By: Sarah Madden, Senior Writer

Brown Roof Thrift is the new thrift store on the block, and it just might be the first thrift store in Spartanburg to also serve coffee and tea. The store was intentionally built to be visually satisfying and welcoming, and its business model promotes “a circle of giving” – giving jobs, mentorships, time and money to organizations in the community impacting at-risk youth, families and seniors. Brown Roof also offers a 10 percent discount on coffee college students.

“By shopping or donating clothes to our store, you’re joining us in creating a circle of giving within our local community,” says Social Media Manager Grayson Johnson.

There are many other thrift shops to be found throughout Sparkle City. Below are two separate routes that can be explored. While this is by no means an exhaustive list – see Google – this sample will get you shopping outside your chain store go-to. Grab a friend and explore!

Route 1: Sparkle City Loop

Miracle Hill Ministries’ Miracle Hill Thrift Store:

• Located on U.S.-221 (on your right), this thrift shop’s proceeds go toward helping the homeless population in Spartanburg. If you want to donate somewhere other than Goodwill, this is an option.
• Address: 366 U.S.-221 (Whitney Rd.)
• Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday
• Website: https://miraclehill.org/thrift-auto-sales/about-thrift/donate-and-shop-to-change-lives/

Not Your Average Thrift Store:

• Right next door to Miracle Hill thrift, this shop, true to its name, has everything from restaurant equipment to furniture, antiques, instruments and art. While there isn’t a clothing section, it might be worth the peek.
• Address: 369 U.S.-221 (Whitney Rd.)
• Hours: 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 6p.m. Sunday
• Website:http://notyouraveragethriftstore.com/

Brown Roof Thrift:

• Coffee and tea, comfy chairs and upscale decor make this store a must-visit. This store also benefits at-risk members of the Spartanburg community from all demographics (they also accept donations – see website).
• Address: 141 Fernwood Drive
• Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday
• Website:http://www.brownroof.org/

Upstate Overstocks:

• This shop borders Wofford’s campus, and inventory is ever changing. You’ll find everything from furniture to clothing to housewares and technology (see Facebook page to keep up with new inventory).
• Address: 795 N. Pine Street (near Starbucks)
• Hours: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday
• Website: http://www.upstateoverstocks.com/index.html

Route 2: Asheville Highway Out-and-back

Greater Spartanburg Ministries:

• This shop is minutes from campus and offers a large selection of clothing, furniture,household items and books with affordable pricing. The ministry also includes a food pantry, and both accept volunteers. Check out their Facebook page for more information.
• Address: 680 Asheville Highway (on the left)
• Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday
• Website: http://www.greaterspartanburgministries.org/Thrift-Store.html

Door of Hope Thrift Store:

• Another shop benefitting a ministry, this shop has furniture, clothing, household items and books. They also have a Facebook page. Proceeds from this shop go to the Hannah House ministry for abused women.
• Address: 1089 Asheville Highway (on the right)
• Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday
• Website: See Facebook

Goodwill:

• Like most Goodwill locations, proceeds from the clothes and housewares sold help create jobs and give job training in Spartanburg.
• Address: 1300 Asheville Highway (on the left)
• Hours: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.Sunday
• Website: www.goodwill.org

Junk N Treasures:

• This thrift spot is full to the brim of antiques, old books, knickknacks, furniture and clothing (including lots of sweaters and unusual clothing). They accept donations and will even come to you with their junk pickup service. See their Facebook page for more information.
• Address: 7228 Asheville Highway, past the traffic circle (on the right)
• Hours: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday
• Website: See Facebook

Spartanburg Flea Market (for the extra adventurous):

• The flea market takes thrifting to a different level – if haggling and yard sale-type shopping are your scene, you will not be disappointed. Though vendors and their selections change week to week, anything from food to clothing, jewelry, furniture, animals, technology and crafts can be found here.
• Address: 8010 Asheville Highway, past the circle (on the right)
• Hours: Saturday mornings (about 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.) No hours listed online.
• Website: None

Safety disclaimer: please exercise caution when exploring thrift shops – take a buddy and enjoy searching for your next novel, next function outfit or your newest comfy sweater(s) together!