Need a wardrobe revamp? Here are Liverpool’s best student friendly thrifting spots

For environmentally conscious students, thrifting offers a goldmine of clothes, jewellery, accessories, furniture, and records that don’t cost the world. Not only do you get to dig through rails of vintage gems to revamp your wardrobe, it’s also the perfect budget friendly alternative to scratching that retail therapy itch.

Bold Street has been the holy grail for most students since its first day here, but Liverpool has so much to offer in terms of quirky boutiques, antique havens and vintage clothing spots – it may be the city of music, but trust us when we say it’s equally as cool when it comes to thrift fashion.

Now we’ve had three days of sunshine and post lecture pub garden trips, it might be time to pack that puffer away and showcase your best summer OOTDs on campus. You might be new to the city’s thrifting scene and haven’t found the best spots yet, or an experienced shopper seeking some inspiration. Either way, we have some great places for you to explore, and they definitely won’t break your bank.

Charity shops

No matter where you’re living in Liverpool, you’re guaranteed to be near at least one charity shop. They’re great alternative to fast fashion because you might find your favourite brands here, and you’re donating to charity. It’s a win-win situation. In the city centre you can find Oxfam, Barnardo’s and British Heart Foundation shops on Bold Street. There’s also another British Heart Foundation and Mind Charity Shop on Richmond Street, with Scope Liverpool nearby too. Name me a better route than that.

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If you live further away, around Smithdown or Greenbank, fear not! Just by the Tesco Express at the end of Smithdown Road, you can visit the Roy-Castle Lung Cancer Foundation and another Barnardo’s. There’s nothing better than grabbing a coffee and venturing out down to Penny Lane and Allerton Road, where you can pop into Oxfam and Open Door Church in between some sightseeing. The best part of charity shopping is finding those one of a kind pieces on a budget, and knowing you’re about to wear the most unique outfit to your next 9am.

Vintage shops

The city centre doesn’t just offer charity shops, but also a goldmine of vintage shops, antique stores and markets. Just along Bold Street you can find Resurrection and Pop Boutique, which are arguably the perfect shops to take any friends who are convinced they were born in the wrong decade.

If you’re unhealthily obsessed with vinyl like me, Eighty One Record Store on Renshaw Street is a glorious haven, full of vinyls, coffee and cakes. It’s one of the city centre’s best kept secrets, and it would be rude not to pop into 69A on the way over. This underrated treasure trove is overflowing with vintage clothes, antiques, posters and trinkets – as well as cats wandering around the store. Name me a better combination than that.

Independent markets

Liverpool has always been known for its love for quirky independent stores, but they don’t just stop there. If you’re looking for budget friendly, stylish additions to your new home, the Red Brick Market is open every day. It’s located on Stanhope Street, just by the Baltic Market, and makes for a wholesome day trip packed with fancy trinkets and a pint in the sunshine afterwards.

Red Brick Market is full to the brim with every trinket, poster, clothing item and decoration you could dream of. One of my favourite shops here is Sarah Kings Antiques, a little stall decorated gorgeously with vintage rugs, lamps and jewellery. This is the perfect place to pop into and visit on a break in between lectures, and you’re bound to find some gems to jazz up your student accommodation on the cheap.

Lesser known but worth visiting is the Granby Street Market, which is held on the first Saturday morning of every month. Here you can find an array of food stalls, jewellery stands and art displays, making it worth a weekend visit. I also recommend taking your visiting parents there, in case they feel like buying you a croissant or poster – ideal for second and third years living in Smithdown. It’s got a lovely community feel and there’s something for everyone there.

Lark Lane, obviously

It wouldn’t be right to talk about thrifting in Liverpool without mentioning Lark Lane. This little street is home to dozens of small businesses, and you’ll always be able to find the perfect gift along Lark Lane, and as a bonus, you can also stop for a coffee and cake while you’re searching.

The Retro Room has been one of my favourite shops since first year, full of bohemian and colourful finds. Number 13 is a haven of quirky and amusing gifts, with a basement containing every poster and print imaginable. You’ve definitely seen a photo of this place on someone’s socials at some point.

Just down the road is Larks, which offers a similarly large and unique array of clothes, trinkets, and jewellery. The Witch House is perfect for buying authentic crystals, incense and jewellery to add to the vibe of your bedroom. Plus, if you’re tired after your day of thrifting, Freida Mo’s serves a tempting array of cakes and coffees, while also selling beautiful clothes and handmade jewellery.

Shopping locally and secondhand doesn’t mean giving up your style! You’re bound to find some unique vintage gems on your travels around the city, and there’s no better feeling than knowing you’re wearing some one of a kind pieces – and coming back home after a lecture to a well decorated bedroom. It’s a cheap and cheerful weekend activity, and a great way to reward yourself after some long shifts in the Sydney Jones.