8 Large Thrift Stores And Secondhand Shopping Destinations In And Around Rochester, New York Worth The Trip
Somewhere near Rochester, you can buy secondhand stuff by the pound instead of by the price tag. Yes, the pound. You grab, you dig, and the scale decides the damage.
That’s just one stop on this list. Another spot packs roughly 17,000 square feet of used goods under one roof, with building materials, books, and much more. A third stretches across two floors with more than 200 small shops inside.
I love that these places feel more like expeditions than errands. Western New York clearly takes its bargain hunting seriously, and the variety here is wild. You’ll find bins, chandeliers, vintage oddities, and racks that seem to go on for miles.
The real question is simple. How much room do you actually have at home?
1. Rochester Greenovation
Calling itself the largest secondhand store in Rochester takes some nerve. With about 17,000 square feet of stuff, this place backs up the claim.
The store mixes thrift, consignment, flea market, antique shop, and garage sale into one big adventure. Think of it as five shopping trips rolled into a single stop.
Clothing and furniture sit alongside building materials, housewares, and books. You’ll also find media, art, kids’ items, sporting goods, decor, office supplies, and vintage pieces.
That mix makes it a great pick for DIY fans and decorators. Need a lamp, a jigsaw, and a stack of picture frames? You might leave with all three.
Greenovation has been keeping useful items out of the waste stream since 2012. It’s volunteer run, which gives the whole operation a real community feel.
Local nonprofits can sell goods here through consignment. Community-focused groups and the public can also score discounted items, and some things are even available to rent.
Timing matters, so check the hours before you head out. Regular Tuesday hours run from 10 AM to 2 PM, with occasional evening openings during the seasonal Rochester Night Market, while Sundays are closed.
Parking is easy, with a free lot plus free street parking nearby. Delivery is available too, which helps if that dresser won’t fit in your hatchback.
The store also welcomes LGBTQ+ shoppers and is known as a transgender safe space. That’s a nice bonus on top of the bargains.
Address: 22 Flint St, Rochester, NY 14608
2. Goodwill Clearance Center
Bring your patience and maybe a pair of gloves. At this outlet, merchandise gets sold by the pound instead of being priced one item at a time.
Goods land in big rolling bins with very little organization. That’s the fun part, because you never know what’s sitting under the next pile of sweaters.
The items come in by tractor-trailer from across the region. They get sorted into broad groups like electronics and appliances, shoes, clothing and textiles, and books.
Beyond that, it’s up to you to dig. Leather jackets, lamps, rugs, and kitchen gadgets have all turned up in these bins.
Prices here run super low, which is why bargain hunters love the place. A full cart can cost less than a single new shirt at the mall.
Hours are generous for early birds, with doors opening at 8 AM daily. Weekdays run until 7 PM, and weekends wrap up at 5 PM.
The center has another job too. It’s the pickup spot for orders placed through Goodwill’s online auction site, so some shoppers stop by for that.
A smart plan is to come with a list of what you need. Then let yourself get distracted, because the surprise finds are half the reason to go.
Wear comfy shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting a little dusty. You’ll be leaning over bins more than strolling down aisles.
Address: 1555 Jefferson Rd, Rochester, NY 14623
3. Greater Rochester Habitat For Humanity ReStore Henrietta
Forty chandeliers hanging in one room sounds like a ballroom. Here, it’s just another day at a home improvement warehouse.
This ReStore focuses on used furniture and household fixtures. If you’re fixing up a house, it might become your favorite weekend stop.
Appliances are a big draw, including refrigerators and both gas and electric stoves. Sinks, mirrors, couches, chairs, and rugs fill out the floor too.
Smaller treasures matter as well. Look for tile, paint, wallpaper, drawer pulls, plumbing bits, and lighting and electrical supplies.
Prices can run a bit higher than a typical thrift shop. In exchange, you’ll spot unique, one-of-a-kind pieces you won’t see at a big-box store.
Nice old wood furniture shows up here, and that’s a win for anyone who likes solid builds. Swapping hardware on a vintage dresser can make it look brand new.
Your purchase supports Greater Rochester Habitat for Humanity. That means your bargain backsplash tile helps a bigger mission in the community.
The store runs Monday through Saturday from 9 AM to 5 PM. Sundays are closed, so plan your project shopping accordingly.
A free parking lot makes loading heavy stuff easier. Delivery isn’t offered, though, so bring a truck or a friend who owns one.
Measure your space before you go, especially for vanities and appliances. Falling for a sink that won’t fit is a classic rookie mistake.
Address: 2199 E Henrietta Rd, Rochester, NY 14623
4. AMVETS Thrift Store
Shopping for a cheap jacket can actually help veterans. That’s the deal at this charitable thrift store on Jefferson Road.
AMVETS runs as a nonprofit, and purchases support veterans and their families. Your new-to-you sweater suddenly feels a lot more meaningful.
The store ranks among the large thrift shops in the Rochester area. Expect a big spread of clothing, furniture, and household goods.
Quality items and low prices are the big selling points here. It’s a solid stop when you need to stretch a budget without settling for junk.
Dressing rooms are available, which saves you a guessing game. Trying jeans on before buying beats a second trip for returns.
College students, listen up. RIT students may be eligible for a discount with a valid student ID, so keep that card handy.
The hours are some of the most flexible on this list. It’s open Monday through Saturday from 9 AM to 9 PM, and Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM.
That late closing time makes it a great after-work or after-class stop. You can browse racks while other stores are already turning off the lights.
Furniture is worth checking even if you came for clothes. A sturdy side table or bookshelf can turn up when you least expect it.
Stop by often, since inventory changes as new donations arrive. Today’s empty shelf might be tomorrow’s jackpot.
Address: 400 Jefferson Rd, Rochester, NY 14623
5. The Salvation Army Thrift Store & Donation Center
Kitchen lovers, this one’s for you. The store carries tons of kitchenware, which makes it a treasure chest for anyone setting up a first apartment.
Mugs, pans, and serving dishes are the kind of items that add up fast when bought new. Grabbing them secondhand keeps more cash in your pocket.
Clothing fills a big part of the floor too. You’ll find a wide selection, along with furniture for anyone hunting bigger pieces.
What sets this spot apart is how tidy it is. The store is known for being clean and well organized, which makes browsing way less stressful.
That neat layout matters in a very large store. You can actually find the section you want instead of wandering in circles.
The location doubles as a donation center. Drop off your old stuff, then shop for new old stuff on the same trip.
Purchases help fund The Salvation Army’s adult rehabilitation programs. It’s a nice reminder that your thrift haul does some good beyond your closet.
The store operates Monday through Saturday, but published closing times vary, so confirm the current hours before visiting. The store stays closed on Sundays, so plan weekend trips for Saturday.
A quick visit works fine here thanks to the organized setup. Still, give yourself extra time if you start eyeing furniture.
Bring a box for fragile finds like glasses and plates. Your car’s back seat is not a great place for loose dishes.
Address: 3501 W Henrietta Rd, Rochester, NY 14623
6. The Shops On West Ridge
Repurposed traffic lights, homemade sauces, and vintage toys under one roof? That oddball combo is exactly what makes this marketplace so much fun.
The Shops On West Ridge is a bi-level space with more than 200 vendor shops. Two floors means you should not plan on a quick lap.
Antiques, furniture, toys, gifts, and collectibles make up a big part of the mix. Handmade items and fashion add even more variety.
Upcycled pieces are a highlight for creative shoppers. Old objects get new lives here, sometimes in surprising ways.
Food items show up too, like sauces and popcorn. It’s a fun twist when you came for a lamp and leave with a snack.
The building also has a restaurant. That comes in handy when browsing two whole floors starts to drain your energy.
Hours are limited, so check before you drive. The marketplace opens Thursday through Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM and closes Monday through Wednesday.
Saturday and Sunday afternoons tend to be the busiest. For calmer aisles, try a Thursday or Friday visit instead.
Free Wi-Fi is available, which helps if you want to compare prices or text a friend a photo. In-store pickup is offered too.
The space welcomes LGBTQ+ shoppers and is a transgender safe space. It’s a friendly spot to spend a long afternoon poking around.
Address: 3200 W Ridge Rd, Rochester, NY 14626
7. Goodwill
Designer labels hiding on a thrift rack never gets old. At this South Clinton Avenue Goodwill, names like Michael Kors and Loft have turned up for patient shoppers.
The trick is knowing where to look. Skim too fast, and you might walk right past the best stuff.
Pre-owned clothing makes up a big chunk of the store. Housewares and other everyday goods fill the shelves too.
A good strategy is to sort by size first, then scan for fabric. Leather, wool, and silk often stand out by touch before you even see the tag.
Goodwill of the Finger Lakes has been around a long time as a nonprofit. Your purchases support its community programs across the region.
The store sits close to downtown Rochester, which makes it easy to fit into a city errand run. A free parking lot helps too.
Hours run Monday through Saturday from 9 AM to 7 PM. Sunday hours are 10 AM to 6 PM.
In-store pickup is available, which can save time on certain purchases. Delivery isn’t offered, so plan to haul your own finds.
It works well as a quick visit if you know your target. Still, treasure hunters may want to block out a longer stretch.
Check back regularly, since new items keep rolling onto the floor. Thrifting rewards the people who show up often.
Address: 451 S Clinton Ave, Rochester, NY 14620
8. Savers
Fine china and kids’ sneakers in the same cart is a pretty normal sight here. Savers in Webster covers a huge range for a whole family.
Webster sits just east of Rochester, so the drive is short. It’s an easy add-on if you’re already exploring the area.
The store stocks secondhand clothing for kids and adults, plus shoes and accessories. Furniture, books, toys, and household goods round things out.
Fine china is a fun category to browse. A mismatched set of pretty plates can make any dinner feel fancy.
The aisles cover a lot of ground, so give yourself time. It’s the kind of place where one quick look turns into an hour.
Savers accepts donations of used clothing and household goods on behalf of its local nonprofit partner, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Rochester. That’s handy if you’re clearing out closets before stocking up again.
Hours are generous, running Monday through Saturday from 9 AM to 9 PM. Sundays run from 10 AM to 7 PM.
Free Wi-Fi is available inside the store. Use it to look up a brand or check if that vintage dish set is worth grabbing.
Families with growing kids get a lot of mileage here. Shoes and clothes get outgrown fast, so secondhand just makes sense.
Finish your New York thrift tour here with a full cart. Then go home and figure out where to put it all.
Address: 980 Ridge Rd, Webster, NY 14580