American Thrift Store

Many thrift shops are good, but it takes a very special store to be unforgettable. The American Thrift in Passaic, NJ definitely falls into the latter category, separating itself from the crowd with both its size, organization, and sheer quantity of goods.

One day, while driving through New Jersey, after visiting kid #2 in NYC, I decided on a whim to look for thrift stores to stop at along the way, since we had some extra time. [Always time to thrift, right?]

Google Maps showed me a promising one in Passaic, NJ, about ten minutes off our route, so we decided to pop in for a visit. And boy, am I glad we did.

Never in my life have I experienced a store like the American Thrift! It contains seemingly endless home goods and clothing across three floors, and their hours are amazing: they’re open seven days a week from 10-8.

Upon entering the store, you first encounter the jewelry and high-end handbag section to the left. A long row of glass cases filled with both fine and costume jewelry runs down the room, with several cashiers manning the station.

Several displays of lower-cost jewelry sit on top, and a large rack of necklaces can be found at the end of the cases. Immediately ahead lies a wide staircase to the second floor.

But before heading up, you have to check out the racks of clothing on the first floor (each topped with home goods) and the shelving that circles the massive room that’s filled with more home goods. This could take a while.

Upstairs contains rack upon rack of more clothing and textiles, like bedding and tablecloths, filling the center of the room.

Around the edges, you find a huge shoe section, a small library of books, tote bags along the back wall, and winter accessories along the next wall.

Walking around the outer edge leads into another room set apart for menswear, electronics, toys, and wall art.

Did I mention the baskets?

Or the hundreds of scarves?

The third floor contains furniture and more wall art. When I say it would take days to truly look through all that’s on offer, I mean it.

Recently, we had just an hour to stop by on our way into the City. A number of items drew my attention.

This little Roseville sugar bowl (Snowberry pattern) definitely caught my eye. I was amazed at the $2.99 price and added it to my cart immediately. Value: $25-35

The next item that went into my buggie might surprise you: a Wedgwood jasperware Christmas plate featuring the London Bridge, also priced at $2.99. Value: $20-25

While I had several to choose from, I went with this one because at one time my family of four had biked across the London Bridge (at rush hour!).

Until recently, I avoided any jasperware because for many years it failed to sell well for me, but I’ve begun offering it again, and buyers are snatching it up. If you have grimey jasperware in need of a good clean-up, check out these tips.

Next, I picked up some clothing, including this lovely silk scarf–perfect for fall. As you can see from the tag, I picked it up for a mere $3.99.

Upstairs in the coat section, I came across this nice fall coat that I thought my NYC kid might like. In great shape and well made, its $4.99 price made it a steal.

I also picked up a brand new book: A Guide to Brooklyn for $1.99 and two dusters (or coatigans), one for $3.99, the other for $5.99.

Unlike many other big-name thrift stores, American Thrift offers a number of different ways for shoppers to save:

Every Day: Save 50% off at least one color tag
Monday: Use $5 coupons given out Thursday through Sunday
Wednesday: Senior Citizens save 50% off multiple color tags
Thursday: Reward members accumulate 50% more points on their reward cards
Friday (Happy Hour): From 4 - 8 pm, shoppers save 50% off most colors

Their website explains that they support breast cancer research and awareness, which makes shoppers feel like they’re contributing to something bigger than themselves.

Another added benefit is that all of the staff I’ve encountered, whether on the floor or behind the cash registers, are very friendly and helpful.

Another big plus about this thrift store is the check-out area. While a line of buyers waiting to pay for their goods sometimes snakes around the room, it moves very quickly since there are 10 cash registers, often all manned at the same time.

Finding American Thrift felt like uncovering secret treasure. It turned what could have been an ordinary thrifting experience into an exciting thrifting adventure.

More Diana's Vintage Ventures:

Brimfield Bound

A Pennsylvania Antique Adventure