The 5 Best Thrift Shops in Singapore [Editor Review]

Image: The Fashion Pulpit

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 you can explore.

1. Refash

Image: Refash

Best for

Instore and online shopping

Address

10 Ubi Crescent, #03-38, Lobby C Ubi Techpark,
Singapore 408569

Phone

+65 9456 3658

Website

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

2. Something Old, Something New

Image: Something Old, Something New

Best for

Supporting a good cause

Address

Jurong West Street 41 499,
640499 Singapore.

Phone

+65 6563 0310

Website

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

3. The Fashion Pulpit

Image: The Fashion Pulpit

Best for

Swapping and trade-ins

Address

5 Straits View Marina One The Heart #01-04
Singapore 018935

Phone

+65 8399 5343

Website

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

4. Praise Haven Mega Family Store

Image: Praise Haven Mega Family Store

Best for

Furniture and furnishings

Address

500 Upper Bukit Timah Rd,
Singapore 678106

Phone

+65 6349 5312

Website

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

5. Dustbunny Vintage

Image: Dustbunny Vintage

Best for

Vintage clothing

Address

2-A Keong Saik Rd.,
Singapore 089110

Phone

+65 6222 0116

Website

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.