Cape Town is a well-known city for its eclectic mix of cultures and creative energy, and this extends to the city’s thriving thrift store scene. So whether you’re looking to invest in a designer piece, furnish your home with unique vintage finds, or grab some budget-friendly clothes, Cape Town’s thrift stores have something for everyone. Here are some of the best spots to thrift in Cape Town, from Muizenberg to Mitchells Plain.
Own a Designer Piece
If you’re looking for designer items but want to save your savings account, check out Afraid of Mice. This tidy store offers a range of labels like Burberry, Versace, Balmain, YSL, and Louis Vuitton. In addition, budget-friendly items like Levi’s are also available, and there’s even a bargain box. The store is open Monday to Friday from 10 am to 5:30 pm and Saturday from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm.
Find Rare Sneakers
Sneakerheads, Yams is the perfect online thrift and sneaker store for you. You’ll find major brands like Yeezy, Air Jordan, LeBron James x Nike, Converse, and more here. Yams also sells new sneakers, graphic tees, and sportswear on Instagram.
Spend Money for a Good Cause
Oasis is a charity store that benefits and employs people with intellectual disabilities. It sells secondhand bric-a-brac, furniture, clothing, and books. The funds from Oasis are used to sustain daycare centers, provide counseling and skills development training, and even healthcare. Oasis also accepts used items so you can give back to the community while thrifting. You can find Oasis at various locations in Claremont, Fish Hoek, and Elsies River, and their hours vary by location.
Buy Funky Clothes and Decor
Retro Club & Co is a new addition to the Cape Town thrift scene, opening at the end of 2021. This colorful store sells funky secondhand clothes and eco-conscious new items, jewelry, candles, home goods, and other wares from small local businesses. Retro Club & Co is open from 10 am to 4 pm, Wednesday to Sunday.
Invest in a Vintage Radiogram
iVintage Yakho offers chic and elegant women’s clothing, such as classic dresses, blazers, and vintage suits. It also sells vintage furniture that is difficult to find elsewhere, like sideboards and radiograms. You can find iVintage Yakho on their website or Instagram.
Kit Out Your Home (Or Drop Off Old Goods)
Anything Goes a furniture shop that lives up to its name. You can find virtually anything you’re looking for here, including tables, chairs, ottomans, beds, lamps, decor, accessories, and genuine vintage items. Anything Goes also offers a furniture removal service and will sell your unwanted items for you. The store is open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm, Saturday from 9:30 am to 2 pm, and Sunday from 9 am to 2 pm.
Visit This Thrift Institution
Nevernew has two stores in Observatory, and you’ll be able to find just about anything regarding clothing. The stores are evenly divided between men’s and women’s items, and there’s everything from classy dresses, sturdy jean jackets, festival gear, Doc Martens, retro button-downs, and more. Nevernew is open Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm and Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm.
Help the Homeless with Your Buy
U-turn has charity shops across Cape Town, from the CBD to Durbanville and Mitchells Plain. Profits go towards serving the homeless community in Cape Town, providing essential needs relief, rehabilitation and occupational therapy, and skills development support. In addition, they offer secondhand clothes, furniture, and household goods, and their hours vary by location.
Cape Town’s thrift store scene is a treasure trove of unique finds waiting to be discovered. So whether you’re looking to invest in designer pieces, find rare sneakers, furnish your home with vintage finds, or support a good cause, there’s something for everyone in Cape Town’s thrifting community.
