For the budget minded, or the impossibly hip who prefer to hunt for treasure in lieu of the instant gratification of online shopping, West Michigan has fabulous frugal finds. Whether you jam on vintage shops offering curated gems, enjoy the charm of a fine antique store, or prefer chic scores strictly available in higher-end resale and consignment shops — here’s where to start.
Grand Rapids
An unexpected haven for treasure hunting, GR has a long list of thrifting options. Two local mainstays happen to be neighbors. Captain Bizarro’s Treasure World (442 Leonard St. NW) features a number of different vendors and blends a funky antique shop vibe with vintage dresses and wacky rent-able costumes and props. GR Vintage Thrift (450 Leonard St. NW, formerly Flashback) is the super cool spot where you finally nab the leather jacket you’ve been lusting after along with a pair of old platform vinyl boots. The fabulously curated IC Hair & Vintage aka Imagination Creations (337 Diamond Ave. NE) features all the cowboy boots you could handle, jewelry, handpicked vintage garments and a stylish hair salon. Flashlight Alley (1507 Wealthy St. SE), tucked in the heart of Eastown, offers an array of retro tchotchkes, garments and local art. For newer clothing, handbags and brand name finds, Urban Exchange (926 Fulton St. E) will have you leaving with your arms full of lovely items. Conscious Collective (445 Bridge St. NW) stocks newer items on consignment.
Kalamazoo
While there are the usual names like Salvation Army in the area, for household goods head to Retro (1301 S Westnedge Ave.) where you can score “unique, clean and high quality mid-century furniture and accessories.” They also offer estate sale services.
Lansing
Lambs Gate Antiques (1219 Turner St.) offers “a true antique shopping experience.” This cute and colorful shop features ephemera and unique goods spanning all categories of thrifting heaven. Reimagined furniture, up-cycled art pieces, home decor and retro finds can be had at Vintage Junkies (1829 S Washington Ave.). Purchase handmade jewelry created from thrifted pieces or scoop up some and create your own.
Holland
Calling themselves the “number one consignment store in Michigan,” The Hive (716 Chicago Drive Holland) features over 22,000 square feet of clothing for adults and children along with sporting goods and “adds over 1,000 near new products a day.” Ditto Upscale Resale (571 E. 8th St., Holland) offers an array of gently used products but “resembles a department store in atmosphere and selection.”
Grand Haven
Need a sparkly animal print clutch or a rhinestone encrusted set of pumps? Head to Purple Rose Boutique (232 Jackson St.) which offers nearly new women’s clothing at thrift store prices. Maybe you just gotta have a chic scarf or stylish outfit. Lots of fashionable finds are to be had at this fancy shop with fun décor and lots of eye catching wares.
Marshall
Marshall Michigan is home to a handful of fantastic thrift opportunities. Pop over to Jill’s Addiction (339 S Grand St.) which features antique and vintage goodies, furniture and household goods. As a bonus, fabulous broaches and dresses are offered at a steal. Colorful vibes abound with holiday themed booths at Amazing Grace Antiques (106 W Michigan Ave.), along with your typical whimsical and fun antique finds, they specialize in costume jewelry and eclectic accessories. One more must in the area is the hip Vint Edge (5036 Dixie Hwy., Waterford Twp.) which sells vintage and modern items. You can grab up everything from unique accessories to1950s through1980s clothing at low price points.
Saugatuck
Described as the “most unique store in Saugatuck,” Swell Times (421 Water St.) has a retro facade and offers tons of movie and television memorabilia like posters, action figures and more. New home goods like candles and cell phone cases are available as well. Also near the lakeshore, the Saugatuck Antique Pavilion (2948 Blue Star Hwy., formerly the Blue Star Antique Mall) is a destination for any thrift and antique aficionado. With over 48,000 square feet of goods and professionally managed, you can find just about anything seven days a week. The single level pavilion features 175 dealers on site for your browsing pleasure. Plus, Saugatuck Brewing Company is connected to the same building so you can shop around for brews in between moments of shopping victory.
