Durham, known for its vibrant arts scene and bustling university life, offers a charming thrift shopping experience with a mix of vintage stores, consignment shops, and local flea markets.
Vintage Clothing and Accessories
The Scrap Exchange
Location: 2050 Chapel Hill Rd
Vibe: Creative, community-focused
The Scrap Exchange is more than just a thrift store; it’s a nonprofit creative reuse center that offers a wide variety of materials including vintage clothing, fabric, and arts and crafts supplies. It’s an ideal spot for environmentally conscious shoppers looking for unique finds and DIY project materials, all while supporting local community initiatives.
Dolly’s Vintage
Location: 213 W Main St
Vibe: Quirky, retro
Dolly’s Vintage is a delightful shop filled with a wide range of vintage clothing, accessories, and knick-knacks. The store is known for its colorful, fun atmosphere and a great selection of unique items that span from the 1920s to the 1980s, perfect for those looking to add a vintage flair to their wardrobe.
Designer Second-Hand
Fifi’s Fine Resale Apparel
Location: 1000 W Main St (Permanently closed)
Vibe: Upscale, chic
Fifi’s Fine Resale Apparel specializes in high-end consignment clothing and accessories. The shop offers a well-curated selection of designer labels at a fraction of retail prices, making it a go-to for fashion-savvy shoppers seeking luxury without the high price tags.
Revolver Consignment Boutique
Location: 600 N Mangum St #B
Vibe: Modern, stylish
Revolver Consignment Boutique offers a range of contemporary designer and high-quality second-hand clothing and accessories for both men and women. The store’s modern aesthetic and rotating inventory cater to a fashion-forward clientele looking for current trends at accessible prices.
Unique Finds and Specialty Shops
Everything But Grannies Panties
Location: 2928 Guess Rd
Vibe: Eclectic, treasure-filled
Everything But Grannies Panties is a unique thrift store offering a diverse assortment of items ranging from furniture and home décor to jewelry and collectibles. This shop is known for its vast selection and surprising finds, making each visit a new adventure.
Cheshire Cat Gallery
Location: 2050 Chapel Hill Rd (inside the Scrap Exchange)
Vibe: Antique, charming
Located within the Scrap Exchange, the Cheshire Cat Gallery specializes in antiques and vintage collectibles. The gallery features an array of fine china, art, vintage jewelry, and small furniture, providing a quaint shopping experience for collectors and antique lovers.
Contemporary Second-Hand and Streetwear
Rumors Chapel Hill
Location: 106 North Graham St, Chapel Hill (near Durham)
Vibe: Hip, trendy
Just a short drive from Durham, Rumors Chapel Hill is a popular boutique specializing in contemporary second-hand and vintage streetwear. Known for its young and trendy vibe, the store stocks everything from affordable fashion pieces to rare vintage finds, appealing to a youthful, style-conscious crowd.
Markets and Flea Markets
Durham Green Flea Market
Location: 1600 E Pettigrew St
Vibe: Lively, diverse
The Durham Green Flea Market is a vibrant weekend market offering a variety of goods including second-hand clothing, fresh produce, and handmade items. It’s a bustling locale where locals come to shop, eat, and enjoy the lively atmosphere, making it a central part of community life in Durham.
The Art Market at Vega Metals
Location: 214 Hunt St
Vibe: Artistic, indie
The Art Market at Vega Metals takes place on Saturday mornings and features local artists and craftspeople selling their original artwork, jewelry, and crafts. It’s a great place to find unique handcrafted items and enjoy the creative spirit of Durham’s local arts community.