If you’ve ever typed “thrift store near me” into Google, you’re not alone. Thrifting is no longer just a weekend hobby — it’s a profitable sourcing strategy for resellers looking to earn from home.
From vintage Levi’s to designer handbags, thrift stores can be goldmines for resale inventory. But not every store will have the same profit potential, and finding the right spots is half the battle.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
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How to find the best thrift stores near you
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Which types of stores yield the highest profits
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Pro strategies for sourcing inventory fast
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How to combine thrift store finds with AI-powered tools to scale your business
Why Thrift Stores Are a Reseller’s Best Friend
For resellers, thrift stores offer:
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Low cost of goods – Items can sell for 5–20x what you pay.
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Unique inventory – One-of-a-kind finds and rare vintage pieces.
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High margins – Designer labels and collectibles at a fraction of retail.
Whether you sell on Poshmark, eBay, Mercari, or Depop, thrift sourcing keeps your profit margins high while giving you access to products big retailers can’t offer.
How to Find the Best Thrift Stores Near You
Typing “thrift store near me” into Google Maps is a good start, but there’s more to it than just distance.
1. Use Google Maps + Reviews
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Search "thrift store near me" and filter by 4+ star ratings.
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Read reviews mentioning brand names, quality, or donation turnover.
2. Check Affluent Areas
Thrift stores in wealthy suburbs often get higher-end donations — think Lululemon, Patagonia, Gucci.
3. Ask Other Resellers (But Carefully)
Local reseller Facebook groups sometimes share tips, but remember — the best spots are often kept secret.
4. Look for Specialty Stores
Some thrift stores focus on certain categories:
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Vintage stores → High margins for retro fashion.
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Book & media thrift shops → Great for reselling rare editions.
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Charity boutiques → Often curated, higher-quality stock.
Types of Thrift Stores for Maximum Profit
Not all thrift stores are created equal. Here’s a breakdown:
| Thrift Store Type | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goodwill Retail | Wide variety, frequent donations | Prices creeping higher | Clothing, shoes, small home goods |
| Goodwill Bins (Outlet) | Pay by the pound, huge ROI potential | Chaotic, requires sorting skill | Bulk clothing, vintage |
| Savers / Value Village | Organized, high turnover | Higher pricing in some areas | Brand-name fashion, shoes |
| Independent Charity Shops | Unique donations, less picked over | Smaller selection | Collectibles, designer items |
| Church / Local Nonprofit Sales | Low prices, hidden gems | Limited hours | Vintage, home décor |
| Estate Sale Thrift Rooms | Rare, high-value finds | Inconsistent stock | Antiques, luxury goods |
Sourcing Strategies for Beginners
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Go Midweek – Stores restock after weekend donations.
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Check Sale Tags – Many thrift chains rotate discount colors weekly.
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Learn Brand Tags – Knowing which labels sell fast is a huge time saver.
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Inspect Condition – Only buy clean, damage-free, or easily repairable items.
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Set a Budget – Avoid impulse buys that don’t fit your niche.
Case Study: From $40 to $850 in a Week
Alex, a new reseller, started with $40 at a local Goodwill:
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Found: Patagonia fleece, vintage Levi’s 501 jeans, Doc Martens boots
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Listed on Poshmark & eBay the same day
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Used Closo’s AI Crosslister to push inventory across platforms instantly
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Auto-shared Poshmark listings 3x/day and sent offers automatically
Result: All three items sold in 7 days, netting $850 in revenue.
“The biggest game-changer was having AI share my listings while I was out sourcing more inventory.”
How to Sell Thrift Finds Faster with AI
Finding the items is just half the battle — selling fast is where the money is made.
With Closo’s AI Agents, you can:
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Crosslist thrift finds to Poshmark, eBay, Mercari instantly
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Auto-share listings to boost visibility without manual work
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Send offers automatically to engaged buyers
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Optimize pricing based on real-time demand & competition
💡 This means your thrift store haul can start selling the same day you buy it.
Pro Tip: Build a Niche
While general thrifting works, specializing can increase your sell-through rate. Example niches:
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Vintage denim & band tees
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Outdoor gear & technical apparel
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Luxury handbags
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Sneakers & streetwear
By focusing, you’ll spot profitable items faster and build a loyal buyer base.
Final Thoughts
When you search “thrift store near me” in 2025, think beyond convenience — the right store can be the difference between slow sales and a thriving reselling business.
Your winning formula:
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Find the right thrift spots (affluent areas, high turnover)
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Shop smart (quality over quantity)
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Automate selling with AI tools like Closo
That way, you can spend more time hunting for profitable finds — and less time doing manual listing work.
