Cover image: Style Encore (Portage, MI)
Satisfy the Urge to Purge with Thrift Shops & Consignment Stores
There are at least two times per year that I have a major urge to purge: before the holidays and in the summer for back-to-school season. And right now, I’m in my purging clothes era.
Kids grow so fast, and purging their clothes and shoes is as satisfying to me as watching cleaning videos on TikTok (anyone else a #CleanTok fan?).
Not to mention, as my kids have entered the tween years, their style and clothing tastes change to reflect their individuality so “rejuvenation prunes” are sometimes in order, too.
Entering your own purging season? Read on for local thrift shops and consignment locations near Kalamazoo:
Where to Shop for Sustainable Clothing
When it comes to clothes, I’ve long been a fan of mom-to-mom sales, Facebook Marketplace, thrift shops, and consignment stores for buying and selling clothes, both for my kids and myself.
It’s much more environmentally and budget-friendly than buying new.
Of course, the piles that result after a big purge can be overwhelming as we sort through what to donate, toss, or sell for cash. That’s where Jeannie Cleaning can help, from organizing and cleaning the whirlwind left behind.
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Jeannie Cleaning is a Portage based Residential Cleaning company specializing in recurring home cleaning. Our mission is to Make Lives Better in all that we do. We are committed to making this a great place to work as well as offering a life changing cleaning service.
Consignment Shops
Luckily, the Kalamazoo area is teeming with some fantastic consignment shops for kiddos of all ages.
Consignment shops are especially awesome because while you can purchase affordable gently-worn clothing, you can also sell your own and make some extra cash. Cha-ching!
TIP: If you’re planning on selling, call ahead to confirm hours and selling policies.
Some stores may have a one tote limit, for example, or stop taking clothes at a certain time of day.
You’ll also want to ask about their payment structure. Some offer cash on the spot while others provide a percentage of the sale price only after it sells.
Consignment for Babies & Elementary Aged Kids
Whether you need onesies or clothes up to sizes 14-16, Kalamazoo and Portage have three great consignment options for babies through elementary ages.
Some also go beyond clothes and footwear, selling toys, books, backpacks, and other kid gear. It’s truly a one-stop-shop!
Hand Me Down Rose
5462 Gull Rd
Kalamazoo, MI 49048
Shop Location: Find Hand Me Down Rose off Gull Road, next to Main Street Pub. The entrance is in back of the plaza, facing Sprinkle Rd.
Second Childhood
6784 S Westnedge Ave Ste A
Portage, MI 49002
Shop Location: Second Childhood is off Westnedge in Portage, in the same shopping plaza as Talbots and Qdoba.
Once Upon a Child
643 Romence Rd
Portage, MI 49024
Shop Location: Once Upon a Child is located near Jets Pizza and the Secretary of State off Romence in Portage.
Teens & Tweens Consignment Shops
My 11-year-old daughter loves shopping at consignment shops for trendy clothing, shoes, and accessories. I’m not gonna lie — I enjoy going on these shopping trips with her as a way to connect and bond. Saving money is just the cherry on top.
Here are our favorite places to go when it’s time to consign and shine.
360 Degrees
4618 W Main St
Kalamazoo, MI 49006
Girls and boys’ clothes
Shop Location: 360 is on West Main in Kalamazoo, just east of Drake Road (near Kyoto’s and Main Street Pub).
Plato’s Closet
6414 S Westnedge Ave
Portage, MI 49002
Girls and boys’ clothes
Shop Location: Plato’s Closet and Style Encore are located in Portage off Westnedge, just south of Mall Drive.
Clothes Mentor
649 Romence Rd
Portage, MI 49024
Girls’ clothes
Shop Location: Clothes Mentor is located on Romence Road in Portage, in the same shopping plaza as Once Upon a Child.
Style Encore
6410 S Westnedge Ave
Portage, MI 49002
Girls’ and boy’s clothes
Shop Location: Plato’s Closet and Style Encore are located in Portage off Westnedge, just south of Mall Drive. Bonus: they just started carrying a men’s line of clothes too!
Thrift Shops
Thrifting has increased in popularity over the years as a way to buy secondhand clothes (and household goods).
Unlike consignment shops, thrift stores run strictly off donations and do not pay you for items they sell.
| Goodwill | 411 W Milham Ave, Portage, MI 49024 420 E Alcott St, Kalamazoo, MI 49001 5609 W Main St, Kalamazoo, MI 49009 1346 M-89, Plainwell, MI 49080 |
| American Cancer Society Discovery Shop | 4608 W Main St, Kalamazoo, MI 49006 |
| Salvation Army | 5117 Portage Rd, Portage, MI 49002 1269 M-89, Plainwell, MI 49080 294 Highland Ave, Battle Creek, MI 49015 |
| Legacy Thrift/Portage Thrift | 2375 E Milham Ave, Portage, MI 49002 269-459-8484 |
| 2nd Impressions Upscale Thrift Store | 3750 S Westnedge Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49008 |
| New Way Thrift | 211 East Cork St, Kalamazoo, MI 49001 |
| Simple Treasures | 311 W Kilgore Rd, Portage, MI 49002 |
| Refresh Thrift Store | 8700 Shaver Rd, Portage, MI 49024 |
| Main Street Vintage | 6650 S Westnedge Ave Portage, MI 49024 (2nd Level of Crossroads Mall) |
Map
find consignment and thrift shops near me
A Sustainable Shopping Spree You Can Feel Good About
Thrift shops and consignments not only benefit the environment by reducing waste but also support local businesses and provide unique, budget-friendly fashion finds for the whole family.
So, when the urge to purge strikes, consider donating or consigning your gently used items to give them a second life. Then, head out with your family to explore the local thrift and consignment stores.
Your wallet will thank you and you’ll also make a positive impact on the planet and your community.
Happy sustainable shopping!
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