Thrifting has been a Portland thing for a long time. That means you’ll have plenty of competition for good finds.
But self-described thrift store junky Jay Flewelling, who is also a comedian, shares his serious tips for the best thrift stores around:
🐶 Best – ReTails (Vancouver)
The store benefits the Humane Society of Southwest Washington: “It's huge. It is the best thrift store in the Portland metropolitan area,” Flewelling says.
🇺🇸 2nd Best — Red White & Blue (Gladstone)
It’s part of a chain of 10 stores across the country. “It's amazing.”
Tip: It's cash only.
🧥 3rd Best — Deseret Industries (Happy Valley)
This is another spot with a wide selection.
Tip: “You can also haggle a little bit I would say in general, in any non-Goodwill, non-corporate-y place.” (Haggling isn’t an option at Red White & Blue.)
👗 Other Excellent Spots in Portland Proper
Goodwill: “The Superstore on Grand is the best Goodwill in Portland, but Lombard Goodwill and Broadway Goodwill are very good as well.”
William Temple House: “This is a great place because it hits a trifecta: It's religious, so it's reasonably priced. It's in Northwest. It's also in a rich neighborhood. So there's, like, a trickle-down effect.” (Hot take: Reaganomics works for thrifting.)
What places do you like to go thrifting? Send me your tips and I’ll share them in future newsletters.
