The 5 best thrift shops in London for unique and affordable finds
The London thrifting scene has it all—quirky vintage boutiques, bustling charity shops, you name it! But with Y2K Depop resellers and style-savvy influencers in their Levi’s 501s continuously on the prowl for the best finds, it’s a race against time.
Are you going to let them beat you to it?
Of course, you won’t! Dive into the article and make sure you’re ahead of the game with these must-visit thrift shops in London.
1. Rokit (Covent Garden)
Address: 42 Shelton St
Phone: +44 20 7836 6547
Business hours:
- Monday-Saturday: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Rokit has built a reputation as one of London’s go-to spots for vintage and pre-loved clothing. The Covent Garden store offers a curated selection of denim, jackets, and accessories, all with a vintage twist.
Its buzzing atmosphere and eclectic range of items make it a joy to browse, whether you’re a seasoned vintage enthusiast or a casual shopper. It’s filled with unique finds, from classic Levi’s to reworked vintage pieces that blend old-school charm with modern trends.
One of Rokit’s standout features is its focus on quality. The items here are carefully selected, so you’re less likely to encounter damaged or overly worn pieces.
Its reworked vintage collection is particularly popular. It features unique, upcycled garments that make a bold fashion statement.
That said, Rokit’s popularity and central location mean it can be quite busy, especially during weekends. So, first-time visitors might find the packed racks a bit overwhelming.
The prices are also higher for thrift shopping, reflecting their items’ curated and often reworked nature.
Unique finds for every occasion
“What a place! Just a quick stroll around but I now know… I need to go back! Perfect for finding special and unique pieces, something for a party, something for a wedding or just something different. Hard to tell that the clothing was ‘pre-loved’ since it’s all in such good condition, some of it restored and given modern embellishments. Love it! Spacious and relaxed feeling shop too.”
- Richard Fanthome, Google Review
Exceptional value for your money
“Really nice place to shop for vintage and classic clothes and shoes (male and female) you will be getting value for your money as well, professional and friendly staff you can ask for more once you walk in.”
- Babatunde Agunbiade, Google Review
2. Oxfam Boutique
Address: 245 Westbourne Grove
Phone: +44 20 7229 5000
Business hours:
- Monday-Saturday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM
If you’ve ever dreamed of owning designer pieces without the designer price tag, Oxfam Boutique is the place to be. This thrift store blends sustainability with sophistication, which makes it perfect for finding pre-loved designer gems while supporting a noble cause.
The boutique’s clean and organized layout is a refreshing contrast to the hustle and bustle of larger thrift shops. Here, every piece feels carefully chosen, ensuring you’re browsing through a collection of high-quality finds.
You’ll often find pieces from brands like Burberry, Ralph Lauren, or even Chanel at a fraction of their original cost, making it a favorite among fashion-conscious shoppers.
Not only that, you can also find donated homewares. These include pictures, frames, china, glassware, and collectibles.
On the other hand, knowing that your purchase contributes to charitable efforts adds a layer of satisfaction to the shopping experience. Plus, the staff is always ready to assist if you’re looking for something specific or need styling advice.
However, the selection here is smaller compared to larger thrift shops, so you might not always find what you’re looking for.
A store with personality
“A great store. Full of intresting and unexpected items. Friendly staff and even a large red setter makes an appearance sometimes. Recommended for a rummage.”
- James, Google Review
Affordable finds for a great cause
“It’s a cute and nice shop that sells for charity. We were able to find a few nice pieces. The prices were very reasonable.”
- G.Z. Akb., Google Review
3. Beyond Retro
Address: 19-21 Argyll St
Phone: +44 20 7729 9001
Business hours:
- Monday-Wednesday: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Thursday-Saturday: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM
This iconic vintage store is a must-visit for fashion lovers. Situated on the vibrant Brick Lane, Beyond Retro boasts an impressive selection of retro clothing, accessories, and even unique pieces for themed events.
Whether you’re after a classic denim jacket or a 1960s mod dress, Beyond Retro has it all, and at affordable prices!
The vibe of the store itself is an experience, with colorful displays and a layout that makes you feel like you’re stepping back in time.
One of the best things about Beyond Retro is the variety it offers. You can find pieces from almost every decade, ensuring that there’s something for everyone.
The store’s staff are also knowledgeable and friendly, often offering styling tips or helping you hunt down a specific item.
If you’re new to vintage shopping, this is a great place to start, as the layout is relatively organized compared to some other thrift shops.
However, it’s worth noting that Beyond Retro’s popularity means it can get quite crowded, especially on weekends.
In addition, not every item is in pristine condition, so you’ll need to inspect pieces carefully. While there are great finds, the effort required to sift through everything may deter those who prefer a more curated shopping experience.
Wide variety and welcoming staff
“Amazing store I would say this is one of the best vintage shops in London (as I made it my mission to go to every single one) the staff were nice and smiley. There were loads of treasures and everything was decently priced. Managed to cop a stunning leather jacket for £52 (which is a lot cheaper and nicer than anything on brick lane).”
- Maria Romanov, Google Review
Top-notch vintage shopping experience
“Such a good selection of clothes! I managed to get 3 top quality retro items for about £50. The prices aren’t bad at all compared to most vintage stores of this quality. Staff were really chatty and helpful too!”
- James Bullen, Google Review
4. Traid (Dalston)
Address: 106-108 Kingsland High St
Phone: +44 20 7249 6939
Business hours:
- Monday & Wednesday: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Traid is yet another perfect blend of style and sustainability. Its commitment to ethical fashion is commendable, and the prices make it accessible for budget-conscious shoppers.
One of its standout features is its dedication to upcycling. By transforming old garments into trendy pieces, it gives new life to clothes that might otherwise end up in landfills.
If you’re all for ethical shopping and reducing waste, Traid’s mission aligns perfectly with your values. And who doesn’t want to do good while looking good?
The Dalston branch offers a fantastic mix of trendy second-hand clothing, shoes, and accessories. Plus, the store’s modern aesthetic is welcoming and the stock is regularly updated by staff who are passionate about its mission.
However, since the inventory is donation-based, the availability of certain items or styles can vary widely. This inconsistency might be frustrating if you’re looking for something specific.
Also, the limited number of locations means that not everyone can easily access Traid stores.
My safe space
“Their monthly updated window displays are very impressive. The security is very friendly, he looks away when I put things inside my bag. It has become my favourite place to shop and borrow clothes. This is my safe space.”
- K.B., Google Review
A go-to spot for vintage finds
“Will forever recommend this store to anyone who loves a good vintage find. Staff and security are always lovely and a wide selection of clothes.”
- Eley Lynskey, Google Review
5. The Salvation Army Charity Shop
Address: 91 Dumbarton Rd
Phone: +44 141 334 7253
Business hours:
- Monday-Saturday: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
The Salvation Army Charity Shop is one of those places that feels like a treasure hunt every time you visit. From clothes to furniture, homeware, and even the occasional quirky find, there’s always something worth browsing.
Unlike some trendier thrift stores, this shop retains a classic charity shop vibe, with its unassuming decor and welcoming atmosphere. The variety is also impressive, catering to everything from everyday wear to formal attire.
What keeps customers coming back, though, are the great deals they offer for their products, which makes every purchase an absolute steal.
Plus, the staff are incredibly friendly and always seem genuinely happy to help, adding a warm touch to the shopping experience.
That being said, not everything is perfect. The Salvation Army shop’s focus leans more toward practicality than trendiness, which might not appeal to shoppers seeking stylish or high-end pieces.
Additionally, the stock turnover is slower compared to other thrift shops, meaning you might not always find something new on each visit. Despite these limitations, the shop’s affordability and charm make it a reliable option for those who enjoy a traditional charity shop experience.
Great customer service experience
“such a good charity shop, i bought all the furniture for my room here, they are very reasonably priced, and the staff are so nice. the lady who charged me at the till discounted each piece of furniture between £5 and £10, they also delivered it to me the next morning and the delivery people were great i really recommend this place especially for furniture shopping.”
- Erin Biernat, Google Review
Quality and variety at affordable prices
“Brilliant and big store with second hand clothes, homeware, furniture, and more. Staff are friendly and helpful and the selection is always amazing. Have seen some reviews complaining about expensive prices but last time I went I picked up some skirts for £4 each and a very high quality vintage dress for £5.50 so I can’t complain. Have gotten all sorts of things here from blazers to ballgowns and have never paid more than a tenner.”
- Olivia Swarthout, Google Review