As the school year comes to an end, summer plans approach and the weather starts to heat up. For many, this is the perfect time to get new pieces for their wardrobe, but funds are often running low.
Thrifting has seen an increase in popularity with inflation post-COVID, along with trends on social media. It is more than just another fad, however—it offers the ability to find cute outfits for less.
While South Orange is not bustling with thrift and consignment stores, those in search do not have to look far. Here are nine nearby options to find an affordable fit for the summer:
Inspirations – Union, NJ and Rahway, NJ
With five locations across the Garden State, Inspirations Thrift Store is a well-known spot to find both new and used clothing. Their Union location is only a 20-minute drive away from campus, with other locations around 30 minutes away in Rahway and Elizabeth. There are also two more locations in Linden and Old Bridge. Keep up with them on Instagram, where they post weekly videos.
West Village Clothing – Maplewood, NJ
A small business consignment store that is curated and organized by the owner, West Village Clothing is a local staple for those looking for something new. With garments that vary in style, there is sure to be something for everyone. Only 10 minutes from Seton Hall, the Maplewood location is the perfect place to check out in between classes. A little retail therapy always helps the lock in.
Valley Vintage – West Orange, NJ
Geared towards antiques, you might not find your next staple outfit, but there are some hidden treasures in the Valley Vintage, less than 10 minutes away from campus. Jewelry, home décor, books and vinyl records are some of the wide array of things one can find during their visit – the perfect things to base your summer vibe around or to accessorize with.
Little Treasure Thrift Shop – Montclair, NJ
20 minutes away in Montclair, Little Treasure Thrift Shop carries vintage and modern clothing that is fit for anyone. Every Saturday, kids 3 to 12 years old can take free arts and craft classes here as well. Check out this thrift in person and on Instagram.
2nd Street – Montclair, NJ
Also nearby in Montclair is a 2nd Street Thrift. Known for their luxury selection, prices here can vary from $6 to $600 with pieces for any occasion: formal, business casual, lounge, streetwear—this store has it all. With only one location in New Jersey, this chain is associated with their six Manhattan locations. You can also shop online.
MyUnique – Elizabeth, NJ and Paterson, NJ
Another chain thrift is MyUnique, with locations in Union, Elizabeth, Paterson, and others across New Jersey. Bright bold letters outside and giant floor space filled with racks make MyUnique a staple thrift for many. Here one can find more than just clothes, as there are also large selections of bags, belts, scarves, hats, and even appliances and home goods at some locations. This is one of those stores you can spend hours sifting through.
Goodwill NY/NJ – Elmwood Park, NJ
The most well-known thrift in the country, Goodwill, has locations throughout New Jersey, including in Elmwood Park and an outlet in Hackensack. The Elmwood Park location is the more typical shopping experience, while the Hackensack location is filled with bins to dig through. The type of thrifting you want to experience is up to you, and Goodwill offers both.
American Thrift – Passaic, NJ
Another large thrift, with two locations, is American Thrift in Passaic and Baldwin. Mostly organized in color order, the selection of clothes varies widely, with great options for more business-friendly outfits as well as major league jerseys. Both locations also have home goods, books and toys, so there is something for everyone.
Undelco – Hawthorne, NJ
If you have a free weekend or want to treat yourself with a getaway after finals, this bin-digging thrift is upwards of an hour drive away from campus. Undelco focuses on vintage clothing, with cartons of 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s apparel to search through, with prices often ranging from $3 to $20. Please note these finds are cash only.
2nd Ave – Union, NJ
A large department store-like interior with organized sections between men’s, women’s, books, toys, shoes, interior, etc. – this thrift has it all. 15 minutes away in Union and open until 9 p.m., this serves as the perfect place to unwind by browsing in rows after a stressful day of class and studying.
P&J Thrift – Irvington, NJ
Besides the usual clothes and shoes, this thrift lends more towards high-end and modern items. Explore their website, which features Banana Republic, Dolce & Gabbana, Vans, Aldo, and even electronics, including laptops. You can email or call in if you are looking for something specific, or simply visit one of their few locations around New Jersey, with the nearest one being in Irvington.
Solomon Lee is the advertising manager for The Setonian. He can be reached at solomon.lee@student.shu.edu.
