If you’re into second-hand clothing, online resale vendors like Depop and Poshmark have likely been a trusty vice to satiate your pining for a new wardrobe during the pandemic. Yet, as satisfying as it is to click twice and have that cool, slightly overpriced Star Wars graphic tee shipped to you in a matter of minutes, we can’t forget our city’s small, local thrift and vintage stores.
TikTokers have been showing these local thrift stores love recently, with a new trend of showing off aesthetically pleasing videos of “hidden gems” in the city on TikTok. A&E rounded up three of our favorite hidden gems close to the University of Minnesota for all our thrifty readers.
Queenie & Pearl – IG: @queenieandpearlmn – $$
5014 Xerxes Ave. S – Approximately 20 minutes from University
Run by a small group of local female creatives, Queenie & Pearl is in southwest Minneapolis. The shopping experience guarantees some bopping ‘70s tunes; Fleetwood Mac is a given.
There is something for everyone here, with new, vintage and handmade accessories. In addition to clothing, Q&P has an ever-changing creative studio on the second floor for shoppers to take fun pictures in.
Lisa Banwell, owner, creative director and self-titled “boss babe in charge,” handpicks every item in the store. You’ll find her wearing some killer flares and a wide-brimmed hat and rocking a deadstock band tee.
“We are so grateful for the love we’ve received from the TikTok. It’s overwhelming but in the best way possible,” Banwell said concerning the recent uptick in traffic on social media and in-person shopping.
Rewind – IG: @rewindminneapolis – $$
2852 Johnson St. NE – Approximately 10 minutes from University
Similar to Queenie & Pearl, Rewind offers vintage, contemporary clothing and accessories. Rewind’s inventory is an eclectic mix of everything from 1960s flowy blouses to early 2000s low-rise jeans, reminiscent of the Britney Spears and Paris Hilton glory days.
“I love going to Rewind because I feel like there’s something new to find every time I go in there. It never gets old,” said University student Giselle Hayes.
Rewind is on Johnson Street in northeast and is a perfect place to spend your day now that it’s finally warming up. After shopping at Rewind, support some more local businesses: Grab a latte at The Coffee Shop Northeast next door or head across the street and snag a donut from Sarah Jane’s Bakery. You won’t regret it.
The Cat and The Cobra – IG: @thecatandthecobra – $$$
2400 N Second St. #105 – Approximately 10 minutes from University
The Cat and The Cobra is tucked away in the Northwind Lofts, occupying a smaller space with 1970s to 1990s one-of-a-kind vintage clothing climbing the walls and lining the racks. You can tell every piece had a whole other life and story before it landed here, and that makes shopping here all the more exciting.
The clothes are on the pricier side but worth it when you finally find that Beach Boys tee that you think could resell for hundreds of dollars — consider it an investment. If you’re ballin’ on a budget, the shop does have more affordable items in the back of the store. There is a “bargain bin” with an array of clothing, where if you find something you like, you can bring it to the front and haggle over the price, going as low as five dollars.
“I found The Cat and The Cobra from TikTok a while ago, and it brought me to one of my favorite vintage t-shirts I own,” said University student Jorgie Rassi.
