Four Secondhand Stores to Know as a Newcomer
A used bookstore, two record shops, and a resale clothing floor: a first map of the city drawn through what New Yorkers resell.
Three open floors near Union Square hold everything from bargain carts to a dedicated Rare Book Room, plus a floor of art books. Beyond the stacks, the shop sells notebooks, shirts, and its well-known tote bags. It stays open until 9:00 PM daily.
An East Village vinyl room where obscure soul and jazz reward slow digging. Staff know the crates, and prices range from inexpensive to steep depending on the pressing. Plan an afternoon rather than a rushed stop; hours run 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
A cavernous resale floor near NYU draws students hunting emerging designers, shoes, and accessories in excellent condition. Inventory is large. Focus on one category, like outerwear, to move through it. Buying is mid-priced, though sellers report the payout can run low.
A Carroll Gardens shop that pairs used vinyl with coffee in a cozy, vintage-inspired room. Dig the crates over an espresso before the afternoon rush. It opens early, 7:00 AM most days, an easy first stop in Brooklyn.