The “reduce, reuse, recycle” mantra is growing deep roots in the fashion industry—or, rather, in response to downsides of the traditional industry. “Fast fashion” is the business model that mass-produces clothing to cash in on current trends. It’s done quickly and at a low cost, often overlooking both environmental and ethical concerns.
As an alternative, many shoppers are seeking out secondhand fashion. This approach reduces waste and is a bargain hunter’s dream. The inventory at thrift shops is constantly changing, so visitors are likely to snag new finds even with frequent visits.
The increasing popularity of this shopping model demonstrates that sustainability in itself is trendy.
Thrifting for secondhand goods is a natural companion to the movements to shop locally and support small businesses. Rochester’s secondhand scene is massive and only continues to grow and evolve. This list is very far from exhaustive, but here are a few great spots to check out on your treasure hunt.
Little Shop of Hoarders
447 Monroe Ave., Rochester
This eccentric shop encourages its Instagram followers to “Break the cycle. Recycle.” Shoppers can do so while embracing bold statement pieces, vibrant colors, and timeless classics that are carefully curated from the ‘90s and earlier by shop owner Monika Ludwinek.
A longtime vintage collector and estate sale shopper, she opened the store in 2017 and soon outgrew its original location on Gregory Street; her current space is three times larger. It includes an event room that hosts pop-up markets on weekends, showcasing other vintage vendors and an array of local artists. Prospective vendors can apply on the shop’s website.
In posting her call for vendors, Ludwinek writes, “I want to see the corner of Meigs and Monroe alive with community, celebrating each other and thriving together, because that’s what investing in ourselves and each other looks like!”
The Op Shop
89 Charlotte St., Rochester
The Op Shop, short for Opportunity Shop, is a vintage clothing collective with nearly thirty local vendors. Founded by Joanna (Jo) Carroll in 2017, the shop celebrates reimagining “old” in exciting new ways. Located in a two-story, turn-of-the-century home in Rochester’s east end, it offers a constantly refreshed mix of curated vintage in all styles and sizes. Carroll embraces the irony that mid-2000s fashion is now vintage – something ‘90s kids like herself are still processing with a mix of nostalgia and awe.
She loves that the collective model allows a group with a shared passion to collaborate and “create a stronger, more sustainable fashion hub. It’s a win for small sellers and style lovers alike!”
Second Look Boutique
709 South Ave., Rochester
Founder and owner Sarah Pavia firmly believes that “living secondhand doesn’t mean living less,” a motto she’s long demonstrated in her work as a decorator and event planner, in showcasing her own fashion finds on Instagram, and in her more than 3,000 listings on Poshmark.
Opening the brick-and-mortar shop in February 2025 was a natural extension of this passion. Pavia strives to make her inventory accessible to all needs, sizes, and budgets; it includes both curated secondhand pieces and items sold on consignment, from everyday to luxury brands. She takes pride in finding items their next loving home.
“Having an in-person experience has been even more rewarding, getting to work so closely with customers,” Pavia says. Her South Wedge location is proving to be an ideal fit, as many sustainability-minded neighbors stop in. “I’m styling more, doing confidence coaching in the store. That’s been a rewarding part of the journey that I wasn’t anticipating.”
A Second Thought
349 W. Commercial St., East Rochester
Offering not only gently used clothing and accessories for the entire family but also housewares, furniture, media, toys, and more, A Second Thought is a treasure trove. Daily specials offer extra-deep discounts, including BOGO clothing on Saturdays.
All proceeds benefit Heritage Christian Services, funding both its local charity partnerships and its international ministries team that collects, refurbishes, and ships wheelchairs to people in need and travels to Guatemala to help support people with disabilities.
Smartypants
54 Main St., Brockport
Facebook: Smartypants
Instagram: smartypants_brockport
Nestled among a charming string of shops in the heart of Brockport’s college town, Smartypants serves as a secondhand fashion hub catering especially to young adults, with apparel ranging from casual to professional , including athletic wear and accessories. The shop moved from a smaller spot just down the street in 2020 and is still packed with ever-changing inventory. Focused browsing is made easy with racks featuring items new with tags (a great place to find a gift at a bargain), clearance deals, and pieces recently featured on the shop’s social media.
Erica Burns started out as an employee when the shop opened in 2012 and took over ownership in 2015, “I grew up in Brockport, and when Smartypants opened, I immediately loved the idea,” she says. “Working here was so much fun, and as time went on, I became more and more involved in every aspect of the business. I couldn’t believe it when the opportunity became available for me to be my own boss in the town I love doing what I love.”
Clean out that closet!
What treasures are lying around unused in your home? Connect with a shop directly for guidelines on what management is looking for and how they handle purchasing. You could find your pieces a new home, support a local business, and go home with some cash or items that are, in turn, new to you!
This article originally appeared in the September/October 2025 issue of (585).
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