Opinion: The top 5 thrift stores in Salem
- Teresa Butzerin, Staff Writer
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
In 2023, as many as 150 billion pieces of new clothing were produced in the year, demonstrating a potential doubling of production since 2000. As the fast fashion industry continues to fuel overconsumption culture, it can feel like the individual buyer is helpless to stop it.
Consumers need not feel helpless, however: purchasing used clothing items — particularly at thrift stores — is a fun and affordable way to stay fashionable without contributing to the production of new pieces. Thrifting is also a great way for college students to get off campus and explore the city, so I visited 12 locations to bring together a list of the top 5 thrift stores in Salem. They are ranked on the basis of relative prices, selection and quality of items, as well as proximity to campus.
Gracie's Closet offers an impressive selection of curated vintage items at reasonable prices. From a section devoted to Carhartt workwear and a rack of embroidered cowboy boots sitting under rows of unique graphic tees, this shop has something for everyone. At a 20-minute stroll from campus, this thrift store is one of the closest second-hand options within walking distance. The on-trend emphasis of the store is balanced by the presence of the miscellaneous items and funky jewelry that make a thrift store charming. While other options will offer slightly cheaper prices, the proximity to campus, fantastic selection and ambient music drifting through the store puts Gracie's Closet at the top of the list.
Blast Off Vintage is the most eclectic shop on this list, boasting racks of fur coats, a plethora of strange hats, and a pair of thigh-high cowboy boots. The unpredictability of this thrift store, accompanied by its fair prices, make it one of the best thrifting spots in Salem. The relatively small space the store occupies along with its plentiful wall decor and lingering smell of dust makes Blast Off Vintage perfect for a cozy fall thrifting trip. For music lovers, it offers a diverse selection of secondhand records and CDs, which can be found next to the gigantic heap of shoes in the corner. Be warned: the items are mostly organized by color rather than size, but the process of digging through an endless collection of chaps may just lead shoppers to find something special.
Nothing beats the price of the bins, and for broke college students, this is one of the best thrifting options in Salem. If you want to momentarily escape the financial stresses of inflation by being able to buy a pair of lightly-used jeans for $3, this is the place for you. While chances of finding something wearable at this thrift store are lower than other places, you might just get lucky. You never know what you might find in the bins, so bring gloves and patience.
While the prices of this Goodwill are a bit steeper than its counterpart a few minutes away, the chances of encountering unwashed socks here are much slimmer than at the bins. This spot easily had the largest used shoe selection in Salem and it was one of the few thrift stores organized by size rather than color. This is a great option for people who appreciate an organized store layout and want to shop on a low budget without encountering mystery items. While Goodwill lacks the charm of the small businesses higher on the list, it’s always a solid option.
5. Dittos Wear
Dittos Wear was by far the most high-end thrift store I visited, with a few items exceeding $50. That being said, the selection of pieces at this store was truly unmatched. From unique knit sweaters to sports jerseys and jeans of all styles, this store is a great option for anyone who is looking for fashionable vintage items at a discounted price. It offers a vast selection of dresses for special occasions and great jewelry options. Dittos Wear is relatively small but makes up for this by being the closest option to campus. For those who are willing to spend a little more to find something great, Dittos Wear is a great option.
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