Thrift Stores in CT: The Best Ones I’ve Found

Looking for the best thrift stores in CT? Here’s my roundup of the ones I love most!

As an avid thrifter, treasure hunter and furniture up-cycler, and Connecticut resident, I visit thrift stores in CT at last a few times a month. Sometimes I go in with a mission, looking for a certain item, and other times I let the thrifting powers that be tell me what I’m looking for. I have a glorious time either way.

I tend to visit the same few thrift stores over and over again, mostly because they’re close to where I live (in lower Fairfield County), but also because I tend to find good stuff when I go. However, every few months I make a further trek to check out a spot that’s outside my usual lineup, which has led me to some gems a bit farther away.

I’ve also included both traditional thrift stores, as well as antique centers and flea markets that have thrift-like finds, too, since they’re well worth a visit. Happy shopping!

Best Thrift Stores CT – My favorite spots for secondhand finds

1. The Goodwill, Monroe

The Goodwill in Monroe is probably my favorite Goodwill in my area, and the thrift store I visit most often. This is because it tends to have the largest furniture and homewares section, at least much more so than the nearby stores in Fairfield and Westport. On any given day you’ll find plenty of dining chairs, accent tables, lamps, shelving, storage furniture, china, art, and so much more.

The Monroe Goodwill is also a Target salvage location, which means they get shipments of unsold and retuned Target merchandise. I actually found a brand new Babyletto glider still in the box there, which I bought for my daughter’s nursery.

As far as my local Goodwills go, the Fairfield Goodwill comes in second, followed by Bridgeport and then Westport.

2. Monger’s Market, Bridgeport

So Monger’s Market is technically a flea market, but because it’s open every Sunday and many of the stalls carry a curated selection of what you’d find at a thrift store, I’m adding it to this list. Monger’s is a treasure trove of antique and vintage furniture, collectibles, architectural salvage, clothing, and lots more. Give yourself a few hours to take it all in!

3. Roosevelt Tower Antiques and Salvage Warehouse, Derby

Ok. So this place is a little nuts. Roosevelt Tower is one of those “thrift” stores owned by a hauling/moving company. So, most of what they sell is stuff that other people left behind or forgot about. It’s a little disorganized, but you can find some real gems with some patience. I actually found a pair of gorgeous authentic Stendig cane chairs there for $30 each!

***One thing to know is that there is an open storefront, but they also have a furniture warehouse next door. Ask the person at the cash register to take you over.

4. Stratford Antique Center

The Stratford Antique Center is another of my go-tos for art and small furniture. Don’t let the fancy name scare you off – these are not fine antiques (though you will find plenty of very nice things here, you won’t find $5,000 designer antiques here), but very affordable vintage treasures. It’s a multi-dealer antique market, too, so you’ll find all sorts of different styles and types of items.

5. Remix Market, Stamford

Remix Market is affiliated with Junk Luggers, and they basically take anything that salvageable, and instead of throwing it in a landfill, they re-sell it in their store. Remix always has a ton of case goods like dining tables, dressers, console tables, bar stools, etc.

6. The Trove, Old Saybrook

The Trove is another antique market, but this one is on the other side of the state. Like the Stratford Antique Center, you’ll find all kinds of styles and items represented. It’s a cute little place to find things like wall art, vases and china, accent furniture and collectibles.

7. Darien Community Association Thrift Shop

This thrift is mainly a spot to find clothing from better brands, but they also always have a great book selection, which is nice if you’re filling bookshelves (or of course, just looking for something to read. There are also some housewares, but mainly smaller items. A good stop if you’re in the area!

8. Tag Sale Warehouse, Norwalk

Tag Sale Warehouse is a smaller thrift store with clothing, housewares, books, toys, etc. It’s worth a stop in if you’re nearby and looking for books, decor, memorabilia, etc.
12 Cross St, Norwalk, CT 06851

9. Goodwill Outlet (AKA Goodwill Bins), Hamden

Did you know there’s a Goodwill Outlet in Hamden? It’s the only one in the state, and it’s the store where all of the unsold merchandise from other area Goodwills goes to be scooped up by bargain shoppers for pennies. At Goodwill bins, you pay for merchandise by the pound, which averages around $1.50-$2.75/lb.

Shopping at Goodwill bins is unlike shopping at a regular Goodwill. Everything is literally in bins and you have to sort through it all to find whatever you’re looking for. Most of it is clothing or linens, but you’ll also find some housewares, toys, etc. I’ve actually never bought anything from Goodwill bins, but if you’re looking for a serious thrifting bargain, especially on clothing, it’s worth a visit.

10. Second Chance Shops, West Hartford, Glastonbury, Simsbury

Second Chance Shops are a trio of thrift stores in the Hartford area that are similar to a Goodwill or Salvation Army, but a little smaller and slightly more curated. The items are donations from the local community and the proceeds go to support services for area children. Most of what you’ll find is clothing or smaller household items and decor.