Guide to Thrifting and Antiquing in Mountaineer Country
Thrifting explained, locations, and tips in Mountaineer Country
Animal Friends Thrift Shoppe
Are you an avid thrifter? Or have you never stepped foot in a thrift shop? No matter your experience with thrifting, this guide will give you all the second-hand shops and thrifting information in Mountaineer Country.
What is Thrifting?
Thrifting is best explained as purchasing second-hand items, primarily clothing, for a lower price. It is often associated with well-known charitable organizations such as Goodwill or The Salvation Army. However, thrifting covers a wider spectrum of items and hobbies, such as antiquing, vintage clothing, upcycling, and so much more. All these activities have one thing in common— they are previously owned. The opportunities to thrift are endless. From furniture and décor to books and electronics, there is a world of second-hand items waiting to be loved right here in Mountaineer Country.
Photo courtesy of @dcracerx
Are Thrifted Items of Less Value?
Not always. Some items have been well preserved over the years or are good to new conditions, so their integrity is not lessened despite having a previous owner. Items’ value can decrease over time due to high quantity and low demand, while others increase due to low quantity and high demand.
Uptown Cheapskate
What Should I Expect?
Every thrift store offers a unique experience. However, at all traditional thrift stores, you can expect to find hidden treasures if you look hard enough. Thrifting can take time and determination to find quality items. Be prepared to diligently sift through every rack, dig through every bucket, and check the nooks and crannies–respectfully. Every store has amazing finds, it just takes effort. Some of the most common thrift store finds include vintage clothing, vinyl records, unique knick-knacks, kitchenware, accessories, linens, and furniture.
Photo courtesy of @cskoloski_farms_antiques at Eloquence Antiques & Artisans
In more recent years, vintage stores have popped up across the country, blessing Mountaineer Country with a few of our own. Vintage stores save the time and effort of sifting through clothing; they have been handpicked by the owner, and collections have been curated to ensure every piece is authentic vintage and of high quality.
Gallery 304 Vintage Shop
Thrifting has also modernized to include online storefronts, mobile shops, and vintage-specific events. Facebook Marketplace, a feature on Facebook that allows users to discover, buy and sell items, is in and around Morgantown. From neighbors to strangers, you can find previously owned items in Mountaineer Country, all while sitting on your couch. One vintage store in Preston County has a van that travels to festivals, markets, and more. If you are looking for a bigger and more diverse selection, check out WV Vintage Fest or the Arts Walks. WV Vintage Fest is a recurring event held by Gallery 304 at altering locations. This growing event has over 30 vintage clothing vendors in one building, complete with food trucks. Main Street Morgantown hosts monthly Arts Walks in Downtown Morgantown from March-October. At this event, you can find vintage vendors and locally crafted goods! You can thrift without even going to the store!
Ramblin’ Van Vintage
Thrifting can provide a different experience based on the store. By visiting a few different types of thrift stores, you can find your preferences and which experience fits your needs most.
Sanders Antiques
What Should I Look for?
You should look for what you currently need in your life, whether it is furniture, clothing, shoes, accessories, kitchenware, decorations, etc. It is essential to ensure the item is durable and will fulfill its needs. Some people prefer to look for brands they recognize when purchasing clothing, hoping to find good deals and quality items. Oftentimes, there are designer brands hiding on the racks or in the bins for a very discounted price.
If you are furnishing an apartment or house for the first time, a great place to start looking for furniture or kitchenware is thrift stores. There are also a few restorations thrift stores that specialize in restoring used furniture so it’s fully functional again. Whatever you decide to buy, be sure to inspect and clean it thoroughly before bringing it into your home and putting it to use.
Lazarus Restoration
I Am Ready to Take on Thrifting in Mountaineer Country. Where Can I Find Thrift Stores Near Me?
Now that you learned the basics of thrifting or got a brush-up, it is time to try thrifting in Mountaineer Country. Visiting thrift stores gives a glimpse into the past, and you never know what you might find. Below is a complete list of thrift and antique stores by county:
Monongalia County:
Animal Friends Thrift Shoppe
5000 GreenBag Road, Morgantown, WV 26505
(304) 291-5825
https://www.animalfriendswv.org/thrift-shoppe/
Cool Kids Consignment
1706 Mileground Rd, Morgantown, WV 26505
(304) 292-7467
Eloquence Antiques & Artisans
5000 Green Bag Road, Morgantown, WV 26501
(724) 880-1506
http://www.facebook.com/eloquencewv
Furnishings For U
117 Pleasant St, Morgantown, WV 26505
(304) 374-8762
Gallery 304 Vintage Shop
327 High St, Morgantown, WV 26505
Goodwill Outlet
6540 Mall Rd, Westover, WV 26501
(304) 241-1960
Lazarus Restoration
5000 Green Bag Road, Morgantown, WV 26505
https://lazarusrestoration.com/
Modern Throwback
360 High Street
Morgantown, WV
https://modernthrowbackwv.com/
Once Upon A Child
7100 Willie G Ave #104, Morgantown, WV 26501
(304) 322-2446
https://www.onceuponachild.com/
Plato’s Closet Morgantown
6504 Mall Rd, Westover, WV 26501
(304) 983-6020
https://platoscloset.com/location/morgantown-wv
The Ranch Community Store
255 Don Knotts Blvd, Morgantown, WV 26501
(304) 381-2606
The Salvation Army Thrift Store
1264 University Ave, Morgantown, WV 26505
(304) 296-3525
Sanders Antiques
399 Grafton Rd, Morgantown, WV 26508
(304) 212-5412
https://facebook.com/SandersAntiqueMallWv/
Uptown Cheapskate
5001 Mid Atlantic Dr, Morgantown, WV 26508
(304) 381-4568
https://uptowncheapskate.com/location/morgantown
The What Not Shop
245-269 County Rte 857, Morgantown, WV 26505
(304) 290-9970
Preston County:
Beth’s Garage Sale
3151 Zinn Chapel Rd, Reedsville, WV 26547
(304) 216-0619
Delano’s Trading Post
204 W State Ave, Terra Alta, WV 26764
(304) 680-4950
Hospice Care Thrift Shop
RR 7, Reedsville, WV 26547
(304) 864-4010
Loved Again Consignment Llc.
115 S Price St, Kingwood, WV 26537
(304) 694-6835
https://loved-again-consignment-llc.business.site/?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=referral
Preston Hope House
Boswell St, Tunnelton, WV 26444
(304) 598-2194
https://www.facebook.com/Preston-Hope-House-102859958770464/
Ramblin’ Van Vintage
213 East Main Street, Kingwood, WV 26537
(304) 376-8130
https://www.facebook.com/Ramblin-Van-Vintage-235528827247152/
The Roberts Family Store
19001 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Kingwood, WV 26537
(304) 698-6508
https://www.facebook.com/therobertsfamilystore/
The Salvation Army of Preston County
123 S Price St, Kingwood, WV 26537
(304) 329-1245
Mastontown School Antique Mall
167 South Main St. Masontown, WV 26542
(304) 980-2956 or (304) 680-7956
https://www.facebook.com/Masontown-School-Antique-Mall-110755378343273/photosÂ
Taylor County:
Kimberly’s Simply Southern Reloved Vintage
202 Front St, Grafton, WV 26354
(304) 677-8582
https://www.facebook.com/Kimberlys-Simply-Southern-Reloved-Vintage-375903262966915Â
Goodwill
1 Harmans Plaza, Grafton, WV 26354
(304) 903-8038
Goodwill
50 Southland Dr, Fairmont, WV 26554
(304) 363-3155
Gypsy Wagon
55 W St Charles St, Grafton, WV 26354
(304) 841-6446
Kimberly’s Simply Southern and Reloved Vintage
202 Front St, Grafton, WV 26354
(304) 677-8582
Salvation Army
111 Beech St, Grafton, WV 26354
(304) 265-3565
Salvation Army Family Store
501 Blueville Dr, Grafton, WV 26354
(304) 265 5975
Roberts New & Used
1105 W Main St, Grafton, WV 26354
(304) 672-5951
https://www.facebook.com/robertsnewandused
* If you know of a thrift store that is missing from this list, please email [email protected].
