Where to Thrift in Champaign-Urbana 

Thifting in Champaign-Urbana is having its moment

We have the details on where to thrift in the greater Champaign-Urbana area

We can’t remember a time with this many options or opportunities to thrift in the greater Champaign-Urbana metro area – including Monticello, Gibson City, Farmer City, Danville and beyond. We’ve put together this list, which focuses on clothing but also encompasses books, housewares, furniture and other goods.

For the purposes of this article, we’re using thrifting as a broad, blanket term for buying preowned items.

This could be from thrift stores, flea markets, vintage stores, garage sales, estate sales, and consignment stores. Some people use the words resale, consignment, and thrift interchangeably — although they certainly have more specific connotations. For the purposes of this article, we have put consignment in its own category.

To some, thrifting is a way of life.
To some, thrifting is about sustainability and caring for the environment.
To some, thrifting is a way to stretch their overstretched budgets.
To some, thrifting is about personal expression.
To some, thrifting is an art.
To some, thrifting is a sport. (Pardon us as we’re writing this during the Olympics and are caught up in it).
To some, it’s all or none of the above.

WHERE TO DONATE/SELL
Note that there is some overlap between where to thrift shop and where to donate, and we’ve notated that where we can. We have other articles about where to donate as well as where to sell your goods in Champaign-Urbana area, and have linked them here.

WHAT ABOUT VINTAGE?
While some people think thrifting and shopping for vintage items is the same, it’s often not. Vintage items can be quite pricey.

The following stores are run by non-profits. They return a portion of their proceeds for programming and other resources. All accept donations.

Salt and Light, Urbana: A thrift store and a grocery store? Salt and Light is certainly unique, and it’s a tremendous resource for our community in so many different ways. The thrift store has a wide variety of wares including clothing for the entire family — men, women and children; as well as household goods, and so much more. Follow its social media to learn about special Illini sales and other themed sales. (In August 2024, Salt and Light announced it was temporarily closing its Champaign store due to the impact of the highway construction. Check the website for updated information.)

Twice is Nice, Urbana: Clothing for all ages, housewares, and items of all kinds. Fifty percent of the proceeds go to various social service agencies; the other half goes to maintain the building. Next to First Presbyterian Church in Urbana. Volunteer-run, it’s open on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Carle Auxiliary Resale Boutique: The Carle Auxiliary Resale Boutique sells gently used clothing and shoes in good, clean condition, household items, home décor, books, DVDs and CDs, small working electrical items, jewelry, linens, holiday items, antiques, games and puzzles. Proceeds benefit the Carle Auxiliary Guest House. Volunteer run. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday at 810 W. University Ave., Urbana.

Goodwill Industries, Savoy, Urbana and Danville locations (click for store info): Clothes for all ages, housewares, books, and more. A great place to find treasures. Check here before spending a lot of money on that Halloween costume elsewhere. While it operates career development and vocational training programs in Central Illinois, none are located in Champaign County.

Willow Tree Missions, Monticello: Willow Tree’s resale shops support the nonprofit’s mission of eliminating domestic violence and building stronger families. There are two shops in Monticello; get all the details on the Willow Tree Missions website. As one reader said, “Willow Tree has some of the lowest prices I’ve seen in the area with a big clean store in Monticello … it would be worth the drive. I got two pairs of leggings and two workout tops for under $7 total.” Willow Tree carries clothing, housewares, furniture and much more.

It Takes a Village Central Illinois, Mahomet: Limited shopping times, so check the website or Facebook for updates. Last we checked, it is open on Thursdays and Sundays.

Seek and Find Ministries, Rantoul: Sells clothing for men, women and kids; housewares and domestic items (no furniture). Accepts donations. Open Tuesday through Saturday.

Community Thrift Shop of Paxton: Located in downtown Paxton above Hudson’s Drug Shop. The mission of the shop is to provide a place to shop for low cost items for those that can’t afford clothing and other items for themselves or their growing children. To keep costs as low as possible, Community Thrift only accepts CASH payments for items (no credit/debit cards). Donations are accepted. Open limited hours Wednesday through Saturday.

Shepherd’s Closet & Closet, Too, Gibson City: Clothing for men, women and children as well as housewares and much more. This store also offers a formalware area for all things wedding, Homecoming and Prom needs. At Closet, Too you will shop for all holiday decorating needs, home decor, furniture, outdoor needs, lighting etc. Donations accepted.