With the convenience of online shopping overtaking Americans’ shopping habits and wallets, local business owners often reap the consequences of mass consumerism. Before checking Amazon or “fast fashion” websites for the media, art or clothing items you need, shop secondhand around the Triad to keep the environment healthy and local businesses happy. Below are just a few of the fabulous thrift and consignment joints in the area that offer unique, pre-owned products with storefronts just as charming.
The Eclectible Shop
A far cry from a typical day of thrift shopping, The Eclectible Shop in Winston-Salem, owned by Frank Frye, is the mecca of books and vintage vinyl. Staying true to its pun-inspired name, the eclectic storefront packs its 3,000 square feet with thousands of used books of all genres, iconic vintage vinyl records, art and antique collectibles. Due to Frank’s vast selection of treasures, shoppers can spend hours along the store’s shelves and will likely leave with a book or two that they wouldn’t be able to find online. After taking a five-year break, Eclectible reopened in 2013 and has since been back and better than ever with a new supply of book titles that are rare finds for literature lovers throughout the Triad. Customers rave about Frank’s expertise in literature and passion for his craft as he is always willing to help customers find whatever suits their fancy. Both floors of the retail space are fully lined with goods, making the challenge of finding needles in haystacks appealing to many thrift-lovers. Stop by the shop on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays between 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. at 1036 W. Northwest Boulevard, Winston-Salem. Find The Eclectible Shop on Facebook and stay up-to-date on the store’s latest finds by following @eclectibleshop on Instagram. Call the store with any questions at 336.722.8655.
The Lane Exchange
Contrary to stationary thrift stores, The Lane Exchange thrift bus gives fashionable shoppers something new to write home about. The brain child of Owner Brit Amerson, The Lane Exchange travels around in a decorative, full-size school bus to post up at pop-up locations and various events throughout the Triad. Featured on WXII in February 2023, The Lane Exchange promotes upcycling and purchasing pre-owned clothing items and accessories rather than supporting the mass production of goods and over-consumption. Offering delivery, in-store shopping and in-store pickup, items for sale on the thrift bus are also listed on Poshmark, Depop and eBay. In April, The Lane Exchange hosted its Earth Day Thrift Crawl by parking at Downtown Winston-Salem locations such as Wiseman Brewing, Collage, Still Grimey, Happy Hour and Off the Rack. Secondhand shopping is not only more cost effective but helps preserve the environment and reduce waste, as well. Not only does thrifting support other local business owners such as Brit, but it also allows browsers to add a story behind pieces in their wardrobe. There is something so satisfying about bringing home a gently used rare find – especially from a mobile thrift store. Keep tabs on where to find the thrift bus next by following The Lane Exchange on Facebook or checking @thelaneexchange on Instagram. Links to The Lane Exchange’s Depop, Poshmark and eBay items can also be found on Instagram.
