Thrift Stores in Atlanta, GA: Where to Find the Best Deals, Donates, and Hidden Gems

Atlanta is a great city for thrifting. Whether you live in-town, commute from the suburbs, or are visiting for a weekend, you can find everything from budget basics to designer labels, vintage furniture, and unique home décor at thrift stores across the metro area.

This guide walks through where to thrift in Atlanta, GA, how the scene differs by neighborhood, and practical tips for shopping and donating so you can make the most of what the city offers.

How Thrifting Works in Atlanta

Atlanta’s thrift store scene is a mix of:

• Large charity chains with multiple locations (often best for volume and low prices)
• Independent thrift and resale shops (good for curated finds, vintage, and style-focused shoppers)
• Nonprofit-run stores supporting local causes
• Neighborhood-specific gems clustered around certain parts of the city

Because Atlanta is so spread out, you’ll have a different experience ITP (inside the Perimeter) vs. OTP (outside the Perimeter):

• ITP: more curated and vintage options, especially around Little Five Points, Midtown, and the Westside.
• OTP: larger stores, lower prices on household items and clothing, especially in places like Marietta, Decatur, and Norcross.

Most Atlanta thrift stores accept donations of clothing, furniture, household goods, and small appliances. Policies vary, so calling ahead is wise if you have large or unusual items.

Major Thrift Chains Around Atlanta

These are the types of stores you’ll see repeated across the metro area, often with similar layouts and pricing.

Goodwill Stores & Donation Centers

Goodwill is one of the most visible thrift options in Atlanta. Locations are scattered throughout the city and suburbs, often near major roads and shopping centers.

You’ll typically find:

• Clothing and shoes (for adults and kids)
• Housewares and décor
• Books, media, and small electronics
• Some furniture, depending on the location

A few examples of Atlanta-area Goodwill locations include:

• Goodwill Thrift Store – Buckhead area
  2201 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
  (Often convenient for intown shoppers)

• Goodwill Thrift Store – Midtown/Westside area
  10th St NW / Northside Dr corridor (location details can change; check current listing before you go)

• Goodwill Thrift Store – Decatur area
  Along E Ponce de Leon Ave, serving Decatur and nearby neighborhoods

Goodwill stores often run color-tag discount days, where certain tag colors are marked down further. Staff on-site can explain the current week’s specials.

Donation tip: Most Goodwill locations have a drive-up donation lane behind or beside the store. Typical donations include clean clothing, gently used shoes, home décor, books, and small household items.

Salvation Army Family Stores

Salvation Army operates “Family Stores,” which are similar to Goodwill but sometimes carry more furniture and large household items.

Atlanta-area shoppers often use these stores for:

• Sofas, dressers, tables, and chairs
• Clothing for all ages
• Kitchenware and household items

Common features:

• Many locations have on-site donation centers.
• Some offer furniture pickup for larger donations; you’ll usually need to call the local branch or the main scheduling number.

Examples of where you might find Salvation Army Family Stores in the metro area include:

• Near Downtown/Westside corridors
• Along major suburban routes (often in strip centers with ample parking)

If you’re furnishing an apartment in Atlanta on a budget, the larger Family Stores are worth checking.

Neighborhood Thrifting: Where to Go in and Around Atlanta

Different parts of Atlanta have their own thrifting “personality.” Here’s how it typically breaks down.

Intown Atlanta: Vintage, Style, and Statement Pieces

Best for: Unique clothing, vintage finds, and curated selections.

Neighborhoods to explore:

Little Five Points & East Atlanta Area

These areas attract shoppers looking for more distinctive pieces.

• Shops here often carry vintage clothing, band tees, quirky décor, and retro styles.
• Prices may be higher than big charity chains, but selection tends to be more curated.
• You’ll often find both thrift (donation-based) and consignment/resale stores mixed in. Consignment usually means a higher price point, but often higher quality and more current fashion.

Midtown & Old Fourth Ward

Close to apartment-heavy neighborhoods and Georgia Tech/Georgia State communities, you’ll find:

• Smaller thrift and resale shops with casual, trendy clothing
• Stores that periodically rotate stock to match the season or local events
• Some shops that focus on designer or upscale resale along Piedmont Ave and nearby corridors

These can be good spots if you’re looking for workwear, business casual, and going-out outfits at lower prices.

Westside & Upper Westside: Furniture and Home Goods

Best for: Apartment and house furnishing, décor, and larger pieces.

Around the Westside, Upper Westside, and Bolton/Riverside areas, you’re likely to find:

• Larger thrift stores with good furniture sections
• Plenty of kitchenware, dishes, lamps, and artwork
• Some stores receiving donations from nearby neighborhoods with frequent moves and remodels

If you’re setting up a new place near the Westside, these shops can be helpful for:

• Dishes and cookware
• Lamps and side tables
• Rugs and wall art

Decatur & East Metro: Family-Friendly Thrifting

Best for: Everyday clothing, kids’ items, and general household needs.

In the Decatur, Clarkston, and Stone Mountain corridors, you’ll encounter:

• Larger nonprofit thrift stores
• A mix of family-oriented clothing, toys, books, and home goods
• Sometimes lower overall price points than intown boutiques

Residents on the east side often use these shops as regular go-to’s for:

• Back-to-school clothes
• Baby and toddler gear (always check safety/recall information independently)
• Basic home items like bedding and kitchen tools

Northside & OTP (Roswell, Marietta, Norcross)

Best for: Big selection and value pricing.

As you move north into Marietta, Roswell, Norcross, Duluth, and Alpharetta, more large-format thrift stores appear, including:

• Multiple major-chain stores in the same corridor
• Independent thrift stores with huge floor space
• Some specialty nonprofit shops

Shoppers here often mention:

• Easier parking and bigger furniture sections
• Strong selection of business attire from commuting professionals
• More kids’ clothing and sports gear in suburban areas

If you’re willing to drive a bit from Atlanta proper, these northern stores can yield a lot in a single trip.

What You Can Usually Find at Atlanta Thrift Stores

Inventory changes daily, but across the Atlanta metro area, shoppers commonly find:

Clothing and Accessories

• Everyday casual wear, jeans, and tops
• Workwear and business casual
• Jackets and coats (especially during winter months)
• Shoes, belts, bags, scarves, and hats

Because Atlanta’s climate is mild, you’ll see a mix of warm-weather clothing almost year-round, with heavier coats appearing seasonally.

Furniture and Home Décor

Depending on the store size:

• Sofas, chairs, tables, nightstands, and bookshelves
• Lamps, rugs, curtains, and framed art
• Kitchenware, dishes, pots, and pans

Larger metro locations, especially outside the densest intown neighborhoods, often have full rooms of furniture.

Books, Media, and Miscellaneous

• Books for adults and children
• Board games and puzzles (check for missing pieces)
• CDs, DVDs, and sometimes vinyl records
• Small appliances and electronics (always test or confirm return policies when possible)

Donating to Thrift Stores in Atlanta

Many people in Atlanta use thrift stores both to shop and to donate as they move, declutter, or change apartments.

Common Donation Types

Most major thrift organizations in Atlanta accept:

• Clean, gently used clothing and shoes
• Household items and small appliances
• Books, toys, and décor
• Some furniture (varies by location)

They usually do not accept:

• Hazardous materials (paint, chemicals)
• Damaged furniture with structural issues
• Very large appliances (refrigerators, stoves) at regular donation sites

📌 Tip: Call the specific store or donation center before bringing:

• Oversized items (sectionals, large office desks)
• Mattresses and box springs (policies vary widely)
• Specialty items (medical equipment, cribs, car seats)

Donation Centers and Drop-Offs

Across Atlanta, you’ll find:

• Drive-through donation lanes at many chain thrift stores
• Dedicated standalone donation centers separate from retail locations in some areas
• Seasonal donation drives run by nonprofits and faith-based organizations

Many Atlanta residents plan donation trips when they:

• Move between apartments or houses
• Do seasonal closet cleanouts
• Prepare for back-to-school or the holidays

How to Thrift Smart in Atlanta

A few local-specific strategies can make your Atlanta thrifting more successful.

1. Time Your Trips

• Weekdays, early in the day often mean smaller crowds, especially in high-traffic intown locations.
• After weekends or holidays, inventory might spike due to donations, but stores can also be busier.
• Some stores have weekly sale days (for example, certain tag colors discounted). It’s worth asking staff when you first visit.

2. Plan by Neighborhood

Because of Atlanta traffic, it can be efficient to:

• Pick one area (e.g., Westside, Decatur, or Norcross) and visit multiple thrift stores in that corridor in a single outing.
• Combine thrifting with other errands or destinations nearby (grocery, big-box stores, or restaurants).

3. Check Condition Carefully

Especially for furniture and electronics:

• Inspect for stains, tears, and structural damage.
• For wood furniture, look for warping or water damage.
• Ask whether outlets are available to test items like lamps or small appliances, if the store allows it.

4. Bring Your Own Bags and Measurements

• Some Atlanta thrift stores do not provide sturdy bags for larger hauls.
• For furniture, measure your car trunk or SUV space beforehand.
• Write down basic measurements for your apartment doorways and elevators if you’re in a mid- or high-rise building.

5. Consider Transportation and Parking

• Intown locations may have tighter parking or shared lots.
• OTP stores typically have larger lots, which are easier for loading furniture.
• If you don’t have a car, consider using rideshare with a larger vehicle option for bulky items, or bring a foldable cart if you’re walking or using MARTA.

Simple Overview: Typical Atlanta Thrift Options

Below is a compact summary to help you decide where to start:

Practical Next Steps for Thrift Shoppers in Atlanta

If you’re ready to explore thrift stores in Atlanta, GA:

1. Choose your goal:

   • Furniture and décor
   • Everyday clothing and basics
   • Vintage and unique items

2. Pick a part of town that fits your goal and travel comfort (intown vs. OTP).

3. Call ahead to a couple of stores in that area to:

   • Confirm hours
   • Ask about current sales or discount days
   • Check donation policies if you’re dropping items off

4. Bring a list and a budget so you stay focused and avoid impulse purchases.

Atlanta’s thrift scene is broad enough that you can outfit a whole apartment, refresh a wardrobe, or hunt for truly one-of-a-kind finds—often in a single afternoon if you plan your route well.