As an avid thrifter who loves finding quality pieces for a good deal, I enjoy spending a Saturday wandering around my favorite vintage shops. I also love a good story and when shopping vintage, you’re sure to find a treasure trove of anecdotes behind each store’s inventory. We’ve gathered a list of local thrift stores and vintage shops in Corpus Christi to help guide you on your next hunt. Plus, whether you’re looking for home decor or clothing, we tapped vintage sourcing queen Monica Ellison, of 20/20 Vintage, to provide tips to keep in mind before you head out.
MONICA’S TIPS & TRICKS
• Know Your Budget
Set a clear budget beforehand to avoid overspending. Thrifting is about finding great deals, so stick to your budget to maximize savings.
• Quality Over Quantity
Instead of grabbing everything that catches your eye, focus on finding high-quality pieces that will last longer and withstand wear and tear. Knowing brands helps, however, it isn’t necessary. If you love it and it fits your style, the brand doesn’t matter.
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• Inspect Carefully
Take the time to inspect items for any flaws, stains or damages thoroughly. Don’t hesitate to pass on items that require too much repair unless you’re willing to invest the money, time and effort. Take a loupe with you to look at the hallmarks of jewelry. Knowing the standard marking for sterling silver, gold or gold filled is important and increases the value of an item. Using Google Lens can also help identify items. But, be cautious! Just because someone on eBay has that same item for $500 doesn’t necessarily mean it’s worth that. Filter out sold items to help determine the value.
• Be Open-Minded
Keep an open mind and be willing to mix and match styles. Thrifting is all about uncovering unique treasures, so don’t limit yourself to specific trends. Who says a vintage teapot can’t double as a quirky flower vase or that a brooch can’t add a touch of glam to your denim jacket? Remember, creativity is endless!
• Patience Pays Off
Thrifting requires patience. Don’t expect to find everything you’re looking for in one trip. Enjoy the hunt and check back regularly for new arrivals and hidden gems.
THE SHOPS
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Washed Out
Inside Washed Out’s new location, shoppers will find a highly-curated selection of vintage gems. Browse through racks of denim, bathing suits, blouses, jackets and more. Newer additions to the shop include vintage books, home decor and upcycled merch.
Go for: An excellent curation of Y2K clothing and a large variety of vintage denim
3765 S. Alameda St #1103 | Open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
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VNP Gallery
Specializing in vintage music, sports and pop culture graphic tees, sneakers and brands like Supreme, Stussy and OFF WHITE, VNP Gallery is a one-stop shop for putting together the perfect streetwear fit. Keep an eye out for regular events and store-wide deals.
Go for: 90s graphic tees and a vintage shirt or jersey to rep your favorite sports team
427 Peoples St | Open Tuesday through Thursday and Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. and Friday through Sunday, noon to 8 p.m.
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Playground Exchange
From trending pieces such as Carhartt overalls and Harley Davidson tees to thrift staples like quality denim, vintage band tees and statement jackets, the team at Playground Exchange works hard to keep their racks stacked and fresh. If you’re lucky, Sox the shop cat might be roaming around when you stop by.
Go for: Graphic t-shirts, fun pants and tons of denim
1301 Ayers St | Open Tuesday through Saturday, 1 to 6 p.m.
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Threads
One of the best local spots to buy-sell-trade, Threads is a longtime Corpus Christi thrift staple. For those who might get overwhelmed by the number of items most thrift and vintage shops have, Threads is neatly organized into various sections including pants, jackets, dresses, tops, shoes, purses and a whole men’s section.
Go for: Killer deals and a constantly updated inventory
4646 Everhart Rd | Open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
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Chels Marie Boutique
Inside a charming two-story teal and lime green house downtown, Chels Marie Boutique offers a wide selection of vintage clothing and accessories. Make sure to ask about the Chels Marie Collection which features custom pieces with detailed embroidery and meaningful designs.
Go for: Cute dresses and original designs
903 N Chaparral St | Open Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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20/20 Vintage
Immaculate vibes abound when stepping into 20/20 Vintage. The shop is expertly curated (by our tip-giving queen Monica Ellison) with vintage clothing, accessories, shoes, various home decor pieces, vinyl and more. Don’t forget to wander around upstairs and outside in the alleyway, as more treasures await!
Go for: Everything (but also, this is an excellent place to shop for costumes or ensembles for a themed party)
423 Lomax St Suite A | Open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Red Crow Antique Mall
When it comes to this Antique Row spot on our list, you will want to carve out a bit of time in your day. You can easily spend a couple of hours wandering around the many corridors of the Red Crow Antique Mall. With over 40 vendors, you’ll find everything from a statement furniture piece to a fabulous necklace.
Go for: A great treasure hunt
4325 S Alameda St | Open Monday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Vintage Orchid Antiques
The third shop on our list from Antique Row, Vintage Orchid Antiques is a great place to score unique pieces for your home. Here you’ll find a selection of furniture and decor pieces ranging from Art Deco and Retro Americana to Danish Modern.
Go for: A curated selection of furniture and colored glassware
4333 S Alameda St A | Open Monday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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The Twisted Rose
Sports cards, jewelry, dishware, pottery and other great home decor items await inside The Twisted Rose. Each vendor’s booth features its own unique curation of vintage and antique goods waiting to be discovered.
Go for: Good deals and hidden gems
514 Everhart Rd | Open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.
Boxes from the Attic
Aptly nestled into the shopping strip known as Antique Row, Boxes from the Attic promotes a love for all things collectible and nostalgic. This spacious store includes over a dozen vendors showcasing anything from clothing and jewelry to vintage radios and globes.
Go for: A great variety of vendors
4315 S Alameda St | Open Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday noon to 5 p.m.
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Olive Blue Resale
This local shop opened a new location in the Del Mar Plaza and continues to deliver a top-notch curation of pieces. Here you’ll find a variety of clothing styles spanning several decades and great pieces to help finish out that one room in your home. Plus, shop the cutest potted plants in vintage vessels!
Go for: Unique home decor, clothing and accessories
1917 S Staples St | Open Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.
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Renaissance Antiques
Another great stop on Antique Row, this vintage wonderland will keep you busy for hours. From furniture pieces and books to hundreds of knickknacks and several rooms dedicated to clothing and accessories, there really is something for everyone inside this two-story shop. Check out the “Mantiques” section filled with clothing, accessories and other fun items with a more masculine touch.
Go for: The fashions
4317 S Alameda St | Open Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.
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BABA One of a Kind
Dedicated to sourcing a delightful mix of new and old handcrafted, solid wood furniture from around the world, BABA is one of the best places in town to find beautiful pieces for your home. Here you’ll find antique furniture, doors and columns dating back to the English, Dutch and Portuguese colonial periods, as well as a variety of trunks, benches, cupboards, chairs and tables.
Go for: One-of-a-kind furniture pieces
2756 Santa Fe St | Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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Thia’s Knick Nacks
Hidden gems are waiting to be discovered at this local vintage shop. Thia’s Knick Nacks has shelves upon shelves of dish sets, vases, artwork, books and, you guessed it, knickknacks.
Go for: A new-to-you dishware set
821 S Staples St STE B & C | Open Thursday through Saturday, noon to 6 p.m.
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Wildflowers
Though some of the inventory at Wildflowers consists of modern items, don’t skip over its selection of curated vintage goods, including statement furniture pieces, framed book pages, vases and more. Plus, keep an eye out for vintage seasonal and holiday decor items!
Go for: A highly curated collection of vintage pieces for your home
309 N Water St STE C | Open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
