Best Thrift Shops in Atlanta: Where to Find the Best Secondhand Gems

Atlanta’s thrift scene is rich, varied, and very local. Whether you’re hunting for designer fashion on a budget, furnishing a new apartment in Midtown, or looking for unique vintage decor in East Atlanta, the city offers thrift shops for almost every style and price point.

This guide focuses on Atlanta, Georgia specifically—with shops and neighborhoods you can actually visit, plus tips on how to navigate the local secondhand scene like a pro.

How Thrifting in Atlanta Works

Atlanta’s best thrift shops tend to cluster in certain areas and fall into a few main categories:

• Nonprofit thrift stores – Often tied to charitable organizations; good for low prices and big variety.
• Curated vintage boutiques – Smaller, more selective shops with higher prices but standout pieces.
• Resale chains and consignment – Mix of national and regional brands where you’ll often find name labels and organized racks.
• Neighborhood thrift & antique markets – Ideal for furniture, decor, and one-of-a-kind finds.

Traffic and parking can shape your plans here, so it’s helpful to group stores by area when planning a day of thrifting.

Quick-Glance Guide to Popular Atlanta Thrift Areas

Best Nonprofit & Charity Thrift Shops in Atlanta

These are popular with locals who want low prices and big selection, with proceeds that typically support community programs.

Salvation Army Family Stores (Multiple Locations)

The Salvation Army operates several Family Stores around metro Atlanta. Locations often change over time, but common areas include:

• Atlanta / Midtown–Westside area
• Chamblee / Doraville
• Decatur / South DeKalb
• Sandy Springs / Roswell Road corridor

What to expect:

• Large floor space with clothing, shoes, furniture, housewares, books, and electronics.
• Color tag sale days where certain tag colors are discounted.
• A mix of very affordable basics and occasional standout designer finds.

Because inventory changes daily, many Atlanta residents check their “local” Salvation Army once a week for new arrivals.

Goodwill of North Georgia & Goodwill of North Georgia Outlet

Goodwill is widely spread across the Atlanta area, including:

• Goodwill – Edgewood / Moreland Ave SE (near Little Five Points)
• Goodwill – Howell Mill Rd NW (West Midtown)
• Goodwill – Decatur area
• Goodwill – Buckhead / Roswell Rd
• Goodwill Outlets (often in more industrial areas, like near the airport or suburbs)

Goodwill stores are known for:

• Organized racks by clothing type and size.
• Large selection of kids’ clothes, workwear, and basics.
• In some locations, a solid section of home goods and small furniture.

The Goodwill Outlet (often called the “bins”) is where items are sold by the pound. It’s more chaotic, but Atlanta thrifters often go there for:

• Bulk clothing
• Denim for DIY projects
• Vintage t-shirts and basics

📝 Tip: For Atlanta’s Goodwill locations, many locals plan routes around Howell Mill, Edgewood, and Decatur, since those neighborhoods also have food and coffee spots for breaks.

Atlanta Mission Thrift Stores

Atlanta Mission operates thrift stores that help support its programs. Typical locations you might encounter are in:

• Woodstock / Kennesaw area
• Lawrenceville / north-east suburbs
• Occasionally in-town satellite shops

These stores usually carry:

• Furniture and home decor (often a strong point)
• Clothing, shoes, and accessories
• Kitchenware and housewares

They’re good options if you’re furnishing an apartment or house and don’t mind a short drive from central Atlanta.

Best Curated Vintage & Fashion Thrift in Intown Atlanta

If you’re looking for style-forward pieces, pay attention to shops in Little Five Points, Virginia-Highland, East Atlanta, and nearby neighborhoods.

Little Five Points: Vintage & Alternative Finds

Little Five Points, on Euclid Ave NE and Moreland Ave NE, is one of Atlanta’s most walkable thrifting hubs.

You’ll often find:

• Vintage band tees and denim
• Alternative and streetwear styles
• Jewelry, hats, and accessories
• Vinyl records and quirky decor

Shops in this area tend to be curated, meaning prices are higher than big-box thrift, but the selection is more focused and trend-conscious. It’s a great stop if you’re visiting Atlanta and want a “feel” for local fashion and culture.

Virginia-Highland & Poncey-Highland

In and around Virginia Ave NE, North Highland Ave NE, and Ponce de Leon Ave NE, you’ll find:

• Smaller shops specializing in women’s and men’s fashion
• Some consignment-style boutiques with mid-range to high-end brands
• Home decor and small furniture pieces that fit older Intown homes and apartments

This area is especially good for:

• Office-appropriate clothing
• Dresses and shoes
• Stylish outerwear for Atlanta’s mild winters

Parking can be limited along North Highland, so consider side streets or short walks.

East Atlanta Village & Nearby

On and around Flat Shoals Ave SE and Glenwood Ave SE, East Atlanta Village offers:

• Edgier, more eclectic clothing
• Independent vintage dealers
• Occasional pop-up markets and weekend vendor events

It’s a solid area if you’re looking for statement pieces rather than everyday basics.

Best Thrift Shops for Furniture & Home Decor in Atlanta

While some clothing thrift shops carry furniture, a few areas and store types stand out if you’re mainly after sofas, tables, chairs, and art.

West Midtown & Howell Mill Corridor

Around Howell Mill Rd NW, Marietta St NW, and Chattahoochee Ave NW, you’ll find:

• Larger Goodwill and other secondhand stores
• Independent antique and salvage warehouses
• Occasional church or charity resale shops

This area is strong for:

• Apartment-friendly furniture (TV stands, coffee tables, dining chairs)
• Art, wall mirrors, lamps, and lighting
• Rugs and textiles

Because this is a former industrial area turned mixed-use, there’s often big parking lots and easier loading for larger pieces.

Decatur & Avondale Estates

In and around Downtown Decatur, College Ave, and East College Ave, there are:

• Smaller local thrift shops
• Antique and vintage furniture dealers
• Consignment furniture stores

People in Decatur and nearby neighborhoods often use these shops when:

• Upsizing or downsizing homes
• Furnishing condos, bungalows, and townhouses
• Looking for mid-century or traditional Southern styles

Suburban Big-Box Thrift for Furniture

Outside the core city—toward Smyrna, Marietta, Tucker, Duluth, and Forest Park—you’ll typically find:

• Larger Goodwill and Salvation Army stores with big furniture sections
• Community-based thrift run by churches or nonprofit groups

If you have a car and don’t mind a 15–30 minute drive, you can often find better furniture selection and lower prices than in closer-in neighborhoods.

Best Thrift Stores for Kids’ Clothes & Family Needs

For families in Atlanta, certain stores and patterns stand out:

• Goodwill (multiple locations) – Reliable source of kids’ clothes, often grouped by size.
• Suburban nonprofit thrift – Shops in Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Tucker, Lilburn, and Marietta often have:
  • Baby clothes and maternity wear
  • Toys and books
  • Sports gear (cleats, pads, practice wear)

When shopping for kids in Atlanta:

• Check school-year timing – Late summer and early fall see more donations of outgrown uniforms, jackets, and shoes.
• Look in higher-income suburbs for nicer brands and lighter wear.

High-End & Designer Consignment in Atlanta

If you want designer or luxury labels at secondhand prices, consignment shops and curated resale boutiques are your best bet. Many cluster in or near:

• Buckhead – Along Peachtree Rd NE, Roswell Rd NE, and Pharr Rd NE:
  • Designer bags, shoes, and formal wear
  • Business attire and special-occasion pieces
• Midtown & Old Fourth Ward – Near Ponce City Market and along Ponce de Leon Ave NE:
  • Trendy brands, contemporary fashion
  • Seasonal pieces like coats and boots

These shops usually:

• Price items based on label and condition
• Offer clean, organized racks, often sorted by brand or size
• May have stricter return or hold policies than normal thrift stores

📝 Tip: For big closet overhauls, some Atlanta residents sell at consignment and then use the store credit to shop in the same store.

Atlanta Thrift Shop Etiquette & Practical Tips

Because Atlanta is spread out and traffic-heavy, a little planning goes a long way.

Plan Your Route by Neighborhood

To make the most of your time:

1. Pick a zone – For example, “Edgewood + Little Five Points,” “West Midtown,” or “Decatur.”
2. Cluster 2–4 stores within that zone.
3. Build in a meal or coffee stop in between (Atlanta’s food scene and thrift scene go hand in hand).

Navigating Traffic & Parking

• Weekdays mid-morning or early afternoon are usually calmer than weekends.
• Intown areas like Little Five Points, Poncey-Highland, and Virginia-Highland may have limited parking; look for:
  • Public lots
  • Side street parking
• Big-box thrifts in suburbs or on major corridors (Howell Mill, Buford Highway, Roswell Rd) usually have large lots and easier loading zones.

Payment & Fitting Rooms

Most major chains and many independent shops in Atlanta accept:

• Credit and debit cards
• Some accept cash only or have minimums for card use—especially smaller vintage shops.

Fitting room access varies:

• Big nonprofits like Goodwill and Salvation Army often have dressing rooms, but they can be limited or busy.
• Some vintage shops may have a single shared fitting room or a small changing area.

Consider wearing:

• Leggings or slim pants under clothing so you can slip items over them.
• A fitted t-shirt or tank for trying on shirts and jackets without a full dressing room.

Seasonal Patterns in Atlanta Thrift Donations

If you live in or frequently visit Atlanta, timing your trips can help:

• Late winter / early spring (Feb–April)
  People start spring cleaning; you’ll often see more:

  • Coats and sweaters
  • Home goods and decor
  • Exercise clothing

• Late summer (July–September)
  Back-to-school moves and dorm changes mean:

  • Dorm furniture and small appliances
  • Casual and business-casual clothing
  • Kids’ clothes and uniforms

• Post-holiday (January)
  Atlanta-area thrifts tend to receive:

  • Unwanted gifts (decor, kitchen items)
  • Dressy clothing and formalwear

How to Get the Best Deals in Atlanta Thrift Shops

Here are a few city-specific strategies:

• Go early in the day
  Many stores restock in the morning; early shoppers see the newest items first.

• Ask about discount days
  Common local patterns include:

  • Color tag sales
  • Senior discounts
  • Military or student discounts at some locations

• Check multiple neighborhoods
  Stores in higher-income areas (Buckhead, Sandy Springs, some North Fulton suburbs) often have:

  • Newer clothing
  • More name-brand items
  • Furniture in better condition

• Inspect items carefully
  In Atlanta’s humid climate, check for:

  • Mildew or musty odors, especially on stored fabrics
  • Wear from heat (cracking faux leather, warped wood)
  • Stains on lighter summer fabrics

Donating to Atlanta Thrift Stores

If you’re decluttering or moving in Atlanta, donating to thrift shops can support local organizations and keep items out of landfills.

Common donation options include:

• Goodwill Donation Centers – Located across the metro area; many have drive-through drop-off lanes.
• Salvation Army Donation Centers – Standalone drop-off sites or connected to Family Stores.
• Local nonprofit shops – Often tied to churches, shelters, or community organizations in neighborhoods like:
  • Decatur
  • Kirkwood
  • Sandy Springs
  • Marietta

General donation tips:

• Call ahead or check posted signs for accepted items (some locations do not take mattresses, large appliances, or certain electronics).
• Pack items in sturdy bags or boxes for quick unloading.
• For large furniture, some organizations offer pickup services in parts of metro Atlanta; scheduling is usually required.

Making Atlanta’s Thrift Scene Work for You

Whether you’re a longtime Atlantan, a student settling into Midtown or Decatur, or a visitor with a free afternoon, Atlanta’s thrift shops offer:

• Budget-friendly basics
• Unique vintage style
• Furniture for any size apartment or home

By focusing on neighborhoods like Little Five Points, West Midtown, Decatur, Virginia-Highland, Buckhead, and the suburban corridors around Roswell Rd, Buford Highway, and I-285, you can tailor a thrifting route to your budget, style, and schedule—and come away with finds that feel distinctly “Atlanta.”