Thrifting has exploded in Seattle, but with such a wide array of thrift stores, the experience can be quite different depending on where you go. Here’s a review that highlights some of the best (and worst) places to thrift.
Creature Consignment
Located on 15th Avenue in Capitol Hill, Creature Consignment welcomes you in with cozy mood lighting and plants hanging from the ceiling. The store has a satisfying layout with color-coded aisles featuring a significant collection of graphic tees. A highlight of my experience at the store was the friendly service. The workers wore some stylish fits and asked me if I had any questions. At the back is a seating area with clean and spacious fitting rooms. The prices are higher than your typical thrift store like Goodwill, but they had some great items like Carhartt vests, vintage jeans, and purple platform slippers.
Crossroads U-District
A strong smell of weed hits you as you walk into the U-district branch of Crossroads Trading. This store is a short walk from the University District light rail station. Like your typical thrift store, there was a wide variety of neglected items, and the layout had a resemblance to the Rainier Avenue Goodwill. Unfortunately, the clothing options were underwhelming and seemed picked through, but the prices were affordable.
U-District Goodwill
The U-district Goodwill had an overwhelmingly strong scent of sanitizer that made it hard to breathe. Similar to Crossroads, the clothes selection was lacking and it seemed like the UW students had taken all the good items. The men’s section was confined to two small racks upstairs that only included athletic shorts and Nike shirts advertising “ALL TIME BEAST.” Suffice it to say, the University Goodwill was disappointing but there were good collections of dishware.
Red Light
Directly next to the Goodwill on University Way, Red Light was more of an experience than just a thrift store. The maze-like layout features cozy dim-lit corners with tight rows of clothes and tapestries draped on the wall. Old masks on mannequins watch while you peruse the aisles for forgotten garments. The selection varies from spirit day attire to Dickies, Wrangler, Carhartt jeans, and neat vintage sweaters. There is anything and everything at Red Light. While the prices are on the higher end, visiting is definitely worth it.
The Goodwill Bins- SoDo
Known and loved, the Goodwill Bins are a favorite for finding the best items at the cheapest price. While the no-frills experience can be draining and competitive, the constant rotation of clothes and price-per-pound system allures crowds for a reason. Finding high-quality vintage jeans, shirts, coats, and sweaters is easy, but not without the risk of grabbing a mouse while you dig through the piles. If you didn’t wear gloves, make sure to wash your hands when you’ve finished, or to be safe just hop right in the shower.
