Thrift Stores with Designer Brands in Los Angeles: Your Ultimate Guide to High-End Finds
By My Local Thrift Store ·
Los Angeles is a city built on style. From the sun-drenched boulevards of Beverly Hills to the eclectic streets of East LA, fashion is practically a second language here. But here's a secret that seasoned Angelenos have known for years: you don't need a Rodeo Drive budget to dress like you belong on one. The city's thriving thrift scene is quietly overflowing with designer labels, vintage gems, and barely-worn luxury pieces — all waiting for the right person to scoop them up at a fraction of their original price.
What makes Los Angeles such a goldmine for thrift shoppers is simple: the city is home to some of the wealthiest zip codes in the country, and those residents donate. Constantly. That means the donation pipeline flowing into local thrift stores regularly includes everything from gently worn Gucci to pristine Coach bags, barely-touched Levi's denim, and even the occasional couture piece. If you know where to look — and when — the finds can be genuinely jaw-dropping.
Whether you're a seasoned thrifter with a sharp eye or a curious newcomer ready to swap fast fashion for something with a story, this guide is for you. We've rounded up verified, real thrift stores across Los Angeles where designer brand sightings are part of the experience. Let's dig in.
The Best Thrift Stores with Designer Brands in Los Angeles
My Friend's House Foundation — 1244 E 7th St, Los Angeles, CA
Don't let the unassuming name fool you — My Friend's House Foundation is a community treasure with real thrifting potential. Located in the heart of East LA, this nonprofit-backed shop benefits from a steady stream of donations from across the greater Los Angeles area. Shoppers frequently report finding name-brand clothing, accessories, and housewares tucked among the racks. Because it's community-driven, inventory turns over quickly, which means more opportunities for fresh finds. Your best bet is to stop in early in the week when new donations tend to hit the floor. Give them a call at (323) 769-5433 before making the trip to check on hours or special sale days.
The Salem House Thrift — 1306 N Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
Nestled along North Glendale Boulevard, The Salem House Thrift is a neighborhood staple that punches above its weight when it comes to quality donations. The surrounding Silver Lake and Echo Park neighborhoods are known for their mix of creatives, young professionals, and long-time residents — a combination that produces surprisingly varied and often upscale donations. Keep your eyes peeled for designer denim, contemporary labels, and vintage pieces that fit right into LA's effortlessly cool aesthetic. Weekday mornings tend to be the sweet spot for browsing before the weekend crowds arrive.
Emma's Treasures — 2629 E Cesar E Chavez Ave, Los Angeles, CA
Emma's Treasures lives up to its name. This East LA shop has built a loyal following among locals who know that patience here pays off. The store carries a wide mix of clothing, accessories, and home goods, and dedicated shoppers have walked away with everything from leather handbags to designer footwear. The key to success at Emma's is consistency — regulars visit often because inventory changes frequently. If you're hunting for something specific, like a particular brand or style, it's worth building this spot into your weekly thrift rotation.
Segunda Thrift Shop — 5911 Compton Ave, Los Angeles, CA
Segunda Thrift Shop is a South LA staple that serves its community with pride. The name itself — "segunda" meaning "second" in Spanish — nods to the beauty of giving items a second life. This shop tends to carry a broad range of clothing and accessories, and its location in a working-class neighborhood means prices are refreshingly fair. Designer finds here may require a little more digging, but that's part of the thrill. Shoppers who take the time to sort through the racks are often rewarded with standout pieces at unbeatable prices. Go in with an open mind and comfortable shoes.
Yard Sale — 1124 E 43rd Pl, Los Angeles, CA
With a name that practically promises eclectic finds, Yard Sale brings the spirit of a great neighborhood yard sale indoors — and that's a very good thing. This South LA spot is known for its rotating, unpredictable inventory that can range from everyday basics to genuine vintage and designer surprises. The casual, browse-friendly atmosphere makes it easy to spend an hour or two sifting through what's on offer. If you love the thrill of not knowing what you'll find until you're standing right in front of it, Yard Sale is absolutely worth a visit.
Goodwill SoCal — Multiple Locations Across Los Angeles, CA
No list of thrift stores with designer brands in Los Angeles would be complete without Goodwill SoCal. With major coverage across the LA metro area, Goodwill is the heavyweight champion of volume thrifting — and volume is exactly what you want when you're hunting for labels. Los Angeles Goodwill locations benefit enormously from the city's wealthy donor base, and it's not uncommon to find high-end brands mixed right in with everyday items. The trick with Goodwill is to visit often and visit multiple locations. Each store has its own personality depending on its neighborhood, and the designer-to-regular ratio can vary significantly from one branch to the next. Check tags carefully and don't skip the accessory cases — that's where hidden luxury gems often end up.
Jireh Second Hand & More — 1686 W Adams Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
Jireh Second Hand & More brings a warm, community-centered energy to the West Adams neighborhood, one of LA's most historically rich and rapidly evolving areas. The store carries a solid mix of clothing, furniture, and miscellaneous goods, and regulars appreciate the friendly atmosphere and fair pricing. Designer finds here tend to reflect the neighborhood's diverse and stylish community. It's a great spot to support a local business while hunting for something special. You can reach them directly at +1 (323) 828-0506 to ask about current inventory or upcoming sales.
BTS Thrift Store — 1422–1424 S La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
Located on South La Cienega Boulevard — just a stone's throw from some of LA's most upscale neighborhoods — BTS Thrift Store is strategically positioned to receive donations from some seriously stylish zip codes. This is one of those stores where the location alone tells you the caliber of finds is likely to be above average. Shoppers have reported discovering designer clothing, quality accessories, and unique home décor pieces here. The store's dual address (1422–1424) suggests a larger footprint, which means more inventory to explore. Call ahead at +1 (310) 204-4058 to get a sense of what's currently in stock or to ask about new arrivals.
Tips for Thrifting Designer Brands in Los Angeles
- Go early and go often. The best designer pieces don't last long on LA thrift store racks. Make a habit of visiting your favorite stores on weekday mornings, right when new donations are being processed and put out. Consistency is the secret weapon of every serious thrifter.
- Know your labels before you go. Spend a little time familiarizing yourself with the tags, stitching, and hardware of brands you're hoping to find. Authentic designer items have telltale details — and knowing what to look for means you won't walk past a real find by mistake.
- Don't overlook the accessory cases and shoe sections. Clothing gets the most attention, but designer handbags, belts, scarves, and shoes are frequently donated and often overlooked. These sections can be absolute goldmines, especially at higher-volume stores like Goodwill SoCal.
- Expand your geographic range. Thrift stores located near wealthier neighborhoods — think West Adams, Silver Lake, or areas adjacent to Beverly Hills and Bel Air — tend to receive higher-quality donations. A short drive can make a significant difference in what you find.
- Check for special sale days. Many LA thrift stores run color-tag discount days, half-off Saturdays, or seasonal clearance events. Follow your favorite shops on social media or call ahead to find out when the best deals are happening. A designer piece at full thrift-store price is already a steal — at 50% off, it's practically a gift.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you actually find designer brands at thrift stores in Los Angeles?
Absolutely — and more often than you might think. Los Angeles is one of the best cities in the country for thrifting designer brands precisely because of its enormous, fashion-conscious population and high concentration of affluent neighborhoods. Stores across the city regularly receive donations that include labels like Coach, Ralph Lauren, Levi's, Calvin Klein, and occasionally higher-end luxury brands. The key is to visit frequently and know what you're looking for.
Which thrift stores in Los Angeles are best for finding high-end or luxury items?
Stores located near or in upscale neighborhoods tend to yield the best results. BTS Thrift Store on S La Cienega Blvd, The Salem House Thrift near Silver Lake, and Goodwill SoCal locations in higher-income areas of LA are all solid bets. That said, every store on this list has produced designer finds for savvy shoppers — it really comes down to timing and persistence.
What is the best time to go thrift shopping in Los Angeles for the best selection?
Weekday mornings — particularly Tuesday through Thursday — are generally considered the best time to thrift in Los Angeles. Most stores process donations from the weekend on Monday and Tuesday, meaning fresh inventory hits the floor mid-week. Arriving early gives you first pick before the afternoon rush. Avoid weekends if you want the best selection, as that's when stores tend to be busiest and the prime finds are already gone.
Find Your Next Favorite Thrift Store in LA
Los Angeles's thrift scene is as big and diverse as the city itself — and this list is really just the beginning. Whether you're a dedicated label hunter or someone who simply loves the idea of giving great clothes a second life, the stores above are a fantastic place to start your journey. Each one brings something unique to the table, and together they represent the incredible variety that makes thrifting in LA such an exciting experience.
Are you a thrift store owner in Los Angeles? Make sure shoppers can find you by visiting mylocalthriftstore.com to claim your store listing — it's the largest thrift store directory in the US, with over 27,000 stores and counting.
Ready to explore even more options? Browse our full Los Angeles thrift store guide for a comprehensive look at everything the city has to offer.
Find more thrift stores near you at mylocalthriftstore.com — your go-to directory for the best secondhand shopping across the country.