A definition of thrifting – when one visits several different thrift shops, second-hand shops, and vintage clothing stores in the hopes of buying several items of cheap and unusual clothing and other items. One usually does this with friends.
This is exactly what we did in Newcastle a few weekends ago, from vintage pop-ups to regular retro shops. We spent a whole day thrifting in Newcastle and it was great fun (and not expensive).
Vintage Vera
We began our day at Vintage Vera which is one of the UK’s best providers of pre-loved vintage clothing. They host pop-up Vintage kilo sale events in many locations and this weekend it was at the Gate, in Newcastle. They promote conscious consumerism by taking part in the recycled and reused economies, citing that sustainability should be a leading concern for everyone if we are going to look after our planet. The clothes on offer here range from jeans and jackets to shirts and jumpers with mainly an 80s/90s vibe. You pick up a bag on entry and then get to rummage through rails of fantastic vintage stock. Select what you want and then weigh it. At £15 a kilo, it’s really good value.
Worth the Weight
Next we hopped up to the Civic Centre for Worth the Wait Vintage kilo sale. This is very much 60s/70s with a little foray into 80s/90s. They also have bags, hats, scarves and sunglasses. This is priced the same at £15 a kilo with the same picking and weighing method. Worth the Weight was founded in 2018 as a way of fighting fast fashion.
The Vintage Scene
After our purchases at the kilo sales, we hunted out the vintage shops. First stop was The Vintage Scene in Ridley Place. This is a very different experience to the vintage popups. All items individually priced (like regular shops lol!). It has a cool vibe and has the added luxury of changing rooms. Not necessarily what I’d term ‘thrifting’ but definitely vintage 90s/00s.
The Yesterday Society
The Yesterday Society is a vintage boutique in Alley 1 of the Grainger Market. It describes itself as an Aladdin’s cave packed to the rafters with vintage and retro clothing and accessories for men and women, and they’re not wrong.
Retro Newcastle
There is also Newcastle’s longest trading vintage boutique, Retro Newcastle, which has been open for over 20 years. This is situated at High Bridge and over 2 floors stocks lots of vintage jackets, dresses, shirts and tops. This is 60s/70s/80s/90s clothing.
Flip
Specialising in genuine, original American menswear, Flip sells brands like Levi’s and Wrangler as well as heavy-weight flannel and US military-style shirts. It’s been around since 1978 and ladies, don’t let the menswear focus put you off. I have found great vintage jackets and hoodies here plus there were a couple of rails of blouses and tops.
Let’s not forget the ultimate thrift shops – charity shops!! Don’t necessarily think they are full of old china and nightdresses! You can grab many a thrifting bargain from a charity shop. Many people donate amazing vintage clothes to charity. All it takes is a good rummage!
Have you ever been thrifting before or do you know of some other great vintage shops? Leave a comment below and let’s share the thrift!