Scottish market town crowned top thrifting destination – see the top 10
The best places in the country for second-hand shopping have been revealed.
The top second-hand shopping destinations in Scotland have been revealed.
Scotland is home to countless shops selling big-name clothing brands. However, whether you are trying to save money or looking for one-of-a-kind garments, sometimes nothing can beat thrifting.
Moneyboat conducted an in-depth study to identify the best UK cities for second-hand shopping. The experts ranked 75 locations based on the availability of second-hand, vintage, and charity shops, as well as online listings through Gumtree.
Coming in at number one for Scotland, as well as second place for the whole of the UK, is Dumfries. According to Moneyboat, the Dumfries and Galloway market town market offers a rich variety of vintage and charity shops that make it a thrifter’s paradise.
With a population of just under 50,000, Dumfries stands out for its eclectic mix of shops, where shoppers can discover everything from unique vintage pieces to gently used clothing at affordable prices. Meanwhile, the town’s commitment to sustainable shopping is evident in the abundance of second-hand stores and its vibrant resale culture.
Moneyboat states: “Dumfries is the perfect destination for those looking to score amazing deals while supporting local charity initiatives and making eco-friendly choices.”
Elsewhere, coming in at number five on Moneyboat’s list of the the UK’s top thrifting hotspots is Perth. The Scottish city is known for second-hand clothes and charity shops such as PDSA on Scott Street, Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland Boutique on High Street, and British Red Cross on Kinnoull Street.
The third and final Scottish destination to appear on the experts’ top 10 is Stirling, which comes in at number eight. Some of the top thrifting destinations in the historic city include the Stirling Reuse Hub, SRTD Vintage, and Babes in the Wood.
Topping the overall list is Ballymena in Northern Ireland. According to Moneyboat, the town “punches well above its weight when it comes to thrift stores”, boasting a wide selection of second-hand, vintage, and charity shops per capita.
Moneyboat’s study also revealed the best big cities in the UK for thrifting. Topping the list for Scotland, and placing second overall behind London, is Glasgow.
The experts state: “Glasgow has built a strong reputation for second-hand fashion, with hidden gems scattered across the West End, a variety of city-centre vintage stores, and sprawling charity shops where shoppers can uncover designer bargains at a fraction of the price.”
Following behind in third place on the UK-wide top 10 is Edinburgh. The Scottish capital is known for its huge selection of charity shops, as well as second-hand clothing stores such as Armstrongs & Son Vintage.
See below for the top 10 thrifting hotspots and top 10 cities for thrifting in the UK according to Moneyboat.
The UK’s Top Thrifting Hotspots
- Ballymena
- Dumfries
- Newry
- Lisburn
- Perth
- Rhyl
- Shrewsbury
- Stirling
- Scarborough
- Bury
Best Big Cities for Thrift Shopping
- London
- Glasgow
- Edinburgh
- Bristol
- Sheffield
- Manchester
- Birmingham
- Liverpool
- Wirral
- Belfast