13 Cheap Clothing Stores in Manhattan + Amazing Local Tips

28 Shares

If you’re looking to do some budget shopping in NYC then you need this list of cheap clothing stores in Manhattan in your life.

Not only will these thrift stores in NYC be well-located near your hotel, but you’ll be able to find wicked awesome deals on awesome designer threads – whethere you like high-end or mainstream brands.

I know I have. I have lived here for 30+ years and got a new Kate Spade wallet for $25.00 and new UGG boots for $60.00.

I found both of these epic deals at killer thrift stores in Manhattan. Now I want to share my local tips with you so that you can go on a killer shopping spree and bring home tons of gear.

I just want you to do all of this without totally going broke. This way you can actually see some landmarks in NYC while you’re here.

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure for more information. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

Contents show

Best Cheap Clothing Stores in Manhattan Now

1. INA NYC

Situated in the trendy neighborhood of Chelsea – with various other locations throughout the city – this is one of the renowned cheap clothing stores in Manhattan that has been in business since 1993.

Celebrated as one of the best consignment stores in NYC, INA NYC has earned quite a reputation among New Yorkers who adore fashion but who don’t want a high price tag.

Now, the secret to INA’s success is in its strict policy of accepting only top-quality items for resale.

So, shoppers can expect to find impeccable merchandise.

Boasting an inventory that includes stylish, reduced-priced pieces from illustrious designers like Chanel, Pucci, and BALLY, INA ensures that budget shoppers in NYC can always indulge in luxury for less.

Address: 21 Prince Street (This is the Nolita location but they have locations in Chelsea and Union Square as well)

Hours: Open daily from 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

How to Get There: You could take the 6, R, W, or N trains here since all of these subway lines have stops near Prince Street.

2. Century 21

Spending the day in NYC and want to enjoy some of the cool things to do in Lower Manhattan?

If so then stop by Century 21. Not to be confused with the retail giant of the same name, this is one of the most famous cheap clothing stores in Manhattan on this list.

Originally located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, that store eventually closed as a result of the pandemic.

Thankfully, Century 21 was later reopened near the World Trade Center. And I am so glad it was since it is a haven for any backpackers in NYC looking for cheap shopping spots.

The deals are nothing short of impressive, with discounts of up to 70% on designer goods, including footwear, accessories, athletic attire, and more.

What truly stands out is the store’s vastness, occupying seven levels that offer ample space for a leisurely, unrushed shopping experience.

Address: 22 Cortlandt St, New York, NY 10007

Hours: Open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm and on Sunday from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.

How to Get There: Take the 1/E to the World Trade Center and walk here.

3. Housing Works

View of Housingworks Thrift Store. At the top you have people shopping through racks of clothes and you see wooden ralings. On the bottom you have stacks of books in shelves in the bookstore.

Honestly, I feel like everywhere you go in Manhattan you can find a Housing Works Thrift Store.

I know I have been to outposts on the Upper East Side, the Upper West Side, Soho, and the West Village.

But, there are way more, making this one of the best discount stores in NYC if you have a loose NYC itinerary and are not sure where you’re gonna be.

I tend to shop at the one in Soho since it is a thrift store upstairs and a cool bookstore downstairs, making this one of the coolest bookstores in NYC.

I also found an amazing Kate Spade wallet here that was beautiful and new and cost just $25.00.

Anyway, Housing Works is amazing because of its commitment to social causes. Astonishingly, all profits garnered go towards supporting vital services for the homeless and anyone living with AIDS.

So, explore a treasure trove of high-end vintage treasures that include items from Gucci, Givenchy, DVF, and more. Plus, you can also donate some of your unwanted items too.

Local Tip: Always read the price tag before you buy anything. They sell fashionable NYC souvenirs but some of the second-hand items can be a bit expensive, especially if they come with designer labels.

Address: 130 Crosby Street

Hours: Open daily from 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm and closes at 5:00 pm on Sundays.

How to Get There: Take the B/D/F/M to Lafayette and Broadway and walk from there.

4. DSW Union Square

Grab a pair of amazing, discount shoes without an ounce of regret at DSW Union Square.

Sure, DSW isn’t unique to the Big Apple. But, the Union Square location? It’s huge and a veritable wonderland for anyone who loves shoes.

Enter on the ground level and find yourself strolling through a multi-tiered universe of shoes. Hop on a gleaming escalator and get ready for en epic adveture.

Now, given the sheer size of one of the cheap stores in Manhattan, it might be a tad difficult to naviagte.

So, head straight to the rear to for the best discounts since this is where all the clearance items are located.

You’ll also find chic-heels to the back-right, athletic sneakers in the center-right, and rain gear/men’s footwear to left.

Local Tip: Beacon’s Closet and Max Brenner’s (get the chocolate pizza) are both in the area. So, be suee to stop by if you’re in Union Square.

Address: 40 E 14th St, New York, NY 10003

Hours: Open daily from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm.

How to Get There: Take the 4/5/6 to Union Square and walk from there.

5. Visit the Bloomingdale’s Outlet

Exterior of Bloomingdales in the evening. You see the white Bloomingdales sign on the bottom and then a series of pink, red, purple, and blue striped lights that lead to the top with a buildng in the background with red/pink lights on top. Bloomingdales is one of the cheap clothing stores in Manhattan.

If there’s one thing Bloomingdale’s (Bloomies as locals call it) is NOT known for its discount clothes.

However, if you visit the outlet on the Upper West Side then you can expect to find designer threas at anywhere between 30% and 80% off regular store prices.

Just be prepared to a bit of digging since really epic bargains can be difficult to find without a little work.

Afterward, hit up Forty Carrots and sample some of the best dessert in New York City.

This place is a trendy frozen yogurt joint that sits on top of the building. It’s a place where shoppers can relax before tackling all of the epic free things to do on the Upper West Side.

Address: 2085 Broadway, New York, NY

Hours: Open daily from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm, closing at 6:00 pm on Sundays.

How to Get There: Take the 1/2/3 to 72nd and walk from there.

6. Sample 260 Final Sale

In case you’re not sure what a sample sale is, it’s a short term sale where designers sell samples or prototypes of their clothes at a third of the suggested retail cost.

Many sample sales today also include overstock/out of season merch that has been reduced to the cost of production (in rare instances).

These almost secret events are known to pop up without notice and tend to run out of stock within hours, drawing in anyone who loves to save big on designer fashion.

But, gone are the days where you need insider connections to get a heads-up on these type sales.

Now, anyone can wander into Fashion 260 Final Sale, with outlets on the Upper West Side and in Noho, to enjoy these elusive deals any day of the week.

Fashion 260 Final Sale stocks a myriad of brands with items priced from bargain to premium, between $30 to $300.

Plus, their ever-changing inventory means each visit presents new items to enjoy. Sure, your bank account might protest, but for budget-conscious New Yorkers, this is shopping mecca is a must-visit.

Address: 2151 Broadway, New York, NY 10023

Hours: Open daily from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm.

How to Get There: Take the 1/2/3 to 72nd Street and walk from there.

7. Necessary Clothing

As one of the best cheap clothing stores in NYC, Necessary Clothing is celebrated for its fashionable yet economical attire.

Located right near Little Italy, you can grab some pizza at Lomarbi’s before snagging some stylish threads at under $50 each.

But, what if you’re not gonna be in the Big Apple anytime soon? They head to their website and order some amazing clothes online.

They deliver chic, budget-conscious garments anywhere in the USA. So avoid a road trip from Maine to New York and purchase a chic dress online for less than $20.

Address: 442 Broadway, New York, New York

Hours: Open Monday through Saturday, from 10 am to 8:30 pm and Saturday from 10:00 am to 7:30 pm.

How to Get There: Take the 4/5/6/N/Q/R/W to Canal Street and walk from there.

8. AuH2O

Tucked away in the uber-cool East Village, this hidden gem in New York City is an oasis for budget shoppers who love vintage, secondhand, upcycled items.

Since opening its doors in 2006, this discount store in NYC has flourished into a thriving enterprise, boasting annual revenues of over $120,000.

You’ll also love that this boutique’s collection of handpicked, retro items comes with reasonable price tags between $5.00 and $25.00.

This discount store in Manhattan also caters to a diverse array of tastes, with stylish accessories starting at $3.00 each.

But, this cheap store in Manhattan really shines when it comes to pieces from the ’80s and ’90s.

Address: 84 E 7th St, New York, NY 10003

Hours: Open daily from 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

How to Get There: Take the R/W to 8th Street station and walk from there.

9. Beacon’s Closet

An assortment of shoes sitting on a circuliar rack with hangins filled with clothes. It's a large white store with crystal chandeliers in the background.

Head to Greenwich Village and shop til you drop at Beacon’s Closet. After all, this thrift store in Manhattan is a dream destination for budget-conscious fashionistas who love a treasure hunt.

Additionally, the shop delights with a stylish interior that features chic floral wallpaper and dazzling chandeliers.

Customers can also browse through a selection of designer garments like a $25 Christian Dior blazer or a $30 Marc Jacobs jacket.

Alongside these amazing deals, you’ll find a unique mix of accessories to elevate any ensemble.

I’m a regular patron myself and am always impressed by the vast shoe collection and the high-quality finds they have. I got near-new UGG boots for $60 and couldn’t be happier with the quality.

Despite the occasional piece that doesn’t meet expectations, diligent inspection can uncover genuine gems at one of the best thrift stores in New York City.

Just remember that all purchases are final. So, choose wisely. And if you’ve got clothes in good condition, consider trading them in for 35% of their resale value.

You could also get 55% off on your next in-store purchase instead.

Local Tip: Don’t forget to check out some of the best flea markets in NYC while you’re here.

Address: 10 W 13th St, New York, NY 10011

Hours: Open daily from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm.

How to Get There: Take the N/R/W train to 14th Street and Union Square station and walk from there.

10. Buffalo Exchange

Buffalo Exchange is probably one of the most iconic but cheap clothing stores in Manhattan. That’s because it’s your go-to destination when high-fashion taste meets a thrift-store budget.

And as someone who has to pay ridiculously expensive prices in NYC, I know this feeling all too well.

This retail haven stands out among the best thrift stores in NYC because it offers pre-loved attire that often feels brand-new, sometimes complete with original tags.

Diverging a bit from classic thrift stores, Buffalo Exchange prides itself on an expertly curated selection of trending pieces with modern styles from labels like Zara, H&M, and American Eagle.

So, you won’t find relics from fashion weeks past here. Instead, be prepared to dig through less desirable items to uncover true hidden gems.

But, a little patience and perseverance can pay off handsomly at one of the best discount stores in Manhattan.

Address: 114 W 26th St, New York, NY 10001

Hours: Open daily from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm, except on Sundays when they close at 7:00 pm.

How to Get There: Take the 1/R to 28th Street or the B/D/F/M to 23rd Street and walk from there.

11. Cure Thrift Shop

An assortment of back t-shirts on hangers with a whitw background and inside wdooen shelving. Below you see racks of jeans at one of the best thrift stores in NYC.

Step inside one of the coolest clothing stores in Manhattan and you’ll find yourself surrounded by vintage trinkets, retro furniture, classic typewriters, ornate cash registers, and old-fashioned sewing machines — all fully operational.

Sure, a vintage cash register may not be on everyone’s shopping list. But, you can find more commonly used items on the lower level.

This is where the real treasure hunt begins. You’ll discover clothing galore and shelves full of barely-worn shoes, thanks to Cure Thrift Shop’s epic policy of only accepting the highest quality donations.

Plus, there’s something for everyone here, with a diverse array of styles available, including everything from retro to contemporary

Customer service is exceptional, too. Just be sure to look at those price tags since some items can be priced close to their original value.

However, any purchase made is for a worthy cause since all profits go to the Diabetes Research Institute.

Local Tip: Don’t miss their biannual sale when everything you can fit in a bag costs just $15.00!

Address: 111 E 12th Street between 3rd Ave & 4th Ave

Hours: Open Monday through Sunday from 12 pm to 9 pm.

How to Get There: Just take the L train to the 3rd Avenue Station.

12. Vintage Thrift Shop

With locations in the West Village and Gramercy, Vintage Thrift Shop in Manhattan is a bargain hunter’s dream.

Plus, this store isn’t just a place where you can find tons of unique items—it also funnels its profits into the United Jewish Council of the East Side.

So, shopping for pre-loved goods is intrinsically rewarding. However, you will have to do a bit of hunting to find truly pristine treasures for your collection.

That being said, you can stumble upon coveted pieces like a vintage Yves Saint Laurent top for a mere $12.

But, expect to pay slightly steeper prices at their West Village outpost, where a Fendi bag is an absolute steal at $95.

Now, Inventory features mainstream to designer brands. However, it frequently changes. So, if you find something you love at one of the best thrift stores in NYC, be sure to buy it.

What, in search of high-end labels? The head to their West Village location. Also be on the look out for an eclectic selection of vintage furniture, unique decor, artwork, and other collectibles.

Address: 286 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10010

Hours: Open Sunday through Thursday from 10:30 am to 7:00 pm and Friday from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm.

How to Get There: Take the 4/6 to 23rd Street and walk from there.

13. Lot Less

Lot Less is an incredible discount retailer with 13 different stores scattered throughout the New York and New Jersey, metro area.

Dedicated to selling high-quality, well-known brands for up to 80% off the original price, Lot Less surprises New Yorkers with deals that can seem almost too good to be true.

Merchandise is also updated daily, ensuring a fresh and exciting treasure hunt each time you visit one of the cheapest clothing stores in Manhattan.

However, if you find something you love, be sure to grab it. There’s no guarentee what you love today will be there tomorrow.

So, stop by and enjoy fashion-forward apparel for men/women, electronics, gourmet treats, beauty products, home essentials, toys, and more.

Address: 17 W 14th St, New York, NY 10011, United States

Hours: Open Monday through Friday from 9:30 am to 8:30 pm, Saturday from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm, and Sunday from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm.

How To Get There: Take the F/M/4/5/6/1/2/3 to 14th Street and walk from there.

Map of Cheap Clothing Stores in Manhattan

Map that has blue dots to represent the best cheap clothing stores in Manhattan.

Cheap Clothing Stores in Manhattan FAQs

Is New York Cheap for Clothes?

No, New York is not a cheap place to buy clothes. But, there are plenty of sample sales, flea markets, vintage clothing stores, and thrift stores where you can find high-quality clothes at amazing prices.

What is Manhattan’s Most Popular Shopping Street?

Manhattan’s most popular shopping street is Fifth Avenue. You can walk past the flagship stores of Armani, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada, Tiffany & Co., Valentino, Fendi, and etc.

It’s also a great place to go to see incredible lights if you’re visiting NYC at Christmas.

Is New York Good for Clothes Shopping?

Yes, New York is a great place for clothes shopping. It is a city that has been a retail capital since the 1800s and is home to everything from historic department stores to cool indie shops.

What Part of NYC is Best for Shopping?

The best areas in NYC for shopping are the Upper East Side, SoHo, the East Village, Canal Street, Nolita, the West Village, Park Slope, and Williamsburg.