If you love saving money while shopping, Bloomington has some great places to check out. You can find clothes, furniture, home items, and more for much lower prices than regular stores. Many of these shops have gently used or even brand-new items. Some are perfect for stylish clothes, while others have great deals on furniture or home goods. These are some of the best thrift stores in Bloomington for finding good deals and rare items.
Thrift shopping is also a fun way to reuse things and help the community. Some stores even support local programs or charities with every purchase. Every shop has something different, so it’s always exciting to look around. Whether you’re searching for clothes, books, or home items, you’re sure to find something special. Here are five great places to start your thrift store journey in Bloomington.
Best Thrift Shops in Bloomington – Quick Overview
| Store Name | Best For | Not Ideal For | Price Range | Vibe | Best Time to Visit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Opportunity House | Cheap clothes, home items | Trendy/fancy clothes | Very affordable | Cozy, community-focused | Weekday mornings |
| Style Encore | Women’s stylish clothes, bags | Men’s items, home goods | Mid-range deals | Boutique-like | Weekends for new arrivals |
| Bloomington Thrift Shop Inc. | Everyday clothes, kitchenware | Big furniture, high fashion | Very cheap | Small & friendly | Afternoons (weekdays) |
| Eclaras Vintage | Vintage clothes, IU gear | New/basic items | Fair prices | Hip, creative | Weekends for fresh stock |
| Richland-Bean Blossom Store | Jackets, kids’ clothes | Trendy fashion | Very low | Quiet, homey | Weekday mornings |
| My Sister’s Closet | Women’s workwear, dresses | Men’s/kids’ items | Moderate | Supportive, welcoming | Weekdays for best selection |
| Office Clothier | Unique vintage, natural fabrics | Furniture, home decor | Moderate | Artsy, curated | Weekends for events |
| The Cat’s Closet | Vintage tees, denim + cats! | Formal/work clothes | Affordable | Fun, quirky | Weekends for the full experience |
| St. Vincent de Paul | Free furniture (charity) | Regular shopping | Free (for those in need) | Community-driven | Call ahead for pickups |
| Once Upon A Child | Kids’ clothes, toys, books | Adult clothing | Budget-friendly | Organized, family-friendly | Weekday mornings |
| The Markdown Store | New discounted items | Vintage/used goods | Bargain prices | Bright, busy | Weekdays to avoid crowds |
| Plato’s Closet | Trendy teen/young adult fashion | Older adult styles | Good deals | Clean, casual | Weekends for new arrivals |
| Goodwill | Huge variety (clothes, furniture) | Designer/collectibles | Very cheap | Spacious, organized | Weekday mornings for sales |
Opportunity House
Opportunity House, also called “Op House” by locals, is a small and friendly thrift store in Bloomington. Everything inside is donated by people from the community, and the store is run by volunteers. The best part is that all the money they make helps support a local preschool and programs for families in need. I went there and found some very nice clothes, some looked brand new, and I only spent around $15 for a few full outfits. They also have books, kitchen items, and sometimes even toys.
It’s not a huge place, but it’s clean and well-organized. The volunteers who work there are kind and always willing to help. If you like finding good deals and helping a good cause at the same time, this is a great place to shop. It’s one of the best second hand stores in Bloomington, Indiana for saving money while supporting the community.
- Best for: Inexpensive clothes and home items
- Not ideal for: Fancy or trendy clothing
- My top picks: Women’s shirts, kids’ clothes, coffee mugs
- Location details:
📍 907 W 11th St, Bloomington, IN 47404
📞 (812) 336-2443
🕒 Monday–Saturday: 10 AM–3 PM | Sunday: Closed
Style Encore Bloomington
Style Encore is a great store if you’re looking for nice, name-brand clothes at lower prices. It’s a thrift shop that looks like a boutique, and everything is for women. They have clothes, handbags, shoes, and more. One time I found a Coach purse there for only $50! You can also sell your gently-used clothes to them if you want to earn a little cash or store credit.
The store is clean and has a wide variety of items. They always have something new, and the staff are friendly and helpful. This is one of the best thrift shops in Bloomington if you like stylish fashion but don’t want to pay full price at the mall. You can shop for good deals and still look great.
- Best for: Fashionable women’s clothes and bags
- Not ideal for: Men’s items or household goods
- My top picks: Designer purses, cute shoes, trendy tops
- Location details:
📍 3368 W 3rd St, Bloomington, IN 47404
📞 (812) 213-2620
🕒 Monday–Saturday: 10 AM–8 PM | Sunday: 11 AM–6 PM
Bloomington Thrift Shop
Bloomington Thrift Shop is a small and friendly store that’s perfect if you like to look around and find unique items. The prices are very affordable, and they even give discounts to students and older adults. I picked up a set of dishes there for cheap, and they also had cute clothes, especially for older people. The workers are always nice, and the place has a welcoming feeling.
It’s not the place for fancy stuff, and they don’t have a lot of furniture, but they do have useful items like kitchen supplies and some clothing. If you’re looking to save money while shopping local, it’s one of the best thrift shops in Bloomington, Indiana. I always leave with something fun or useful.
- Best for: Everyday clothes and kitchen items
- Not ideal for: Big furniture or trendy fashion
- My top picks: Dishes, glassware, soft sweaters
- Location details:
📍 220 S Madison St, Bloomington, IN 47404
📞 (812) 332-5851
🕒 Tuesday–Friday: 12 PM–5 PM | Saturday: 12 PM–4 PM | Sunday & Monday: Closed
Related: Best Thrift Stores in Fort Wayne
Eclaras Vintage
Eclaras is one of the coolest vintage shops in Bloomington. It’s not like a regular thrift store, it feels more like a creative space where local sellers bring their best finds. The shop is full of vintage t-shirts, jackets, accessories, and fun old-school items. I found a great IU sweatshirt that looks like it came straight from the 90s. Prices are fair, and new stuff comes in all the time.
It’s perfect if you love older styles or want something unique. The shop is run by friendly people, and there’s always a chill, fun vibe inside. If you’re into fashion from the past, this is one of the top vintage thrift stores in Bloomington, Indiana you don’t want to miss.
- Best for: Vintage clothing and IU gear
- Not ideal for: New or basic clothes
- My top picks: Old-school t-shirts, denim jackets, retro IU items
- Location details:
📍 340 S Walnut St Suite 1 & 2, Bloomington, IN 47401
📞 (812) 727-3184
🕒 Wednesday–Sunday: 2 PM–7 PM | Monday & Tuesday: Closed
Richland-Bean Blossom Family Store
This shop is a little outside the main part of Bloomington, but it’s a nice place with a big heart. The store is small and cozy, and the workers are always warm and friendly. Everything inside is donated, and the prices are very low. They also use the money they earn to help local people in need. It’s very clean and has a peaceful feeling, which makes shopping there even better.
You might not find trendy items, but you will find useful things like coats, children’s clothes, and basic home stuff. This is one of the best small consignment shops in Bloomington, Indiana if you’re looking for friendly service and want to help a good cause while shopping.
- Best for: Good prices and helping the community
- Not ideal for: Trendy fashion or large inventory
- My top picks: Jackets, home goods, kids’ clothes
- Location details:
📍 3635 IN-46, Bloomington, IN 47404
📞 (812) 876-6292
🕒 Wednesday–Friday: 9 AM–4 PM | Tuesday: 9 AM–12 PM | Saturday–Monday: Closed
My Sister’s Closet
If you’re looking for something nice to wear and also want to support a good cause, My Sister’s Closet is the place to go. This shop has a great selection of gently used women’s clothing, including dresses, shoes, and accessories. The staff are very kind and helpful, and the prices are fair for the quality you get. I found a beautiful lace gown that fit perfectly and didn’t break the bank. It’s a cozy little store, and it feels good knowing your money goes to help women in need.
This nonprofit resale store also gives free workforce clothes to low-income women who are trying to get back into work. So shopping here not only helps you, but helps others too. The store is well-organized and clean, and you can find both casual and dressy items. I love that it’s more than just a shop—it’s a place that truly gives back to the community. If you’re checking out the top 10 best thrift stores in Bloomington, Indiana, this one should be high on your list.
- Best for: Women’s workwear and dressy finds
- Not ideal for: Men’s clothing or kids’ items
- My top picks: Lace gowns, handbags, scarves
- Location details:
📍 414 S College Ave, Bloomington, IN 47403
📞 (812) 333-7710
🕒 Tues–Fri 10 AM–6 PM, Sat 10 AM–5 PM, Sun–Mon Closed
The Markdown Store
The Markdown Store is a fun place to shop if you like new things at very low prices. When I went in, I found brand-new clothes, toys, home items, and even snacks, all for half the price of big stores like Target or Walmart. Everything looked clean and organized, and the people working there were friendly. One worker even offered to carry my bags to the car, which was very nice. The store gets busy sometimes, but it still feels relaxed.
They always have new things, so each time you visit, it feels like a new shopping trip. I like that it’s not the same stuff every time. This place is one of the better second hand stores in Bloomington, Indiana, even though most of the things are brand-new. It’s perfect for people who want to save money but still get quality items.
- Best for: New items at discount prices
- Not ideal for: Old or vintage items
- My top picks: Home decor, toys, name-brand clothes
- Location details:
📍 5350 S Old State Rd 37, Bloomington, IN 47403
📞 (812) 318-1523
🕒 Mon–Fri 10 AM–7 PM, Sat–Sun 10 AM–5 PM
Office Clothier
Office Clothier is one of the most charming vintage thrift stores in Bloomington, Indiana. It’s a small shop but has a really nice selection of unique, high-quality vintage clothes. They focus on natural materials like wool, cotton, and silk, which means everything feels good and lasts longer. I love how the clothes are unisex and include all sizes, so there’s something for everyone. The owner is very friendly and knows a lot about fashion, which helps when you’re trying to find the right piece.
Even though it’s vintage, the prices are pretty fair, and everything is in good condition. I’ve found cool jackets and well-made pants here that I wear all the time. They also do fun events and pop-ups now and then, which makes the store feel fresh and exciting. If you like finding special items that no one else has, you’ll love this place.
- Best for: Unique vintage pieces and natural fabrics
- Not ideal for: Large furniture or home items
- My top picks: Wool jackets, vintage jeans, silk shirts
- Location details:
📍 111 E Kirkwood Ave #1, Bloomington, IN 47408
📞 (574) 370-4548
🕒 Wed–Sun 12 PM–6 PM, Mon–Tues Closed
The Cat’s Closet
The Cat’s Closet is one of the most fun and cozy thrift shops in Bloomington, Indiana. You can shop for vintage clothes while hanging out with adoptable cats from the Greene County Humane Society! The cat lounge is in a separate room, so you can shop without getting fur on your clothes if you’re not into cats. The store has tons of hand-picked vintage items like t-shirts, dresses, denim, and even records. I was really happy to see so many plus-size options too.
The owners are friendly, and the whole space feels welcoming and creative. They even have an art gallery and host special events and local artist showcases. It’s more than just shopping, it’s a full experience. If you love cats and cool clothes, this is definitely a place you’ll want to visit.
- Best for: Vintage finds and cat lovers
- Not ideal for: Formal clothes or workwear
- My top picks: Graphic tees, denim jackets, vintage skirts
- Location details:
📍 223 S Pete Ellis Dr, Suites 1 and 2, Bloomington, IN 47408
📞 (812) 322-2363
🕒 Wed–Sun 12 PM–7 PM, Mon–Tues Closed
St. Vincent de Paul Society
This store is more focused on helping people with big needs, but it still fits well among the best furniture thrift stores in Bloomington, Indiana. St. Vincent de Paul gives away donated furniture and helps people with emergency needs, like bills and beds. They pick up donated furniture during the week and give it to pre-approved families on Saturdays. It’s a blessing for folks who are starting over or can’t afford brand-new items.
While it’s not a regular walk-in store with clothing racks, you can still contact them if you or someone you know needs help. It’s more of a charity organization than a full thrift shop, but they play a huge role in the Bloomington community. If you want to donate furniture or lend a hand, this is a great place to reach out to.
- Best for: Free furniture and emergency support
- Not ideal for: Regular shopping visits
- My top picks: Beds, couches, emergency help
- Location details:
📍 1999 N Packing House Rd, Bloomington, IN 47404
📞 (812) 961-1510
🕒 Call for pickup or assistance details
Once Upon A Child
Once Upon A Child is a favorite for families and one of the top clothing thrift stores in Bloomington, Indiana for kids’ stuff. This resale store focuses only on gently used items for babies, toddlers, and big kids. You can find clothes, shoes, toys, books, and baby gear all in one place. The items are clean, in great shape, and way cheaper than new ones. I’ve saved so much money getting school clothes and birthday gifts here.
They also buy items on the spot, which is perfect if your kid has outgrown things. The staff are friendly and helpful, and the store is really organized, so it’s easy to find what you need. It’s a lifesaver for back-to-school shopping or for growing families on a budget.
- Best for: Kids’ clothes, toys, and baby gear
- Not ideal for: Adult clothing or vintage styles
- My top picks: School clothes, books, gently used toys
- Location details:
📍 3368 W 3rd St, Bloomington, IN 47404
📞 (812) 339-1050
🕒 Mon–Sat 9 AM–8 PM, Sun 11 AM–6 PM
Goodwill Store
This Goodwill is big, clean, and has a lot of different things to look at. They have clothes for all ages, shoes, books, games, kitchen stuff, and sometimes even furniture. I once found a really nice reading chair and a basket full of dishes that only cost a few dollars. The store is well-organized, and you don’t have to dig through messy shelves. It’s easy to find what you need.
The workers are kind, and they always let you know if there’s a sale or discount tag to watch for. This place is one of the top rated thrift stores in Bloomington, Indiana because it has a little bit of everything. It’s a great stop if you’re on a budget or just love finding cool secondhand things.
- Best for: Big selection of clothes and house items
- Not ideal for: Designer fashion or collectibles
- My top picks: Furniture, books, dish sets
- Location details:
📍 512 S College Mall Rd, Bloomington, IN 47401
📞 (317) 524-4313
🕒 Mon–Sat 9 AM–9 PM, Sun 11 AM–7 PM
Plato’s Closet
Plato’s Closet is a great place to find stylish clothes without spending a lot of money. They sell used clothing and shoes for teens and young adults, but everything still looks nice and up to date. I’ve found cute jeans, jackets, and even shoes that looked almost new. You can also sell your clothes here and get cash if they’re still in good shape. It’s fun to bring in a bag of things you don’t wear anymore and trade them for something new.
The store is clean and not too crowded, and the workers are friendly and helpful. I like that they have lots of name brands at low prices. This is one of the best clothing thrift stores in Bloomington, Indiana if you want current styles without paying full price. I always check what’s new on their social media before I go in.
- Best for: Trendy secondhand clothes
- Not ideal for: Older adult fashion or home goods
- My top picks: Brand-name jeans, sneakers, casual tops
- Location details:
📍 1145 S College Mall Rd, Bloomington, IN 47401
📞 (812) 333-4442
🕒 Mon–Sat 10 AM–9 PM, Sun 11 AM–7 PM
FAQS
Final Words
Thrift shopping in Bloomington can be a fun and smart way to find what you need without spending too much. Each store has its own style, prices, and types of items, so it’s worth checking out a few. Whether you’re looking for clothes, furniture, or something unique, there’s always a good chance you’ll find it at one of these shops. Shopping secondhand also helps the environment and supports the local community. Try visiting these stores and see which ones become your favorite spots.
