Whether you’re a seasoned thrifter or just hoping to score a unique piece without breaking the bank, Tempe’s secondhand scene is full of gems. Hidden across strip malls and tucked into bustling neighborhoods, thrift stores here deliver everything from sneakers to vintage home goods.
Let’s get to it.
Sew Used
Nestled inside the Culdesac Tempe complex, Sew Used stands out as a compact yet organized vintage boutique. The aisles are narrow enough that you might brush shoulders with a windbreaker, but everything remains neatly arranged. A central bin holds scarves, hats, and other accessories, while proper fitting rooms ensure you won’t be forced to try on tops behind a rack of tees.
Every piece here is carefully selected. Items are in solid condition, free from the classic “good from afar, but far from good” problem. You’ll find streetwear collaborations next to anime shirts, and a corset top for under twenty dollars could appear beside a classic denim jacket. Prices stay consistent week to week, so you can shop without surprise.
The clientele skews young, often college students looking to preserve both wallet and planet. Sustainability is a clear focus, with fresh finds rotating through the racks frequently. Credit cards are accepted and street parking is available, plus EV charging at Culdesac. The owners usually greet you with a friendly hello, creating a laid-back, boutique atmosphere where you’re welcome to touch, browse, and explore.
Rocket a Go~Go
Located in a Tempe strip mall, Rocket a Go~Go offers an alternative fashion experience that feels more like a community hub than a typical thrift shop. Wide aisles replace overcrowded racks, and a recent remodel has given the storefront a sleek, punk-meets-pin-up vibe. The shop caters to all body types, carrying sizes XS to 3X and featuring labels from Hell Bunny to Dr. Martens.
Inventory updates daily with around 300 new items. You might spot polka-dot skirts one day and goth necklaces the next. Sellers bring in gently-loved garments and receive cash or store credit on the spot. Staff members know the labels and styles, making recommendations without judgment.
Inclusivity is baked into the culture. Many customers identify with the LGBTQ+ community, and everyone finds a welcome here. The atmosphere blends rock-and-roll flair with the thrill of resale—one-of-a-kind pieces alongside well-known brands. Whether you’re hunting for a vintage Betty Page dress or a fresh pair of studded boots, Rocket a Go~Go delivers variety and an energetic shopping environment.
Treasure Box Thrift
Treasure Box Thrift lives up to its name by packing gently used clothing, books, shoes, craft supplies, and small furniture into a tidy strip-mall space. The store feels more boutique than cluttered thrift shop. Shelves are labeled, racks are color tagged, and bargains like $2 Clothing Tuesday or 50% off crafts every Friday keep regulars coming back.
Every item meets quality standards—no cracked mugs or wobbling tables slip through. Donors can drop off goods most days, and for larger donations, staff will arrange a pickup. Proceeds support local schools and teachers, so each purchase benefits the classroom as well as your wardrobe or home décor.
Browsing here doesn’t require wading through overstuffed bins. Instead, you’ll find organized displays that make it easy to spot a vintage lamp or a hardcover novel. Themed racks highlight seasonal finds, and daily deals are clearly posted. Treasure Box Thrift balances value, community impact, and an efficient shopping experience in one neat little shop.
Love Child Resale
At Love Child Resale in Tempe, gently used children’s items appear more like curated treasures than cast-offs. The owner-run boutique is neat and organized by size and style. A cozy book nook offers storytime classics, while racks display clothing from baby through teen. You’ll also find strollers, furniture, toys, and accessories—all carefully inspected to avoid broken parts or missing wheels.
Consignors receive store credit rather than cash, which keeps inventory fresh as local families trade outgrown items. The integrated parking lot is easy to navigate, and ramps or bike racks accommodate various modes of travel. A fully accessible bathroom boasts a changing table and even complimentary diapers.
Hours run weekdays and Saturday, so plan accordingly if you hope to shop or drop off items. Occasional trade-credit promotions reward regular customers. Handmade hair bows and sports accessories occupy corner displays, adding local flair. Love Child Resale combines convenience with community spirit, making it a go-to spot for thrifty parents and grandparents.
Gracie’s Thrift Store
Stepping into Gracie’s Thrift Store, you’ll immediately notice the wide aisles and spotless floors. The air conditioning keeps things comfortable, and volunteers maintain clear walkways so you won’t trip over discarded shoes or toys. This store proves that secondhand shopping doesn’t have to feel chaotic.
Shelves and racks refill constantly. You’ll find a dedicated kids’ section complete with toys, tiny clothes, and gear. Nearby, sofas and coffee tables await new homes, with electronics on display alongside a tester station for items like Crockpots and curling irons. Every item undergoes a quality check to ensure you’re not bringing home anything worn beyond repair or in questionable condition.
Prices consistently fall below average thrift-store rates, and a regular Saturday sale has become a local tradition. Profits support outreach programs at Grace Community Church, though the store welcomes students, parents, and bargain hunters alike. Friendly volunteers help you spot good deals, and the overall vibe is one of community support rather than sales pitches or pressure.
Once Upon A Child
Visiting Once Upon A Child in Tempe turns shopping for kids into an organized experience. Wide aisles and bright overhead lights keep every price tag easy to read. You can navigate sections labeled infant, toddler and big kid without fumbling for sizes.
Shelves hold pre-loved name-brand clothes, baby shoes that have barely touched pavement, and various gear. Look for high chairs, play mats and other essentials tucked into each zone. Every item is inspected carefully for stains, tears and safety recalls before it reaches the sales floor.
Prices usually run 50 to 70 percent below retail. There’s often a “10 for $10” onesie deal, plus special tote-bag Tuesdays and a new baby club offering monthly coupons. No-contact drop-off makes selling outgrown items simple: staff sort your donations and pay cash for approved goods.
Many parents return regularly to buy and sell, which creates a friendly, community feel. As a franchise operation open every day except major holidays, Once Upon A Child balances convenience with a personal touch.
Wang’s Closet
Step into Wang’s Closet tucked in a Tempe strip mall and you’ll see why sneaker lovers head here. Racks line the floor boutique-style, and walls display Supreme, Bape, Off-White and Palace like gallery pieces. Inventory rotates constantly so you might spot a row of Jordans one day and vintage Levi’s 501s the next.
Prices sit on the premium side, but every item is authenticated to avoid knockoffs. The shop packs decades of denim and designer streetwear into a compact space. Shoppers range from teens flipping sneakers for extra cash to serious collectors hunting limited releases.
The store welcomes customers with disabilities and even allows leashed dogs inside. You can trade in your own items for store credit, streamline your wardrobe and leave with something new. Wang’s Closet also offers onsite alterations and customizations, giving a personal touch to fresh purchases. Follow their Instagram for regular drop announcements and highlights before you head in, especially if you’re tracking a hard-to-find silhouette.
ASU Surplus Property
Over at ASU Surplus Property, you’ll find a warehouse packed with campus leftovers and auction returns. Industrial shelves and display racks hold everything from bikes and printers to lab beakers and mugs. The stock changes daily as departments clear out old supplies.
Most items are priced 25 to 50 percent below new retail value, and clearance events or mini auctions can push prices even lower. Back-to-campus deals on office tools or electronics add a fun competitive twist. Shoppers often browse mixed bins of cables, vases and odds-and-ends that arrive in one-time batches.
This place runs on weekdays only, so weekend visits aren’t possible. The rotating inventory creates a yard-sale vibe in a structured setting. Shoppers can hunt for supplies that fit specific needs and budgets without breaking the bank. The surplus model keeps usable gear out of landfills and supports campus sustainability with every sale.
Habitat For Humanity ReStore – Tempe
Inside Habitat For Humanity ReStore in Tempe, you won’t find your typical thrift environment. This sprawling warehouse sits among commercial buildings and contains wide aisles loaded with donation-based home goods. You can browse section after section of pre-owned couches, stacks of lumber, doors, windows and more.
Shelves are neatly organized by category. Furniture and garden essentials share one area, while appliances such as fridges and washers are tested before they go on display. Color-coded markdown tags let you spot clearance deals quickly… If an item lingers too long, its price drops to move it out. The décor section features lighting fixtures, hardware, rugs and occasional wall art.
The sales floor is staffed mostly by volunteers, so the atmosphere feels friendly. New donations arrive daily, so today’s absence might be tomorrow’s treasure. Proceeds fund local affordable housing projects. With its clear layout and generous hours, this ReStore makes thrifting feel straightforward and productive.
The Salvation Army Thrift Store & Donation Center
The Salvation Army Thrift Store & Donation Center on N. Scottsdale Rd offers a classic thrift experience with a tidy twist. It occupies a standalone building complete with a parking lot and bike racks. Wide aisles and moderate lighting make it easy to browse without stumbling over items or needing a flashlight.
Clothing takes up much of the floor space, with men’s, women’s and children’s sections priced between $2 and $10. Furniture stands near the entrance, and there’s a testing station for lamps and electronics so you can confirm they work before you buy. The household goods area includes mugs, books, jewelry and small appliances.
Daily restocks and color-coded tag sales ensure that the inventory changes constantly. Big clearance events, such as half-off days, draw crowds looking for deeper discounts. You might head in for a book and leave with a retro toaster or a vintage vase.
Every dollar spent supports local rehabilitation programs. The donation drop-off bay encourages you to clear out items you no longer need, knowing they help fund community services.
Turn Style Consignment – Tempe Arizona
Located on S. McClintock Drive in Tempe, Turn Style Consignment sits in a strip mall but feels far more organized than your average retail spot. Inside, the floors gleam and every rack is clearly labeled, so you won’t mix up suits with swimwear when you’re just shopping for shoes.
They carry women’s, men’s, and kids’ clothing alongside home goods and small furniture. You’ll only find gently used, brand-name items in good condition—no mystery stains or missing buttons here. The $2 clearance rack is a favorite for budget hunters who want to score a real bargain.
Their consignment process runs by appointment only. You can bring up to 25 items and a knowledgeable associate will assess everything for style and condition. Regular markdowns keep the inventory fresh, and leftovers are donated daily to support sustainability. Whether you’re hunting for a new lamp or refreshing your wardrobe, Turn Style Consignment offers a clean, curated experience tucked between a pizza place and a nail salon.
Goodwill – Retail Store and Donation Center
Stepping into Goodwill – Retail Store and Donation Center, you immediately notice the bright lights and wide aisles. Clothes are sorted by type and size, and there’s a dedicated plus-size section. Shoppers who love vintage or designer finds will appreciate the special racks set aside just for those items.
Merchandise ranges from shoes and books to lamps and small appliances. A rotating color-tag sale highlights 50 percent off each week. Students and military members receive an additional 25 percent discount with valid ID. Shelves are restocked daily, so there is always something new to discover.
Donations drop off at a drive-up bay open until 8 pm, and staff handle contributions quickly. The fitting rooms are conveniently located, providing a private space for trying on clothes. A small book nook gives readers a quiet corner to browse paperbacks. With reasonable prices, ample parking, and tidy displays, this Goodwill location makes thrift shopping simple and enjoyable.
