Bargain Hunters’ Havens: South

These South Jersey gems will help you color your wardrobe with eclectic, affordable pieces.

Retro Polaroid sunglasses, Second Time Around, location in Haddonfield, $34.
Photo by James Worrell

Dolled Up, Mays Landing
This trendy brand-name-conscious consignment boutique always has plenty of fashion-savvy staff on hand to help teenage girls and women style themselves in new and almost-new clothes, shoes and accessories. Even the website provides fashion tips—and plugs for $3 silk scarves and $10 boots. 6167 Harding Highway; 609 837-2736—Tara Nurin

Frugal Thrift & Vintage, Collingswood

You may have to paw through some tacky duds at this slightly cluttered thrift shop, but it’s worth it to find glorious 20th-century dresses, gently worn leather bags, chunky accessories and kids’ clothes. There’s even an all-too-rare men’s clothing section. The vibe here is lighthearted, and the family behind the boutique donates 2 percent of gross sales to a different local charity each month. 740 Haddon Avenue; 856-858-0700—TN

Furniture Consignment Gallery, Maple Shade

Fussy types may be put off by some of the used furniture, which, while attractively priced at one-third to one-half off, can appear a little tired or out-of-date. But savvy shoppers can snap up hand-carved mirrors, artisan objects and brand-new pieces consigned by overstocked retailers, manufacturers and model-home decorators. 454 Route 38; 856-751-5855—TN

Glassboro Thrift Village, Glassboro

Calling itself the biggest full-service thrift shop in the state, this 20,000-square-foot mall stocks used electronics, furniture, housewares, toys, books, linens and more, each with its own section. But perhaps most popular is the clothing department, where Sunday shoppers can fill a 5-gallon bucket for $20. Mall owners consistently donate goods to disaster victims and offer discounts to seniors and military personnel. 169 S. Delsea Drive; 856-863-5558—TN

Irina’s Closet
, Merchantville

Having spent her youth in some of Europe’s urban fashion destinations, owner Irina Gritsenko accepts only designer women’s clothing and accessories. From her stock, Gritsenko helps clients put together stunning outfits accented by Gucci purses and floor-length fur coats. The stuffed boutique stays open most holidays and late into the night. 18 S. Centre Street; 856-488-5866—TN

Mew to You, Ocean City

A thrift shop for cat-lovers. This one benefits the organization CATS (Citizens Altering the Strays of Cape May and Atlantic counties) by reselling donations of, well, anything. The Victorian home is crammed with porcelain tchotchkes, crystal tableware, china dish sets, ceramic children’s decorations, toasters, cat-related objects, and, not surprisingly, adoptable cats. 959 Asbury Avenue; 609-399-4228—TN

Raks Thrift Avenue, Haddonfield

Raks owner Cheryl Shuster applies a discerning eye to her consignment inventory of women’s clothing, outerwear, shoes, handbags and vintage jewelry. Rule number 1: No items older than three years; number 2: items must be in perfect condition with “no stains of any kind…no pet hair”; number 3: original retail prices of more than $50 are preferred; number 4: pieces should be dry-cleaned and on hangers. 43 Kings Highway E.; 856-429-6777—TN
     
Refrigerator Door/The Flea, Millville
An oddball array of stuff crams the alcoves of this double-storefront, downtown landmark. World War II collectibles, statues of Jesus, TVs, antique chairs, plush dolls in the shape of the herpes virus—chances are owner Aggie McVeigh has sold it at some point in her shop’s 10 years. 408 N. High Street; 609-402-8169—TN

Second Time Around, Multiple locations
For upscale consignment resale, a good first step is Second Time Around, located in Haddonfield, Madison, Summit, Englewood, and Ridgewood. Each location stocks favorites like J.Crew, Kate Spade and Anthropologie brands, all new or nearly new. Expect a carefully curated collection of women’s clothing, shoes, handbags and jewelry. 201-857-4085—Susan Brierly

Salvation Army
, Multiple Locations
You never know what will turn up at these donation-driven stores, which offer clothing for the entire family, electronics, furniture and household goods. Proceeds fund the organization’s charitable work.—Deborah Carter

Sweetpea’s Children’s Shoppe
, Vineland
Momtrepreneur Julie Stanker only sells high-end, new and “gently hugged” clothes and products for babies, kids and tweens. The store is well organized but crowded with clothes, shoes, toys, books and games. Some of the merchandise is designed by local craftspeople. A full section of new baptism and christening products contains clothing and gifts that start at $50. 2757 S. Main Road; 856-213-6739—TN

Thrifty Kitty, Oceanville

Love cats? Love bargains? All proceeds generated in this restored 100-year-old farmhouse benefit the Thrifty Kitty cat rescue organization. Come for the donated—and sometimes new—Murano glass, china sets, antiques and other estate-type collectibles, and you may just leave with a real live kitty. 173 S. New York Road (Route 9); 609-287-9121—TN

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