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National Thrift Shop Day

Ready to go shopping? Celebrate National Thrift Shop Day with deals, discounts, and unique finds that you won't find anywhere else!

Monday

August 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEAugust 17

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYBusiness

SUBCATEGORYEntrepreneurship

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Celebrate National Thrift Shop Day on August 17 and show your support for a great cause! This special day was created to celebrate the wonderful experience of shopping at thrift stores. Not only are these stores a great way to find unique items and save money, but they also help support local charities that would otherwise be unable to provide essential services in our communities. So don't miss out on this fun opportunity - get thrifting!

TIMELINE

National Thrift Shop Day Timeline

First Charitable Shops

The Salvation Army, a British organization, opened "salvage brigades" in the U.S. to collect used household goods to fund their efforts.

Goodwill Founded

Reverend Edgar J. Helms founded Goodwill Industries in Boston, becoming one of the first organizations to collect used household items and clothing to sell in shops.

Expansion of Thrift Stores

Thrift stores started opening across the United States during the Great Depression, providing affordable clothing and items to struggling families.

Popularity of Vintage Fashion

Increasing interest in vintage fashion by the mainstream public made thrift shopping popular.

Savers Opens

Savers, one of the largest international thrift store chains, was founded, popularizing thrift shopping with its convenient locations and organized display.

Thrift Shopping in Pop Culture

Macklemore's hit song "Thrift Shop" shone a spotlight on thrift shopping, once again renewing its popularity among younger generations.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Thrift Shop Day

Organize a thrift shop crawl

Round up your friends and organize a thrift shop crawl. Visit all the different second hand stores in your area, and see what gems you can find!

THROW

Throw a thrift shop themed party

Have everyone come dressed in their best (or worst) thrift shop finds. Make some games out of it - who can find the craziest outfit, or pick out the most unique item? Have fun with it!

Go on a shopping spree

Make a list of what you need and hit the thrift shops for some deals. You may not know exactly what you'll find, but that's part of the fun!

HOST

Host a swap meet

Invite friends over to swap clothes, books, movies, whatever they've got lying around that they no longer want or need. Everyone will leave with something new - and free.

SUPPORT

Support a charity

Donate to your favorite charity by visiting their thrift store, or search out an organization near you that collects items to give away to those in need.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Thrift Shop Day

Unique Finds

Thrift stores offer a wide array of unique items that cannot be found anywhere else. You never know what sort of treasures you might uncover – be it an unusual ornament, a vintage piece of clothing, or a rare book – every visit to a thrift shop is a new adventure!

Savvy Shopping

Thrift shops are treasure troves full of pre-loved items waiting to find a new home. They are excellent places to stretch your dollar, get more for your money, and indulge in retail therapy without breaking the bank.

Support for Local Charities

Many thrift shops operate as divisions of charitable organizations. Your purchases not only give items a second life, but also support causes that help those in need. Shopping at thrift stores is an easy and enjoyable way to give back to the community!

Related holidays

TUE

Aug 2026

Style

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National Give Something Away Day

Celebrate National Give Something Away Day by sharing the love - donate your time, money, or possessions to help make the world a better place!

National Old Stuff Day

A fun observance on March 2 encouraging appreciation, decluttering, repurposing, or discarding old physical items, habits, and routines to make room for new experiences.

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