Kent native Macklemore had the right idea in his 2012 smash hit “Thrift Shop” when he expressed his love for second-hand shopping and saving money. After all, “It was 99 cents!” so perhaps we should bag it as the song says. It’s a catchy tune that portrays the lighter side of thrift shopping, no doubt, but in today’s world, with rising gas prices and groceries costing just as much as dining out, it seems that the Washington rapper was onto something as second-hand shopping has made a comeback. These frugal thrift stores in the South Sound are here to aid in your hunt for some exquisite finds, hopefully better than those of Macklemore’s!
Grannies’ Attic Thrift Store
1004 E Main Avenue, Puyallup
It’s more about saving a pretty penny at MultiCare Grannies’ Attic Thrift Store, as the volunteer-run thrift shop contributes its profits to MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital patients and programs. Since 2000 the charity shop has been selling gently used, second-hand items to the community at low prices, allowing them to purchase items they might not be able to at new price points. The shop has managed to donate more than $2 million to Good Samaritan Hospital patients since its inception, with much of the money going to the Children’s Therapy Unit at Good Sam.
St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store
4009 S 56th Street, Tacoma
253.474.0519
Thrift is hip and done with heart at St. Vince de Paul Thrift Store in Tacoma. The store is brimming with unique finds, great household goods, clothing, antiques, toys, electronics, appliances, furniture, and much more. Fantastic deals on these affordable everyday items are further enhanced with color-coded discounts, as well as military and senior discounts. Hunting for hidden treasure among the massive selection of items is half the fun of the visit, and with every purchase, patrons benefit local families in need as all store proceeds go to help people within the community.
S.A.V.E Thrift Store
14201 Purdy Lane NW, Gig Harbor
253.857.2800
You’ll be thrifting for a good cause at S.A.V.E Thrift Store in Gig Harbor, with the name being the indicator as S.A.V.E stands for “Seahawk Academic and Vocational Education.” All proceeds from your frugal finds here will go to scholarships for graduating seniors at Peninsula High School. The thrifty little shop currently provides approximately $40,000 per year in scholarships to graduating seniors at the local high school.
The Hoarders Attic Thrift Shop
8328 Park Avenue S, Tacoma
253.252.7916
Low prices without sales can be enjoyed at The Hoarders Attic Thrift Shop. The resale shop houses plenty of collectibles, antiques, and other higher-priced items at the lowest possible price so that everyone can shop until they drop. Occasionally the preloved boutique will host inventory clearance sales, senior and military Sundays, and special pop-up sale days. Keep an eye on their fabulous Facebook page for more details on when to expect these big blow-out sales that’ll definitely give you more bang for your buck.
Peninsula Guild #1 – Gig Harbor Thrift Shop
6951 Kimball Drive, Gig Harbor
253.858.3826
The quintessential recycling shop, known as Peninsula Guild #1 or simply Gig Harbor Thrift Shop, offers a plethora of clothing, books, jewelry, collectibles, tableware, linens, toys, and festive items during the holidays. The hand-me-down haven was founded more than 70 years ago and is run by Peninsula Orthopedic Guild, with 100% of proceeds from sales going to the Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital of Tacoma. Longtime volunteers keep the budget boutique offering thrifty finds still today that benefit the public, giving locals a chance to find discount items at affordable prices, all while helping a great local cause in the community.
The Nook Charity Boutique
1416 E Main Avenue Suite B, Puyallup
253.268.0656
Operated by St. Francis House, The Nook Charity Boutique is a great place to find beautiful, one-of-a-kind items at low prices, including home décor, jewelry, fine china, silverware, vintage items, gently used and new clothing, books, artwork, furniture, and more! Before the upcycled treasure shop opened in November of 2012, St. Francis House used to receive many “high-end” items throughout the year that would then be sold through annual “treasure sales.” Since opening the cozy little nook, instead of providing these fantastic occasions to save money only once a year to community members, they can now offer these amazing “steal of a deal” opportunities every day of the year instead.
With so many thrift stores here, we can’t help but wonder if the Washington native had the South Sound community in mind when he was coming up with the lyrics to “Thrift Shop.” Either way, you can’t go wrong with the area’s thrift stores when you’re looking to “pop some tags,” so head over to any of these awesome local bargain bazaars for some reloved treasures and epic finds!
