Cop a serious secondhand steal or two at these stores when you're rummaging for retro finds in Singapore.
In a city bursting at the seams with fab shopping, it’s little surprise that our island is also teeming with stores galore for incredible pre-loved goods. We love the thrill of a good thrift; dig a little deeper and you may just unearth a swishy vintage dress or a one-of-a-kind, Pinterest-worthy mirror. All it takes is a little sleuthing and a clever eye for a good bargain. From mega charity consignment stores to old school furniture finds, we’ve sussed out all our favourite stores for secondhand shopping in Singapore. Happy hunting!
Thrift store galore
Salvation Army Family Thrift Stores
Befitting its reputation as the most well-known thrift shop of the bunch, Salvation Army’s Family Thrift Stores also charge the most, so bring wads of cash if you’re planning to splurge. Outlets worth traipsing across the island for include Bukit Timah and Serangoon; these mega stores not only cater to the fashion junkie – expect one-off designer coats, vintage shoes and 70s sunnies – but also fans of vintage furnishings.
Salvation Army Family Thrift Stores, multiple locations including Bukit Timah and Serangoon.
New2U Thrift Shop
A fave amongst hipsters and bargain-loving hunters, New2U Thrift Shop is a treasure trove of hidden gems like past-season designer goods or pre-loved statement pieces. All proceeds from sales go to Star Shelter, a refuge for victims of domestic violence, or the various Singapore Council of Women’s Organisations (SCWO) initiatives including The Women’s Register, a platform for mentoring young women.
New2U Thrift Shop, 96 Waterloo Street, Singapore 187967
Something Old, Something New
Chances are, even the most seasoned of thrifters may not have heard about this no-frills consignment store. Not only does it strive to care for the Earth by reusing goods and reducing waste, it also trains and employs persons recovering from mental health issues. The scores of racks boasting vintage finds are a little chaotic, but stay patient; you’ll likely be duly rewarded.
Something Old, Something New, multiple locations including Simei, Pasir Ris, Jurong West and Yishun.
Minds Shop
Providing pre-vocational training to the intellectually disabled, Minds offers an ever-evolving array of goodies, including home decor, clothing and accessories. Prices are usually kept below $10, with (reasonable) bargaining allowed for certain items. While there are outlets in Redhill, Woodlands, and Rosyth, the go-to locale is Margaret Drive; it’s the biggest and houses the largest assortment of knick-knacks.
Minds Shop, multiple locations including Margaret Drive, Redhill and Woodlands.
Trash or Treasure?
The Heritage Shop
Befitting its name, this store is all about Singapore’s heritage. Take a journey through the country’s history with its packed shelves of knick-knacks – think newspaper broadsheets from years’ past, old school tiffin carriers, oil lamps, chamber pots and even women’s magazines from the age of Malaya.
The Heritage Shop, #01-01, 93 Jalan Sultan, Singapore 198997
Odds and Collectables
Call us biased, but we’ve got a soft spot for this hole-in-the-wall store located on one of our favourite cafe-populated streets, Telok Ayer. Admittedly, the range is a little dizzying, with all sorts of items stuffed into the space. But if you look hard enough, you may find cool trinkets like vintage enamel trays, posters and even mini peacock chairs!
Odds and Collectables, 128 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068576
Tong Mern Sern
It’s hard to miss Tong Mern Sern – its shopfront is adorned with the bright yellow banner above, which never fails to get a chuckle from us. Depending on your luck, the famous junk shop has countless treasures to uncover, include antique armoires, stone irons, porcelain China plates and kerosene lamps. Looking for something specific? Approach the elderly uncles, and don’t forget to bargain!
Tong Mern Sern, 51 Craig Road, Singapore 089689
Junkie’s Corner
True to its name, this is one store where you can find anything and everything. It’s packed to the rafters with all sorts of junk and gems, including furniture from all eras, beautifully refurbished pieces and oddball knick-knacks you never knew you needed. Some haggling can be done, but be sure to bring wads of cash and a sharp eye! This one’s a little out of the way, so think of it as a real treasure hunt. Just make sure to clear your boot space beforehand.
Junkie’s Corner, 2 Turf Club Road, Singapore 287988
Legit vintage…
Dark Horse Vintage
If it’s a one-of-a-kind vintage dress you’re looking for, this is the place. Founder Jasmine scours the world for quirky additions to her Dark Horse boutique. While her brick and mortar store may have closed, the online store still carries its spirit with 70s knee-length floral dresses, printed tops, quirky vests and more.
Dark Horse Vintage, available online with free shipping.
Style Tribute
Conscious about your ever-growing wardrobe? Perhaps skip the new and go old school with Style Tribute’s vintage designer clothes. You can easily browse online for apparel and accessories by the likes of Chloe, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Burberry, Alexander Wang and Fendi. The best part? Your entire family can get in on the shopping spree, with collections for men and kids too.
Style Tribute, available online.
Deja Vu Vintage
As Deja Vu Vintage so delicately puts it, it’s had enough of “mass-produced fashion cloning”. The store is a cut above other vintage stores, with stylish, personally selected pieces imported from US, Europe, Australia and Japan. Take your time to rifle through the tailored and timeless outfits displayed neatly on the elegant, spacious shelves. The range includes designer pieces by Carolina Herrera, Moschino and even Oscar De La Renta.
Deja Vu Vintage, #01-70, Millenia Walk, 9 Raffles Boulevard, Singapore 039596
Loop Garms
Streetwear your thing? Hit up this cosy store for a trip back to the 80s and 90s with racks of cool tees that are old but gold. Think comic characters, band merch, vintage sportswear (we see you, Nike and Adidas!) and even football jerseys.
Loop Garms, #01-148, 635 Veerasamy Road, Singapore 200635
Dustbunny Vintage
We simply could not exclude Dustbunny Vintage from the list – the vintage veteran is chock full of affordable designer gems from the likes of YSL and even Hermes (yes, really). Not one for big names? The store also stocks 60s wrap skirts, 50s flare dresses.
Dustbunny Vintage, 2-A Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089110