Popping Tags: Your Guide to Thrifting in Gainesville

To expert thrift shoppers, going into a store with only $20, digging through dusty racks for hours, bargaining prices and leaving with at least 10 items is nothing new. But if the catchy Macklemore anthem is the closest you’ve gotten to a thrift shop, you might be missing out on the pastime you never knew your wallet needed.

Whether you’re on a budget, on hurry to find a last-minute party costume or wanting to take a fashion risk with that statement piece you’ve been eyeing for months without making a big financial commitment, thrifting is a smart way to bring back vintage looks or save big bucks on current fashion.

These are some of the best thrift stores in town:

Urban Thread

Photo via Scene photographer Diana IllingworthThis is not the typical thrift store. In fact, it might require a double or even triple take for some to realize it is one because it looks like it belongs in the mall. It’s more expensive than most thrift shops, but it carries brands like Free People, Urban Outfitters, Kendall + Kylie, Brandy Melville, Levi’s, BDG and American Eagle Outfitters– at Forever 21 prices.

Items are neatly organized per brand and size in this small outlet where thrifting newbies are unlikely to get lost or overwhelmed. Urban Thread recently moved from 1236 NW 21 Ave. to its new location on 802 W. University Ave.

Flashbacks Recycled Fasions

Here you are most likely to find decades-old fashion or pieces for a costume. It even has a designated “vintage” section. Flashbacks looks and feels like the quintessential thrift shop.

This place is a hodgepodge of items including anything from a jukebox and vinyl record players to artisanal jewelry, lingerie, wigs, “ugly” Christmas sweaters, fanny packs, horseshoes, VHS movies and shoes that range from cowboy boots to bright pink stilettos. Find it at 818 W. University Ave.

Goodwill Thrift Store

If you want to go thrifting but are short on time, or if messy stores stress you out, Goodwill is your go-to. Most clothes are in color-coded sections, convenient for shoppers looking for a specific shade as well as for those who want to wear the rainbow. You might find scarves and winter boots here even during summer.

Besides apparel, the Goodwill at 1223 NW 23 Ave. offers furniture like chairs and sofas, big lamps, cushions, speakers and a collection of CDs and DVDs conveniently placed next to DVD players.

Outreach Thrift Store

Similar to Flashbacks in terms of mishmash, Outreach’s collection ranges from helmets to toaster ovens, snow globes, coffee makers, stuffed animals, wedding dresses, luggage, Gators merchandise, hair straighteners and curlers, blenders, swimsuits and men’s dress shoes.

Look for deals like 25-cent paperback books– from cooking to self-help to Star Trek– and 50-cent vinyl records. Find Outreach at 2430 NW 6th St.

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