Find Thrift Store in Utah
Utah has hundreds of thrift stores spread across the state. Whether you live in Salt Lake City or a smaller town, you can find great deals on clothing, furniture, and more. This guide helps you locate the best thrift stores in Utah and get the most out of every visit.
Major Thrift Store Chains in Utah
Several large national chains operate throughout Utah. Here are the ones you are most likely to find in your area.
Goodwill
Goodwill has dozens of locations across the Wasatch Front. You can find stores in Salt Lake City, West Valley City, Ogden, Provo, and St. George. Goodwill accepts donations of clothing, electronics, housewares, and books. Sales from these items fund job training programs in local communities. Goodwill also runs an online auction site called ShopGoodwill.com where Utah stores list unique finds.
Salvation Army Thrift Stores
The Salvation Army operates thrift stores in Salt Lake City, Ogden, and Provo. Their stores carry clothing, furniture, and household goods. The Salvation Army uses proceeds to support local social service programs, including homeless shelters and disaster relief. Prices are generally very low, and they run weekly color-tag sales that discount specific items by 50 percent or more.
Savers / Value Village
Savers - which operates under the Value Village name in some regions - has several Utah locations including stores in Murray, West Valley City, and Layton. Savers tends to have a larger and more organized inventory than smaller shops. They also offer a loyalty rewards program called Super Savers Club, which gives you points for purchases and extra discounts.
Deseret Industries
Deseret Industries - often called D.I. - is a Utah-specific thrift chain run by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is one of the most well-known thrift options in the state. D.I. has locations in Salt Lake City, Provo, Orem, Ogden, St. George, Logan, and many other Utah cities. Like Goodwill, D.I. uses its revenue to fund employment training programs. Items are priced affordably, and the stores tend to be clean and well-organized.
Other Local Options
Utah also has many independent thrift and resale shops. Common ones include:
- Utah Thrift - community-run shops found in smaller towns
- ReStore (Habitat for Humanity) - locations in Salt Lake City and Ogden, specializing in home improvement materials, appliances, and furniture
- Children's charity resale shops - often tied to local nonprofits, found in cities like Bountiful, Lehi, and Riverton
- Consignment boutiques - popular in Sugarhouse and Millcreek neighborhoods of Salt Lake City
Best Cities in Utah for Thrift Shopping
Some parts of Utah have more thrift stores than others. Here is a quick breakdown by city.
Salt Lake City
The capital city has the highest concentration of thrift stores in the state. The Sugarhouse neighborhood is especially popular. You can find Goodwill, Salvation Army, D.I., and several independent resale shops all within a short drive. The high population density means stores get fresh donations frequently.
Provo and Orem
Utah Valley has a large student population from Brigham Young University and Utah Valley University. This drives strong turnover at thrift stores. Deseret Industries has multiple locations here. Students often donate furniture and clothing at the end of each semester, which means spring and fall are great times to shop.
Ogden
Ogden has several thrift stores including Goodwill, Salvation Army, and D.I. The city is more affordable overall, and thrift store prices tend to reflect that. Ogden is a good destination if you are hunting for tools, outdoor gear, or ski equipment.
St. George
In southern Utah, St. George is the largest city and has a growing thrift scene. Deseret Industries and Goodwill both have a presence here. The warmer climate means you will often find lighter clothing and patio furniture at good prices.
Logan
Logan, home to Utah State University, has a D.I. and several smaller resale shops. Like Provo, the college town dynamic means good inventory turnover throughout the school year.
What You Can Find at Utah Thrift Stores
Thrift stores in Utah stock a wide variety of goods. Here is what to expect in each category.
- Clothing - everyday wear, formalwear, outdoor and ski gear, baby clothes, and shoes. Utah's active outdoor culture means you can find quality hiking and ski items regularly.
- Furniture - sofas, chairs, tables, dressers, and bed frames. Deseret Industries and ReStore are especially good for furniture finds.
- Books and media - novels, textbooks, DVDs, CDs, and vinyl records. College towns like Provo and Logan tend to stock more textbooks.
- Housewares and kitchen items - pots, pans, dishes, small appliances, and decor. These sell fast so check back often.
- Electronics - TVs, gaming consoles, laptops, and accessories. Always test electronics before buying when possible.
- Sporting goods - skis, snowboards, bicycles, camping gear, and exercise equipment are commonly found given Utah's outdoor lifestyle.
- Toys and games - board games, action figures, and children's toys turn up frequently, especially after the holiday season.
Tips for Thrift Shopping in Utah
A few strategies can help you find better items and save more money.
Shop on Discount Days
Most Utah thrift chains run weekly or daily discount promotions. Salvation Army uses a color-tag rotation system - each color is 50 percent off on a set day. Savers runs half-off days and double points events for loyalty members. Goodwill often discounts items that have sat on shelves for more than a week.
Go Early and Go Often
The best items disappear fast. Stores restock from donated goods throughout the week. Going on a weekday morning - especially Tuesday through Thursday - often means you see new items before weekend shoppers arrive.
Check the Donation Calendar
Donating at Deseret Industries and other chains follows seasonal patterns. After Christmas and before the school year starts in late summer are peak donation periods. These windows often bring in large quantities of quality goods.
Know Your Prices
Before you shop, know the retail value of items you are looking for. Electronics and brand-name clothing resell at thrift stores for far less than retail, but prices vary. Use your phone to check eBay or Amazon prices to confirm you are getting a real deal.
Inspect Items Carefully
Most thrift stores in Utah do not accept returns. Check clothing for stains, rips, or missing buttons. Test zippers and buttons. Plug in electronics if possible. Examine furniture for structural damage or signs of pests before you buy.
Bring Cash or a Card
All major Utah thrift chains accept credit and debit cards. Some smaller shops prefer cash. Carrying both gives you flexibility at every stop.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular thrift store chain in Utah?
Deseret Industries - known as D.I. - is the most widely recognized thrift chain unique to Utah. It has locations in nearly every major city in the state. Goodwill is also extremely popular and has a strong presence along the Wasatch Front. Both are excellent starting points if you are new to thrift shopping in Utah.
Are thrift stores in Utah good for outdoor and ski gear?
Yes - Utah's outdoor culture means thrift stores regularly stock hiking boots, ski jackets, snowboards, and camping gear. Goodwill and Deseret Industries in mountain towns near Park City, Ogden, and Provo tend to see the most outdoor gear. Shopping in early spring after ski season ends is a great time to find winter sports equipment.
How do I donate items to a Utah thrift store?
Most Utah thrift stores accept drop-off donations during store hours. Goodwill, D.I., and Salvation Army all have donation centers at or near their retail locations. Some stores offer free pickup for large furniture donations. Check the store's website or call ahead to confirm accepted items. Most stores do not accept mattresses, car seats, or recalled products.
Can I find furniture at Utah thrift stores?
Yes - furniture is one of the best categories for thrift shopping in Utah. Deseret Industries and Habitat for Humanity ReStore locations in Salt Lake City and Ogden carry sofas, tables, chairs, and shelving at very low prices. Savers and Goodwill also stock furniture in larger stores. Inventory changes frequently, so it helps to check back every week or two.