Rare Finds: Look no further than Tempe for the best vintage and retro shopping
What’s better than finding a perfect, new-to-you apparel item to add to your vacation ‘fit check? Whether your interests include browsing, wearing, reselling or collecting vintage, retro, consignment, thrift, custom or limited-edition items, Tempe is a hotspot for shops that curate accessories, sneakers, sports gear, the latest fashion trends, Western-inspired lewks and exceptional one-of-a-kind pieces.
Kick off your next resale/retail therapy experience by checking out a few of our favorites on your quest to freshen up the wardrobe with truly unique finds.
Buffalo Exchange
227 W. University Drive, Tempe, AZ | 480-968-2557
Buffalo Exchange originally got its start in Tucson, Arizona, in 1974. Since then, it has become the place to buy hand-selected secondhand clothing. It’s also a great place to sell your clothes for cash or trade on the spot. Shop current trends, designer, everyday styles, vintage and one-of-a-kind fashion, including shoes, hats and accessories.
Cheap Thrillz
517 W. University Drive, Tempe, AZ | 480-410-1148
Tempe newest resale shop, Cheap Thrillz, brings a co-op style collective to the vintage/retro landscape.
Browse a mix of clothing, jewelry, home decor and more, curated by local vendors. Bonus: A bookstore is set to open under this roof by the end of July. Stay tuned via the Cheap Thrillz Instagram. Shop hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday – Monday; closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Crockett Closet
1060 W. Alameda Drive, Tempe, AZ
Officially open since January 2026, Crockett Closet is a new buy-sell-trade boutique that specializes in vintage and Y2K apparel, accessories and more. Expect to find stylish pieces for every wardrobe at affordable prices. Unique offerings range from surfwear and skatewear to pop culture and sports. Stay tuned via the Crockett Closet Instagram. Shop hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday – Sunday.
Dealers Depot Antique Mall
1401 S. McClintock Drive, Tempe, AZ | 480-646-6770
Tempe is now home to an antique mall. Open since May 2025, this treasure trove currently houses approximately 75 individual resellers — large and small — specializing in a wide variety of items. From Midcentury Modern decor and pop-culture collectibles to vintage apparel and antique furniture, you’ll find it here. While the space is filled with nostalgic nods and curious corners, shoppers will notice that the apparel offerings are quite curated, and that’s by design. With so many vintage clothing platforms gaining momentum, the owner’s wanted to maintain space for all the other collectibles, including bigger items like furniture and artwork. So much so, that when fully realized, the space should come in at about 25,000 square feet. The buildout is technically still underway, but in the meantime shoppers are invited to check out this new, open and organized antiquing experience. Follow Dealers Depot on Instagram for up-to-date info. Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday – Thursday; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays.
Indy Clover
937 E. Broadway Road, Suite 4, Tempe, AZ | 602-807-2046
At Indy Clover, you’re invited to shop independent sellers from the local community who have rented individual booths to sell everything from clothing and shoes to bags and books (and more). Shoppers will find some of the most popular and well-loved brands, all at thrift store/consignment prices. And because booths are refreshed every single week, there are always new products, of different styles, sizes, and aesthetics to choose from! Stay tuned via the Indy Clover Instagram. Shop hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
Life’s Closet
1717 S. Dorsey Lane, Tempe, AZ | 602-413-6761
Established in 2020 as an online reseller, Life’s Closet has evolved into both an online community and vintage clothing shop centered around curating a unique collection of timeless fashion pieces. The shop is a treasure trove of one-of-a-kind garments, accessories and hidden gems that celebrate the fashion of yesteryear. Whether you’re a seasoned vintage enthusiast or just discovering the joy of thrifting, you’re invite you to explore our ever-evolving collection and find that perfect piece to add to your wardrobe. Shop hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Friday; closed Saturday sand Sundays.
Luxie Vintage
2240 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 101, Tempe, AZ | 480-572-1683
Cory Martinez, owner of Luxie Vintage, has been selling vintage clothing since 2006. From ’60s psychedelia to ’90s babydoll dresses, you can find bright and unique vintage clothing in-store or online. Shop by size, decade, season or some of their expertly curated min drops. This boutique also buys vintage clothing (from any decade that is pre-2000s era) locally and remotely.
Lizard Head Trading Co.
516 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, AZ
Based out of Durango, Colorado, Lizard Head Trading is a sustainable secondhand clothing store that operates on a buy, sell, trade model, giving customers instant cash or trade credit. This shop also employs an in-house seamstress for upcycling unique, stylish fashion from pre-loved clothes, aiming to combat fast fashion. Stay tuned via the Lizard Head Trading Co. Instagram. Shop hours: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday – Thursday; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. The buying counter closes at 5 p.m. daily.
Nowadays Creative Lab
414 S. Mill Ave., Suite 120, Tempe, AZ | 520-780-3371
This Mill Avenue shop is comprised of equal parts sneakerhead heaven, custom design lab and vintage, streetwear and lifestyle curator. Upstairs, Tempe Toes buys, sells and trades apparel and shoes, ranging from timeless throwbacks to the latest limited-edition drops. We’re seeing a lot of vintage sports and music themes emerging this season, but there’s always new inventory to browse. Downstairs is the Nowadays Creative Lab operation, where just about any idea comes to life. Follow them on Instagram for various pop-ups, ranging from the Tempe Festival of the Arts to hosting Rhude founder Rhuigi Villaseñor ahead of his 2022 collaboration with the Arizona Coyotes.
Plato’s Closet – Tempe
1840 E. Warner Road, Suite 131, Tempe, AZ | 480-478-8111
For anyone looking to buy and/or sell gently used clothing, shoes, handbags and accessories, Plato’s Closet is just the place. Here, shoppers can expect name brands and styles at up to 70% less than regular retail prices — including a wide variety of Sun Devils gear. If you’re looking for highly coveted or true vintage pieces, you’ll have to bring your keen eye, your fashion savvy eye and check back often — fresh inventory is added every single day.
Rare Lion Antiques & Jewelry
403 W. University Drive, Suite 102, Tempe, AZ | 480-968-6074
Rare Lion Antiques & Jewelry has been operating in Tempe since 1981. While there’s definitely more of an emphasis on antiques, artwork, glass, crystal, porcelain, pottery and furniture at this shop, it made this list for its impressive collection of jewelry — this finishing touch on any great look. From Victorian era necklaces and Tahitian pearls to 19th century rings and art deco bar pins, we hope you enjoy this ever-changing collection as much as we do.
Rocket A Go-Go
15 E. Southern Ave., Tempe, AZ | 480-434-4433
If your style includes punk, rockabilly, pinup, alternative or retro, you’ll love Rocket A Go-Go. Co-owned by RoseAna Dodge and Stormy Love, this shop touts itself as an alternative fashion emporium — but don’t take our word for it. Check out the ever-changing collection of gently loved and new stock of clothing, shoes and accessories. New items are added to the inventory daily.
Sew Used at Culdesac Tempe
2016 E. Wildermuth Ave., #1084, Tempe, AZ | 480-420-9416
New to Culdesac, Tempe’s ever-evolving car-free community, Sew Used is a Black-Owned vintage and second-hand clothing store that specializes in Y2K, modern, reworked and upcycled pieces. Co-owners Justin and Juju stay busy adding new items to their curated collection on a daily basis. Follow @sewused_ on Instagram for new drops and pop-up event info.
But wait, there’s more.
Gracie’s Thrift Store
1520 E. Apache Blvd., Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-967-5231
Since 1976, this shop is a local ministry of Grace Community Church.
Silver Fox Gallery
517 W. University Drive, Tempe, Arizona 85281 | 602-403-8365
Art and vintage gallery specializing in Midcentury Modern to Postmodern 90s vintage.
Treasure Box Thrift
3025 S. 48th St., Suite 101, Tempe, AZ 85282 | 480-881-4654
A nonprofit thrift store where 100% of proceeds benefit Treasures 4 Teachers.
Wang’s Closet
1810 N. Scottsdale Road, Tempe, Arizona 85281 | 480-947-8245
Buy, sell and trade apparel, shoes and collectibles.
To find more retail experiences in Tempe, visit our shopping page.
