Photo Credit: Tye Brown/The Sentinel. Row of jackets at a thrift store. Jan. 19, 2026.
Looking for cheap finds, vintage gems or dorm essentials? Here are the best local thrift spots, just minutes from campus.
Thrifting has become a staple for students at KSU. As clothing prices continuously rise, students are turning to secondhand shops to update their wardrobes and furnish their dorms.
The Kennesaw area has a wide range of thrift, resale and vintage shops. Whether you are shopping for basics or statement pieces, the local thrift scene has something for everyone.
Uptown Cheapskate
Just a short drive from campus you can find Uptown Cheapskate on Barrett Parkway.
It is one of the most popular resale stores for KSU Students. It is known for its selection of trendy clothes, shoes and accessories. They carry popular brands like Zara, Nike and Urban Outfitters at a fraction of the price.
Uptown Cheapskate operates on a buy-sell-trade model. This allows students to bring in items they no longer want in exchange for store credit or cash.
Uptown Cheapskate is ideal for anyone who wants to find a high-quality piece while staying on a budget.
Ecologie Vintage & Resale
If you love vintage, Ecologie is a must visit!
Located near Town Center Mall, this shop focuses on hand-selected pieces ranging from Y2K and retro to streetwear and even vintage items. Shoppers can expect higher quality pieces because of how curated the selection is.
Ecologie also buys clothes in good condition, making it a good place for students to trade in older pieces for fresh additions to their wardrobe.
It is perfect for students that want pieces that will make their outfits feel unique, expressive or nostalgic.
Ecologie Fest
Beyond the brick and mortar, Ecologie hosts an event deemed “Ecologie Fest.”
Ecologie Fest brings 40+ vendors annually, each selling vintage pieces, jewelry and custom items. This event brings an expanded selection of items that you cannot get in a single store.
It has a festival-like atmosphere, drawing in crowds with music, photo opportunities and a lively community.
For students that like digging through racks for hidden gems, finding rare pieces in the low-priced bins or just enjoy the social side of thrifting, Ecologie Fest is the perfect place.
Goodwill
The Kennesaw Goodwill provides a huge selection of clothes, shoes, books and household items. Its vast array of items makes it one of the best thrift options for students.
Additionally, Goodwill prices are lower than curated shops, and the inventory changes all the time.
Goodwill is useful for students moving into dorms or apartments who need kitchenware, decorations and furniture for a low price. It is also a good choice for beginners who want to try thrifting without spending much.
Plato’s Closet
Plato’s Closet caters to teens and young adults. They offer casual brands like American Eagle, Hollister, Nike, Adidas, Pacsun and Lululemon.
Much like Uptown Cheapskate, this store has a buy-sell-trade system and focuses on current trends.
This shop is ideal for students looking for everyday wardrobe staples like jeans, sweatshirts and atheleisure without the price tag of a new product.
Park Avenue Thrift
Park Avenue Thrift is known for being one of the biggest and most affordable thrift spots in the area.
Sadly, there isn’t a Park Avenue Thrift nearby that features the chain’s signature outdoor clothing bins. However, the store offers a large selection of clothes, home goods and seasonal items.
You can practically fill a cart for the same price that you can buy a single item for in a retail store. Park Avenue Thrift is a great option for students that want a long thrift session and get great deals.
Which Store Fits Your Thrifting Style?
For trendy, name-brand fashion: Uptown Cheapskate
For unique and vintage pieces: Ecologie Vintage & Resale
For a fun community shopping event: Ecologie Fest
For the cheapest prices: Goodwill & Park Avenue Thrift
For everyday college staples: Plato’s Closet
For furniture and apartment finds: Goodwill
Thrifting has become a big part of KSU’s campus culture. It offers an affordable and sustainable way for students to build their wardrobes and decorate their spaces.
To get the most out of the local thrifts, Owls should go earlier in the week, follow the stores social media accounts and trade in old clothes to offset the prices.
The thrift stores around Kennesaw State offer endless opportunities to score great deals and express your individuality without breaking the bank.
