Tucson is a magical town that is all about trading in your old stuff for cooler old stuff you didn’t already own. Bookmans or Buffalo Exchange, both founded right here in Tucson, are a testimony to the thrifting spirit of the city. Here are the five thrift shops you will need to visit this weekend, as selected by Briana Brewster, East Side Tucson local and thrift-master blogger. Her main word of advice when it comes to thrifting is this: “I always like to tell people to take things they find at thrift stores out of context and imagine them in your own wardrobe or house, because that’s something that holds a lot of people back. Also, [thrift stores] wash everything they sell, so don’t be skeeved out.”
Speedway Outlet
Location – Northwest corner of Speedway Boulevard and Craycroft Road
Prices – Higher than most, between $1-$50
Deals – Always has markdowns
Downside – Sometimes they will overvalue their items
Epic Finds – Yellow velvet chair $15, brown leather boots $10, and black leather motorcycle jacket $10
22nd Thrift Store
Location – Just east of Pantano Road on 22nd Street
Prices – 50 cents to $15 for clothing
Deals – 50% off coupons available on website, daily colors 50% off
Downside – Out of the way, unless you live on the East Side
Epic Finds – Kimchi Blue flats (originally $40) for $4, vintage leather Coach bag $10, and Forever 21 party dresses for $5 each
Beacon’s Value Village
Location – On the east side of Stone just south of Glenn
Prices – Some of the lowest
Deals – Savings Wheel, which you spin and get a random discount; 99 cent clothes rack
Downside – Doesn’t usually have new clothing
Epic Find – New sense of pride in self because a portion of the proceeds go to the Beacon Foundation
1st Rate 2nd Hand
Location- Speedway Boulevard east of Rosemont Boulevard
Prices- Average
Deals- Good prices on vintage clothing
Epic Find- Authentic hippie hand-stitched peasant blouse $6
Tucson Thrift Shop
Location- 4th Avenue
Prices- Higher than average, but higher quality
Epic Finds- Holographic Virgin Mary, canvas messenger bag $10, and cat mood ring.
Downside- Lack of parking around 4th Ave
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