Fill your closet and home with second-hand beauties from these Muncie thrift stores.
When I was a preteen, I was embarrassed to be seen in a thrift store. It kind of smells in there, and it wasn’t cool to shop secondhand. I wanted shiny, new clothes with brand names plastered across the chest. That was cool.
But then cut-off shorts happened. Sixteen-year-old me drove around to all the thrift stores looking for the perfect pair of “mom jeans” that I could chop to mid-thigh length. I felt like a hipster with my cut-off Levi’s and longed for a vintage flannel. And my thrifting obsession began.
Now, thrifting is a way for me to add personality to my wardrobe and my home with minimal impact on my wallet. Plus, secondhand is more sustainable. It’s a win-win, in my opinion. Luckily for me, Muncie has some of the best thrift stores. There’s a good amount of vintage items, and the prices are cheap.
These non-profits open some of the best thrift stores and top my list of Muncie thrift stores.
The Attic Window – Southside Location
My pick for organized racks and good vintage
Attached to the Muncie Mission, this thrift store can slip past you if you’re not paying attention. And the southside location isn’t popular among college students.
This store has variety, and it’s all organized by size and color. There’s even a rack for new donations. I don’t feel like I’m digging through the racks.I’ve bought a few vintage dresses here that always pull a compliment or two. The furniture section is also impressive with a variety of solid pieces.
Pricing: The Attic Window prices each item separately, so you’ll pay more for fancier brands. It still remains very affordable, and there’s daily specials. Bring your student ID for 20% off.
Saint Vincent DePaul
Lowest prices and lots of quality finds
This thrift store sits adjacent to the Emily Kimbrough Historic District and is inside the old Saint Lawrence High School. I felt odd walking inside the first time, like it wasn’t open to the public. But the cashiers always make me feel welcome.
There isn’t much furniture in this store, so I just come for clothes. I’ve gotten vintage blazers and high-quality brands combing through the racks. But choose wisely because there isn’t a dressing room to see if it fits.
Pricing: The price is the best part. Clothes are priced by type. Sweaters are $1.75, coats are $5, and blazers are $2. There are bag days where you load up and pay per bag. Students get 25% off. But bring cash because they don’t take cards or checks.
The Attic Window – By the Muncie Mall
Best variety and great for children’s items
If you don’t want to go south of the river, this store is your best bet. It’s right off McGalliard and near the mall.
This Attic Window location is a lot like the one attached to The Muncie Mission, but it doesn’t have as much furniture or vintage. The racks are organized, and the clothes are well-priced like the first. There’s a large section dedicated to children’s books, toys, and games. My teaching-major friends love to snag a few things here for their classroom.
Pricing: Expect to pay less than you would at Goodwill, and items are priced individually. A student ID gets you 20% off.
Habitat for Humanity Restore
Best for homeowners
This isn’t a stylish place to fill your closet, so turn back if you’re looking for clothes. There’s lots of furniture and accessories for renters to pick up, but much of the stock is construction supplies.
I started going here when I was in the process of buying my house. It saves me some money, and the profits go back into the community. I’ve bought a variety of things here, from kitchen cabinets to light fixtures to a shovel. It saves me more money than if I shopped at Menard’s.
Plus, I always walk away feeling good. The workers are kind, and the organization helps build affordable housing in Muncie.
Pricing: The prices are higher than other thrift stores for furniture, and some things can get a bit pricey. But there’s new toilets, faucets, and cabinets that can save renovators money.
Goodwill
Largest selection and great kitchen supplies
I don’t usually go to Goodwill. The prices are about double what I pay at small local places. The clothes are cluttered with donations that don’t seem to sell. There are definitely some gems, but it takes some digging.
Goodwill is best for home goods, like Pyrex pans and vintage plates. I bought a lot of my dishes off Goodwill’s shelves. My favorite purchase from Goodwill is actually a mower I got on a half-off day. My dad spotted it at the donation drop off, and a worker quickly processed it for him. So I got a decent mower for five bucks. Score.
Pricing: Clothes are the highest price here. A good pair of jeans is going to cost around six dollars, but it’s still a good deal. Join the madness on the first Saturday of each month to get half off.
Thrifting helps reuse resources that still have life left in them. Plus, vintage items are usually manufactured to a higher quality than buying new. If you want to shop second hand but prefer someone else to curate good finds, try The Vintage Shoppe. You’ll pay more, but everything has been hand-picked to be stylish. There are also flea markets for good furniture finds.
Thrift stores help make Muncie so affordable. Plus, the small local shops help make this town feel like home. I love chatting with workers and seeing all the goods donated by generous locals.
