs, vinyl records, and board games show up in nearly every thrift store. Prices are usually $1 to $3 per item. This is a great category for teachers, students, and collectors.
Kitchenware and Appliances
Dishes, pots, slow cookers, and small appliances like blenders or coffee makers are easy to find. Most stores test electrical items before putting them on shelves.
Toys and Children's Items
Families in New Jersey donate toys, strollers, and children's clothing regularly. Thrift stores are a budget-friendly option for parents, especially for fast-growing toddlers.
Vintage and Collectibles
New Jersey has a rich history and older homes with lots of interesting items. Vintage jewelry, glassware, ceramic figurines, and retro clothing can all be found. These items move fast, so visit stores early and often.
Tips for Thrift Shopping in New Jersey
Getting the most out of thrift shopping takes a little strategy. These tips will help you shop smarter.
- Go on weekdays. Weekends are crowded. Stores restock after weekend donations, so Tuesday through Thursday often means fresher inventory with fewer shoppers.
- Ask about discount days. Most chains in New Jersey run weekly sales. Goodwill often has senior discounts. Savers has color-tag rotation sales. Ask staff for the current schedule.
- Check near college campuses. Areas near Rutgers in New Brunswick, Princeton University, and Montclair State see surges of donations at the end of each semester in May and December.
- Inspect before you buy. Check zippers, seams, and buttons on clothing. Plug in electronics before purchasing if possible. Look for cracks in ceramics or furniture joints.
- Bring measurements. If you are shopping for furniture, bring a tape measure and your room dimensions. A great-looking couch that does not fit is a headache.
- Donate to get deals. Some New Jersey Goodwill locations give you a coupon when you drop off a donation. Check the policy at your local store.
- Use store apps and websites. Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and New Jersey has an online auction platform called ShopGoodwill. You can bid on items from home.
- Think seasonally. Shop for winter coats in spring and summer clothes in fall. Off-season items are often marked down even further.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are thrift stores in New Jersey cheaper than national averages?
It depends on the location. Urban stores in Newark, Trenton, and Camden tend to have lower prices than suburban shops in wealthier towns. Stores in areas like Short Hills or Montclair may price items higher because donors bring in higher-end goods. Shopping around and comparing a few locations in your area is always a smart move.
Can I donate furniture to New Jersey thrift stores?
Yes, most major chains accept furniture donations. The Salvation Army offers free pickup in many New Jersey cities for large items. Goodwill and Habitat for Humanity ReStore also accept furniture at drop-off locations. Call ahead to confirm what is accepted - stores often turn away items with stains, mold, or structural damage.
Does Goodwill in New Jersey have an online store?
Yes. Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and New Jersey participates in the ShopGoodwill.com auction platform. You can browse and bid on clothing, electronics, collectibles, and more from anywhere. Items ship directly to you. It is a convenient option if you cannot visit a store in person or want access to rare finds.
What is the best time of year to find deals at New Jersey thrift stores?
Late spring and early fall tend to bring the most donations. College move-outs in May and family cleanouts before the holidays in November flood stores with fresh inventory. Many chains also run special sale events around major holidays. Following your local store on social media is the easiest way to catch promotions and restock announcements.