Let’s Pop Some Tags: 5 Best Thrift Stores in Greater Grand Forks

Grand Forks is a regional hub for retail – residents in the surrounding bedroom communities and as far as Canada come to “Forks” to purchase clothes, groceries, furniture, and anything else in between.  And while retail stores are aplenty, treasures (and deals) can be found around town in a number of thrift shops. So, come with me and let’s see what we can find.

Recently, I was shopping for costumes and props for School of Rock at the Empire Arts Center. This took me to five of my favorite thrift shops in town in my quest for boys’ button down, white shirts. I began not too far from the UND Campus, on the north end of Grand Forks.

Zip on over the Columbia overpass, then loop around onto Demers Avenue. Just off on the north side you’ll find The ARC. It’s one of my go-to places to donate and shop as proceeds help fund programming for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

The ARC has a small selection of vintage items at the front of the store. You might find sweet aprons from the 1959s, hats perfect for a festive tea party, or games and toys from  your childhood or that of your parents.

“They Grow so Fast”

As you proceed into the store, you’ll pass several changing rooms and come upon four racks of men’s shirts – dress and casual, and pants. Like all the thrift stores listed here, you’ll find a robust section of infant and toddlers’ clothes that look practically new.  (Unfortunately, I did not find any white, boy’s shirts.)

However,  I did find a gorgeous vintage leather jacket. Treasure.

Doo-dads
My favorite section at The ARC is across the aisle from the clothing, what my mom would call “doo-dads.” How I do love a doo-dad. These are unique, decorative items. Maybe it’s a funky,  orange serving dish from the seventies that recalls the old “it goes from the oven to the table” mantra, or perhaps it’s fun salt and pepper shakers. Remember: One person’s junk is another person’s treasure.

Zip on over the Columbia overpass, then loop around onto Demers Avenue. Just off on the north side you’ll find The ARC. It’s one of my go-to places to donate and shop as proceeds help fund programming for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

The ARC has a small selection of vintage items at the front of the store. You might find sweet aprons from the 1959s, hats perfect for a festive tea party, or games and toys from  your childhood or that of your parents.

“They Grow so Fast”

As you proceed into the store, you’ll pass several changing rooms and come upon four racks of men’s shirts – dress and casual, and pants. Like all the thrift stores listed here, you’ll find a robust section of infant and toddlers’ clothes that look practically new.  (Unfortunately, I did not find any white, boy’s shirts.)

However,  I did find a gorgeous vintage leather jacket. Treasure.

Doo-dads
My favorite section at The ARC is across the aisle from the clothing, what my mom would call “doo-dads.” How I do love a doo-dad. These are unique, decorative items. Maybe it’s a funky,  orange serving dish from the seventies that recalls the old “it goes from the oven to the table” mantra, or perhaps it’s fun salt and pepper shakers. Remember: One person’s junk is another person’s treasure.

Zip on over the Columbia overpass, then loop around onto Demers Avenue. Just off on the north side you’ll find The ARC. It’s one of my go-to places to donate and shop as proceeds help fund programming for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

The ARC has a small selection of vintage items at the front of the store. You might find sweet aprons from the 1959s, hats perfect for a festive tea party, or games and toys from  your childhood or that of your parents.

“They Grow so Fast”

As you proceed into the store, you’ll pass several changing rooms and come upon four racks of men’s shirts – dress and casual, and pants. Like all the thrift stores listed here, you’ll find a robust section of infant and toddlers’ clothes that look practically new.  (Unfortunately, I did not find any white, boy’s shirts.)

However,  I did find a gorgeous vintage leather jacket. Treasure.

Doo-dads
My favorite section at The ARC is across the aisle from the clothing, what my mom would call “doo-dads.” How I do love a doo-dad. These are unique, decorative items. Maybe it’s a funky,  orange serving dish from the seventies that recalls the old “it goes from the oven to the table” mantra, or perhaps it’s fun salt and pepper shakers. Remember: One person’s junk is another person’s treasure.

You know how they say some stores have everything from “soup to nuts?” Well, at Goodwill you will even find a horse. She stands outside waiting for you to snap a pic with her.

Preparing for Winter
Inside this spacious building, you’ll find plenty of racks of men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing. (Sadly, no white, boys’ button down shirts, though.) Temps were in the eighties the day I was there, but they already had some excellent deals on winter coats. If I were in the market for a coat, I would have had several quality ones to choose from. There was a burnt orange LL Bean for just $8.50 and a Liz Claiborne down coat that would keep the cold out for a mere $10.50! There were also an assortment of boots and even some cross country skis. When you’re gearing up for winter – don’t forget to shop thrift.

Set the Table, Serve the Cocktails
After visiting five thrift shops, I am vowing to buy all my tableware at second-hand shops. Need a margarita or martini glass? Got it. Need a set of dinner plates? Got it.  Need pots and pans? Hello. The largest assortment hands-down was at Goodwill, but every shop had a wide assortment of glassware.

This was my last shop for the day, although there are a few other thrift stores I didn’t hit. The Salvation Army Thrift is hidden behind the Comfort Inn on 32^nd Avenue. Turn in by Burger King and you’ll see it off to your left. Not as large as Goodwill or The Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch, but they always seem to have a nice assortment of wall art and small appliances. You might find a few furniture items, too.

Get Fancy
They had a large assortment of formal dresses and gowns. Once again, you know these get worn once or twice. Why pay full price when you can get your fancy on for less than thirty bucks?

Score!

While they didn’t have the elusive white shirts, I did find a fabulous vintage valise for fifteen bucks. These are hard to come by and while I can’t use it in School of Rock, I know it’ll end up on stage at some point. I think this is my big take away about thrifting: It can be hard to find a very specific item. Not every shop has an eggbeater, for example (The ARC did), or a wet suit, but if you shop with an open mind, there’s no telling what treasures you can land.