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Baton Rouge Secondhand Spots: Where to go for the perfect thrift haul

The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at LSU chapter.

Having trouble finding the perfect spot for all your secondhand clothing needs in Baton Rouge? Look no further—I’ve compiled a short (ish) list of potential thrift spots, all of which I think fit a variety of styles and price points. 

Time Warp Boutique 

Location: 3001 Government Street, Baton Rouge 

First looks: If it’s your first time dipping your toes into vintage shopping, this is a great place to do it—the staff is welcoming and well-versed, and more than happy to show you around and answer questions.

Overall Rating: 8/10

Pros: 

  • Time Warp’s selection is well-organized and well-labeled; it’s sorted by decade, style, and type of clothing or accessory. This made for a very quick and painless search through their pieces, and if you’re someone who has a preference for a certain time period or style era, this is the place for you. 
  • I really liked all of the clothing I found at Time Warp. Much of their collection veers towards the side of statement pieces, but they are all well-maintained and made to last—you will most likely be able to hold onto your finds for a long time. 

Cons: 

  • If you’re operating within a college kid-friendly budget, Time Warp might not be an everyday spot for you. There are some variations in price for accessories or newer items, but much of what I looked at was between $40 to $90. This is expected, because of the quality and level of curation, but something to keep in mind nonetheless.

The Purple Cow 

Location: 3651 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge

First looks: The Purple Cow is a classic secondhand spot in BR, and for good reason. It has a big selection with trendy pieces, welcoming staff, and generally affordable prices. 

Overall Rating: 7/10

Pros: 

  • The men’s clothing section was an unexpected gold mine. If you’ve got a more masculine style—or are shopping for someone who does—I’d definitely recommend this spot. The men’s selection also seemed particularly curated, and definitely fit my working definition of “on trend.” 
  • Another plus is the price range; everything I bought was under $15. Though it is a little more expensive than chain thrift stores like Goodwill the clothing is all in good shape and there’s a wide variety in style. 
  • The Purple Cow has a lot of stuff; not only clothes, but also books, knick-knacks, and accessories. If you’re looking for hats, shoes, or earrings at reasonable prices, this would be the spot to check out.
  • LSU designated section—great for gameday clothes in a pinch! (I found a top that will definitely be making an appearance at tailgates next year) 

Cons: 

  • Like any large store that moves a lot of clothing, the Purple Cow is a little disorganized. Some sizing isn’t totally accurate, and their sections tend to get switched around. This doesn’t make it impossible to shop, but it does require a little more digging. 
  • Another surprise from my visit: I didn’t find much at all that caught my eye. They definitely have a large selection, but the women’s section felt a lot less curated and slightly dated. I don’t doubt what they’ve got would be a gold mine for somebody, it just isn’t for me. 

America’s Thrift Store

Location: 9526 Cortana Place, Baton Rouge

First looks: America’s Thrift Store, like any other large chain thrift spot, is two things for sure: very big and very affordable. ATS has pretty much anything you could be looking to buy secondhand. 

Overall Rating: 9/10

Pros: 

  • The best part of ATS is without a doubt the selection. I left with the most clothes I had at any place so far, and this is entirely because ATS has so much to pick from. Because of how many items they accept, there is a huge variety in style, fit, and size range. 
  • Another huge plus is the price range; ATS is the most broadly affordable option on this list. It was difficult to find anything at ATS that was more than $10, and I didn’t leave with anything that cost more than $6-$8.

Cons: 

  • Organization is spotty throughout the store, and their sizing is not entirely reliable or particularly accurate. This is very much a store that requires a little bit of digging to find what you’re looking for. 
  • In addition, there aren’t any sort of changing rooms to try on your finds in. 
  • ATS can definitely feel overwhelming at first. If it’s your first time visiting, slow down and go section by section in order to get your best haul out.
Hi! My name is Max (she/her), and I was born and raised in Seattle, Washington. Right now, I’m a sophomore at Louisiana State University, currently pursuing a degree in public relations. After graduation, I intend to continue to work in the PR and marketing industries - it’s really where I’ve found my passion. I’ve been involved in student journalism and social media management since high school. I worked as the editor for the arts and entertainment section of my high school newspaper, as well as managed the social media profiles for the Domicile West art gallery in Seattle. I pride myself on my creativity, authenticity, and flexibility in everything I do. Beyond school, I’m all about self expression and personal style. I think being comfortable in your skin is the first step to impacting and influencing the world around you. Thrifting, making jewelry, and writing poetry are all ways I work to express myself on the daily. I’ve also been involved in local advocacy since I was a teenager, and I’m particularly passionate about sustainability and eco friendliness – growing up in the Pacific Northwest will do that to you. Ultimately, I think creating community and closeness in a digital word is crucial to staying connected. Spending time with my friends and team helps keep me grounded and current in everything I do.