Find Thrift Store in Wyoming
Wyoming may be one of the least populated states in the country, but it has a solid thrift shopping scene. From Cheyenne to Casper to Jackson, you can find secondhand stores packed with clothing, furniture, books, and more. This guide helps you find the best thrift stores across Wyoming and shop smarter.
Major Thrift Store Chains in Wyoming
Several well-known national and regional chains operate in Wyoming. Here is what you can expect from each one.
Goodwill
Goodwill operates stores in Cheyenne, Casper, Laramie, and Gillette. These stores accept donations and sell clothing, housewares, electronics, and furniture. Purchases fund job training programs for people with barriers to employment. Goodwill stores are generally well-organized and restock shelves frequently throughout the week.
Salvation Army Thrift Stores
The Salvation Army runs thrift stores in Cheyenne and Casper. They sell a wide range of donated goods including clothing, toys, kitchen items, and small appliances. Revenue supports the Salvation Army's local social services, including food assistance and emergency housing. Look for their weekly color-tag discount system to save more.
Savers and Value Village
Savers and Value Village are the same company operating under different regional brand names. Wyoming does not currently have a Savers or Value Village location, but shoppers near the Colorado border can find stores in Fort Collins and Loveland. If you are near the state line, these are worth the short drive for their large selection.
Local and Regional Thrift Stores
Wyoming has a strong culture of community-run thrift shops. Many are tied to churches, nonprofits, or local charities. Some well-known local options include:
- Wind River Thrift Store - Serving the Riverton and Lander area, this store benefits local community programs.
- Habitat for Humanity ReStores - Located in Cheyenne and Casper, these stores specialize in building materials, appliances, and furniture. Great for home improvement projects at low cost.
- Value Village Thrift (local, not the chain) - Several independently named stores use similar names in smaller Wyoming towns.
- Consignment and resale boutiques - Jackson Hole has several upscale resale shops due to its wealthy tourism base. You can find high-end outdoor gear and clothing at a fraction of retail price.
Where Thrift Stores Are Concentrated in Wyoming
Wyoming's thrift stores cluster around its larger cities. Here is a city-by-city breakdown.
Cheyenne
As the state capital and largest city, Cheyenne has the most thrift store options. You will find at least two Goodwill locations, a Salvation Army, a Habitat ReStore, and several independently operated stores. The central shopping corridors along Lincolnway and Dell Range Boulevard are good places to start your search.
Casper
Casper is Wyoming's second-largest city and has a healthy thrift scene. Goodwill and Salvation Army both operate here. There are also several local resale shops scattered across the city. Casper's stores tend to have a good supply of outdoor gear, work clothing, and household goods reflecting the region's blue-collar and outdoor lifestyle.
Laramie
Home to the University of Wyoming, Laramie gets a constant flow of student donations. This makes local thrift stores excellent for books, dorm furniture, electronics, and casual clothing. Goodwill has a presence here, and several smaller shops serve the student population. End-of-semester donation surges in May and December mean great finds.
Gillette
Gillette is a smaller city in northeastern Wyoming. Goodwill operates a location here. The inventory tends to lean toward workwear, tools, and practical household items, reflecting the local energy industry workforce.
Rock Springs and Riverton
These mid-sized cities have community-run thrift stores and donation-based shops. Riverton's Wind River Thrift Store is a local favorite. Rock Springs benefits from a transient population tied to energy work, which means frequent and varied donations.
Jackson
Jackson is a special case. Its high-income tourism base means donations are often high-quality. You can find lightly used Patagonia, North Face, ski equipment, and luxury home goods at thrift prices. The Jackson area has several consignment and resale stores worth exploring.
What You Will Commonly Find in Wyoming Thrift Stores
Shopping patterns in Wyoming are shaped by its outdoor lifestyle, rural character, and cold climate. Here is what tends to show up on the shelves.
- Outdoor and hunting gear - Jackets, boots, backpacks, tents, and fishing equipment appear regularly. Wyoming has a deep culture of hunting, fishing, and hiking.
- Heavy winter clothing - Flannels, wool sweaters, insulated vests, and snow boots are common. Winters are long and cold across most of the state.
- Western wear - Cowboy boots, denim, belt buckles, and Western-style shirts show up often. This is authentic Wyoming culture, not costume.
- Books and media - Paperbacks, hardcovers, DVDs, and vinyl records are plentiful, especially near Laramie.
- Furniture and home goods - Dishes, lamps, picture frames, small appliances, and rugs cycle through most stores regularly.
- Tools and hardware - Hand tools, power tools, and shop equipment appear thanks to Wyoming's DIY and trades culture.
- Kids' clothing and toys - Families in smaller Wyoming cities rely on thrift stores for affordable children's items.
Tips for Thrift Shopping in Wyoming
A little strategy goes a long way at the thrift store. These tips will help you get the most out of every visit.
- Go early on weekdays. Most stores restock Monday through Wednesday. Shelves are fullest mid-morning before other shoppers arrive.
- Check color-tag sale days. Goodwill and Salvation Army use rotating color-tag systems where specific tag colors are discounted 50% or more. Ask staff which color is on sale that day.
- Shop after major life events. Estate sales, college move-outs, and post-holiday cleanouts flood thrift stores with high-quality donations. Visit in late May, late August, and January for post-holiday and post-semester rushes.
- Inspect items carefully. Sales are usually final. Check zippers, seams, buttons, and electronic cords before you buy. Plug in electronics to a store outlet if available.
- Bring measurements for furniture. Note the dimensions of your rooms and doorways before shopping at Habitat ReStores or larger thrift shops. Furniture deals are common but only work if the piece actually fits.
- Donate first. Many stores give you a coupon or discount when you bring a donation. Check with your local store before your trip.
- Call ahead for specialty items. If you need something specific like a piece of outdoor gear or a kitchen appliance, call the store. Staff can sometimes let you know if they have it in stock before you drive out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Wyoming have many Goodwill stores?
Yes, Goodwill operates multiple locations in Wyoming. Cheyenne, Casper, Laramie, and Gillette all have Goodwill stores. Cheyenne typically has the most options since it is the largest city. Each store accepts donations and uses proceeds to fund local job training and employment programs. Hours vary by location, so check the Goodwill website for current details.
Are there thrift stores in smaller Wyoming towns?
Yes, many smaller Wyoming towns have community-run thrift stores, often operated by churches, nonprofits, or volunteer groups. Towns like Riverton, Rock Springs, and Sheridan have locally owned options. These smaller stores may have limited hours - often just a few days per week - but they can have excellent prices and unique finds not seen at chain stores.
Can I find outdoor gear at Wyoming thrift stores?
Absolutely. Wyoming's outdoor culture means hiking boots, backpacks, ski layers, hunting jackets, and camping gear show up regularly at local thrift stores. Jackson-area resale shops are especially well-stocked with high-end outdoor brands. Goodwill and Salvation Army locations in Casper and Cheyenne also see regular donations of practical outdoor and workwear items.
What is a Habitat for Humanity ReStore and where can I find one in Wyoming?
A Habitat ReStore is a thrift store run by Habitat for Humanity that focuses on building materials, furniture, and appliances. These are great for home renovation projects. Wyoming has ReStore locations in Cheyenne and Casper. Items like cabinets, flooring, doors, and light fixtures are sold at deep discounts. Revenue helps fund local affordable housing construction.