This article originally appeared in the Centre County Gazette.
From vintage furniture and collectibles to second-hand clothing and unique items, Centre County boasts a wealth of thrift stores brimming with hidden gems awaiting a new home. Treasure hunters and bargain seekers alike can find their next big discovery at these local thrift stores.
Thrifting not only offers great deals but also has a range of positive impacts. For instance, prioritizing shopping at second-hand stores benefits the environment by buying used items that otherwise be thrown away. According to 2018 data from the Environmental Protection Agency, it’s estimated that about 11.3 million tons of textile waste are produced annually in the United States alone.
Thrift shopping also can support the community. Many thrift stores, including several in Centre County, operate as nonprofits or charities. When you shop at these stores, you’re backing their missions and other worthy causes.
One of the most obvious benefits of thrifting is its affordability. Buying second-hand clothing, household items and furniture is cheaper than purchasing brand new items. It also offers the opportunity to find interesting vintage, rare or collectible pieces. Thrifting is a fantastic way to save money while finding unique items.
If you’re looking to start your next thrifting adventure, consider these hidden gems in Centre County:
St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store
Located at 1300 Benner Pike, State College, the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store is part of the international charity organization The Society of St. Vincent de Paul. The store is entirely volunteer run, with proceeds supporting the organization’s mission to help the underserved around the world by providing assistance based on different needs and unique situations.
With more than 120 volunteers, the store offers affordable clothing, housewares, crafting materials and more.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
The Beaten Path
Located at 112 E. Church St., Centre Hall, The Beaten Path specializes in “eclectic resale.” Shoppers can find a large array of retro items, including decor, jewelry, art, furniture, garden items and more.
Make sure to say hi to Moxy, an orange tabby cat who’s one of their star employees.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday.
FaithCentre Thrift Store and Boutique
In the heart of historic downtown Bellefonte, you’ll find FaithCentre Thrift Store and Boutique at 110 W. High St. This Christian faith-based organization offers several services, including a thrift store, food pantry, pet food pantry, clothing voucher program, emergency aid and a free coffee corner.
Since 2003, FaithCentre has grown from a single-room operation to a two-building facility supporting residents in the greater Bellefonte area.
The store is stocked entirely by community donations, offering men’s and women’s clothing, children’s clothing, shoes, household goods, electronics, books, DVDs, toys and more. Proceeds directly support the organization’s food bank, pet food pantry and emergency aid programs.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Saturday, with extended hours until 7 p.m. on Thursdays.
The Mommy Shoppe
The Mommy Shoppe, a mission by the Houserville United Methodist Church — House of Hope, is another nonprofit thrift store run entirely by volunteers.
Located at 1320 Houserville Road, State College, The Mommy Shoppe offers baby items, strollers, high chairs, Pack ’n Plays, children’s clothes, diaper bags and more. Registered families can shop for a free bag of clothing per child once every 30 days by appointment.
Hours: Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m., Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the third Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
CentrePeace
If you’re in the market for second-hand or restored furniture, CentrePeace at 3047 Benner Pike, Bellefonte, may be the place for you.
CentrePeace’s mission is “to actively work toward restoring lives for individuals who have been incarcerated while bringing peace and healing to all affected by crime. The ultimate goal of CentrePeace is to enable formerly incarcerated individuals to achieve successful reentry to their communities, prepared to work and be engaged as productive citizens,” according to their website.
CentrePeace works with incarcerated individuals, teaching them the basics of caring for and moving used furniture, as well as skills in repairing and restoring furniture and household goods.
The store sells donated items and refurbished pieces.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Centre County ReStore
Located at 1155 Zion Road, Bellefonte, the Habitat for Humanity of Greater Centre County ReStore supports the larger mission of Habitat for Humanity through proceeds from selling donated home improvement items and materials.
In addition to raising funds to help provide quality homes to local families, the ReStore allows local businesses and individuals to repurpose items they no longer use or need.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday through Saturday.
The Salvation Army of Centre County
The Salvation Army of Centre County is part of the international faith-based movement that operates thrift stores across the country. Funds from these stores help the organization assist individuals facing various issues to live healthy and fulfilling lives.
Located at 2790 W. College Ave. #10, State College, the Centre County branch offers services such as emergency financial assistance, back-to-school supplies and Christmas gifts for families in need.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Lion Surplus
Located at Penn State on Services Road, behind the Lewis Katz Law Building, Lion Surplus is a unique second-hand store specifically selling Penn State University equipment.
Open to students, faculty, staff and the public, the store offers computers, furniture, Penn State gear, bikes and occasionally vehicles. On Fridays, shoppers can buy fresh-baked Penn State Bakery bread too.
Hours: 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Friday.
These are just a few of the many thrift and second-hand stores across Centre County, each offering unique treasures and some even supporting the community in various ways. Whether you’re searching for vintage finds, affordable essentials or ways to give back, Centre County’s thrift stores provide a wealth of opportunities. So, on your next thrifting adventure, check out some of these local gems.
