assistance league Thrift
Quality selection of just about everything. Not full of outdated books, or computer junk. The staff is very helpful, they even give out warm apple cider and cookies during the holidays! My first stop when I'm looking for something. Prices are surprisingly low, and they have a killer Black Friday sale where everything is half off!
2817 Meridian Street Price Range: $ Distance from downtown Bellingham: 1.9 Miles |
Madhatters
A place like Madhatters is the cream of the crop. If you want all that Thrift store gold without spending your whole weekend looking, this is the place for you.
Cool Old leather jackets and a mirad of Ironic hats. Definitely a place to check out. The staff are nice, and have a good knowledge of what they have, or don't have. Only downside that all this convenience comes at a price.... Coming from the perspective of a thrift store hunter, the prices seem really high (at least for the men's stuff.) But really your getting what you pay for! 1327 Railroad Ave Price Range: $$$$ Distance from downtown Bellingham: 0 miles |
Value Village
Value Village is a total scattershot.
Prices on obviously cool items, like pimp jackets, or giant belt buckles, are raised pretty accordingly. Kind of a bummer because the cool stuff is mixed in with a whole lot of unremarkable stuff. After spending an hour wading through the mediocre, it's nice to be rewarded for finding the few diamonds in the rough... Instead you usually get price gouged... This is Definitely not true for everything though, I've gotten some really over the top deals at Value Village. Their Half-off sales are what's up!!! But they do get super crowded durring them....I got my favorite real leather jacket at the last half off sale for 7 bucks!! Check it out, but don't get your heart set on any one item... 150 East Bellis Fair Parkway Price Range: $ - $$$ Distance from downtown Bellingham: 3.9 miles |
GoodWill
Goodwill is a great way to start a new. It's got a great section of basic clothing, a nice warm jacket, like a nicely worn-in pair of jeans. Out of all the thrift store I've profiled, Goodwill has the best selection of furniture.The main problem with goodwill is that is so darn far away. I would go to Goodwill right when you get back from summer break and your parents are helping you move off campus. You are going to need that car, and the extra pairs of hands to get a desk and nightstand back to your new diggs.
1115 E Sunset Dr Price Range: $ Distance from downtown Bellingham: 2.1 miles |
Wise Buys
Great for non-clothing Items!
For example I've gotten both a power drill, and mattching set of bedding for super cheap. Their clothing Is rather unremarkable, but thats not why you go to Wise Buys. Very kind old ladies work here, and they often give you a free tote bad for your items! 1224 N State St Price Range: $$ Distance from downtown Bellingham: .4 miles |
Buffalo Exchange
Halfway in between Assistance League and Mad Hatter, Buffalo exchange strikes a delicate balance between improved selection and increased price. With a wider selection than Mad Hatter, Buffalo Exchange carries mostly name brand clothing at pretty low prices, not bargain basement, but definitely a deal.
1209 N. State St. Price Range: $$$ Distance from downtown Bellingham: .4 miles |