Happy Minot Monday! Today we are going to talk about Minot’s thriving thrift scene. Grab your coffee and bookmark this page for future reference. I’ve created this Guide to Minot Thrift Stores just for you. I’ll be giving you all my opinions on the best places to score unique pieces, thrifted style and second-hand deals.
“Eclectically lived in” is how I describe my personal style. I like things that look like they’ve got history. I like my home to look like someone has been here a while, and guests to feel like they can come in and sit without needing to clean up first. Pretty much every house I’ve ever had (even my dorm room in college) has had this vibe.
Sure, people have asked if my house “came furnished” because it can look like an elderly woman simply walked away and left all her decor behind–but that’s okay. There’s a fine line between over-the-top-old-person and shabby chic. Do I walk it well? The jury is still out. But honestly I don’t care.
I like my stuff and I like finding new, fun pieces. Most of all I like getting a deal, knowing that a few scratches “add character,” and the freedom to not be upset if something gets broken or damaged. (I’m looking at you, movers.)
Jokes aside, I am asked frequently where I get my furnishings and how I find unique things. The answer is thrifting. Minot has an amazing thrift scene. Let’s take a look at the places in town that offer second-hand scores.
Classic Thrift Stores
Boys and Girls Ranch Thrift Store
Hands down my favorite thrift store in town. The store is clean, the staff is nice, the selection is great. What really sets them apart is that they receive overstock from Target. Yes, that’s right. There are brand new items (household and clothing) on the shelves from Target. Anything with an orange tag is new from Target.
Best for new or like-new items. Keep your eye peeled for sales. About twice per year the mark all their “orange tag” (Target) items down to $0.99!
ReStore Thrift Store
Don’t be fooled by the name. This isn’t affiliated with Habitat for Humanity ReStores. ReStore is big and well organized. All kinds of items come through.
Best for second-hand items and furniture, toys and sporting goods. They seem to get a great selection of ice-skates each winter. This is also my go-to stop for hangers. Because if you are paying retail price for plain, white hangers–you’re doing it wrong.
Goodwill Retailers
Most people know what to expect going into a Goodwill store. This one is big, well lit, clean and organized.
Best for clothing, kids items and dishes.
Salvation Army Thrift Store
I’ll be honest, this store is kind of weird. It’s not the best thrift store experience of my life, but it can still hold hidden treasures. The store is usually very quiet and has multiple rooms.
Best for furniture and unique items. If you are looking for a piece to refurbish, this just might have the gem you are dreaming of.
Consignment
Grow With Me
Grow With Me is a kids’ consignment shop downtown. I can’t say enough good things. The store is cute, the prices are good. The owner is very nice and loves her shop.
Best for kids stuff of all kinds. She’s got a great selection of clothing, toys, winter gear and mom gear.
Closet Connection
If I’m in the market for second hand clothes I go to Closet Connection. (I’m a sucker for quirky sweaters, the thicker the better.) I’ve taken clothing here to consign and had great luck and I shop here too. The store is clean, well organized and the selection is great. It’s also the perfect place to pick up an authentic “tacky holiday sweater.” (I’m very much against sweaters that are intentionally manufactured for “Ugly Sweater Parties.” Isn’t it more fun to find the real article?)
Best for like-new clothing and consigning your own clothes.
Antiques and Home Goods
Central Avenue Variety
I’m a frequent flyer at Central Avenue Variety. The store is a bit like the Room of Requirement from the Harry Potter series. (Which, in my opinion makes it all the more desirable.)
The owner is personable and always happy to see Giddy and me. He can help if you are looking for something particular and travels regularly to find inventory. Variety has a bit of everything vintage and antique. If you need something quirky, you can likely find it here.
Best for large furniture pieces, architectural salvage and military surplus.
Vintage City
Vintage City is an antique store that just keeps going and going and going. It’s large and chock full of items of all styles and eras. This is my favorite place to find housewares and ephemera for wall art. (A lot of the pieces I hung for Katie and Sam came from here!) The prices are great and with a little imagination you’ll find exactly the unique thing you need.
Best for deals, smaller pieces and vintage vibes. Be sure to check their hours, they are only open on specific weekends.
Downtown Antique Mall
Just like the name implies, this store is right downtown. Go in and down a staircase to find a well-curated collection of goods. There’s a little bit of everything, but don’t expect rock-bottom deals. It’s also on the crowded side with lots of breakables at toddler eye-level, so I suggest this as a grownups only stop.
Best for glassware, collectibles and some furniture. The owner travels to collect inventory from Christmas through April, so the store is closed several months out of the year.
Other Sources
There are a couple other sources I should mention as well. Bisman Online is like a regional Craigslist. It’s a good resource and includes a building supply category (handy for me right now.) Finally, the Flea Market happens doesn’t happen every weekend but can be a great source for antiques and quirky finds.
Remember, I’m only one person and this isn’t a definitive list! If you live in Minot I’d love to hear what your favorite second-hand haunt it!
Have a great week!
