By Janie Lee
Senior Marketing Student at the University of Central Arkansas and Arkansas PBS intern
Today we are going to be doing a deep dive into my favorite thrift stores in Arkansas. For the past four years, I have heavily leaned into buying secondhand. Because of this, I have a curated list of stores that have never done me wrong. Along with having more unique pieces in your closet, thrifting also cuts down on the waste created by the fashion industry (which is the third most wasteful industry in the world according to ClimateTrade). So, be fun, be green and check out these places… I promise they won’t disappoint.
1. Daisy Exchange
1705 N College Ave
Fayetteville, AR 72703
Daisy Exchange is a consignment store that originated in Oklahoma City. The idea for these stores came from Tom and Lynn Hart. Essentially, they wanted to cater to a younger, more trendy market. So, they and their three kids have opened five stores in Oklahoma City and one in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
I travel to Fayetteville quite often to visit family. I am an avid lover of thrift stores and will go out of my way to find interesting, new spots. Fortunately, I didn’t have to go too far out of my way for this one. This store is in the center of Fayetteville, near the University of Arkansas campus. Each time I visit Daisy Exchange, either for myself or for a gift, I leave thrilled with my find. I definitely recommend checking this store out next time you’re in Fayetteville.
2. Cheap Thrills
120 S E Ave
Fayetteville, AR 72701
Speaking of thrills, Cheap Thrills is a thrift store also based in Fayetteville, Arkansas. It is located in the downtown area and hosts a plethora of items. Like the name suggests, most pieces that they sell run on the more affordable side. However, they also have designer items in their collection.
I have only been to this store a handful of times, but I have found some of my favorite pieces here like this beautiful red, white, and blue vintage purse that’s perfect for the Fourth of July. This is also one of the most unique thrift stores that I’ve been to. It is separated into different sections that extend to the back of the store. It even has a room dedicated to vintage pieces (which was my personal favorite). If you like a funky vibe, and finding something new, this place is right up your alley.
3. In Retrospect - Vintage Mall
10 E Township St
Fayetteville, AR 72703
The only way I know how to describe this next store is an absolute treasure trove of all kinds of things. This store is called In Retrospect - Vintage Mall, and it is the last of our Fayetteville stores that we’ll visit today. This store is run by two very sweet women who may fool you on their age with their spunky personalities.
My visit here was very brief, and last minute as they were closing very soon. I was here to buy a gift for a friend and found a beautiful Bulova women’s watch. I also found a statement timepiece, and I kept that one for myself. My experience here was wonderful. The next time I go, I plan to spend much much more time browsing their collection.
4. Jennifer’s Antiques
1003 Oak St
Conway, AR 72032
I am a student at the University of Central Arkansas located in Conway, and anytime that I go thrifting my first stop is always Jennifer’s Antiques. This store hosts vendors that rent spaces to showcase their own wares. The collection here is some of the most varied that I’ve seen, spanning several different decades. On one visit, I spotted this beautifully intricate tray I now use for my jewelry! The people that I encounter running the front are also always helpful and very informed not only about the items they sell, but also about the vendors. I always look forward to seeing what has been added to their store.
TIP!: If you become ravenous, they have a sandwich shop called Cross Creek that is connected to their store (*Bonus: try one of their famous strawberry and lemon iced cookies!).
5. Style Encore
500 Amity Rd #4a
Conway, AR 72032
Style Encore is a resale store that hosts a variety of women’s clothing and accessories. Along with selling used clothing at a fraction of the original price, they also buy clothing from others, and offer cash on the spot. This company is owned by Winmark Corporation that also owns many other companies. Plato’s closet, another company owned by Winmark, is also right next to Style Encore.
This store has a more boutique, and modern feel to it. At first glance it can look quite small, but it is packed with a vast variety of items. This is another spot that I frequent on my shopping sprees, and I have never left empty handed. My favorite piece that I have found here definitely has to be this amazing red leather jacket. I have recommended it countless times and will continue to do so.
6. The Go Store
807 Court St
Conway, AR 72032
Speaking of places that can seem misleading, the Go Store is a prime example of this. This is a mission-centered, thrift and discount store located in Conway, Arkansas. I have only visited this store once, at the end of last year. I was Christmas shopping for my sister-in-law and found a beautiful serving dish that she now uses often.
I would describe this as a lesser known, hole-in-the-wall store, which usually ends up as some of my favorite kinds of stores. It is the kind of place that invites you to dig a little deeper, and hunt for your finds. This may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but I like a challenge. The workers here are also very helpful and kind. It is a place that I plan to revisit and is somewhere that I am happy to recommend.
7. Midtown Vintage Market
105 N Rodney Parham Rd
Little Rock, AR 72205
Last on our tour is a vintage store in Little Rock known as Midtown Vintage Market. Like Jennifer’s Antiques this store rents out space to vendors to showcase their own items. It hosts vintage, antique, retro, and designer items.
I can spend hours in this store, and in fact I have done just that. I never leave empty handed, and have found some of my favorite things at this store, like this vintage fiddler cap. Before I found Midtown Vintage, my idea of thrifting only included Goodwill, which is fine, and I still very frequently shop at Goodwill. After I found this store, though, I fell in love with finding new and unique thrift stores and markets, so I credit it for one of my passions. If you are ever in Little Rock, I strongly recommend that you visit.
So, here they are - my favorite thrift stores in Arkansas! Buying second hand not only allows you to curate unique pieces, but it also cuts down on the demand for new items. By choosing second hand and thrifted items for your closet, you can help reduce the amount of waste in our landfills. When we cut down on demand, this number will decrease. I can guarantee that anything you might want to buy new, you can find second hand. Thrifting also allows other pieces that could have been thrown out to have new life. So, next time you go on a shopping spree, choose to do it second hand.
Arkansas Treasures is Back!
Also, for all of my “Arkansas Treasures” fans, Arkansas PBS is back with a brand-new season! If you haven’t watched the first season, you can watch it any time on demand. This series showcases antiques and collectibles that Arkansas residents bring into the Arkansas PBS studios where curators evaluate each of their items. The most unique of these stories are pulled together to bring you this series.
You can visit the Arkansas PBS donation page at any time to make a donation and get your tickets. You can also visit the ticket form website to register and make a donation to get your tickets. With a ticket you can bring in two of your own antiques or oddities to Arkansas PBS to be evaluated and appraised. Who knows? Maybe you and your piece will make the show!
HOW TO GET TICKETS to attend “Arkansas Treasures” Season 2 taping and have your items evaluated!
HOW TO WATCH
“Arkansas Treasures” Season 1
LEARN MORE
If you love uncovering hidden treasures, check out Arkansas PBS’s Antiques Roadshow to see more about antiques and their fascinating histories!