The 5 Best Thrift Shops in Singapore 2023
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January 02, 2023
Image: The Fashion Pulpit
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The thrift store industry in Singapore is vibrant and thriving. Whether you are a fashionista seeking to update your wardrobe or a young person sourcing furniture pieces for your first home, you are more than adequately catered for. Perhaps you support sustainable fashion and wish to do your bit to reduce waste by upcycling previously used clothing.
Whatever your reasons, thrift shops are a great way to obtain unique one-of-a-kind treasures at a fraction of the price. The bonus is that you not only save money but in some cases, you also get to support a good cause. Also, a trade-in may be possible. Listed below are the five best thrift shops in Singapore [2023 review] you can explore.
Image: Refash
Refash is the largest thrift shop chain in Singapore with 6 physical outlets located island-wide. The store stocks quality items that are in pristine condition. Founded in 2016 by Aloysius Sng, the store aims to stem the tide of unnecessary waste by offering sale items that are still in excellent condition. Up to date, Refash has upcycled 2 million items.
Highlights
- The shop offers a boutique-like experience
- There is a well-designed, user-friendly online store where you can not only shop but arrange for the sale of items that you wish to offload
- Arrangements can be made for the collection of your sale items at a small fee
- They will handle all the selling and mailing for you
- Some of the outlets are conveniently located in popular malls such as Orchard Gateway and City Plaza
SERVICES:
- Sale of good quality gently used items at outlets located island-wide.
- Regular warehouse sales
- Stocking of influencer collections
- Membership scheme for frequent shoppers
- Redeemable vouchers
- Franchise possibility backed by a support network
ITEMS COMMONLY STOCKED:
- Dresses
- Tops and bottoms
- Branded clothing
- New past-season clothing
Image: Something Old, Something New
Something Old, Something New was established in 1997 by two volunteers, Ms Anna Tsang and Ms Felicia Teo, and has since expanded into a chain of stores. It is an enterprise that provides a training ground for persons recovering from mental health conditions.
Through the years, the thrift shop has played an important role in building up the confidence of such individuals and equipping them with skills that will help them regain their place in society.
Highlights
- The shop has 8 locations on the island
- It accepts donations of clothing, furniture, toys, books, and other items. These can be presented at any of their outlets.
- Flea markets are held from time to time where items are flogged off at rock-bottom prices
- Donations qualify for a tax deduction
- Prices are fixed and begin at $3
SERVICES:
- E-shop for handmade crafts
- Care of the disadvantaged in the community
- Platform to train persons recovering from mental illness
ITEMS COMMONLY STOCKED:
- Clothing
- Bags
- Household items
- Hats
- Electronics
- Books
- Toys
- CDs and movies
Image: The Fashion Pulpit
The Fashion Pulpit was established with the goal of bringing about a positive change that supports sustainable fashion. The shop makes it possible to conveniently trading in fashion items that are no longer needed. In addition, swopping garments extend their life span, minimizing waste. The Fashion Pulpit was the proud recipient of the 2020 Expatliving Gold Award for Best Secondhand and Vintage Fashion.
Highlights
- The owner of items to be traded checks that they are in good order
- Thereafter, it is necessary to sign up for a membership package that will determine the number of items that can be submitted
- Reusable tote bags are used to bring in clothing
- Submitted items undergo a quality check, and points awarded accordingly for use in swapping
SERVICES:
- Trade-in and swapping of pre-loved items
- Minor repair of clothing
- Upcycling of fashion items that owners prefer to retain
- Workshops and events on the care of clothing and useful fashion tricks
- E-gift cards
AVAILABLE FOR SWAPPING:
- Accessories
- Bags
- Shoes
- Clothing
Image: Praise Haven Mega Family Store
Praise Haven Mega Family Store is one of a chain of Family Stores that are part of the Red Shield Industries, the social enterprise arm of the Salvation Army.
The ‘Mega’ family store is the largest of the Salvation Army thrift stores and a treasure trove of second-hand household accessories, furniture, clothing, and other items.
The Salvation Army organization is renowned for its charity work globally. Items donated to the Family stores are restored and recycled and sold to generate income to fund the organization’s charitable works.
Highlights
- All items are cleaned and disinfected
- Registered members get 10% off selected merchandise
- The Praise Haven Mega Family Store can be reached from the downtown line (Hillview)
- Fitting rooms are available for shoppers to try on the clothing before purchase
SERVICES:
- The sale of a wide variety of merchandise at reasonable prices
- Work-therapy job opportunities are available
- Humanitarian assistance provided to disaster areas
ITEMS COMMONLY STOCKED:
- Leather products
- Clothes, including bridal and formal wear
- Handbags
- Furniture sets
- Art
- Electronics
- Tableware
- Pottery
- Musical instruments
Image: Dustbunny Vintage
Pia Chew launched Dustbunny Vintage in 2006, therefore for more than 15 years, she has been the vendor of vintage treasures such as rare designer bags by Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and other famous names, as well as vintage clothing dating from the ’20s onward. Although the shop is located off the beaten track, it is certainly worth a visit. This is because you may just uncover a rare gem or two.
Highlights
- The store is well designed with a layout that is great for exploring in
- Merchandize undergoes careful scrutiny before it is added to the stock
- Most sizes are accommodated and they range from 0-16
- There is excellent customer service
SERVICES:
- A personalized tailoring service is available for customers
ITEMS COMMONLY STOCKED:
- Designer bags
- Vintage Clothing
- Accessories
- Shoes
- Jewellery
- Formal clothing
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