The first step to becoming a frugal family is learning how to live without buying anything brand new.  Of course, you may want make an exception when all your underwear has holes ,but, most of the time, anything you need can be found second-hand.

Athens has a few great places to consign clothing, furniture and other gently used items, enabling you to find some cheap deals or reclaim some cash. The stores listed below are locally owned and operated, so you can feel good about supporting your fellow Athenians while you scrimp and save.

Kids’ Clothing and more:

Butterfly Kisses

This is a great little consignment shop that has amazing sales. You will be delighted to find most sales include a $1 bin. They have a limited selection of teen formal dresses as well. The store is kid-friendly, with a toy corner where your little ones can play while you shop.

The Baby Boutique

This shop is located in Winterville, a bit of a drive for most of us but worth it if you can find some bargains.  Their slogan is “everything you need, from preemies to teens.”

reBlossom

Located above Full Bloom, this store carries all manner of recycled baby gear and offers photography services as well.

KinderMarket

A biannual consignment sale organized by the Athens YMCA and a great opportunity to clean out your closets twice a year. This sale accepts children’s and adult clothing and shoes, toys, books, baby gear and household furnishings and furniture.

Cornerstone Consignment Sale

A biannual consignment sale whose proceeds benefit various missions of the Cornerstone Church of God. This sale accepts children’s clothing, shoes, toys, baby gear, maternity clothing and baby gear.

Adult Clothing:

Suska

A high-end women’s consignment store located in Five Points.  Come here to get the designer clothing and shoes you thought you could never afford.

Dynamite Clothing

A cool place to find hip and trendy vintage pieces, from clothing and accessories to 1980s action figures and home decor.

Gigworn

This store is unique in that it is geared mostly towards men, especially those who need to get dressed up for a music gig, hence the name. It also supports the local community and music scene by participating in and promoting events in Athens.

Plato’s Closet

This store appeals mostly to the teens and 20-something’s who love to buy and sell trendy, gently used clothing and accessories.

Cillies

A store previously marketed to a younger audience is now under new management and definitely has a more vintage feel. The store has a lot to offer, such as men’s and women’s clothing, costume jewelry, Chanel handbags, plastic watches, boots and even prom dresses.

Furniture:

House to House

This place is full of treasures for your home and there is always something new. You will enjoy a large selection of beautiful furniture and home décor at bargain prices.

Furniture, Clothing, Miscellaneous:

Minx

A store in downtown Athens selling vintage and contemporary clothing, Minx is a bright and happy place to shop for unique items.

Modern Star Vintage

Check this place out if you are looking for vinyl records or old books. The store also carries furniture and some vintage clothing.

Agora

A flea-market style warehouse full of found objects and antiques. Multiple sellers fill their booths with a wide variety of treasures. There is no telling what you will find here.

J&J Flea Market

Georgia’s largest open-air flea market, the J&J has everything you need. Fresh produce, rare coins, household items, clothing, toys, electronics, jewelry, firearms, DVDs, books, appliances, furniture and animals line the rows of this sprawling market.

Athens Recycling

Trade in your scrap metal for cash! You can trade copper, aluminum, brass, stainless steel, car batteries, radiators and more. The store also carries an impressive array of concrete yard art.

Reeds Odds and Ends

You will have to travel down Hwy 441 into Oconee County to find this mega-mall of antiques but, you will be glad you did when you see what an amazing amount of cool stuff it has to offer!

Charitable Organizations:

By shopping at one of the following thrift stores, you are helping these organizations to extend jobs and resources to your community.

America’s Thrift Store

Goodwill Thrift Store

Emmanuel Thrift House

St. Mary’s Thrift Store

Atlanta Union Mission’s Thrift Store

Project Safe Thrift Store

Salvation Army Thrift Store