Shanne GanWhile thrift stores have been around for a long time in Singapore, it’s only in recent years that they’ve drawn larger crowds including younger customers like myself. It’s all the rage now and I can totally understand why.
First of all, you’ll be doing your part for the environment. Thrift shopping is sustainable, as opposed to purchasing from fast fashion brands that produce clothes at an alarming rate. Also, the clothes at thrift stores are much more wallet-friendly. For less than S$20, you’ll get to walk away with multiple items of clothing! Furthermore, some thrift stores are operated by charities. This means that the proceeds from sales go to helping the less fortunate.
Keen to experience thrifting for yourself? We’ve collated a list of the best thrift shops in Singapore, where you’ll be able to score some fashionable pieces at less than S$20. Let the shopping spree begin!
Also read: Supermarkets to Charge for Plastic Bags: Where to Get Reusable Bags in Singapore
Thrift stores in Singapore with items under S$20
1. Praisehaven Mega Family Thrift Store
Image credit: The Salvation Army Singapore Official Facebook Page
I remember visiting this thrift store years ago before thrifting became such a popular activity. Back then, the store was almost empty but I remember being amazed at the assortment of clothes, accessories and even furniture sold. Today, you’ll find millennials browsing through the racks, hoping to chance upon a good find.
This thrift store is also operated by The Salvation Army, a Christian charitable organisation. All proceeds will go towards helping the needy, so you’ll also be doing a good deed by shopping there!
Where to shop: 500 Upper Bukit Timah Rd, Singapore 678106
2. Refash
Image credit: Refash Official Facebook Page
While Refash is a thrift store, it definitely does not look like one. With more than 10 outlets in shopping malls around Singapore, Refash is the epitome of a modern boutique thrift shop. They specialise in second-hand women’s clothing, where most of their clothes are from well-known brands.
During my first visit to Refash, I had no idea that it was a thrift store because all their pieces looked brand new. The store only sells clothes that are in trend and that have no defects! Apart from buying from Refash, you can also sell your preloved clothes to them and get cash or credit in return. Do make sure that they’re still in good condition — that means no tattered clothes with missing buttons, please.
Where to shop: Visit https://refash.sg/ or head to one of their outlets across the island.
3. New2U Thrift Shop
A shop run completely by volunteers, you’ll find women’s clothes, accessories and even household items available for sale at New2U. It’s under the Singapore Council of Women’s Organization (SCWO), so all proceeds go towards the Star Shelter — a temporary refuge for women and children, as well as the SCWO’s other initiatives. They also hold regular half-price sales even though their items are already very much affordable!
Where to shop: 96 Waterloo St, Singapore 187967
4. Loop Garms
Image credit: Loop Garms Official Facebook Page
If you’re looking for trendy band tees or rare vintage finds, you need to visit Loop Garms. The store’s owners — only in their twenties — founded Loop Garms because of their passion for vintage clothes. The items in Loop Garms tend to go quickly, especially rare finds from brands like Nike and Supreme!
With almost 20,000 followers on Instagram, it’s safe to say that Loop Garms has made a name for themselves among Singapore’s thrift stores. Get your hands on limited edition tees, caps, and more starting from only S$10.
Where to shop: 635 Veerasamy Rd, #01-148, Singapore 200635
5. Threadlightly
Image credit: Threadlightly Official Facebook Page
What initially began as pop-up booths held at Ngee Ann Poly is now a charming shopfront located in Queenstown Shopping Centre. Threadlightly’s 21-year-old owner, Rin, separates the store into three corners: Rehome, Reclaim, and Rework.
Rehome features donated clothes, while Reclaim is made up of vintage clothes sourced from abroad by Rin herself. In the Rework section, you’ll find accessories and clothes reworked by Rin and her mother using sustainable materials. While I haven’t been to Threadlightly before, it’s definitely a thrift shop I’m visiting on my next thrifting adventure!
Where to shop: 1 Queensway, 02-22 Queensway Shopping Center, 149053
6. Lucky Plaza Bazaar
Image credit: Lucky Plaza Bazaar Official Facebook Page
Occupying a spacious unit in Lucky Plaza is Lucky Plaza Bazaar, where you’ll browse through tables piled with secondhand clothes. You won’t believe how cheap their items are — some shirts cost only a dollar! The store also works with different charities both local and abroad, where they’ve raised thousands of dollars for multiple charity drives. From swimwear to windbreakers, you’ll be spoilt for choice at this Singapore thrift shop.
Where to shop: 304 Orchard Rd, #06-14 Lucky Plaza, Singapore 238863
7. MINDS Shop
Image credit: MINDS Official Website
The MINDS Shop is an initiative by MINDS, an organisation for those with cognitive impairments. Upon visiting the store, you’ll be tended to by friendly special needs individuals who have been trained by the organisation. Apart from clothing items, they also sell collectibles and hardware. Visit one of their four thrift stores in Singapore for some retail therapy!
Where to shop: 800 Margaret Drive, Singapore 149310; Blk 71 Redhill Road, #01-29, Singapore 150071; 30 Woodlands Ring Road, Singapore 737883; 29 Rosyth Road, Singapore 546190
8. Nightingale Thrift Shop
Image credit: Nightingale Thrift Official Facebook Page
The store in Queenstown Shopping Centre appears unassuming, but you’ll definitely be able to walk away with some good finds. The last time I was there, I managed to score some bargains from brands like Mango and H&M. If you’re more of an online shopper, they also post listings of their newest items on their Instagram and Facebook pages. Send them a message to reserve the goods or pay a small fee for the item to be mailed to you!
Where to shop: 1 Queensway Queensway Shopping Centre #02-36, 149053
9. Something Old Something New
Image credit: Singapore Anglican Community Services Official Website
Similar to MINDS Shop, Something Old Something New also employs those with special needsin a bid to equip them with skills for employment. A social enterprise by the Singapore Anglican Community Services, it was also founded with the aim of increasing recycling efforts in Singapore. Find unique accessories of all colours and designs, or get your hands on items from popular brands like Uniqlo for as low as a dollar!
Where to shop: 375 Race Course Road Singapore 218644; Blk 534 Pasir Ris Drive 1 #01-266 Singapore 510534; 10 Simei Street 3 Singapore 529897; Blk 499 Jurong West Street 41 #01-812 Singapore 640499
10. The Kint Story
Image credit: The Kint Story Official Website
The Kint Story is an online thrift store for the modern female. Named after the Japanese term kintsugi, a process of repairing pottery with gold, the brand hopes to encourage people to appreciate the value of clothes whether they’re old or new.
On their website, you’ll find stylish dresses, tops, and more. The clothes sold are also personally sourced by the brand’s founders, Elisa and Yushu, so their quality is guaranteed. You won’t even be able to tell that they’re preloved items!
Where to shop: Visit https://www.thekintstory.com/.
Also read: 12 Shopping Destinations Around The World You Have To Visit In Your Lifetime!
The next time you’re planning on heading out for some retail therapy, why not make a beeline for one of these thrift shops in Singapore? A sustainable shopping spree will help you do your part for the environment. Plus, having to hunt for good finds in thrift stores also makes your final purchase that much sweeter.
Featured image credit: Thriftanic | Official Instagram Page
