Across Virginia, some secondhand and thrift stores are so expansive and well-stocked that a quick visit easily turns into a long browse. With packed racks, furniture sections, vintage corners, and ever-changing inventory, these spots reward anyone willing to slow down.
Whether you’re hunting for bargains, unique décor, or unexpected finds, these stores make it easy to lose track of time. Here are 11 secondhand spots in Virginia where you’ll wish you planned to stay longer.
Diversity Thrift, Richmond
Start near the art racks and housewares, where quirky Richmond style shows up as bold prints, framed posters, and mid century lamps. Check the furniture corner for real wood side tables and compact dressers that refinish beautifully. Prices move quickly, so snap photos and compare measurements before committing.
The color coded clothing racks are gold for denim and workwear, especially on weekday mornings. Ask about the markdown cycle and upcoming furniture deliveries.
You will also find vinyl and stereo equipment tucked between bric a brac, so bring headphones to test.
Parking fills fast on Saturdays. Arrive early, grab a cart, and loop twice.
2nd Ave Thrift Superstore, Alexandria
This big box format rewards strategy. Begin at the new arrivals racks near the fitting rooms, then swing through shoes for leather boots and loafers. Housewares lines along the back wall hide brand name cookware and restaurant grade pans that clean up beautifully.
Because restocking happens throughout the day, a second pass often reveals fresh carts. Scan tags for half off color of the day and stack with rewards points. Tailoring friendly suits and coats show up often due to nearby offices.
Traffic on Route 1 can spike, so plan a weekday lunch run. Bring a tape measure for furniture.
Goodwill Outlet, Richmond
Bins change everything. Gloves on, keys secured, and a quick scan for hard goods before textiles. Wait for the rotation call, then approach respectfully and avoid pushing. Electronics, cameras, and small appliances can appear for pennies per pound.
Textiles hide heritage wool, vintage band tees, and denim worth repairing. Check seams fast, roll items to save cart space, and keep a keep-or-toss zone to reassess later.
Books and media are heavy, so weigh value against price.
Hydration helps, and time slips away here. Limit sessions to ninety minutes, cash out, and reset your brain.
Salvation Army Family Store, Charlottesville
College town donations mean frequent turnover. Start with small furniture and art near the front, where framed landscapes and vintage UVA prints surface. Inspect drawers for dovetail joints, and bring furniture sliders for safer loading.
Men’s outerwear and hiking gear appear after seasonal move outs. Check the glass case for watches and pocket knives that only need a strap or polish. Kitchen aisles often carry cast iron that revives with a scrub and reseason.
Staff can hold items briefly while you measure. Ask about delivery referrals and discount days, then circle back before closing for last chance finds.
Hope House Thrift, Norfolk
Military turnover fuels exceptional donations. Watch for dress coats, pea coats, and rugged packs that clean up nicely. The boutique vibe means curated racks, so quality per hanger is higher and browsing takes less time.
Housewares lean coastal. Think brass porthole mirrors, ship prints, and barware with character. Prices are fair, and proceeds support housing services, so you feel good leaving the register.
Ask volunteers about back room rotations and sale calendars. If you collect Pyrex or Fire King, check end caps first. Parking along the side alley is easiest during weekday afternoons.
Blue Ridge Hospice Thrift, Winchester
Estate donations make this shop a sleeper hit for quality. Start with the locked cases for sterling, vintage watches, and small antiques. Bring a loupe to read hallmarks, and ask staff to open cases for closer inspection.
Furniture skews traditional with solid wood dining chairs and sideboards. Glassware includes crystal that rings true with a light tap. Books are impressive, especially regional history and military titles.
Prices reflect condition, but markdowns rotate. Join the email list for sale alerts, and arrive right at opening on Saturdays. You will leave with refined pieces that age gracefully.
Unique Thrift Store, Falls Church
High volume equals thrilling odds. Head to the glass cases for designer handbags and small leather goods, then loop shoes for Italian brands. Tailors in the area donate offcuts and suits, so examine construction and fabric labels.
Color tag discounts change daily, and mornings see carts hit the floor often. Keep a running list of sizes for family so you can grab deals fast.
The home aisle has European cookware and espresso machines.
Lines can be long on Sundays. Bring patience, scan again while waiting, and use reward coupons on full price finds for maximum value.
Thrifts & Treasures, Roanoke
Curated but still affordable, this shop shines for vintage denim, varsity jackets, and small accent furniture. The staff knows inventory and will point you toward your size or style. Try on before buying because vintage cuts vary wildly.
Check the lighting section for brass lamps and alabaster pieces that only need rewiring. You can swap sockets at home in minutes with a basic kit.
Local art appears regularly and looks great in gallery walls.
Roanoke’s Saturday foot traffic gets lively. Park once, grab coffee nearby, and give yourself an hour to work slowly through each rack.
CHKD Thrift Store, Virginia Beach
Families donate generously here, making kids clothing and gear the headline draw. Inspect strollers and cribs for recall status with a quick phone search. Beach adjacent neighborhoods also feed in outdoor gear, coolers, and folding chairs perfect for summer.
Adult racks hide lightweight technical wear for humid weather. Look for UPF shirts, board shorts, and sandals with intact tread. Housewares often include beach house turnovers with durable dinnerware sets.
Shopping with kids is easier if you bring snacks and set a time limit. Proceeds support pediatric care, so those finds do extra good while stretching your budget.
Second Time Around, Williamsburg
Tourism and retirees create a steady stream of tasteful donations. Start with linens and tableware, where hotel quality sheets and Williamsburg style china appear. Verify fabric content tags and avoid pieces with permanent stains.
The book section is a delight for history buffs, with colonial titles and local authors. Small traditional furniture like drop leaf tables fits apartments beautifully. Check drawers for old stationary and maps tucked away.
Staff keep a wish list for regulars. Share your measurements and they will call when a match arrives. You will appreciate the calm pace and thoughtful curation.
Salvation Army Family Store, Fredericksburg
A spacious layout makes scanning easier. Start with furniture along the perimeter, then cut diagonally through menswear for field jackets and boots. Historic area households donate quality wood pieces that only need oil and felt pads.
Check framed art for original watercolors signed by local artists. Kitchen aisles often hide copper molds and heavy bakeware. Ask about delivery partners if you score a large item.
Discount color days stack with veteran ID specials occasionally. Time your visit midmorning for fresh restocks after intake. Load blankets in your car to protect furniture finishes on the ride home.