Resale Stores & Thrift Shops in Bergen County

In this economy everyone is being really thrifty and really smart. But the kids keep growing, need new clothes, and you’re tired of wearing the same old things. Let’s be honest, do you really want to spend hundreds of dollars at the mall while you’re clipping coupons for food? Shopping at Macy’s may help Macy’s bottom line, but who’s helping yours?

Here are resale stores that donate their profits to charity. These are not thrift stores from our parent’s generation; these are resale shops in Bergen County, one of the wealthiest counties in the nation where people buy designer labels and regularly donate them to help a good cause and get a tax benefit. I regularly visit these stores and have discovered amazing items in great condition that looked fresh from the pages of InStyle Magazine. Here’s a sample:

Eileen Fischer blue cotton eyelet dress ($4.99), J.Crew suede driving mocs ($5.00), Dooney and Bourke brown leather belt ($2.00), Dana Buchman silk blazer ($7.99), Ann Klein black rain jacket ($4.99), Abercrombie suede shirt ($5.00), Juicy Couture two-piece camaflouge sweat suit ($4.99), boy’s soccer shorts ($1.00), boy’s Champion baseball pants (1.00), girl’s Hannah Anderson dress ($2.00), white pine bookcase with hand painted flowers for a girl’s bedroom ($10.00), Prego Stroller in excellent condition ($5.00).

Caveat: You have to be patient, like to dig through racks of clothes and have a sense of adventure. If you love garage sales and eBay you will love these shops. If your sense of adventure is shopping at Nordstrom instead of Neiman Marcus, this may not be for you. Also, you may walk out with nothing one day, but leave with four bags the next time.

Wyckoff Parent Teacher Organization Economy Shop, 399 Main Street, Wyckoff 201-891-5765: Consignment shop run by volunteers. Profit goes to support Wyckoff Public schools. Clothes for the entire family. Labels: Abercrombie, Old Navy, Limited Too, Gymboree, Kate Spade, Jones NY, J. Jill, Chico’s, DKNY, Ralph Lauren. An entire table of gently used youth cleats.

Midland Park Community Thrift Shop, 85 Godwin Ave, Midland Park (behind Kings Shopping Plaza) 201-652-7661: If you drop items off you can choose from 52 charities within Bergen County where the proceeds from the sale of your items will go. Charities include: Shelter Our Sisters, Children’s Aid, West Bergen Mental Health Clinic. On display was a full length suede Jones NY Coat in perfect condition for $19. Labels: Gap, Old Navy, Kate Hill, Ralph Lauren. Beautiful selection of children’s clothes.

C.A.T.S. (Caring About the Strays), 80 Kinderkermack Road, Westwood 201-666-5444: Adorable little shop with lots of shabby chic household items. Small but packed with amazing costume jewelry (lots of Joan Rivers), cocktail glasses, paintings, women’s clothes and so much more. All proceeds go to provide care for homeless animals. Labels: Dana Buchman, Ralph Lauren, DKNY.

Goodwill, 507 S. Washington Ave, Bergenfield 201-385-5154: Megastore for clothes shopping. 50% off selected items every day. Great selection of designer gowns and dresses. Labels: Betsey Johnson ($7.99 dress), Ann Taylor, Limited Too, Abercrombie, Hollister. Note: Target donates overstocks of brand new items.

National Council of Jewish Women Thrift Shop, 75 S. Washington Ave, Bergenfield 201-385-3702: Small shop with big labels. Eileen Fisher, Nicole Miller, Ann Taylor, Jessica McClintock. Small children’s and men’s section.

Second Look Shoppe, 340 Main Street, Fort Lee (in basement of Madonna CYO Hall) 201-944-1099: A community thrift shop with a large selection of baby items, household goods, and furniture in good condition. Women’s, men’s and children’s clothing.

Palisades General Thrift Shop, 595 Anderson Ave, Cliffside Park, 201-945-6965: Small shop with clothes for men, women and children. Separate room containing furniture. Proceeds go to support Palisades General Hospital.

I discovered these places solely on word of mouth from other moms and now I’m sharing them with you. If you want to help worthy causes within our community, here’s your chance. I encourage all of you to visit them. Instead of charity knocking on our door for help, let’s walk through theirs and help.

If you know of any other resale shops in Bergen County where the proceeds go to support those in need, please email me and I will get the word out.