I love spending time in Berkeley, CA. It’s a fun, quirky city with great restaurants, interesting shops, and plenty to explore. But if there’s one thing that keeps me coming back, it’s the thrift shopping. Berkeley has some really good secondhand stores, and I could easily spend an entire afternoon going from one to the next.
What I love is the variety. You’ll find everything from traditional thrift stores packed with affordable clothing and household items to smaller vintage shops selling denim, designer pieces, and one-of-a-kind finds. There’s a little something for everyone, no matter what you’re shopping for.
If you enjoy thrifting as much as I do, here are nine Berkeley thrift stores worth checking out.
Goodwill Store & Donation Center
Address: 2058 University Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94704
The Berkeley Goodwill offers a rotating selection of clothing, shoes, accessories, books, and household goods, making it a practical stop for anyone who enjoys traditional thrift shopping.
As with most Goodwill locations, selection and prices can vary widely. Check clothing condition, browse different size sections, and compare prices before deciding something is a bargain.
Crossroads Trading
Address: 2338 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94704
For shoppers looking for trendy secondhand clothing without spending hours digging through racks, Crossroads Trading is a good place to start. This downtown Berkeley resale store carries men’s and women’s clothing, shoes, handbags, and accessories, including popular brands and occasional designer finds.
The store is more curated than a traditional thrift shop, so prices can be a little higher. Shoppers can also sell gently used clothing for cash or store credit, making it a convenient place to refresh a wardrobe while clearing out unwanted pieces.
Out of the Closet
Address: 1600 University Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94703
Out of the Closet is a more traditional thrift store, with plenty of clothing, shoes, books, accessories, and household items to browse. The selection changes regularly, so spending a little extra time looking through the racks can pay off.
The store also supports a good cause. Proceeds help fund HIV care and services through the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, giving shoppers another reason to support this longtime Berkeley thrift shop.
Thrift Shop Berkeley Humane
Address: 2644 Ashby Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94705
Shopping secondhand feels even better when the money supports a local cause. Thrift Shop Berkeley Humane offers a curated selection of vintage clothing, jewelry, artwork, home decor, and other donated items, with proceeds benefiting shelter animals.
It’s a smaller shopping experience than some of the larger thrift chains, but that’s part of its appeal. The shop also has a second location in nearby Albany, making it easy to add another stop to a thrift shopping afternoon.
Pretty Penny Clothing
Address: 2981 College Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94705
Pretty Penny Clothing is a good stop for anyone who appreciates vintage fashion but prefers a more organized shopping experience. This Elmwood boutique carries carefully selected vintage clothing alongside modern wardrobe staples, jewelry, shoes, and accessories.
It focuses on quality pieces you can wear for years, not fast fashion. Prices aren’t as low as a traditional thrift store, but the selection is worth it if you want something a little different.
Slash Denim
Address: 2840 College Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94705
Finding a great pair of vintage jeans can take some serious patience, but Slash Denim makes the search a little easier. This longtime Berkeley shop has been around since 1979 and is known for its extensive selection of vintage Levi’s, denim, workwear, and everyday basics.
The staff specializes in helping shoppers find jeans that fit, which can be especially helpful with older denim sizing. It’s not a traditional bargain thrift store, but it’s a worthwhile stop for anyone who loves vintage jeans.
Urban Ore
Address: 900 Murray Street, Berkeley, CA 94710
Urban Ore is one of those places where it’s easy to lose track of time. This enormous secondhand warehouse carries everything from vintage furniture and kitchenware to artwork, lighting, books, clothing, and building materials.
It’s especially worth visiting if you enjoy decorating with secondhand finds or working on DIY projects. The inventory changes constantly, and there’s enough variety that even a quick visit can turn into a much longer shopping trip.
Grove Street Kids
Address: 1385 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94709
Parents looking for secondhand children’s clothing should add Grove Street Kids to their list. Located in Berkeley’s North Shattuck neighborhood, this resale shop focuses on gently used children’s clothing and also carries women’s fashion.
It’s a great stop for families who want quality clothing without paying full retail prices, especially since children outgrow their wardrobes so quickly. The shop emphasizes durable pieces and thoughtfully made brands, offering a different experience than browsing a large thrift chain.
Plug Stop Vintage & Thrift
Address: 2037 University Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94704
For shoppers interested in secondhand streetwear and vintage fashion, Plug Stop Vintage & Thrift is another downtown Berkeley shop to explore. Conveniently located on University Avenue, it pairs well with visits to Goodwill and other nearby secondhand stores.
This is a great addition to a clothing-focused thrift shopping trip, especially for anyone who prefers browsing smaller vintage shops over larger chains. As with any secondhand store, the selection will depend on what’s available when you visit.
