American Thrift Store

Join author Diana Petrillo for another Diana’s Vintage Ventures as n a chance thrift store stop turns up unexpected treasures.

Many thrift shops are good, but it takes a very special store to be unforgettable. The American Thrift in Passaic, NJ definitely falls into the latter category, separating itself from the crowd with both its size, organization, and sheer quantity of goods.

One day, while driving through New Jersey, after visiting kid #2 in NYC, I decided on a whim to look for thrift stores to stop at along the way, since we had some extra time. [Always time to thrift, right?]

Google Maps showed me a promising one in Passaic, NJ, about ten minutes off our route, so we decided to pop in for a visit. And boy, am I glad we did.

Never in my life have I experienced a store like the American Thrift! It contains seemingly endless home goods and clothing across three floors, and their hours are amazing: they’re open seven days a week from 10-8.

Upon entering the store, you first encounter the jewelry and high-end handbag section to the left. A long row of glass cases filled with both fine and costume jewelry runs down the room, with several cashiers manning the...