Bargain Hunters’ Havens: North
These North Jersey thrift, consignment and vintage stores will help you find one-of-a-kind deals at perfectly reasonable prices.
Act II Consignment Shoppe, Stirling
Grab nifty stuff at a fraction of retail prices in this charming store operated by a super-friendly staff. You’ll find nearly new women’s and men’s clothing, bric-a-brac and small furniture, plus an intriguing selection of jewelry and shoes, too. 274 Main Avenue; 908-626-1600—Susan Brierly
Another Man’s Treasure, Jersey City
This vintage store is loaded with on-trend bargain finds—predominantly men’s and women’s fashions, accessories, shoes and jewelry from the 1940s to the ’80s. New pieces added daily. Easy access one block from the PATH station. 353 Grove Street; 201-860-9990—SB
Augusta Mae Boutique and Fine Consignment, Cranford
For one-of-a-kind deals, explore this hip shop that encourages clientele to re-use, revitalize and re-purpose gently used fashion and furnishings. We spotted a rack of groovy purses and grabbed a leather J.Crew handbag for a measly $20. 35 Alden Street; 908-370-7748—SB
Grab nifty stuff at a fraction of retail prices in this charming store operated by a super-friendly staff. You’ll find nearly new women’s and men’s clothing, bric-a-brac and small furniture, plus an intriguing selection of jewelry and shoes, too. 274 Main Avenue; 908-626-1600—Susan Brierly
Another Man’s Treasure, Jersey City
This vintage store is loaded with on-trend bargain finds—predominantly men’s and women’s fashions, accessories, shoes and jewelry from the 1940s to the ’80s. New pieces added daily. Easy access one block from the PATH station. 353 Grove Street; 201-860-9990—SB
Augusta Mae Boutique and Fine Consignment, Cranford
For one-of-a-kind deals, explore this hip shop that encourages clientele to re-use, revitalize and re-purpose gently used fashion and furnishings. We spotted a rack of groovy purses and grabbed a leather J.Crew handbag for a measly $20. 35 Alden Street; 908-370-7748—SB
The Bargain Box, Morristown
This decades-old favorite is billed as a thrift boutique with a touch of class. Its two floors are always chock-full of high-quality, gently used clothing, shoes, handbags, jewelry, household items, books—and even vintage fashion. Proceeds benefit the Women’s Association of Morristown Medical Center. 102 Mt. Kemble Avenue, Route 202; 973-267-1334—SB
This decades-old favorite is billed as a thrift boutique with a touch of class. Its two floors are always chock-full of high-quality, gently used clothing, shoes, handbags, jewelry, household items, books—and even vintage fashion. Proceeds benefit the Women’s Association of Morristown Medical Center. 102 Mt. Kemble Avenue, Route 202; 973-267-1334—SB
Dover Antique Center, Dover
A go-to resource for decorators and collectors, with an ample selection of vintage art, furniture, jewelry, books, clocks, LPs and more. Browse among 20 dealers who aren’t afraid to negotiate. We scored a cool antique sunburst mirror for just 48 bucks. 10 N. Warren Street; 973-989-4470—SB
A go-to resource for decorators and collectors, with an ample selection of vintage art, furniture, jewelry, books, clocks, LPs and more. Browse among 20 dealers who aren’t afraid to negotiate. We scored a cool antique sunburst mirror for just 48 bucks. 10 N. Warren Street; 973-989-4470—SB
Barneys Consignment, Mendham
Located in the heart of historic Mendham and described by its owner as a “curious little shop,” Barneys takes in gently worn designer clothing, shoes and accessories for women, as well as select children’s clothing and home décor. We discovered a $460 pair of designer pumps for $95. Ask about Wine-and-
Consign parties. 22 E. Main Street; 973-543-1029—SB
DoubleTake Luxury Consignment, Multiple locations
Walk through the door and discover a huge selection of high-quality, current designer looks for women. The displays are so neatly done, you’ll think you’re in a traditional fashion retailer rather than a consignment shop. Locations in Ridgewood, Englewood, Red Bank and Short Hills. 201-445-2525—SB
Duet Boutique, Livingston
Super-upscale labels and a staff expertly trained to authenticate designer merchandise define this shop. Women’s shoes, handbags, clothing and jewelry by Hermes, Celine, Ferragamo, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Dior are offered at a fraction of original retail price. We found a $2,400 Celine bag for $1,100.79 S. Livingston Avenue; 973-535-1133—SB
4 Ever Michelle Couture, Multiple locations
Walking into this shop is like entering a carefully curated closet of designer shoes, handbags, jewelry and clothing. Expect friendly staff and good seasonal sales, like a pair of funky hipster boots on the clearance rack for $25. Locations in Morristown, Bernardsville, Scotch Plains, Montclair and Lambertville. 973-538-6700—SB
Located in the heart of historic Mendham and described by its owner as a “curious little shop,” Barneys takes in gently worn designer clothing, shoes and accessories for women, as well as select children’s clothing and home décor. We discovered a $460 pair of designer pumps for $95. Ask about Wine-and-
Consign parties. 22 E. Main Street; 973-543-1029—SB
DoubleTake Luxury Consignment, Multiple locations
Walk through the door and discover a huge selection of high-quality, current designer looks for women. The displays are so neatly done, you’ll think you’re in a traditional fashion retailer rather than a consignment shop. Locations in Ridgewood, Englewood, Red Bank and Short Hills. 201-445-2525—SB
Duet Boutique, Livingston
Super-upscale labels and a staff expertly trained to authenticate designer merchandise define this shop. Women’s shoes, handbags, clothing and jewelry by Hermes, Celine, Ferragamo, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Dior are offered at a fraction of original retail price. We found a $2,400 Celine bag for $1,100.79 S. Livingston Avenue; 973-535-1133—SB
4 Ever Michelle Couture, Multiple locations
Walking into this shop is like entering a carefully curated closet of designer shoes, handbags, jewelry and clothing. Expect friendly staff and good seasonal sales, like a pair of funky hipster boots on the clearance rack for $25. Locations in Morristown, Bernardsville, Scotch Plains, Montclair and Lambertville. 973-538-6700—SB
Furnishing Solutions, Morris Plains
Primarily dealing in furniture, this used-goods store has lots of nostalgic pieces, from Grandma’s dining room set (Drexel, circa 1950) to Grandpa’s easy chair (Sears, circa 1970). Expect upholstered pieces with good bones in need of reupholstering, or wooden pieces with varying degrees of scuffs. You’ll find a small cache of table lamps and chandeliers, tabletop goods and lots of artwork—mostly prints and run-of-the-mill frames, but sometimes ornately gilded wooden ones, too. The spacious and well-organized store is run by volunteers who sometimes tack up magazine pages with examples of how a furniture item might look after a makeover. Last year, Furnishing Solutions held a few inventory-clearing days, where specific goods were tagged free for the taking. The store’s proceeds benefit parent organization, Morristown-based Homeless Solutions. 2960 Route 10, Powder Mill Plaza West; 973-998-0322—Deborah Carter
Goodwill Stores, Multiple locations
Yup, the same place you take your too-small, too-worn clothing after spring cleaning. But remember that neon sweater that seemed like a good idea in the store, but not so much in the mirror at home? The tags were still on when you delivered it into the the donation drop box, destined to become someone else’s treasure. Hence, the inventory at New Jersey’s nine Goodwill stores varies widely and daily. The stores are low on ambience, but have an organized, clean, supermarket brightness. Items are displayed by color and are priced to please. Most stores offer apparel for the whole family, furniture and housewares. Purchases from this nationwide nonprofit support its mission of job creation and training. Donations are tax deductible.—DC
Primarily dealing in furniture, this used-goods store has lots of nostalgic pieces, from Grandma’s dining room set (Drexel, circa 1950) to Grandpa’s easy chair (Sears, circa 1970). Expect upholstered pieces with good bones in need of reupholstering, or wooden pieces with varying degrees of scuffs. You’ll find a small cache of table lamps and chandeliers, tabletop goods and lots of artwork—mostly prints and run-of-the-mill frames, but sometimes ornately gilded wooden ones, too. The spacious and well-organized store is run by volunteers who sometimes tack up magazine pages with examples of how a furniture item might look after a makeover. Last year, Furnishing Solutions held a few inventory-clearing days, where specific goods were tagged free for the taking. The store’s proceeds benefit parent organization, Morristown-based Homeless Solutions. 2960 Route 10, Powder Mill Plaza West; 973-998-0322—Deborah Carter
Goodwill Stores, Multiple locations
Yup, the same place you take your too-small, too-worn clothing after spring cleaning. But remember that neon sweater that seemed like a good idea in the store, but not so much in the mirror at home? The tags were still on when you delivered it into the the donation drop box, destined to become someone else’s treasure. Hence, the inventory at New Jersey’s nine Goodwill stores varies widely and daily. The stores are low on ambience, but have an organized, clean, supermarket brightness. Items are displayed by color and are priced to please. Most stores offer apparel for the whole family, furniture and housewares. Purchases from this nationwide nonprofit support its mission of job creation and training. Donations are tax deductible.—DC
Home Again Design, New Providence
This high-end furniture consignment shop carries goods that show little wear—as reflected in the pricing. Still, A-plus offerings remain well below the prices new furnishings would fetch. There’s artwork, accessories, lighting and rugs throughout. Names like Robert Abbey Lamps, Lilly Pulitzer, Hooker, Bungalow 5 and Steuben come—and go. They also stock a small selection of quality jewelry. 1330 Springfield Avenue; 908-464-8800—DC
Home Economics Consignment Store, Westfield
Current designer clothes, handbags, jewelry, eclectic furniture and other items for the home at 50 to 80 percent off retail all year round. You’ll find favorite labels from Target to Chanel, Home Goods to Henredon. We grabbed a Kate Spade handbag for $20. 415 Rahway Avenue, Rear Building; 908-451-6551—SB
This high-end furniture consignment shop carries goods that show little wear—as reflected in the pricing. Still, A-plus offerings remain well below the prices new furnishings would fetch. There’s artwork, accessories, lighting and rugs throughout. Names like Robert Abbey Lamps, Lilly Pulitzer, Hooker, Bungalow 5 and Steuben come—and go. They also stock a small selection of quality jewelry. 1330 Springfield Avenue; 908-464-8800—DC
Home Economics Consignment Store, Westfield
Current designer clothes, handbags, jewelry, eclectic furniture and other items for the home at 50 to 80 percent off retail all year round. You’ll find favorite labels from Target to Chanel, Home Goods to Henredon. We grabbed a Kate Spade handbag for $20. 415 Rahway Avenue, Rear Building; 908-451-6551—SB
Hope Chest Thrift Store, Westfield
Operated by Union County’s Center for Hope volunteers, this store helps subsidize hospice and palliative care. Shop for new and barely used men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, toys, books and household items. You’ll find deals like a vintage spring scarf for a whopping $3. 26 Prospect Street; 908-233-9973—SB
Operated by Union County’s Center for Hope volunteers, this store helps subsidize hospice and palliative care. Shop for new and barely used men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, toys, books and household items. You’ll find deals like a vintage spring scarf for a whopping $3. 26 Prospect Street; 908-233-9973—SB
Junior League of Summit Thrift Shop, Summit
The oldest retail business in downtown Summit, this bargain paradise is packed with clothing for the entire family, baby items, housewares, bikes, toys and electronics. Special events hosted each season. 37 DeForest Avenue, 908-273-7349—SB
L.O.V.E. Furniture & Art Gallery, East Hanover
Brave the creepy back road lined with commercial warehouses, and you’ll be rewarded with L.O.V.E.—an acronym for Limited Original Vintage Eclectic. The huge gallery is the brainchild of Peter and Tracey Lambeseder, a couple with a passion for up-cycling furniture. They scout auction and estate sales and transform the old into trendy with a quick cleaning and colorful paint job. The deals are the best when you purchase sets, like a chrome ice-cream-parlor-style table with a pair of hot-pink stools, priced at $275. There are plenty of vintage rock-concert posters at $20; unusual books—Stephen King’s Nightmares & Dreamscapes— for $3. An array of reupholstered antique chairs hangs from the ceiling. 8 Great Meadow Lane; 973-585-7163—Joanna Buffum
The oldest retail business in downtown Summit, this bargain paradise is packed with clothing for the entire family, baby items, housewares, bikes, toys and electronics. Special events hosted each season. 37 DeForest Avenue, 908-273-7349—SB
L.O.V.E. Furniture & Art Gallery, East Hanover
Brave the creepy back road lined with commercial warehouses, and you’ll be rewarded with L.O.V.E.—an acronym for Limited Original Vintage Eclectic. The huge gallery is the brainchild of Peter and Tracey Lambeseder, a couple with a passion for up-cycling furniture. They scout auction and estate sales and transform the old into trendy with a quick cleaning and colorful paint job. The deals are the best when you purchase sets, like a chrome ice-cream-parlor-style table with a pair of hot-pink stools, priced at $275. There are plenty of vintage rock-concert posters at $20; unusual books—Stephen King’s Nightmares & Dreamscapes— for $3. An array of reupholstered antique chairs hangs from the ceiling. 8 Great Meadow Lane; 973-585-7163—Joanna Buffum
Market Street Mission Thrift Store, Morristown
A favorite shopping spot for New Jersey Monthly staff, the two-story Market Street Mission store is loaded with bargain-priced new and used furniture, jewelry, clothing, housewares, appliances, sporting goods, office furnishings and knickknacks. Donations, picked up free, are tax deductible. All proceeds benefit the mission. 25 George Street; 973-538-0427—SB
A favorite shopping spot for New Jersey Monthly staff, the two-story Market Street Mission store is loaded with bargain-priced new and used furniture, jewelry, clothing, housewares, appliances, sporting goods, office furnishings and knickknacks. Donations, picked up free, are tax deductible. All proceeds benefit the mission. 25 George Street; 973-538-0427—SB
Nearly New Shop, MorristownOwned and operated by the Junior League of Morristown, this resale and consignment shop is celebrating its 50th anniversary. It’s always stocked with quality women’s, men’s and children’s clothing, jewelry, china, linens, small appliances, toys and housewares. For $12, we snagged a never-worn men’s shirt and tie combo. Ask about Sip-and-Shop events, held the last Friday of each month. 7 King Place, Morristown; 973-539-4274—SB
New Leaf Consignment, MadisonFind brand-name labels and an eclectic mix of middle- to high-end designer apparel, accessories, handbags and jewelry—all at affordable prices. Stop in regularly to take advantage of frequent reductions. Visit the back room for the most frugal finds. 16 Park Avenue; 973-377-2422—SB
Once and Again, Madison
Shop an eclectic mix of affordable treasures—designer clothes, accessories and home decor. New inventory arrives daily and business is brisk. Recently, a stunning lacquer tray and trinket box added up to just $28 for the set. 52 Main Street; 973-360-9600—SB
New Leaf Consignment, MadisonFind brand-name labels and an eclectic mix of middle- to high-end designer apparel, accessories, handbags and jewelry—all at affordable prices. Stop in regularly to take advantage of frequent reductions. Visit the back room for the most frugal finds. 16 Park Avenue; 973-377-2422—SB
Once and Again, Madison
Shop an eclectic mix of affordable treasures—designer clothes, accessories and home decor. New inventory arrives daily and business is brisk. Recently, a stunning lacquer tray and trinket box added up to just $28 for the set. 52 Main Street; 973-360-9600—SB
Plato’s Closet, Multiple locationsTrendy, barely worn clothing for teens and young adults fill the shelves at up to 70 percent off mall retail prices. Plentiful buys for girls (sizes 0/1 to 15/16) and guys (sizes 28 to 40). Locations in Fairfield, Raritan and Edison.—SB
Restyle Renew, Denville You’ll find designer labels, jewelry, furniture, and select handcrafted works from local artists at this high-volume store. Restyle turns over inventory quickly, so there’s always a big selection. 27 E. Main Street; 973-983-8100—SB
Restyle Renew, Denville You’ll find designer labels, jewelry, furniture, and select handcrafted works from local artists at this high-volume store. Restyle turns over inventory quickly, so there’s always a big selection. 27 E. Main Street; 973-983-8100—SB
Second Time Around, Multiple locationsFor upscale consignment resale, a good first step is Second Time Around, located in Madison, Summit, Englewood, Haddonfield and Ridgewood. Each location stocks favorites like J.Crew, Kate Spade and Anthropologie brands, all new or nearly new. Expect a carefully curated collection of women’s clothing, shoes, handbags and jewelry. 201-857-4085—SB
Savvy Chic, RidgewoodSearch to your heart’s content. Explore rack after rack of Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci, Prada, J.Crew and other hard-to-find labels. Recently, a cashmere Lilly Pulitzer sweater rang up for less than 30 bucks. 30 Cottage Place; 201-389-6900—SB
Speakeasy Vintage, Montclair
Film- and TV-wardrobe designers and prop stylists flock here in search of well-priced finds from the 1920s to the 1980s. The curiously curated shop is located on the second floor so, just like entering a speakeasy, you’ll need to ring the bell inside the vestibule to be buzzed in. No secret password required.465 Bloomfield Avenue; 973-783-4911—SB
Taylor’s Consignors, Morris PlainsYou can find some fabulous treasures in this two-story shop, which offers great prices and seasonal bag sales (fill up a paper bag for one low price). Merchandise includes women’s designer clothing, jewelry, shoes and accessories as well as men’s and kids’ clothes and home décor. This is a rare consignment store with a professional tailor on premises—a real plus if your finds need alternations. 752 Speedwell Avenue; 973-267-1919—SB
Speakeasy Vintage, Montclair
Film- and TV-wardrobe designers and prop stylists flock here in search of well-priced finds from the 1920s to the 1980s. The curiously curated shop is located on the second floor so, just like entering a speakeasy, you’ll need to ring the bell inside the vestibule to be buzzed in. No secret password required.465 Bloomfield Avenue; 973-783-4911—SB
Taylor’s Consignors, Morris PlainsYou can find some fabulous treasures in this two-story shop, which offers great prices and seasonal bag sales (fill up a paper bag for one low price). Merchandise includes women’s designer clothing, jewelry, shoes and accessories as well as men’s and kids’ clothes and home décor. This is a rare consignment store with a professional tailor on premises—a real plus if your finds need alternations. 752 Speedwell Avenue; 973-267-1919—SB
Time After Time, MadisonBette Moore takes pride in her inventory of high-end vintage and designer pieces from the past. The 82-year-old shop owner is sharp as a tack and ready to negotiate, figuring the prices in her head based on her personal attachment to the item, how she found it and how long she’s had it. Her collection includes estate jewelry, silver vanity mirrors and delicate veils. Recently, a Ralph Lauren one-piece bathing suit from the 1950s was marked at $35; a 1940s hourglass-fitted cocktail dress from Bergdorf Goodman and a selection of full-length furs were $45 (which seems to be her favorite price point). Closed Tuesday and Wednesday. 81 Main Street, 973-966-6877—JB
Unique, Multiple locations
This chain thrift shop has seven New Jersey outposts. The goods are donated items purchased from nonprofits. The goods (men’s and women’s clothing, jewelry, accessories, books, records, furniture and everything else, including an occasional kitchen sink) ranges from new to gently used to has-seen-better-days. The atmosphere is no-frills, but recent visits netted a Simon Pearce lamp that retails for $200 marked $14.99; a pristine Dooney & Bourke purse for $69; and a mid-century modern Lane coffee and end tables for $7.99 each. —DC
This chain thrift shop has seven New Jersey outposts. The goods are donated items purchased from nonprofits. The goods (men’s and women’s clothing, jewelry, accessories, books, records, furniture and everything else, including an occasional kitchen sink) ranges from new to gently used to has-seen-better-days. The atmosphere is no-frills, but recent visits netted a Simon Pearce lamp that retails for $200 marked $14.99; a pristine Dooney & Bourke purse for $69; and a mid-century modern Lane coffee and end tables for $7.99 each. —DC
Westfield Service League Thrift Shop, Westfield
This charming home turned thrift/consignment shop has clothing for the whole family, new toys, and bric–a-brac. We found Brooks Brothers shoes for $3. Proceeds are donated to local charities. 114 Elmer Street, 908-233-2530—SB
This charming home turned thrift/consignment shop has clothing for the whole family, new toys, and bric–a-brac. We found Brooks Brothers shoes for $3. Proceeds are donated to local charities. 114 Elmer Street, 908-233-2530—SB
Winterhill Antiques, Scotch Plains
With 14 dealers, this place is full of juicy finds, upstairs and downstairs in the vintage shop. We grabbed a retro brass-link belt for a mere $19. There’s no need to shop Manhattan when you can find so many hip treasures here—at Scotch Plains prices. 425 Park Avenue; 908-322-2553—SB
With 14 dealers, this place is full of juicy finds, upstairs and downstairs in the vintage shop. We grabbed a retro brass-link belt for a mere $19. There’s no need to shop Manhattan when you can find so many hip treasures here—at Scotch Plains prices. 425 Park Avenue; 908-322-2553—SB
Junkin Irishman