There’s more to Illinois than just Chicago. In fact, if you drive a couple hours to the west, you’ll find these thrift stores tucked away in some intriguing small towns!
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Goodwill
Where at?: 2030 W Galena Ave, Freeport, IL
Pros: The last Tuesday of every month is their big $1.50 clothing sale where all clothes are only $1.50. I cannot stress enough how awesome that makes this store!
Cons: This store is often forgot or overlooked by locals but it’s worth searching for! The staff can become very focused when stocking the floor and get in the way of shoppers, but that tends to happen at thrift stores so you put up with it!
What I bought recently: Clothes on $1.50 sale day!
My best score ever: My lipstick lamp was found here! I also frequently find multiple vintage Smurf items in one sweep.
Ideal for thrifters looking for..: Clothes for $1.50 and they have a pretty decent selection of books!
Find ’em online: Website | Facebook
Twice as Nice Consignments
Where at?: 8 W Stephenson St, Freeport, IL
Pros: This is actually a trio of stores separated by needs (household, furniture, clothes, etc) that are just a couple doors away from one another. They’re an amazing way to spend an afternoon and have almost anything you can think of! Very well organized and fully stocked. The main store even honors a selection of color tags everyday!
2019 edit: Murals have been added to walls nearby so if you’re location for an #instagramworthy location, you got it!
Cons: Stores tend to be tight and cluttered. Not easily accessible for handicap or wheelchair patrons. Buildings also pose a problem if you have breathing issues as they’re old and musty.
What I bought recently: Some clothes!
My best score ever: I came across the original dress that Baby wore in Dirty Dancing.. and then didn’t buy it. #majorthriftregrets
Ideal for thrifters looking for..: Everything under the sun.
Find ’em online: Website | Facebook
My Friends Closet
Where at?: 511 W Lena St, Lena, IL
Pros: If you’re looking for a true, small-town thrift experience, this is your place! It’s run by an eclectic staff of volunteers, honors color tags every single day (with one being worth 25 cents!), and is constantly rotating items on the floor. It was also recently expanded so there’s even more stuff to enjoy!
Cons: There is somewhat limited parking but it’s a small store so that’s to be expected. While the inside is expanded, the aisles are still very tight to navigate!
What I bought recently: You can see exactly how this thrift trip went down in a takeover I did on the @whenthriftersthrift Instagram Story!
My best score ever: Too much to name. A 2000s Seventeen magazine for 25 cents, 90s-era Nsync merch, lots of name brand clothes for only a quarter.
Ideal for thrifters looking for..: A little bit of everything!
Find ’em online: Facebook
Salvation Army
Where at?: 6545 N Alpine Rd, Loves Park, IL
Pros: This is the biggest Salvos/thrift store I’ve ever been into. (And I’ve been thrifting in Texas, ya’ll!) If you walk out empty handed, it’d be your own fault. Prices are very fair and they do participate in a daily color tag special. The staff was friendly and helpful when I had questions.
Cons: There are some hygiene issues going on and the fitting rooms are in an odd place (not to mention rickety). Nonetheless, it’s not enough to deter me from shopping there.
What I bought recently: Some clothes and a computer game totaling under $12!
My best score ever: My sister-in-law picked up a nearly brand new Torrid dress for $8. gasp
Ideal for thrifters looking for..: A large selection of clothes. You won’t be disappointed!
Find ’em online: No online presence!
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