I set out today with one goal: Find the best thrift stores in Asheville, NC. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is a sprawling mountain city known for its eclectic shops, delicious eats, and artistic flair. Thankfully that is equally true of its thrift stores… minus the delicious eats, of course. I intentionally avoided the standard Goodwills and Habitat ReStores and went for some out-of-the-way shops that, let me tell you, left me eager to go back for more.
Here are my top four finds for the best Asheville thrift stores from today:
WNC Bridge Foundation
$, Monday-Saturday, 10am-4:30pm
Address: 75 Fairview Rd, Asheville, NC 28803
The WNC Bridge Foundation is immediately unique for its thrift-store-estate-sale combo.
Open six days a week, the thrift store hosts an array of items from clothing to kitchen items to furniture and decor all with incredible price points as little as 50 cents. You’re sure to see cheerful volunteers like Sandra or manager Skip who will eagerly share how this local icon gives back all of its proceeds to its local community. But that’s not all. Every other week, the backside of the building operates an estate sale. During the week of a sale, customers can come on Wednesdays to get a preview of the estate items and return Thursday for the sale’s open where you might see some customers line up as early as 6am to get a shot at the goods. Whether you’re looking for a coveted estate item or a 3-for-a-dollar china saucer, WNC Bridge Foundation should be at the top of your list.
Asheville Humane Thrift Store
$$, Monday-Saturday, 10am-6pm
Address: 800 Fairview Rd Suite EE, Asheville, NC 28803
I hit the jackpot at Asheville Humane today with all stools and chairs half price.
I snagged two beautiful leather-seated dining chairs for $40. As its name suggests, Asheville Humane Thrift Store supports animals in need, so they’ll be happy for you to “round up your purchase” to the nearest dollar. This is a no-brainer for the amount of money you’re saving. Prices are fair, sales are frequent, and the variety is exactly what I would look for in a thrift store. I’m so glad to add this shop to my list of favorites. Oh and when you go, be sure to pop next door to Mr. K’s Used Books. It’s huge, it’s clean, it’s fair-priced, and you’re sure to find a book to add to your collection.
Mountain Home Thrift Store
$, Tuesday-Friday, 10am-5:30pm; Saturday, 10am-4pm
Address: 10 Lake Eden Rd, Black Mountain, NC 28711
Mountain Home Thrift Store is like a treasure trove of thrift stores.
Every time you think you’ve carefully made it through each shelf, you turn around to see a brand new stock of goods. I’m sure I saw no less than four people stocking more goods the entire time I was there. And then you turn again and find an entire new nook you haven’t yet explored. But the store is clean, well-organized, and leaves room for things to breathe. There is just so much good stuff in here, and I got a lot of it! Did I mention the tiny kid-sized carts they keep available for shopping? Family-friendly shopping at its finest. Best of all, this thrift store operates to help support its ministry — Black Mountain Children’s Home, which serves foster and adoption as well as independent living for the over-18ers who age out of the program.
Frugal Decor & More
$$$, Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm
Address: 1100 W Chapel Rd, Asheville, NC 28803
So while Frugal Decor and More doesn’t hit the “thrift store” theme, it does get a serious honorable mention here as a designer consignment store with great prices.
If you’re local, you probably know Rudy’s Furniture, which has been in business for over 40 years. At the helm of Frugal Decor and More (and literally next door) is Rudy’s wife, Sheila, who specializes in buying high-end furniture (new and used) from interior designers and home stagers, creating a mass of sofas, tables, chairs, lamps, rugs, and decor. Just go ahead and add it to your regular shopping rounds when you’re looking to design or decorate a new space.
Side Note
I just had to make two consignment store stops today while in the city, and since I bought items at both, I’ve just got to tell you about them: Once Upon A Child and Enchanted Forrest.
Once Upon A Child is a national standard in the world of children’s consignment, and it has just about everything you can imagine. There are two entire walls of bins filled with just shoes. The organization is impeccable — you can shop by size and color. The baby gear is limitless. And now I want to consign some of my own kids’ clothes there (which you can do just about any day as long as you call ahead of time).
Enchanted Forrest, which has been in its same location since 1997, is a women’s consignment boutique that prides itself in its frequent turnover of high-quality goods. Items are more upscale, some even by local artists, but still reasonably priced (I bought the cutest sweater). And you can definitely expect owner Danielle to pull out some specific items to suit your style.
That’s a Wrap for Asheville Thrift Stores (for now)
Ah if the day wasn’t limited by drive times and closing hours I would still be at it. But don’t worry, I’ve already got my growing list for next time:
- The Regeneration Station
- The Bicycle Thrift Shop
- Mine and Yours Asheville Resale (consignment)
- The Thrift Hound
- Charlie’s Angels Animal Rescue Thrift (Fletcher)
- The Cottage Door (Weaverville)
Happy Shopping!
