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 that encompasses shopping for 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.
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. As of this writing, 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.
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, Urbana: 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 Monday mornings, all day Thursdays and the second Saturday of the month.
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 Thursday 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.
Faith Second Chance Thrift Shop, LeRoy: Housewares, crafts, clothing. Open Wednesday through Saturday.
Sparrow’s Thrift, Farmer City: A new thrift store in Farmer City. Clothing, housewares, and more.
Second Chance Thrift Store, Danville: Treasures of all kinds – clothing and much more. Accepts donations. Sales benefit the Humane Society of Danville. Open Wednesday through Sunday, check website for specific hours.
Vermilion Community Restoration, Danville: Everything from baby to adult clothing, household goods and decor, books, movies, toys, electronics, games, furniture, and so much more. Takes donations. Dedicated to serving the homeless and unhoused in Danville. Shopping hours Tuesday through Friday.
Second Act, Arthur: Founded in 2024, all proceeds benefit The Little Theatre on the Square in Sullivan. Clothing, accessories, housewares and more. Open six days a week, located in Amish country.
The following stores are for-profit businesses, and are mostly consignment stores. Some offer consignment opportunities, others buy clothing. Most are locally-owned, and many are women-owned businesses.
All Things Kids, Champaign: Just as it sounds, this resale store is great for buying kids clothing, baby gear, and many other items — year-round. One of my favorite things about ATK is that it has off-season clothing, which is especially great when your kids have grown out of their summer wear and you’re lucky enough to head somewhere warm in the winter. For those wanting to seel, All Things Kids will price, sell, and pay you 50% commission upon the sale of your gently used clothes and accessories.
Karen’s Kloset, Champaign: Karen’s Kloset is East Central Illinois’ largest upscale consignment shop. Mostly women’s clothing (including maternity and plus size), there is some selection of menswear and juniors. Centrally located in Country Fair, right near Champaign Gymnastics Academy.For sellers, this is done on consignment.
Briella’s, Savoy and Mahomet locations: Women’s, men’s and children’s clothing; also carry upscale handbags, shoes, jewelry and more. Consignment.
Catch My Thrift, Urbana (Lincoln Square Mall): Upcycled, local brands, salvaged, and pre-loved clothing and unique art, handmade jewelry, and more. Multiple vendors.
Resistance Threads, Champaign: New to the scene as of spring 2025, this vintage store (NOT thrifting) is located on Neil Street near the corner of Springfield Avenue, in the same strip as Tasty Tart. Open Thurs. – Monday 11 am – 6 pm, BOGO Mondays. Also the owners of 217flea. Follow them on Instagram for info on sales and more. As the owner says: “A curated vintage store is a better space for thrifting if you don’t want to go digging.” Woman-owned and operated. Also owns 217flea (see more on that below).
Digs: This store is a treasure hunt featuring both new and vintage clothing, furniture, jewelry and more. Located just off campus on Springfield Avenue near the viaduct in Champaign. Woman-owned.
SPECIAL SALES
Held only a few times a year, don’t miss these special sales:
One Week Boutique: This consignment sale can sometimes feel like a treasure hunt. It was a great place to find the character -of-the-month my daughters coveted. Clothes, toys, books, equipment, decor. Happens every spring (generally April) and every fall (generally September).
Dump and Run: Held annually on campus right before University of Illinois classes begin. Clothing accepted is in nearly-new condition. Find furniture, working electronics, backpacks, bicycles, school supplies, jewelry, winter clothing, shoes, small kitchen appliances, glassware, CDs/records (vinyl!), books, working computers, artwork, toys, sporting equipment, non-perishable food items, toiletries, lawn and garden items, and other household goods. More information on the sale available here.
217flea: Held several times a year, 217flea promotes vintage, curated secondhand sales featuring clothing, home decor, jewelry and more. Multiple vendors sell at 217flea; and there is an vendor application on its website. Follow 217flea on Instagram to stay up to date with events.
FURNITURE
Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Champaign: A great resource for our community, ReStore is the place to get gently used furniture any time of year. Desks, lamps, tables, chairs, household goods, appliances, building materials, and working electronics. Proceeds support local Habitat home build program. Watch for special sales; also, ReStore offers a special 15 percent discount for Illinois college students with a valid student ID.
Crossroads Corner Consignment, Champaign: An eclectic mix of gently used home decor, furniture, art, and jewelry from more than 30 local vendors. Crossroads has a rabidly loyal social media following who keep an eye on new arrivals, which are posted daily and often sell quickly. Among the steady supply of unique finds here are the vintage Illini items. A great place to know about if you move into an older C-U home or apartment and want bargain vintage style. Inquire directly with store staff about offering items for consignment.
Classic Home Consignment, Champaign: Offers a wide range of furniture and home accessories. While many bargains await the buyer, you are likely to find more upscale brands and items here, all in excellent condition. The store’s website has detailed information for consignors.
Needful Things Warehouse Gallery, Champaign: Located inside the historic downtown Champaign train station, with plans to expand. They offer vintage and modern items including furniture, decor, art, gifts, clothing, accessories, and collectibles. They also feature items made by local artisans, including custom furniture.
