Thrift stores are booming in NJ. Here’s why

People love to complain that there’s nothing new in Jersey. But walk into a thrift shop lately and you’ll see the opposite.

The secondhand scene here is booming, and honestly, it’s never been more fun to shop.

There’s nothing more fun than finding a beautiful wall mirror for your home or a pretty vintage vase that someone else has discarded. And if you really have style, you can put together outfits galore with some of the coolest vintage clothing finds ever.

Big thrift chains and local vintage boutiques thrive

Chains like 2nd Ave Thrift have been taking over big spaces in places like Cherry Hill, Hamilton, Pennsauken, and Union, while longtime staples like Goodwill are reporting huge jumps in sales.

Even better, small curated shops and vintage boutiques are popping up in towns all over the state. Gen Z and millennials, especially, are driving the trend, but you’ll see every kind of shopper flipping through racks looking for something different.

SEE ALSO: Best vintage clothing stores and thrift shops in New Jersey

Why New Jersey shoppers love thrifting

The big draws are money, style, and sustainability.

With prices climbing on everything, thrift stores give you a chance to stretch your dollar. You can walk out with a whole bag of clothes or housewares for what one sweater would cost at the mall. But it’s not just about saving money.

People want to stand out. A vintage leather jacket, mid-century dining set, or even quirky mugs you’d never find anywhere else. It’s that “thrill of the hunt” feeling, and once you get it, you’re hooked. And of course, the idea that wearing and buying other people’s items is a form of recycling, and it fits into the green mindset.

From treasure hunts to curated experiences

Shops are responding, too.

Some are focusing on cleaner layouts and curated selections so you don’t have to dig as much, while others keep that old-school, dig-through-the-chaos vibe that makes thrifting feel like a treasure hunt. Either way, stuff doesn’t sit long on the shelves.

And with massive donations, there’s always new inventory. Love it or hate it, thrifting has officially carved out its place in New Jersey’s retail world. And it ain’t going anywhere!

Where to find the best thrift stores in NJ

While we talked about this on the air today, people called in with some really good ideas for New Jersey places online and in real life you can shop, like Bos Attic Consignment in Middletown and @The8ballracks on Instagram.

So the next time someone says there’s nothing good to shop for in Jersey, point them to the thrift aisle. Chances are, they’ll walk out with a bag full of cool finds.