Written By: Diane Cruz Mejia
Thrifting helps students reduce expenses. Consider visiting a thrift store near Northwestern, such as Plato’s Closet, Flying Pig Thrift, or Goodwill – St. Paul Outlet, to save money, have fun, or earn a little extra.
Plato’s Closet
Drive just five minutes or walk 20 minutes from Northwestern to reach Plato’s Closet. The store stocks a wide variety of clothes, shoes, jewelry and bags, making it a great stop for students who want to shop with friends or look for trendy styles.
Downside: Plato’s charges higher prices than the other thrift stores on this list.
- Tip: Check clothing tags to verify the original value of each item and make sure you’re getting a good deal.
Location: Plato’s Closet, 1651 County Rd C West, Roseville, MN 55113
Store Hours: Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Flying Pig Thrift
Drive just 12 minutes down Snelling Avenue and you’ll reach Flying Pig Thrift, a locally owned shop with an impressive selection of vintage merchandise. You’ll find clothing, jewelry, records, trinkets, and more, all at prices lower than most mainstream thrift stores.
Downside: Many items don’t have clear labels, so you may need to ask for assistance (fortunately, the friendly staff respond quickly). Other downsides include the store’s small size, limited clothing selection, and open hours.
Location: Flying Pig Thrift, 722 Snelling Ave N, St Paul, MN 55104
Store Hours: The store is closed on Mondays and Sundays, and opens Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Goodwill – St. Paul Outlet
If you’re looking for the most affordable thrift option, drive just 14 minutes from campus to reach the Goodwill – Outlet St. Paul. At the Outlet, you’ll find an adventure, and a wide variety of clothes, books, shoes, and trinkets, waiting in large blue bins.
The Outlet receives items from regular Goodwill stores, giving them one last chance to sell before disposal. The Outlet charges based on the weight or amount of items, making it the most cost-effective option on this list. For the best experience, visit on a weekday and bring gloves.
Downside: Before heading to the Outlet, keep a few things in mind: the selection is unpredictable, the space can get crowded, and rotations usually end around 5 p.m. Still, many resellers shop here regularly. One Northwestern student shared, “I sometimes can’t find things I like, but for sure things that I can sell.” That makes the Outlet a smart pick for students looking to earn extra money.
Location: Goodwill – St. Paul Outlet, 553 Fairview Ave N, Suite 105, St Paul, MN 55104
Store Hours: Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Go Visit
Each of these thrift stores offers something unique. Whether you’re shopping on a budget, hoping to make extra cash, or just looking for a fun place to hang out with friends, you can stop by and explore these places. Find the store that best fits your lifestyle and your budget.
