Best Thrift Stores in Memphis, TN - Hidden Gems, Deals and Loot Drops
Memphis, Tennessee is a thrift shopping powerhouse with a scene as soulful as its music heritage. From vintage boutiques in the trendy Cooper-Young neighborhood to massive Goodwill and Salvation Army locations across the city, Memphis delivers incredible secondhand finds at every price point. The city's rich cultural history means you'll uncover everything from vintage vinyl and retro clothing to mid-century furniture and Southern antiques.
Cooper-Young
Flashback
2304 Central Ave, Memphis, TN 38104
Flashback is a Memphis institution and one of the best vintage shops in the entire Mid-South. Located on Central Avenue near Cooper-Young, this sprawling store is packed floor-to-ceiling with vintage clothing, retro home decor, vinyl records, and quirky collectibles. The constantly rotating inventory makes every visit feel like a new experience.
What to look for: Vintage band tees, 1960s-70s dresses, cowboy boots, vinyl records, and retro Memphis memorabilia.
Best time to go: Weekday afternoons when you can browse without weekend crowds and take your time digging through racks.
Treasure Hunt Potential: Very High — this is the kind of store where you find a $200 vintage jacket on a $15 rack.
Consignment Connection
4732 Spottswood Ave, Memphis, TN 38117
Consignment Connection in East Memphis is a well-curated resale shop specializing in quality clothing, accessories, and home decor. The store attracts consignors from Memphis's wealthier neighborhoods, which means you'll find designer labels and premium brands at steep discounts. The staff keeps the store organized and the selection fresh.
What to look for: Designer handbags, name-brand women's clothing, fine jewelry, and upscale home accessories.
Best time to go: Early in the week when new consignment items are processed and put on the floor.
Treasure Hunt Potential: High — East Memphis consignors regularly part with designer pieces at bargain prices.
Midtown Memphis
Goodwill Memphis
3500 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38111
The Goodwill on Poplar Avenue in Midtown is one of the most popular thrift stores in Memphis thanks to its central location and high donation volume. The store receives a steady stream of quality items from surrounding Midtown neighborhoods and is well-maintained with clear organization. It's a reliable stop for clothing, kitchenware, and books.
What to look for: Everyday clothing, books, small electronics, kitchen gadgets, and seasonal items.
Best time to go: Tuesday and Thursday mornings when fresh donations are typically sorted and shelved.
Treasure Hunt Potential: Moderate to High — Midtown donations often include quality vintage clothing and home goods.
The Salvation Army Family Store
3090 Airways Blvd, Memphis, TN 38116
This large Salvation Army location on Airways Boulevard is a Memphis thrifting staple with an enormous selection of furniture, clothing, and household goods. The warehouse-style layout means there's always a lot to sort through, but the prices are rock-bottom and the furniture section alone is worth the trip. Color-tag sales run weekly for additional savings.
What to look for: Furniture, large appliances, vintage clothing, and bulk household items.
Best time to go: Saturday mornings for the best furniture selection before the weekend rush clears out top picks.
Treasure Hunt Potential: High — the sheer volume of inventory means patient shoppers are rewarded with standout finds.
East Memphis
Red White & Blue Thrift Store
6580 Summer Ave, Memphis, TN 38134
Red White & Blue on Summer Avenue is a massive thrift store that Memphis locals swear by for its low prices and enormous inventory. The store is divided into color-coded sections with rotating sales that bring prices down to just a dollar or two per item. It's the kind of place where you bring a big bag and fill it up without breaking the bank.
What to look for: Bulk clothing deals, vintage tees, denim, housewares, and shoes.
Best time to go: Monday mornings when the store restocks after the weekend and color-tag sales reset.
Treasure Hunt Potential: Very High — enormous inventory and dirt-cheap prices mean incredible finds for those willing to dig.
Tips for Thrift Shopping in Memphis
- Start your thrift crawl in Cooper-Young at Flashback, then work east toward Consignment Connection and Goodwill on Poplar for a full day of shopping.
- Red White & Blue on Summer Avenue offers the lowest prices in Memphis — bring cash and plan to spend at least an hour digging through their massive inventory.
- Check Flashback's social media for announcements about new vintage shipments and special sale events.
- Memphis thrift stores receive a surge of donations in January and after college move-out season in May — time your visits for the best selection.
- Salvation Army's weekly color-tag sales can bring already-low prices down by 50% — ask staff which color is on sale that day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best vintage store in Memphis?
Flashback on Central Avenue near Cooper-Young is widely considered the best vintage store in Memphis. Their enormous collection of vintage clothing, records, and retro decor makes it a must-visit. For designer consignment, Consignment Connection on Spottswood Avenue offers a more curated upscale experience.
Where can I find cheap thrift stores in Memphis?
Red White & Blue Thrift Store on Summer Avenue has the lowest prices in Memphis, with color-tag sales bringing items down to a dollar or two. The Salvation Army Family Store on Airways Boulevard also offers rock-bottom prices, especially on furniture and large household items.
Are there good thrift stores in Midtown Memphis?
Yes, Midtown Memphis has excellent thrift shopping. Goodwill on Poplar Avenue is centrally located with a strong inventory, and Flashback on Central Avenue is just a short drive south in the Cooper-Young district. Both are easy to hit in a single trip.
What should I look for at Memphis thrift stores?
Memphis is known for vintage music memorabilia, so keep an eye out for rare vinyl records and vintage band tees at Flashback and Red White & Blue. Consignment Connection is the place for designer fashion finds, while Salvation Army on Airways Boulevard is your best bet for affordable furniture.