Shopping from secondhand, consignment or vintage clothing stores has become more popular in recent years, and it’s a fun way to fill your closet without breaking your bank account.
As a long-time thrifter and fashion lover, I decided to visit five secondhand clothing stores in Colorado Springs that aren’t your typical Goodwill or arc and see what I could find. Here is a report of what each of these stores has to offer for the next time you’re feeling thrifty.
Electric Goodies
Located on 501 West Colorado Avenue, Electric Goodies has been my favorite place to shop vintage clothing since it opened in November of 2022.
Offering graphic T-shirts, leather jackets and an impressive amount of vintage lingerie, the store has something for everyone, regardless of personal style. The store is organized not by clothing item but by the 20+ vendors which provide this variety of clothing.
Most of the clothing in the store is newer vintage from the ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s and early 2000s. The most expensive item I found in the store during my most recent visit was $125, and the cheapest clothing item was $4.
The clothing was impressively size inclusive, something that many vintage clothing stores struggle with. Additionally, Electric Goodies sells shoes, belts, hats, bags, jewelry and art from local artists.
Uptown Cheapskate
If you’re looking for familiar brand names and trendier clothing, look no further than Uptown Cheapskate.
Located on 5915 North Academy Boulevard, the consignment shop is organized by clothing item, size and gender, and ranges in price from $5 to $50. The clothing items from higher end brands like Zara and Free People are in a section separate from the rest.
This store has more shoes than any other on this list, of all different sizes and styles, lining the shelves above each clothing rack.
One downside of the store is that unlike the vintage stores on this list, the clothing was separated by gender, and there is far less men’s clothing than women’s.
Eclectic CO.
Situated across from Acacia Park, you’ll find Eclectic CO. tucked between the many restaurants and boutiques in downtown Colorado Springs.
This store has a variety of handmade and vintage clothing including pieces as old as the ‘50s and as recent as the early 2000s. The clothing was organized by item and ranged in price from $15 to $250, though there was a small sale rack.
Unlike the others on this list, Eclectic CO. has 100 local vendors and primarily sells not clothing but handmade jewelry, soap, stickers, pottery, notebooks and more.
Circa Vintage
Located in Old Colorado City, Circa Vintage is the sister store to Eclectic CO. The store has 45 vendors, 25 of which are clothing vendors, and offers a variety of vintage clothing from the ‘30s through the ‘90s.
The store has a funky, retro vibe and is neatly organized by clothing item and size, with prices between $20 and $250.
According to Circa Vintage owner Peri Bolts, the store focuses on sustainability and giving clothes a new life. Bolts also said that any items in the store that aren’t vintage, such as jewelry, accessories and self-care items, are handmade and sustainably sourced.
Between Friends Consignment
Located in the Rockrimmon area on 6608 Delmonico Drive, Between Friends is a small business consignment shop that specializes in name brand women’s clothing ranging from $15 to $50.
Since the store consigns modern clothing from high end brands like Ralph Lauren and Versace, most of the clothing is business casual attire or fancier, though they do have some athletic wear.
The store offers tons of shoes, hats, scarves, jewelry and designer purses. Additionally, Between Friends had the most inclusive size range of all the stores on this list.
Each of these secondhand clothing stores has at least one dressing room and something unique to offer. So, next time you’re searching for new clothes, try looking for some old ones instead!
Uptown Cheapskate located in Colorado Springs. Photo by Meghan Germain.