When most people think of thrift stores, images of cheap treasures, old fur coats, and amazing shit from the seventies usually comes to mind. But in reality, most of the thrift stores in New York are a huge ripoff and feature bloated prices on all things “vintage”, and are picked over faster than you can say Members Only. Despite our limited access to authentic thrift shops, one of my favorite organizations in the city still offers great deals for an even greater cause, and that’s Housing Works Thrift Shop.
If you’re not familiar with them, they have stores all over the city as well as a bookstore/cafe that hosts regular events. Some of their wares run more upscale but if you’re in the market for some new threads and you have $20 be sure not to miss their regular Warehouse Rag Sale. Located at their warehouse in Long Island City, you bring the cash and they provided the giant shopping bag you get to run around and fill, supermarket sweep style. If you’re not one for mad dash shopping, you can also set up a private appointment at the warehouse and shop in bulk, $5 to the pound. And it totally counts of guilt free shopping, because so much of their proceeds go towards amazing services like offering free health care, legal assistance, and housing for NYC residents living with AIDS/HIV.
As we’ve mentioned before, Housing Works is also a great resource for free entertainment at their cafe and host unique events all year long. And if you really want to work on your karma, you can also volunteer at the store and get first dibs on all the goods.
Housing Works Warehouse Rag Sale
4849 35th St, between 48th & 49th Ave [Long Island City]
Saturday, Nov 7, 10am
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Tags: housing works book store, Long Island City, Thrift stores, Warehouse Rag Sale
It’s a shame so many thrift stores are just plain rip-offs…. The shopping by the pound is really cool. I’ve seen it in one other place, a store called The Garment District in Boston.