Successful thrift shopping, antiquing and vintage hunting is a true skill. The ability to survey a consignment shop, identify its treasures and find the perfect place for them in a home or closet without breaking the bank takes a keen eye and a strong sense of personal style. Those who perfect this art reap the benefits of uniquely curated wardrobes and living rooms, but if you haven’t mastered it, there are plenty of places in Buffalo to practice. Plus if you’re looking to do a little gift giving, whatever the occasion may be, consignment and thrift stores offer a more adventurous shopping experience for unexpected, one-of-a-kind gifts.
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1. Serendipity Thrift Shoppe
1 Symphony Circle, Buffalo, NY 14201 / Website
Located in the basement of the First Presbyterian Church on Symphony Circle, Serendipity Shoppe is a treasure trove of home goods, decor and trinkets. It’s especially great if you’re in need of dining essentials like glassware, mugs, plates and table settings, but there’s also a large and eclectic selection of furniture, books, jewelry and art. Worth a stop if you’re trying to furnish a new apartment or you’re like me and need to replace a bunch of broken wine glasses after one too many boozy dinner parties.
2. Stella’s Vintage Finds
2995 Alternate Blvd, Grand Island, NY 14072 / Website
Like many twenty-something’s, my apartment is home to an array of mostly second-hand or IKEA furniture. The one piece I’m particularly proud of, however, is a mid-century dresser from Stella’s Vintage Finds. Jean Doxtater’s Grand Island warehouse is home to a wide array of gorgeous hand-picked antiques and one-of-a-kind pieces. Don’t be surprised if you arrive with the intention of picking up a mirror and leave with a side table you didn’t think you needed.
3. The Story Garage
1875 Niagara St.Buffalo, NY 14207 / Website
Whether you’re looking to furnish a space with larger pieces or simply add a finishing touch, the Story Garage is a good place to start. Even if you’re stopping in for a statement piece, it’s worth taking some time to comb through the shelves and aisles for inspiration. You’ll find a mix of antiques, newer pieces and hidden gems that need only a little DIY treatment to light up a room.
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4. Edna Louise Estate and Household Liquidations
716-812-1018 / Website
Buffalo’s beautiful old homes are some of our city’s greatest assets, and when they go on the market, many of them become hosts to some pretty epic estate sales. Not only do estate sales offer the prospect of discovering something extraordinary, they also pose the opportunity to explore local history through the people, memories and artifacts that used to call these houses home. Keep tabs on upcoming sales with Edna Louise Liquidations and clear your weekend schedule for some serious estate sale hopping.
5. Antique World & Flea Market
11111 Main St, Clarence NY 14031 / Website
As one of the largest (if not the largest) antique centers in Western New York, Antique World is an institution. While a must-visit destination for serious antiquers and collectors, it’s also a fun stop for the more casual second-hand treasure hunters among us. It’s easy to make a day out of a visit to the flea market, but definitely plan to take your time when you’re here.
6. Coocoou
111 Tonawanda St, Buffalo NY 14207 / Website
Coocoou sets itself apart from the others on this list because of its specialty selection—it’s an oasis of beautiful mid-century modern art and furniture. It’s no secret that mid-century modernism is having a major moment, making this place a haven for those committed to their sleek MCM aesthetic.
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7. Back Barn Antiques
7098 Boston State Rd, Hamburg, NY 14075 / Facebook
This spot in North Boston is stocked with vintage goodies displayed in a mix of fashions from styled to stacked. Blink and you’ll miss the sign out front of a house on Boston State Rd, so look closely when you visit and head to the barn in the back as the name of this hidden gem would suggest.
8. Side by Side Antiques
26 Abbott Rd, Buffalo, NY 14220 / Website
At this shop on Abbott Road in South Buffalo you’ll find a mix of antique furniture, antique accessories, and antique and vintage jewelry. They also buy items and take inventory from estate sales and liquidations.
9. Sloan’s Antiques
730 William St, Buffalo, NY 14206 / Website
Established in 1955, Sloan’s Antiques located on Buffalo’s East side sells an assortment of antiques including furniture, art, religious artifacts, hardware and lighting, windows and more. According to their website, they have “thousands of square feet of inventory. Whether you are looking for high end antiques, architectural salvage, primitives, art, or religious artifacts, you will find it.” Plus they add inventory to their website on a regular basis.
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10. The Old Chapel Antique & Artisan Market
172 Robinson St, North Tonawanda, NY 14120 / More Info
Located in the former Ascension Church in North Tonawanda NY, this 1800s church is now home to over 130 vendors offering both new and antique items. Pro tip: if you’re on the look out for some vintage records, check out the huge vinyl record collection in the basement of the church!
11. Vintage Grace
90 Central Ave, Lancaster, NY 14086 / Website
This old Victorian home turned antique shop offers two floors of vintage goods to thrift through. With 60 showcases available to rent out, Vintage Grace is always acquiring new items!
12. Niagara Emporium
4545 Transit Rd #800, Buffalo, NY 14221 / Website
Locate din the Eastern Hills Mall, Niagara Emporium is a 60,000 sq ft. co-op which carry antiques to collectibles, new items, Buffalo items and much more.
This post was originally published in 2019 and has been updated.
