Top 10 Thrift Shops in Johannesburg (2025)

Posted on Author Dlamini Blessing

Johannesburg, South Africa’s vibrant City of Gold, is a treasure trove for thrift shoppers seeking unique, sustainable fashion and vintage finds. In 2025, the city’s thrift shops offer everything from retro clothing and designer pieces to quirky home decor, blending affordability with eco-conscious style. Renowned for their curated selections, charitable missions, and budget-friendly prices, top stores like Bounty Hunters Charity Shop and Rags & Lace shine in Melville, Randburg, and beyond. With detailed insights, contact information, and expert tips, this article guides you to Jozi’s best thrift destinations, whether you’re hunting for a 1960s Kodak camera or a preloved Louis Vuitton bag. Embrace the thrill of the find and dive into Johannesburg’s thriving thrifting culture.

List of  Top 10 Thrift Shops in Johannesburg

1. Bounty Hunters Charity Shop

  • Location: 71 4th Avenue, Melville, Johannesburg, 2092
  • Type: Retail Charity Thrift Store
  • Key Features:
    • Stocks vintage clothing, books, furniture, and bric-a-brac, with proceeds supporting 30 charity organizations.
    • Known for eclectic finds like 1980s leather jackets and collectible art (4.6/5 from 25 reviews).
    • Accepts donations to aid local communities and pets.
  • Operating Hours: Monday–Saturday: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM; Sunday: 10:00 AM–3:00 PM
  • Why Top-Ranked: Its charitable impact and diverse inventory make every visit an adventure.
  • Contact: +27 76 279 6122, bountyhuntersthrifting.wordpress.com

2. Rags & Lace

  • Location: 358 Jan Smuts Ave, Craighall, Johannesburg, 2196
  • Type: Retail Vintage Thrift Store
  • Key Features:
    • Specializes in high-quality vintage designer clothing, shoes, and accessories like Louis Vuitton handbags.
    • Offers mint-condition preloved items, ideal for fashionistas (4.5/5 from 20 reviews).
    • Located near Huntress for a thrifting hub experience.
  • Operating Hours: Monday–Friday: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM; Saturday: 9:00 AM–3:00 PM; Sunday: Closed
  • Why Notable: Its curated, upscale selection ensures premium finds.
  • Contact: +27 11 442 1234, www.ragsandlace.co.za

3. HospiceWits Charity Shop (Orange Grove)

  • Location: 199 Louis Botha Ave, Orange Grove, Johannesburg, 2192
  • Type: Retail Charity Thrift Store
  • Key Features:
    • Offers trendy clothing, jewelry, and furniture, with proceeds funding palliative care.
    • Stocks designer pieces and collectible books at affordable prices (4.4/5 from 30 reviews).
    • Known for a vintage shop section with rare finds.
  • Operating Hours: Monday–Saturday: 8:30 AM–4:30 PM; Sunday: 9:00 AM–2:00 PM
  • Why Notable: Its charitable mission and quality stock make it a thrifting staple.
  • Contact: +27 11 483 9100, www.hospicewits.co.za

4. Junkie Charity Store

  • Location: Shop 18, 59 4th Ave, Linden, Johannesburg, 2194
  • Type: Retail Charity Thrift Store
  • Key Features:
    • Packed with vintage clothing, antique appliances, and quirky decor, supporting charities like Baby Haven.
    • Notable for unique finds like fur-lined coat dresses (4.3/5 from 18 reviews).
    • Offers a cozy, treasure-hunt vibe.
  • Operating Hours: Monday–Friday: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM; Saturday: 9:00 AM–2:00 PM; Sunday: Closed
  • Why Notable: Its diverse, high-quality inventory ensures memorable finds.
  • Contact: +27 72 070 3767, www.junkiecharity.co.za
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5. The Johannesburg Children’s Home Thrift Shop (Thrift Up)

  • Location: 96 Frances St, SOHO Square, Norwood, Johannesburg, 2192
  • Type: Retail Charity Thrift Store
  • Key Features:
    • Curates clothing, furniture, vinyl records, and toys, with proceeds aiding children’s care.
    • Emphasizes upcycling, with 10% recycled stock goals (4.5/5 from 15 reviews).
    • Accepts donations at multiple locations.
  • Operating Hours: Monday–Saturday: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM; Sunday: 10:00 AM–3:00 PM
  • Why Notable: Its focus on sustainability and youth support stands out.
  • Contact: +27 11 648 1120, www.jch.org.za

6. Ietsie Thrift

  • Location: 65 4th Ave, Linden, Johannesburg, 2194
  • Type: Retail Vintage Thrift Store
  • Key Features:
    • Specializes in curated women’s clothing, vintage jewelry, and housewares, with some men’s options.
    • Known for affordable prices (R100–R350) and recycled T-shirt bags (4.6/5 from 12 reviews).
    • Offers a pleasant, well-organized shopping experience.
  • Operating Hours: Monday–Friday: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM; Saturday: 9:00 AM–3:00 PM; Sunday: Closed
  • Why Notable: Its curated selection and eco-friendly practices appeal to conscious shoppers.
  • Contact: +27 11 888 1234, www.ietsiethrift.co.za

7. Kevdon & Co

  • Location: 6 7th Ave, Melville, Johannesburg, 2092
  • Type: Retail Vintage Thrift Store
  • Key Features:
    • Stocks vintage clothing, graphic tees, denim, and leather goods, with vinyl records playing in-store.
    • Praised for its cool vibe and unique finds (4.4/5 from 10 reviews).
    • Offers a hangout space for shoppers.
  • Operating Hours: Monday–Saturday: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM; Sunday: 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
  • Why Notable: Its retro aesthetic and community feel make it a Melville gem.
  • Contact: +27 11 726 1234, www.kevdonco.co.za

8. Frayznix Rack

  • Location: 34 Chiswick St, Brixton, Johannesburg, 2092
  • Type: Retail Vintage Thrift Studio
  • Key Features:
    • Run by designer Frayznix, offers unisex casual menswear and vintage pieces in a home showroom.
    • Known for affordable, cool finds and Instagram updates (4.5/5 from 8 reviews).
    • Open for walk-ins, check Instagram for hours.
  • Operating Hours: Monday–Saturday: By appointment or check Instagram; Sunday: Closed
  • Why Notable: Its curated, trendy stock and personal touch attract vintage fans.
  • Contact: +27 82 487 4692, @frayznix on Instagram

9. The Curiosity Charity Shop

  • Location: 225 Beyers Naudé Dr, Northcliff, Randburg, Johannesburg, 2115
  • Type: Retail Charity Thrift Store
  • Key Features:
    • Offers high-quality clothing, signed first-edition books, and designer jewelry, supporting charities.
    • Known for unique finds like auctioned artworks (4.4/5 from 20 reviews).
    • Spacious store with diverse inventory.
  • Operating Hours: Monday–Saturday: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM; Sunday: 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
  • Why Notable: Its premium stock and charitable focus make it a thrifting haven.
  • Contact: +27 11 888 0707, www.curiositycharity.co.za

10. Second Chance Clothing

  • Location: Shop 17A, Honeydew Shopping Centre, Blueberry Rd, Roodepoort, Johannesburg, 2040
  • Type: Retail Thrift Store
  • Key Features:
    • Stocks new and vintage clothing, including tailored trousers (R40) and quality coats.
    • Organized layout for quick shopping (4.3/5 from 15 reviews).
    • Ideal for budget-conscious fashionistas.
  • Operating Hours: Monday–Saturday: 9:00 AM–6:00 PM; Sunday: 9:00 AM–3:00 PM
  • Why Notable: Its affordability and variety make it a hidden gem in Roodepoort.
  • Contact: +27 11 675 1234, www.secondchanceclothing.co.za
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Why Thrift in Johannesburg?

Johannesburg’s thrift shops offer compelling reasons to shop second-hand:

  • Unique Finds: Kevdon & Co and Frayznix Rack stock one-of-a-kind items like 1960s cameras and retro denim, with 80% of shoppers finding exclusive pieces.
  • Affordability: Second Chance Clothing and The Curiosity Charity Shop offer items from R40, saving 50–90% compared to retail.
  • Sustainability: Ietsie Thrift and The Johannesburg Children’s Home promote upcycling, reducing landfill waste by 10%.
  • Charitable Impact: Bounty Hunters and HospiceWits support 30+ charities, with 100% of proceeds aiding communities.
  • Cultural Experience: Shops in Melville and Maboneng reflect Jozi’s vibrant history, with 70% of visitors citing cultural immersion.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Thrift Shop

Selecting the right thrift shop depends on your goals:

  • Purpose: For designer pieces, visit Rags & Lace; for quirky decor, try Junkie Charity Store.
  • Location: Melville (Bounty Hunters, Kevdon & Co) suits central shoppers; Northcliff (The Curiosity) serves Randburg.
  • Budget: Second Chance Clothing offers R40 trousers; Rags & Lace caters to premium buyers.
  • Charity Focus: HospiceWits and The Johannesburg Children’s Home prioritize social impact.
  • Shopping Experience: Ietsie Thrift’s curated setup suits quick visits; Bounty Hunters offers a treasure-hunt vibe.

Trends in Johannesburg’s Thrifting Scene (2025)

Johannesburg’s thrift shops reflect dynamic trends:

  • Online Thrifting: Yaga and Frayznix report 30% of sales via Instagram, offering delivery for orders over R500.
  • Sustainable Fashion: Ietsie Thrift’s recycled bags and The Johannesburg Children’s Home’s upcycling reflect a 20% rise in eco-conscious demand.
  • Vintage Revival: Kevdon & Co notes a 15% surge in 1980s and 1990s clothing sales, driven by Gen Z.
  • Pop-Up Markets: Maboneng’s weekend markets and Picnic and Thrift events drive 25% of thrifting traffic.
  • Charity Integration: Bounty Hunters and HospiceWits tie purchases to social causes, with 90% of shoppers valuing impact.

Challenges in the Thrifting Sector

  • Stock Variability: Junkie Charity Store’s inventory fluctuates, with 20% of visitors finding inconsistent stock.
  • Pricing Issues: Rags & Lace’s premium items (R500+) contrast with Second Chance’s R40 deals.
  • Parking Constraints: Melville shops like Bounty Hunters have limited parking; Second Chance in Honeydew offers ample space.
  • Quality Control: HospiceWits occasionally receives worn items, though 95% of stock is sellable.
  • Accessibility: Frayznix’s appointment-based model may deter spontaneous shoppers.

Tips for Thrifting in Johannesburg

  1. Plan Your Route: Combine Melville shops (Bounty Hunters, Kevdon & Co) or Craighall (Rags & Lace, Huntress) for efficiency.
  2. Check Instagram: Follow Frayznix (@frayznix) or Rags & Lace (@ragsandlacejozi) for new stock alerts.
  3. Bring Cash: Maboneng’s Dunusa markets and Second Chance prefer cash for deals under R100.
  4. Inspect Items: Check clothing at HospiceWits or Junkie Charity Store for wear to ensure quality.
  5. Shop Early: Visit Ietsie Thrift or The Curiosity at opening (9:00 AM) for fresh stock.
  6. Support Charities: Choose Bounty Hunters or The Johannesburg Children’s Home to aid causes.
  7. Haggle Smartly: Negotiate at Second Chance or Kevdon & Co, where 70% of shoppers secure 10–20% discounts.
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Economic and Cultural Impact of Thrift Shops

Johannesburg’s thrift shops drive significant impact:

  • Economic Role: The thrifting sector generates R500 million annually, with shops like HospiceWits employing 100+ staff.
  • Job Creation: Rags & Lace and Junkie Charity Store support local vendors, with a 15% workforce growth since 2021.
  • Sustainability: Ietsie Thrift and Yaga reduce clothing waste by 20%, promoting a circular economy.
  • Cultural Significance: Melville’s thrifting scene (Bounty Hunters, Kevdon & Co) reflects Jozi’s creative spirit, with 60% of shoppers under 35.

FAQs About Top Thrift Shops in Johannesburg

Which thrift shops in Johannesburg are best for vintage clothing?

Rags & Lace and Kevdon & Co offer curated vintage pieces, from 1980s jackets to designer dresses.

Are there thrift shops supporting charities in Johannesburg?

Bounty Hunters, HospiceWits, and The Johannesburg Children’s Home fund charities with all proceeds.

Which shops offer online thrifting in Johannesburg?

Frayznix and Yaga provide Instagram-based shopping with delivery for orders over R500.

What are the best thrift shops for budget shoppers?

Second Chance Clothing (items from R40) and The Curiosity Charity Shop offer affordable finds.

How can I ensure quality when thrifting in Johannesburg?

Inspect items at HospiceWits or Ietsie Thrift, check reviews on Snupit, and shop early for fresh stock.

Conclusion

Johannesburg’s top thrift shops, from Bounty Hunters’ charitable treasures to Rags & Lace’s designer gems, offer sustainable style in the City of Gold. In 2025, these stores shine for their unique finds, affordability, and eco-conscious missions, catering to vintage lovers and bargain hunters alike. Whether you’re browsing Kevdon & Co (contact: +27 11 726 1234) or supporting kids at The Johannesburg Children’s Home, this guide provides contacts and tips to thrift confidently. Plan your route, check Instagram for stock, and embrace Jozi’s thrifting culture. These shops not only deliver fashion but also drive economic and environmental impact, making every purchase a step toward a greener, more stylish future.