Williamsburg has undergone significant cultural changes over the past several decades, having gradually transformed into an urban staple for all things hipster, artsy, and vibrant. Very demographically diverse, the neighborhood is populated by numerous ethnic groups such as Puerto Ricans, Dominicans, Italians, Hispanics, and Poles. The area is also home to many outstanding second-hand shops where you can find reasonably priced gems in great condition. While you’re in the neighborhood, take a look around and check out this concise guide to Williamsburg thrift stores!
The Attic
This Southside family business brings authentic and affordable clothing to Williamsburg’s fashion scene! Founded in 2019, The Attic prides itself on promoting sustainability practices, not to mention offering in-store alterations on items and fashion accessories that complement your purchases. The selection of vintage gems is both expansive and impressively organized. Service is friendly and expedient, and they provide a fitting room for you to try on any clothing before you go.
Grand Street Local
Grand Street Local has thrived in its cozy location for six years, being widely touted as one of Brooklyn’s best thrift shops ever since! This mom-and-pop storefront sports hand-picked collectibles with the aim of bringing cool vintage clothing to the neighborhood. The shop is even stocked with clothing, small accessories, and other trendy finds from the 1940s-1990s.
Shirts tend to range in price, depending on the rarity of the item and the owners auction off rare vintage items weekly, so interested patrons should be on the lookout! Grand Street Local also accepts any vintage clothing items you’re looking to sell. Call ahead to find the best times to visit or shop online by heading to their website!
Awoke Vintage
Williamsburg’s Northside is home to this intimate shop located in the mini-mall on 5th Street! Awoke Vintage was created in 2007 by Australian businesswoman Liz Power, who collaborated with a friend to bring the vintage store to Brooklyn five years later. This hotspot offers side-walk sales and always dons a killer collection of vintage footwear in its rotation. Vintage denim is their specialty but also offers a chic array of moderately priced clothing, new jewelry, beauty products, and gifts.
You can browse at your leisure online or visit their flagship store any day from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Awoke Vintage also has two other locations in Greenpoint.
10 ft. Single by Stella Dallas
If you’re searching for a higher-end vintage store then 10 ft. Single by Stella Dallas is the place to be! Boasting a monumental display of elegant clothes, antiques, and even blankets, this impressively spacious vintage shop will stop you in your tracks!
Take the time to really browse around and appreciate the carefully curated finds neatly displayed by staff and find your memorable souvenirs!
Antoinette
Antoinette specializes in vintage & independent designers, as well as Vintage clothing, accessories & gifts for both women and men. Lexi Oliveri, the founder of Antoinette, opened the shop in 2011 and has been thriving ever since.
The entire vintage selection spans four decades (dating all the way back to the 50s) and has been hand-selected by and drawn from the founder’s mother, who worked alongside famous New York French milliner, Lilly Daché. The shop is named after Oliveri’s mother and honors their NY-native roots by highlighting local businesses and artists whenever possible!
Artists & Fleas
This former dry goods and provisions warehouse has carved out a name for itself as an indispensable location for shoppers and creatives alike over the past twenty years!
Artists and Fleas’ reputation precedes itself, as it’s even internationally recognized as the place for entrepreneurs to showcase their talents and for patrons to discover the latest trends in fashion, vintage art, designs, and more.
The market is only open on the weekends from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and touts a lineup of over fifty independent brands and sellers. Everything is of stellar quality and reasonably priced so don’t miss out!
Urban Jungle
East Williamsburg’s Urban Jungle gives patrons a nifty stock of affordable t-shirts, flannels, Hawaiian shirts, hats, shoes, one-of-a-kind sweaters, denim, vintage dresses and so much more to peruse. The exterior is adorned with a sign in the shape of a yellow submarine, while the interior is incredibly spacious, living up to its ‘jungle’ status and holding the distinction of being one of the largest Vintage Meccas in New York City.
Urban Jungle is open every day from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., and arriving closer to opening times will give you a better chance at snatching up the best clothes available and beating the crowds for the fitting room.
Amacord Vintage Fashion
This almost two-and-a-half decade-old storefront highlights European-style, fancy designer clothing, plus jewelry and accessories to compliment your look!
The brand’s distinctive merchandising style is unrivaled on Bedford Avenue, as outfit suggestions are color-coordinated and trend-focused, changing in tandem with the seasons.
Amacord Vintage’s inventory ranges in era from Victorian to the 2000s, and features famous labels as well as undiscovered manufacturers. Emphasis is placed on sourcing in Italy, home to the founders and a consistent source for labels and styles that made Italian fashion famous.
