Who says treasure hunts are just for kids?

Wisconsin’s thrift shops are like adult playgrounds, where every aisle holds the potential for a thrilling discovery. Let’s dive into this bargain-hunting adventure!

1. Nice As New (Wausau)

Nestled in Wausau, Nice As New is the crown jewel of second-hand shopping.

It’s like walking into your stylish aunt’s closet, if your aunt had impeccable taste and a penchant for designer labels.

The store’s exterior, with its bold signage and inviting display of clothes, practically screams, “Come in, we’ve got treasures!”

Inside, it’s a wonderland of gently-used goodies.

You might find yourself trying on a barely worn Gucci jacket one minute and admiring a vintage tea set the next.

It’s the kind of place where you go in for a pair of jeans and come out with a leather armchair, three silk scarves, and a sudden interest in 1950s kitchenware.

The staff here are like friendly treasure map guides, always ready to point you toward the hidden gems.

And let’s be honest, finding a cashmere sweater for the price of a latte feels like you’ve cracked some sort of fashion code.

2. St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store (Madison)

If Nice As New is your stylish aunt’s closet, St. Vincent de Paul in Madison is like rummaging through your eccentric grandfather’s attic – in the best possible way.

The store’s window display is a visual feast, showcasing an eclectic mix of books, records, and quirky knick-knacks that make you wonder, “Do I need a vintage typewriter? Absolutely!”

This place is a book lover’s paradise.

The shelves are stacked with everything from dog-eared paperbacks to leather-bound tomes that smell of adventure and forgotten libraries.

It’s the kind of store where you might find yourself engrossed in a 1970s cookbook, seriously considering whether you should take up jellied salad making as a hobby.

But it’s not just about the stuff – St. Vincent de Paul has heart.

Your purchases here support local community programs, so you can feel good about your newfound obsession with retro coffee mugs.

3. Goodwill Outlet Store (Milwaukee)

Buckle up, thrift enthusiasts, because the Goodwill Outlet Store in Milwaukee is not for the faint of heart.

This is the Wild West of thrifting, where only the brave dare to venture. Picture this: giant blue bins filled to the brim with… well, everything.

It’s like someone took a regular Goodwill store, shook it up, and dumped it out for your perusing pleasure.

The key here is to channel your inner archaeologist.

You’re not just shopping; you’re excavating.

That random tangle of fabric?

It could be a designer scarf or the world’s ugliest Christmas sweater.

Either way, it’s an adventure.

The best part?

Items are sold by the pound.

Yes, you read that right.

It’s the closest you’ll ever get to literally shopping by the pound without being at a farmer’s market.

So go ahead, fill your cart with abandoned board games, mismatched dishes, and that lamp that looks like it might be haunted.

At these prices, why not?

4. Retique (Milwaukee)

Retique in Milwaukee is the cool kid of thrift stores.

Housed in a beautiful brick building with arched windows, it’s like the thrift store equivalent of that friend who always looks effortlessly chic.

The green accents and sleek signage give off a vibe that says, “Yes, we’re eco-friendly, and yes, we’re fabulous.”

Inside, it’s a carefully curated wonderland of second-hand treasures.

The racks are filled with gently used designer and name-brand clothing that makes you wonder if Milwaukee secretly has a population of fashionistas who wear things once and then donate them.

But Retique isn’t just about looking good – it’s about doing good.

Run by Goodwill, your purchases here support job training and placement programs.

So when you snag that perfect little black dress or that suit that makes you feel like a million bucks, you’re not just treating yourself – you’re helping someone else get a fresh start.

It’s retail therapy with a side of good karma points.

5. Agrace Thrift Store (Madison)

Agrace Thrift Store in Madison is like the Swiss Army knife of thrift shops – it’s got a little bit of everything, and it’s all surprisingly useful.

From the outside, it might look unassuming, but don’t let that fool you.

This place is a treasure trove of the unexpected.

Walking in, you’re greeted by a sea of… well, everything.

It’s as if someone’s grandma, a college student, and a fashionista all decided to clean out their closets on the same day.

You might find yourself picking up a vintage brooch, a barely-used yoga mat, and a set of golf clubs all in the same trip.

The home goods section is particularly entertaining.

It’s like a time capsule of interior design trends from the last five decades.

Avocado green kitchen appliances?

Check.

A lava lamp that’s probably older than you?

You bet.

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A ceramic cat that stares into your soul?

Of course!

But the real charm of Agrace is knowing that your quirky purchases support a great cause.

The store helps fund hospice care, so you can justify that impulse buy of a sequined jacket as “healthcare support.”

Now that’s what I call guilt-free shopping!

6. Bethesda Thrift Shop (Green Bay)

Bethesda Thrift Shop in Green Bay is like the friendly neighbor of thrift stores – welcoming, unpretentious, and always full of surprises.

From the outside, it might not look like much, but step inside and you’ll find yourself in a labyrinth of second-hand wonders.

This place is a DIYer’s dream.

The furniture section is like a before-and-after Pinterest board waiting to happen.

That slightly wonky dresser?

With a bit of paint and some new knobs, it could be the star of your bedroom.

The slightly dented lamp?

A little TLC and it’s a “vintage find” that your friends will envy.

But the real gem of Bethesda is the clothing section.

It’s like a fashion time machine, with styles spanning decades.

Want to dress like an extra from “That ’70s Show”?

They’ve got you covered.

Feeling nostalgic for ’90s grunge?

There’s probably a flannel shirt with your name on it.

And let’s not forget the knick-knack section, a.k.a. the “Why Does This Exist But I Kind of Want It” aisle.

It’s filled with the kind of random objects that make you question humanity’s design choices but also make perfect white elephant gifts.

7. Savers (Brookfield)

Savers in Brookfield is the overachiever of thrift stores.

It’s big, it’s bright, and it’s got more stuff than you can shake a secondhand stick at.

The moment you walk in, you’re hit with that distinct thrift store smell – a heady mix of old books, vintage leather, and the ghosts of laundry detergents past.

The clothing section is like a fashion buffet.

You’ve got your basics, your vintage finds, and those wild card pieces that make you go, “Who wore this and where?”

It’s the kind of place where you might go in looking for a sensible sweater and come out with a sequined jumpsuit, because why not?

But the real star of Savers is the Halloween section.

It’s like the Island of Misfit Toys for costumes.

Want to dress as a sexy pickle?

They’ve probably got it.

Need a last-minute outfit for that “Famous Dictators and Divas” themed party?

Savers has your back.

And don’t even get me started on the book section.

It’s a bibliophile’s dream and a time-suck vortex.

You might go in to find a cheap paperback for your beach vacation and emerge three hours later with an armful of obscure cookbooks and a sudden interest in 1960s sci-fi.

8. Plato’s Closet (Multiple Locations)

Plato’s Closet is like the cool younger sibling of thrift stores.

It’s trendy, it’s hip, and it makes you feel like you’re shopping in a teenager’s dream closet – but in a good way.

With multiple locations across Wisconsin, it’s bringing secondhand chic to the masses.

Walking into Plato’s Closet is like stepping into a time capsule of the last five years of fashion.

Remember that trend you thought was cool last summer?

It’s here, gently used and at a fraction of the price.

It’s the perfect place for when you want to try out a new style without committing to full retail prices.

The best part about Plato’s Closet?

It’s a judgment-free zone for fashion experiments.

Want to try out that bold print you’ve been eyeing but aren’t sure if you can pull off?

For these prices, why not give it a whirl?

It’s like a fashion playground where the worst that can happen is you donate it back next month.

And let’s not forget the accessories section.

It’s a treasure trove of statement pieces that make you wonder, “Is this too much?” The answer, of course, is always no.

Because if you can’t wear that oversized sparkly belt to the grocery store, where can you wear it?

9. ReStore (Multiple Locations)

ReStore is like the love child of a thrift store and a home improvement center.

It’s where DIY dreams are born and where you’ll find yourself saying, “I could totally refurbish that!” more times than you’d care to admit.

Walking into a ReStore is like entering a home renovation show, but with a plot twist – everything’s secondhand and surprisingly affordable.

Need a door?

They’ve got dozens.

Looking for the perfect vintage sink for your bathroom remodel?

You might just find it here, nestled between a pile of gently used tiles and a stack of windows.

The furniture section is particularly entertaining.

It’s like a time machine of interior design trends.

You might find a pristine mid-century modern chair sitting next to a 1990s entertainment center that’s bigger than your first apartment.

It’s a mix-and-match paradise for the eclectic decorator.

But the real fun at ReStore is imagining the stories behind each item.

That ornate chandelier?

Probably rescued from a haunted mansion.

The collection of mismatched doorknobs?

They’ve seen more hands than a presidential candidate on a campaign trail.

At ReStore, your purchases support Habitat for Humanity.

So when you buy that slightly wonky table that you swear you’ll refinish someday, you’re not just adding to your project list – you’re helping build homes for those in need.

It’s like karma and home decor had a baby, and it’s beautiful.

So there you have it, fellow treasure hunters.

Wisconsin’s thrift shops are waiting to be explored.

Remember, one person’s trash is another person’s “Oh my gosh, I can’t believe I found this!”

Happy hunting!