by Ava Castro
Whether you’ve just moved to Athens as a freshman or have called Athens your home for quite a while, you more than likely can list off a few clothing stores here. Boutiques and vintage clothing shops are scattered all across Athens, but it’s hard to miss those that are downtown and just steps away from campus. With familiar nation-wide brands or unique independent shops, Athens has a great selection of shopping that’s hard to miss. Although some of my favorite spots in Athens are the staple, well-known shops, Athens has a pretty impressive variety of second-hand shops. With sustainability and fast-fashion in mind, it’s important to include second-hand items in your wardrobe. You’re aware of the sustainable benefits of second-hand shopping, but may not be aware of these Athens hidden gems!
Emmanuel Episcopal Thrift House
Located just a minute or two away from downtown on Prince Avenue, Emmanuel Episcopal is a great thrift shop with fantastic prices. Cheaper than your standard Goodwill, Emmanuel has an interesting and wide selection of items, from books and records, to clothes and jewelry, games and more. It’s a quaint and cute shop, rarely with any crowds but always with low prices!
A fantastic retro purse my roommate found at Emmanuel Episcopal!
Project Safe
According to their website, project-safe.org, “Project Safe is a 501c3 nonprofit organization working to end domestic violence through crisis intervention, ongoing supportive services, systems change advocacy, and prevention and education...Today, Project Safe is able to help anyone leaving an abusive situation through a multitude of services. Project Safe offers a 24-hour Hotline and teen Textline, emergency and confidential shelter, housing assistance, legal advocacy, and financial assistance” Of course, the message behind this thrift store is already a reason to shop there, but their selection and prices seal the deal. With an incredible and beautiful meaning, Project Safe is a gem of not only Athens, but Georgia!
Junk in the Trunk
If you’re familiar with the second hand store Kudzu in Atlanta, Junk in the Trunk reminds me of a slightly more southern version! With small booths for different vendors, Junk in the Trunk has so many different trinkets and knick knacks. Not only do they have clothes, but historic and unique items, accessories, house items, dish-ware, purses, and so much more. It’s really fun to shop, but also just walk and browse there!
Atlanta Mission
With a mission on combatting homelessness, Atlanta Mission, with the help of their thrift shops, has opened soup kitchens and homeless shelters in and around Atlanta. Their Athens location has standard thrift store items and prices that help fund for a good cause!
Antiques and Jewels
Although I’ve never been, every time I drive down Milledge, Antiques and Jewels catches my eyes. I don’t think they sell clothes, but they have jewelry-necklaces, brooches, and rings- and accessories. With the store being housed in a historic home, it would be worth a visit!
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