Connecticut is the third smallest state in the US. It’s known for its beautiful nature, great schools, and safe communities. It’s also a state with wonderful thrift stores to shop at.

The proceeds from many of these shops support some worthy causes. Here are some of the best thrift shops you can go thrifting at in Connecticut.

1. Mystic Woman’s Club (Pawcatuk)

Mystic Woman’s Club thrift shop has been in the CT area for over 45 years. It’s the main source of fundraising for the organization, which is a non-profit that supports causes within the community.

The group awards scholarships to a graduating senior selected by the local schools. Additionally, any donations they receive give household items and clothing to fire and flood victims, PNC, and the New London Homeless Shelter.

Bags of clothing are given to collection bins for MADD, Breast Cancer, and St Vincent’s. Lastly, they give away worn-out linens to the local animal shelters.

Be aware that masks are required by all of their staff and customers. You should also note that there are no restrooms or dressing rooms.

The store also encourages customers to bring a reusable bag to carry their items. You’ll find jeans and slacks for $1.00, tops, dresses, and skirts for $3.00, spring jackets for $4.00, and spring coats for $6.00.

Beyond clothing, you can also find hardcover and paperback books. The store is open from 12 PM to 3 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and from 11 AM to 3 PM on Saturdays.

2. Act II Thrift Shop (Madison)

Act II Thrift Shop strives to provide affordable prices for quality items. They feature a variety of inventory which includes art, books, clothing, furniture, and much more.

They sell clothing for men, women, children, and teens. The clothes are current, in season, and gently used. If you’re looking for furniture, you’ll find some tables, dressers, rugs, and other items.

They will accept donations of items but do not offer consignment. The shop provides a list of requirements for what they accept and provides information on what they aren’t able to accept.

Proceeds are donated to youth-related charitable causes. The store is open Wednesday through Friday from 12 PM to 4 PM, and Saturdays from 10 AM to 4 PM.

3. The Red Barn Thrift Shop (Woodbury)

The Red Barn Thrift Shop sells gently used clothes, household goods, and books. They have top designer brands like Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, and American Eagle.

With the support of the community, they’re able to donate to local charity organizations. Some of the ways they’ve helped include giving blankets to Companion Pet Rescue and providing new stuffed animals for the Kids in Crisis program. In addition, they help support Safe Haven Women’s Emergency Shelter, Woodbury Community Services, and Southbury Training School.

Any clothing that’s not able to be sold is recycled. The shop is proud to have kept over five tons of clothing out of local landfills. The store is open from 10 AM to 1 PM on Wednesday, and 10 AM to 2 PM Thursday through Saturday.

4. Carousel Thrift Shop (Southport)

While this shop is currently closed, they will be reopening in February. You can still make donations to them in the meantime. You just have to give them a call.

When this shop does reopen, you can shop there Tuesday through Friday from 11 AM to 3 PM. They’ll also be able to receive your donations in person on Thursdays through Saturdays from 10 AM to 12 PM. Some of the items they accept include gently used clothing, handbags, and jewelry.

5. Savers (Newington, Brookfield, Manchester, Orange)

If you’re looking for a vintage shop that’s open every day, Savers is the place. They’re open at 10 AM seven days of the week, closing at 8 PM every day except Sunday when they close at 7 PM. Savers donation center is open all days of the week too.

Seniors can get 30% off their order on Tuesdays. In addition, if any customer drops off a household or clothing item, you’ll get 20% off your next order.

One thing that should be kept in mind is that Savers is a for-profit thrift shop. That means proceeds do not support any nonprofit organizations.

They do however pay their nonprofit partners for items that have been donated by the community, which in return funds programs in the community. The company also believes in keeping fewer items out of landfills, which is why they encourage people to donate their used items to them.

6. EBM Vintage (New Haven)

This shop prides itself on selling everything vintage. EBM Vintage sells clothing, furniture, kitchen items, housewares, old photographs, and more.

The store is located in downtown New Haven, not far from the campus of Yale. They will allow you up to 7 days to return an item, except for clothing, cut fabric, and shoes, which are final.

EBM vintage also offers rentals to their customers for 20% of the cost. You have to pay the full price upfront, and then, once you return it within four weeks, you’ll get the difference back.

If an item is damaged when returned, you become responsible for the full cost. This vintage shop is open Wednesday through Sunday from 12 to 6 PM.

7. Safe Haven Thrift Shop (Southbury)

Donations to Safe Haven Thrift Shop are accepted Monday Through Saturday from 10 AM to 2 PM. The store features items such as gently used antiques, collectibles, and clothing. You’ll also find housewares, curiosities, and furniture as well.

Your purchases help to support confidential and free services to survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence and their families. Safe Haven does work in the community to raise awareness for this issue. The store is open from 10 AM to 4 PM Monday through Saturday and 10 AM to 1 PM on Sunday.

8. Red, White & Blue Thrift Store (Waterbury)

Red White & Blue Thrift Store offers secondhand clothes, furniture, decor, electronics, and many other items. They express that their shoppers can find great savings on many quality items.

They offer daily 50% off specials every day except Wednesday for any and all shoppers. Wednesday’s special is left reserved for seniors, who get 50% off items in a variety of departments in the store. You can shop at Red, White & Blue Thrift Store Monday through Saturday from 9 AM to 6 PM.

9. Favarh Thrift Shop (Canton)

All the purchases from Favarh Thrift Shop support services and programs that help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It’s run by volunteers who give their time to making sure the store is welcoming and running well.

Some of the items you’ll find at the shop are men’s and women’s clothing, accessories, music, and shoes. They also accept donations of gently used items.

Be sure donated items are clean and in good working condition. You should also be mindful that masks are required when entering the location. Favarh Thrift Shop is open from 10 AM to 4 PM Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, and 10:00 AM to 6 PM Thursday.

10. Max and Lily’s Closet (West Hartford)

Max and Lily’s Closet is a children’s consignments store that advertises itself as upscale, green, and affordable. The secondhand store features a variety of colorful clothes and toys for kids.

The company also offers accessories for expectant mothers. You’ll find numerous positive reviews left by happy customers on their website. The store is open Tuesday through Friday from 11 AM to 4 PM, and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

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