Branded goods are many people’s dream to own, but they can sometimes cause a serious dent on our wallets. That is why thrift shops are the way to go to discover second-hand, yet quality gems. Not only do many thrift stores carry vintage pieces to add to your wardrobe, but they also have preloved branded accessories that are definitely a steal.
While many people tend to head straight to central locations for these finds, we scoured our island for thrift shops located around HDB estates. Read on for 10 of them to KIV and drop by for a visit, especially when you are in the area.
Located in Highland Centre, Thrifty Trendz is just a stone’s throw away from Serangoon Stadium and Swimming Complex.
Shopping in Thrifty Trendz is similar to opening Russian dolls ‒ the surprises keep coming and you never know when it will end. The shop is packed with boxes, drawers and bags that are decked with apparel and accessories that are all available for purchase.
Normally a Giordano shirt would cost around $20, but at just $7, you can take a casual shirt home ‒ a steep discount that you can’t find elsewhere and in almost perfect condition.
If you find a piece to your liking, there is a full-length mirror and changing room for you to try them on. While browsing through the shelves filled with authentic designer brands and vintage pieces, you can also consult the fashionable owner for some fashion advice like I did.
Address: 22 Yio Chu Kang Road, #02-30, Highland Centre, Singapore 545535
Opening hours: Mondays to Fridays 10am to 6pm l Saturdays to Sundays 1030am to 5pm ㅣClosed on Tuesdays
Contact: Facebook DM
Facebook
T-shirts, blouses and dresses are common finds in a thrift store, but in Siloam Thrift Store, you can expect to strike the fashion jackpot with professional blazers and evening gowns too. Located across Block 269 in Yishun Industrial Street, it’s easily accessible for those in search of an atas looking outfit on a budget.
The store is actually part of the non-profit organisation SiloamXperience, which ensures proceeds from the thrift store sales are used as fundings for their projects that support the underprivileged in Singapore and Cambodia.
Separated into two different units, the store offers children’s clothes, brand new undergarments, shoes and bags. If you’re on the lookout for toys, books and household items, they have those too.
Their prices for one clothing item start from as low as $2, 5 pieces for $5 and 13 pieces for $10, so you can expect a good steal with just one visit. Some of the brands found include Zara, H&M, Under Armour, The Editor’s Market and Giordano. Accessories are also available in bundles like 3 pairs of earrings for $5.
Showing off different ways to style your clothes, they also make use of mannequins to display and update their trendy apparel ‒ eliminating the stereotype that thrift shops don’t offer modern clothes.
Address: 1 A’Posh BizHub #05-15 & 16, Yishun Industrial Street 1, Singapore 768160
Opening hours: Mondays, Wednesday, Fridays 930am to 5pmㅣWeekends 930am to 3pm
Contact: Call 6694 1330 or WhatsApp 8859 8473
Website ㅣFacebookㅣInstagram
As the saying goes: “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure”, and Something Old Something New, aka SOSN, turns one’s preloved items into fashion gems.
For those unfamiliar with SOSN, they are a platform that trains and equips people recovering from mental health issues with retail and logistical skills for better employability. Through these methods, they hope to improve their self-confidence and allow them to take a step closer to independence in the workforce.
One of their outlets is situated under a HDB block near Yishun central, conveniently allowing those living in the area to drop by for a short thrifting sesh ‒ especially if you’re itching for a wardrobe haul.
They have everything from blouses that are suitable for a smart casual look to shoes like heels and flats. All the items are placed neatly on shelves and racks for easy browsing and most importantly, they have clear cut price tags too.
Depending on your budget, you can get yourself a whole outfit ‒ a top begins from $4 a piece, and you can also get women’s bottoms at $5 each. To help you get warm and snuggly during the cold weather in Singapore, their jackets are also going at $10, with a special deal of 3 for $20.
Address: Block 426A #01-74, Yishun Avenue 11, Singapore 760419
Opening hours: Mondays to Fridays 9am to 3pmㅣClosed on weekends
Contact: Call 6257 2588
Website
Fashion thrifters living in the East will be pleased to know there is one thrift shop right under their nose at Block 406 in Tampines Street 41.
Even before stepping inside, you’ll be greeted by the numerous racks of clothes displayed outside of Reborn Thrift Shop. They are available for browsing and you can take them in and try them on in their changing room.
Don’t let its simple interior fool you either, as the shop has hidden gems like a H&M top and a vintage Superdry jacket. Although most of the fashion items are catered towards girls, you can still find a few unisex items like caps for your next hiking trip.
Steals spotted include a pair of denim shorts from American Apparel retails as cheap as $3, slightly less than a cup of your favourite BBT.
While this fact is not known by many, the owner also mentioned that 50% of the sales also go to charities like Helping Joy and Singapore Children’s Society. Now that you know that you’re shopping for a good cause, you’ll have greater incentive to make a trip down.
Address: Block 406, #01-23, Tampines Street 41, Singapore 520406
Opening hours: Mondays to Fridays 9am to 6pm l Saturdays 9am to 1pmㅣClosed on Sundays
Contact: Email rebornthriftshop@hotmail.com
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True to its name, Hope Centre Family Thrift Store has something for everyone in the family. From dresses to jackets and children’s clothes, you get to browse an extensive collection of preloved apparel in the store.
Whether you need shoes for formal attire suitable for a new job or an upcoming wedding, there are options spanning flats, loafers and even heels for that extra height boost.
Fashion lovers can also check out gems like this cute shoulder bag and Cotton On jacket – perfect for a casual yet stylish look when you head out with your girlies.
As Hope Centre Family Thrift Store operates as part of The Salvation Army, the proceeds from the store fund their missions to provide holistic care to the community. This way, you get to shop and contribute to their missions and help out those in need even if you’re on a budget.
Pro tip: If you live on the side of Blk 348 Tampines Street 33, you can walk underneath the expressway to locate the store!
Address: 7 Upper Changi Road N, Singapore 507705
Opening hours: Mondays to Saturdays 10am to 6pmㅣClosed on Sundays
Contact: Call 6718 2513
Website
Just a short walk from Block 289C Bukit Batok Street 24, visiting Thrifteyseconds is like making a trip to a secret club, as you won’t find a store sign on their entrance. Spot their colourful gate decorated with whimsical stickers and fancy accessories instead to know that you’re at the right location.
Don’t be overwhelmed the moment you step inside as the shop is filled with numerous kawaii collectibles from Japan and preloved vintage designer clothing.
Every clothing rack has its own price tag and depending on what’s available, you might even bring home a vintage branded shirt at just $20 – a huge bang for your buck! Look out for other deals like $8 a top, and $25 for 4 pieces.
Graphic tee fanatics would also be interested to stop by as they have many that feature bold designs for a loud fashion statement.
Plus, you can expand your accessories collection like rings thanks to their assorted designs and sizes available.
Address: 1, #04-27 Bukit Batok Crescent, WCEGA Plaza, Singapore 658064
Opening hours: By appointment only
Contact: Instagram DM
Instagram
Queensway Shopping Centre is the place to visit when you plan to get a new pair of streetwear kicks. But inside this neighbourhood shopping centre also lies Divine Archives, a cosy shop that sells curated vintage apparel.
Streetwear lovers are in for a treat as you get to find T-shirts from popular brands like Stussy and Nike retailing at $40 and $48 respectively. Those who enjoy quirky designs with humour and pop culture references would also appreciate their T-shirts with prints like Bart Simpson and an eye-catching “Woo Hoo!”.
Girls who love to wear oversized T-shirts should definitely KIV this place as many of the T-shirts come in large sizes ‒ perfect for wearing when you nua at home in the cold weather. For example, this purple Minnie Mouse T-shirt suits those who are looking to express their inner Disney fan.
While the clothes here are priced slightly on the higher end for a thrift shop, you can still get a good lobang when you look through their $20 corner.
Address: #02-37J Queenstown Estate, Queensway Shopping Centre, Singapore 149053
Opening hours: Fridays to Sundays 1pm to 8pmㅣClosed on other days
Contact: Instagram DM
Facebook ㅣInstagram
Those living near Jalan Bukit Merah are in luck, as there is a small yet cosy thrift shop for you to explore. As part of The Salvation Army, you can trust the condition of the clothes and also be clear on where the proceeds from the store are going.
With prices as cheap as $2.15, you can take home apparel like dresses, casual tops and denim bottoms without burning a hole in your pocket.
Shopping starts from outside, where they have a few racks of clothes that are ready for fashion thrifters to take home. Besides heels and ballerina pumps for the ladies, spot their boots and sneakers for men in the corner too.
While they might not have a changing room for you to try out the clothes, there is still a full-length mirror for you to check out how they would look on you.
Address: Block 133 Jalan Bukit Merah, #01-1516, Singapore 160133
Opening hours: Mondays to Saturdays 9am to 6pm ㅣClosed on Sundays
Contact: Call 6718 2513
Website
Before entering NONMAINSTREAM, why not pose for the ‘gram first by sitting on their bench with the shop’s logo? This shop has many aesthetic features – starting from the old-school entrance.
Once inside, you’ll understand why this vintage shop appeals to many youngsters. Not only will you find trendy clothes like Disney-themed jackets and Coca Cola sweaters, but there are also popular sportswear brands like Adidas and Nike. You can take home the latter at $35, with more expensive pieces priced at $45.
Also, the shop is sectioned into 3 areas for a better shopping experience. Each section comes with a large full-length mirror so you can get a sneak preview before deciding if they belong to your wardrobe.
One thing to take note of before visiting them is that they are only open on Fridays and the weekends. Residents in the North Bridge area can take advantage of its heartland location by stopping by for a short shopping sesh when they dapao their meals from the nearby eateries.
Address: 462A Crawford Lane, #02-73, Singapore 191462
Opening hours: Fridays to Sundays 1pm to 7pmㅣClosed on Mondays to Thursdays
Contact: Instagram DM
Instagram
Those looking for more upscale pieces can visit the SSVP Thrift Shop ‒ an adorable store located just a 5 minutes walk from Block 134 Geylang East Avenue 1 that is run by the volunteers of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
They have dresses for occasions like a social event or a smart blazer when you need to get all serious for that last round of interview. I even spotted a Vera Wang gown among the racks!
Plus, their affordable price tag and wide range of accessories would make you wonder if this is all too good to be true. With $5 you can become the owner of a ZARA dress and at $8, a Love, Bonito top is also yours, especially for those who fall back on the OL aesthetic.
If you’re looking for an even bigger steal, they have a $2 corner where you can find a wide variety of tops like basic spaghetti tanks for the ladies and T-shirts.
The volunteers also shared that SSVP Thrift Shop has an in-house sale twice a year, usually in June and December. So, if you’re hoping to catch the next sale, be sure to follow them on their social media for more details.
Address: 501 Geylang Road, Singapore 389459
Opening hours: Tuesdays to Sundays 10am to 4pmㅣClosed on Mondays
Contact: Call 6974 2480
WebsiteㅣFacebook
Thanks to these thrift shops located in the heartlands, it reduces the need to travel all the way to town for a fashion haul. Not only do you get to explore what’s in your neighbourhood, but you also get to support local businesses and charity organisations for a good cause.
From 28 November 2021 to 18 February 2022, discover more of what’s hidden within your neighbourhood during Heartlands Festival 2021 ‒ Singapore’s 1st islandwide celebration of the heartlands.
Through a series of physical and virtual activities islandwide, you get to rediscover what your neighbourhood offers. Plus, the mascots are adorably designed after Singapore’s beloved otters, so kids can get curious and involved too.
Follow the otters’ lead as you eat and shop with more heartland merchants and learn how the heartlands we grow up in are not only a place to live and work, but also to play.
Challenges like “Shop Your Hearts Out With Sasha” might pique the interest of those who are familiar with deals around the neighbourhood. As only a budget of $50 is allowed for each contestant to shop from the heartland shops, you get to showcase your knowledge and perhaps even discover new lobangs.
Foodies who are up for a mouthwatering adventure can also participate in the Ultimate Food Challenge alongside Eddy. The finalists also get to go against local competitive eater Zermatt Neo in finishing a whopping Hawker Food Platter in the shortest amount of time.
There will also be a Heartlands Festival Lucky Draw that you can participate in. Every $10 spent is a lucky draw chance but do note that you have to spend within the heartlands, excluding all shopping malls.
To participate, simply submit a photo of your physical receipt or a screenshot of the digital transaction onto the festival’s official website. If the purchase is done using e-Payment, you will even receive an additional entry to the lucky draw.
The contest is valid throughout the festival period with draws taking place every week for prizes worth up to $388. The grand draw however, has up to $3,388 worth of cash and prizes and it will be announced during the Closing Ceremony of the festival on 18 February 2022.
To keep yourself updated on the various activities happening online and offline, make sure to follow @HeyHeartlands on Instagram.
Through the festival, many will be inspired to look to the heartlands as a go-to destination to eat, shop, play and celebrate. After all, it is these heartlands enterprises that tie us Singaporeans together, fostering a sense of shared identity and community.
This post is brought to you by Heartlands Festival.
Photography by Ian Sim and Tasha Sun.
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