On a mobile device? Try our mobile site, optimized for faster browsing.
Category: Used, Vintage & Consignment [Edit]
Neighborhood: Allston/BrightonHarvard Avenue (Green)
Mon-Wed. 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Thu. 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Fri-Sat. 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sun. 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Loading...
I found this by accident and I'm so glad I did. It's awesome!
There are no dressing rooms, and it's cash only...but the selection is EPIC and the prices are great. This is a fabulous thrift shop.
Still love this place! I drop by every so often or when I have something in mind and hope I find it. I got a 2.5 L pyrex glass mixing bowl for $4, an AWESOME oxo salad spinner (huge bowl that can be used for salad or mixing, pump-spin-action, and even a BRAKE!) for $3, and one of those grab bags for $2 containing two fancy fish spatulas, a potato masher, and a garlic press. What's not to love? I REALLY wanted to buy some bakeware - both corningware and an awesome blue pyrex, but honestly, I won't be living in Boston for very long and really don't need it.
I saw an awesome stainless steel trashcan with a foot pedal for $2, brand new dish drainers for $2, and some 10 inch fluted tart pans (but they had no bottoms so no go). It's awesome finding good stuff at thrift store prices. :D
I do like this place. I like that it's very organized, the employees are very friendly, and they… Read more »
This place aint bad at all. No place to dress though and I don't think they have a return policy (even goodwill has that). So, unless you are willing to strip to skivvies for pants etc or are dead sure you know something will fit...
Prices are often times better than goodwill and they usually (not always though) have a better selection. I usually find better books at Goodwill. Can't say about the electronics. Shoes are pricey here (why do thrift stores charge high money for used shoes?)
This place is becoming more and more of a rip-off. I got in line with a pair of boots that had some chicken scratch written at the bottom of them for the price and the lady at the register decided they were $40!!! Not willing to pay that much for a used pair of boots.
I am such a fan. This thrift store is one of the largest that I have ever been to. The best part? Everything is organized by color. How cool is that? Pretty much everything is priced reasonably (on my last trip I snagged two really cool vases for $3 total) and the furniture section would be a re-upholsterer's dream. I found a set of 3 matching wood chairs with a ugly fabric seat for $4 each... you must not have heard me correctly. They were wooden dining chairs! $4! What?! Crazy talk. I have found some great finds but beware, the store is huge and not for the faint of heart.
I love love love love this thrift store. Urban Renewals is huge, cheap and has a great selections of old and weird books as well as vintage finds. This is the kind of thrift store you can spend a good hour in just searching through everything. It is also a great place to buy things to reuse and re-purpose in crafty ways.
The reason I am only giving this place three stars is two fold. First, I hate that they don't accept debit and/or credit. I always get stuck in here with a bunch of stuff in hand and then realize I have no cash. I didn't get a chance to buy an awesome leather vintage bag because of this fact. The goodwill down the street accepts debit, why can't you Urban Renewals? Sigh. Secondly, there are no dressing rooms here. How hard can it be to construct some kind of makeshift dressing area? How can I know if jeans or a dress fit me without trying them on?
Despite those two facts, I still come here often and love this place with all my heart.
Reds, Greens, Blues, Yellows..you can get a shirt, skirt, pants, or coat in any color of the rainbow and in multiple shades. I like the way they organize their clothing by colors, makes for easy browsing.
The store was much bigger than as suggested by the storefront. After all the aisles of endless racks of clothing there are shoes and a whole back room dedicated to furniture and housewares (dishes, pots, pans, glasses, lamps, etc..)
Cash only, Final purchases.
Even if you are not looking for anything you will still end up buying something because there is so much stuff. I bought an alligator cookie jar ($3.99) that upon opening says "YUMMY, These cookies sure taste good."
Him: Dude I'm so bummed.
Me: Why?
Him: I'm in this wedding and I need to find a navy blue jacket. I can't find one for under $200. I'm going to wear this thing once. Blows.
Me: They have a rack of blue jackets a mile long at Urban Renewals. I'll eat my hat if you can't find one there.
Jacket was acquired at Urban Renewals for $8. I didn't have to eat my hat. We celebrated by going to a Sox game and spending the $200 at Fenway Park.
They lose a star for not having dressing rooms, but that also probably cuts down on a lot of lifting. This is the definitive Allston thrift shop, and it evidently clothes many of the area's residents. There are sale days for each color tag and that means anything that has one of the colors they call over the loud speaker on a classic recording is half off. A vintage T-Shirt for 50 cents? Don't mind if I do.
They have a lot of space and two thirds of it is dominated by women's clothing. The remainder is divided between menswear and kids' stuff. Still, for guys there are long racks of slacks, suits, jeans, shorts, dress shirts and ties. There are also a bunch of jackets and an entire back wall of T's. I really have to watch myself in here or I will quickly go on a shopping spree.
Keep in mind, they only take cash and there is an ATM on site if you need it. There's also a BoA kiosk further down the street on the same side if you wanna skip the fees. This is a great jumping off point for Halloween costumes, dress clothes or, if you're like me, cost-effective wardrobe updates. Go here.
UR is great in that they have a ton of inventory arranged conveniently, and have lots of other bullshit knick-knacks that we sometimes impusively bring home and pridefully display much to the displeasure of guests and housemates alike. The stuff you get there is generally more wearable than other places in the greater Boston area.
But, it's expensive for a second-hand store. The lack of dressing rooms is absurd considering the size of the location. Chances are you'll forget to get cash and since they don't take cards, you'll have to get duped by their suspiciously-branded ATM. There are probably banks in the area, but even if you know where they are, you will sigh, maybe even cringe depending on the status of your student loans or mortgage, and let the machine and your bank facelessly take your beer money.
It's somewhat frustrating asking employees questions because many of them aren't fluent in english. It does makes sense to have multi-lingual people in a store like UR, but it's nice to be comfortable asking questions if necessary.
Don't go on the weekends because pro-thrifters who wake up earlier than you will probably have already gotten all the jeans that will make your butt look good. I think they have sales every once in a while, but typically thrift stores do this to clear inventory that doesn't sell, and again, the dedicated will beat you there and pick over the best stuff anyway.
Despite the annoyances, having decent clothes color-coded and in massive numbers makes it a fun place to shop. There are lots of books and a variety of stuffed animals that are tempting until you remember your friend that got bed bugs, and you turn your head and keep moving. I really do like how they have random packages of toys and kids junk in li'l bags for a buck or so.
UR is worth making a special point of visiting, especially if you appreciate the art/process of thrifting. Gentleman beware, as I discovered in a recent trip with my size-challenged friend, there is little in the small to medium range. I had originally abbreviated that as S-M, but that was not quite what I was getting at.
Just make sure you hit the ATM before-hand and crack your freshman year Spanish textbook from your gen-ed req's, in case you need to find where the ghost busters toys are located.
Love thrift stores. Only shop at thrift stores.
Here is my basic pro/con for UR, in list format (of course!):
Pros: Probably the best clothing selection in town. Handy color-coding means you can stay away from colors that don't sit well on you (red is not my color). Let me reiterate: BEST CLOTHING SELECTION IN TOWN. Cheaper prices than most of the Goodwills in town.
Cons: No dressing rooms (wear a tank top). Cash only. The hipsters that live in Allston Rock City descend upon the selection and pick it clean before you can get your game on. A common pitfall of thrift stores: sometimes you hit the jackpot, sometimes you leave with nothing.
Aaaaaaand I'm out.
Meh, I hate to share secrets, but I'm also compelled. Reading through the reviews for this place, I told myself not to add one, that my literally dirty secret would stay mine this time.
Must...share...
So I live very close to UR, and I have been a thrift-store-whore since before I knew what a whore was. Clothes by the pound? let me get my wallet. New Thrift store in town? Give me a second to put my shoes on, screw the pants.
I can spend hours sifting through the racks, and that's what ya gotta do here if you're looking for good clothing. I have found things that have never been worn, I've found Betsey Johnson, Oscar De La Renta (obviously someone cleaning out mom's closet without her consent) D & G, along with some obscure designers that I'd never expect to find in Boston. I've found sheets that still have the packaging folds in them. I've found cashmere sweaters for $7 and seriously groovy leather coats in perfect condition for $20.
Living nearby gives me the access that one needs to find the best stuff, but I was kind of floored when I came here for two Halloween costumes and expecting to have to troll for them they way I do for regular clothes. I found a complete Ike & Tina ensemble from shoes up in less than half an hour. I actually found more than I needed and had to make choices! I wish I was shopping for silly clothes every time I come here!
But the rewards remain as consistent as the drawbacks, namely the organization (which I can live with), the lack of dressing rooms (which I can live without), the crazy people who shop there too (please don't make me describe them...), the cash-only policy (keeps me from shopping sometimes, perfect!) and the ridiculously bad service. Which on the one hand is fine, it's a freakin' thrift store the size of Montana, but sometimes it makes me want to throw my stuff on the floor and walk out.
The women patrolling the racks are at best quiet and at worst, walk through you while singing. The people behind the counter I think have mistaken their job for one on a fishing boat. They're always yelling and throwing things around as if they're getting paid by the pound. One time I stepped up to pay, cash in hand, and I saw something at the last minute in the jewelry case underneath the register that I was at. When I asked to see it the cashier shoved my stuff aside, did not get my item to show me, and took the next person on line! If that wasn't rude enough, she actually whipped me in the face with the woman's dress because she was moving so fast! I'm NOT the one to be dramatic, I work in retail, I know drama and I don't make it. But that was too much.
Of course I'll always go back, service doesn't matter in a thrift store like this. I can't even blame the workers, they probably get paid shit for shit work. But bring your headphones and your Purell, keep your purse or your wallet on you the whole time, keep your cart on your side, bring more patience than you think you have and only as much cash as you want to spend.
Oh, and if you see a woman dressed all in black with fire-engine-red hair, headphones and a scowl, that's me and stay out of my way, I'm shopping.
No ATM or dressing rooms, but that's okay.
I've found so many beautiful dresses here for under 10 bucks. It's unbelievable. Not to mention the many creepy and kitschy paintings I've found for even less. I have a portrait of a zombie head hanging from my wall in my apartment that people are either terrified of or love. It cost me 5 dollars. I also got a clock with Jesus on it knocking timidly on a door for 7 dollars. I still have yet to make the plaque for it that will say "Knock-knock-knockin on Heaven's Door! Hey! Hey! Hey-hey-yeah!"
Also, I've gotten a ton of great board games here. My mother forbid me to play Mall Madness as a child because it set a bad example for women. Well fuck you, mom! I bought Mall Madness for $3 at Urban Renewals and now I'm a proper lady.
Let's not forget the uber creepy announcements that play in the background in English and Spanish every two seconds. That man's soft velvety voice haunts me in my dreams. "TODAY'S SPECIALS ARE BLUE RED AND YELLOW! THANK YOU, HAVE A NICE DAY!" Oh I will Urban Renewals, I will.
Still as cheap as ever! I went here today with my mom to see if I could find some stuff for a costume I was putting together. They had some excellent stuff that was priced cheaper than McDonald's value meal! Unfortunately, they are CASH ONLY and even though they do have a no name ATM in the store, I didn't want to use it. Plus, I wanted to try on a very hot little black dress and lo and behold, there are NO fitting rooms. Well, I wasn't feeling like stripping that day, so I left the dress on the rack. But, I'll be back.
I enjoyed myself immensely while walking through this bustling store. They have kids clothes,… Read more »
One of the perks of living on the Brighton Center / Allston Rock City (I have way too much fun with that) border is that Harvard Ave is just a fifteen minute walk away. One of the best parts of being only fifteen minutes from Harvard Ave would be the proximity to Urban Renewals, which is basically a colorcoded warehouse of a thrift store. If you need an ugly sweater, a plain white tee shirt, retro housewares, or actually vintage flannel, Urban Renewals should be your first (and probably only) stop. It can be a little overwhelming, but odds are you'll find what you're looking for.
The only drawbacks of UR would be that there are no dressing rooms and it's cash only, so wear layers and bring cash. There is an ATM machine in the store, in case of an emergency.
It's hard to take a lot of 'thrift stores' or 'consignment shops' in Boston seriously, when they price designer labels and racks of so-called vintage clothing at regular, retail prices. But Urban Renewals in Allston, actually manages to live up to this title.
Sitting smack dab in the middle of Brighton Ave., parking around U.R. can be difficult, which is kind of a bummer. Who wants the excitement of finding tons of cool, inexpensive clothing to be dampened by the fact that they have to lug it all home on the T? This problem can be remedied if you live close by and are able to check in on their stock frequently. But who would move somewhere just to be closer to a thrift store? That would be crazy...(cough).
As far as inventory goes, U.R. has a great selection of clothing, some of the best in the city. There's a nice medley of designer labels and really unique pieces, all priced fairly (usually $5-$15). As always with thrifts, there will be some good times and bad times depending on how picked-over everything is, but I've been able to find pieces I'm jazzed about pretty consistently. And they have a diverse offering of sizes for both men and women.
In addition, they have a decent offering when it comes to handbags and jewelry, and a practically unreal selection of stylish shoes (typically the realm of dirty flip flops and teal bride's maid's pumps in most thrifts) in all sizes.
Things are less promising when it comes to any kind of home goods. Knick knacks and dishware are sparse and outdated. Cracked furniture and broken lamps live in purgatory inside a sad, dirty cave of acoustic tile and lead paint at the back of the store. The book section is mostly romance novels and Zane Grey Westerns. And the linens I wouldn't touch with a ten foot pole.
Finally, the two big downsides are space and payment options. U.R. jam packs their store with a lot of inventory which is good, but means that their floor space is super tight. Aisles are narrow and it's nearly impossible for two people with shopping carts to pass each other. It's not unusual to have someone shopping over your shoulder, making you feel all crowded.
And payment can kind of be a hassle as they only take cash. While they do have an ATM inside the store to aid in impulse purchases, it kind of stinks that in the age of debit cards you have to incur a foreign ATM fee in order to shop there on the fly.
All that being said, the clothing at Urban Renewals is totally worth any of the minor drawbacks. Their clothing was hot enough to be featured in Pack Rat magazine's first major fashion shoot in Issue #5. Check it out at http://packratmag.com/....
I was not born to thrift.
Miles and miles of racks of clothing, hoping for the one or two sweet scores makes me dizzy and tired. And I never, ever have luck - and if I do find something I like, it either doesn't fit or has some irreparable element that I just can't move beyond.
And although I leave Urban Renewal feeling like I need to wash my hands, I really don't mind this place so much. Divided by color, and pretty neatly kept, it's pretty alright for a thrift store. Plus I keep hearing rumor of great finds. One day, I swear, it will be my turn.
I've heard rumor that they have ginormous sized moo-moos and other ridiculous clothing. Apparently they don't mind if you put them on and film your friends jumping around in them. But that's only hearsay.
Mission: Secure a belt for the Yelp Prom festivities along with a black shirt for the Mister.
I'm slightly scared of Urban Renewals. I don't really like it for some reason, it just rubs me the wrong way. The ceilings are really high, and there are just racks and racks of STUFF that it makes me a little intimidated. It doesn't help when your at the "jewelry" counter that the employee behind hands a creepy looking man a box of KNIVES. When is that a good idea?
Looking at the paltry selection of belts, there were some good ones, but none that fit with the theme I was going for. I settled on a fake crocodile-like belt that fit nicely and went searching for a shirt for the Mister.
I was about to settle on a short sleeved black number when, EUREKA, I found the best faux satin shirt with squiggly design EVER. And for $3.99 no less, cha-ching!
Curiously enough, while trying on my belt in a mirror I looked back and recognized a friend of mine shopping! We talked for a moment and went up to the registers together where I purchased my items.
Afterwards, while waiting for said friend to finish perusing, I noticed a basket of rolled up belts behind the counter. I tried to get the employees attention, and after a minute or two she basically threw me the basket. Searching through the basket I wasn't hopeful, until.....
I saw the best HAWT PINK belt ever in existence. If I may be vulgar for a minute, but FUCK YEAH. I picked that baby right up, ran to the cashier I had paid minutes before, and asked if I could swap belts (and pay the difference of one dollar). After looking at me like I had three heads, she told me I could switch the belts and I didn't have to pay the difference. SWEET! So I happily skipped outside (back into the rain) with my new purchases, a happy camper. Mission Accomplished!
FYI kids, CASH ONLY (unfortunately) I was lucky enough to have a couple bucks on me. There is an ATM, but they probably charge you your first born baby in fees.
You know that silly ridiculous smile that plasters your face when you get a seriously good deal? Welcome to Urban Renewals, folks! Step right up.
You know it's going to be wicked when you see:
+ that everything ends in a ".99"
+ a super expansive, organized store (though by type, not size)
+ counters upon counters of jewelry
+ a dedicated scarf rack
For serious thrifters that revel in frantic searching, this place might be too organized but I still find that I can only tackle one department at once. The last visit it was the shiny metal(lics) that caught my eye like a barracuda. Let's bring on a list, shall we?
Convertible coil bracelet/necklace with magnet clasp (2.99)
Awesome 80s hoop earings (1.99)
NEW bronze and beige leather sandals (5.99)
Gold, woven belt (1.99)
Three pack of NEW pantyhose (1.99)
I think all that need be said is BOOYAH!
Oh, and please get a dressing room so that I don't have to flash horrified children and grandmothers in the aisles.
Love,
Ligaya
I'm usually not one for shopping at thrift stores, but I only needed a dress for one day... the Old Skool Prom - Yelp Style event.
I found my 80's dress here as soon as I walked in. I guess the reason why I usually hate shopping thrift is because I hate having to do the "look" and scrounge around to find a bargain. But Urban Renewals takes that all away. I have to reiterate that they have everything sorted out for you. Thank you for not making me go through everything to find something. Thank you for not giving me a headache by not being a clusterfuck like TJ's.
The main downfall though is that they are still cash only and they don't have any dressing rooms. What stinks more though is their return/exchange policy esp. because they don't have a fitting room. I wouldn't have so much an issue with their return/exchange policy if I knew if the clothes would fit me or not. But since the prices are so low I guess I can't really complain.
I found my 80's prom dress here for $12.99 and another lil sexy red dress for $9.99. So for those of you looking for something to wear next weekend, be sure to come down to Urban Renewals. There was a whole section of old prom and bridesmaid dresses.
THIS REVIEW IS FOR 3.5 STARS:
Okay, so I've never really been to Allston until one day my friend…
Read more »
This is my kind of thrift store. Totally hit or miss. You have to dig for treasure; that's half the fun!
I needed black shoes for an upcoming performance, and not only did I find some very sexy black wingtips, but they also were VEGAN. WTF?! I thought I was going to have to settle for some second hand leather (instead of buying a new pair for like 80 bucks), but I completely lucked out. Also got some great old-timey looking Scotch and Rye bottles (Allix got Gin and something else....)
Good prices, well spread out, and not too many smelly people. A great place to find buried treasure! ARRRGGGHH MATEY!!!! (whoa.... sorry)
It closes way too early (6pm most nights, a bit later on Thurdsays), which is annoying considering that if you're not passing through the area already anyway, it's a trek to come out here on the slow B line. Especially since the place is huge and as I mentioned in my older review, it's not the kind of place you just 'pop in' usually - you need time for treasure-hunting and to get down and dirty with your arms deep digging here. So, tough hours.
They also only take cash. Even though a lot of their stuff can be really cheap (and they have frequent sales on different items), it sucks that I can't swipe my plastic. It IS annoying that they dont have dressing rooms, since although it's hilarity and fun when you frolick through with friends trying things on theatrically, if you're on your own it's not as much fun trying things on in aisles. Plus, in summer you can go in wearing a tank and shorts - easy aisle-trying gear - but with winter bulk, eep.
So why the extra star then? Because, despite the annoying factors previously mentioned, and the fact that the colour-not-size organization blows my mind (in a bad way) and the overall place overwhelms me, I am inexplicably drawn to it. Is it the thrill of the chase? Is it the giddy rush I get when I finally find that treasure?
Is it the $9.99 short black tight sequined dress with gold leaves on the shoulders that looked killer for my 80's prom party and fit like a glove? (And that, believe it or not, I saw on a vintage fashion blog looking FAB on a stylish young model, the exact same thing but with silver leaves instead for a ton more? Seriously. I gloated.) Maybe it's the late 70's/early 80's navy trench with cuffed cream sleeves and collar, and military-style buttons across the front that's oh-so-flattering and fits like a charm for $19.99 that I once found - that I discovered, upon reaching the register, was on sale for $7.99? Maybe it's the jewelled treasures, the beautiful sparkly party shoes I almost bought (but didn't)?
Whatever it is, I love indulging in this place once in a while. I can't always handle it, and I do have my criticisms (my previous review sums up my feelings perfectly) but there's just... something. Every now and then, when I have the energy, I can't help but want to trek back, knowing that even if it might take some effort I might be able to find a treasure that will make the dig worth it - and often, for such low amounts that I could probably even just empty out from my piggy bank.
This place is huge. And I mean huge. Even if at a first glance it already seems big, just keep… Read more »
After reading everyone's reviews, I was expecting a little more from this place. I was hoping to be swept off my feet by dazzling treasures unearthed... But I felt more like I was hit by a truck and left to sort some scraps that flew off the back end. Ouch.
My fault for going on a Saturday, I get that. But WHY do they allow shopping carts in there?!?! The carts are as wide as the aisles, making even the most courteous shoppers into instant a-holes.
Pros: LOTS of stuff, VERY cheap. Everything from bridal gowns and cross dresser shoes to bowling ball bags and bikinis. I won't lie, I was happily surprised to spot some designer labels peeking out among all the grandmotherly floral dresses.
Cons: Organization! Sorry, whoever designed this. It sucks. If I'm shopping for something blue in a size 7, I don't want to go to a section that's blue and have to sift through three dozen somethings before finding one in my size. I'd rather have everything in my size in one place, and then be able to say, "Ah ha! There's a blue one." The shopping carts were the only other major con for me. They made it virtually impossible to get anywhere within the store.
All in all, I did get a comfy sweater for $5 and a Liz Claiborne purse for $6. For what it is, this place could do better. But as a dedicated bargain hunter, I'll still be back.
Dear Urban Renewals,
Ever since I walked into your store when I was twelve and finally realizing how I like to dress, I fell in love.
I don't care if you don't have dressing rooms, and that you don't accept credit cards, you make up for it by supplying awesome knick-knacks, furniture and clothes. You are perfect. Never change.
Love
Ariel
Today the store was half empty. I'm not sure if they just cleared out a bunch of old stuff or if this presages changes. I'll report back as soon as I know anything. Although one change I already dislike: they reorganized the lingerie section and hardly ever have nice slips or camisoles any more.
I LOVE this place. I primarily hit the slips, long dresses, and the housewares racks along the… Read more »
Why don't I come here more often? Seriously, every time I come in I leave happy.
Today I went in looking for tight black jeans as part of a costume. Not only did I find a pair that fit almost perfectly (almost) for $6, I also found a pair of Gap wool pants that DO fit perfectly, and I swear they're brand new. And for $5! I couldn't find anything wrong with them.
Anyway, I really do like this place. The only thing that I think would make it better is some kind of dressing room set up. Even just a few curtained boxes would be nice. Not that I'm ashamed of pulling down my pants to try stuff on in the aisles, but really, they have the space, it would not cost much to install a row of, say, four changing stalls. No?
Ok, this place flat out reeeeks workse than goodwill. What gives? No dressing room? So you will be potentially paying a few bucks only to come home with a stinky rag that doesn't fit. I found one thing..ONE THING..that I considered potentially worth my pocket change. I walked up to the counter and it had no tag. The lady barely spoke english, but managed to blurb "no tag i no can sell". "Well mark it with whatever you like. How much?" i said to her. She repeated "no have tag. no sell". I asked her "Are you seriously turning a sale away b/c someone here forgot to mark the item?" She nodded. I just dumped the crap on the counter and walked out. There really is nothing here worth even wasting your money on anyway, unless you like dumpster diving. Yaaay Allston!
Oh, Renewals, I was so glad to see that you hadn't burnt down after that scare a few weeks ago.
I'm not an insane thrifting fanatic - I hardly like spending money at all (which, as g/f reminds me, is probably because there's none to spend in the first place), but this is a pleasant place to shop. The huge floor is not only organized by type, it's organized by color! So it sort of looks like a huge, kind of faded rainbow. Tons of women's stuff, tons of men's stuff. Everything you typically look for - suits, pants, etc.., It's not the cheapest place I've been to, but you'd have to go way outside of Boston to find anything approaching actual thrift shop prices, in my experience. T-shirts? Those too. I don't know, I just am not that big on thrift store t-shirts. I have plenty of ironically embarrassing ones from my own youth that still fit to start worrying about buying other people's stuff yet.
As far as I know, I really only have gotten a pair of cords there (which fit awesome and were just barely used) and couple of button-up shirts. All cheap-o. Also purchased here - a few tables/shelves and various sizes of luggage for actual luggage use and band gear use, and a nice wood-framed photo of a little baby deer (i.e. fawn) that still hangs on my wall. The third room here is full of furniture, lamps, luggage, framed pictures, etc.., They have lots of books and a decent amount of vinyl, though not huge by any means.
I'm almost ashamed by the amount of times I've driven up to this place, thrown the hazards on, and ran in with like four armfulls of old clothes, electronics and battered so-and-so's, dropping it all inside the door, nervously looking around as if I'm doing something wrong, and then bolting out to the van. I have no idea why it always happens that way.
I love to shop... Really, I do and when they line the clothes up by type and color and charge single digits, i'm in heaven. i've walked out of here so many times with slick shit that i've gone on to love...
from cheap denim skirts, burberry blazers, and my most beloved cookie jar lady...
the garmet district is over priced, and the crap at the salvation army smells. but this place, is just right.
go get yourself a new wardrobe!
ROSIE O'DONNELL DOLL?!
I seriously almost bought this for...whatever reason. It repulsed me and seemed like a good enough gift for a friend to destroy. Unfortunately it was either broken or needed new batteries. MINT CONDITION STILL IN THE BOX!
Tiger slippers, shark mugs, cups with dinos having a birthday party, an old exercise bike, your grandma's suitcase...the list goes on and on and on and...
Basically what I'm trying to say is this place is mostly filled with useless crap, and like any other used merch store...it requires some serious digging. I've yet to find anything I would choose to wear, except for maybe Halloween, but I'm sure under all those "Aunt Cindy went to Florida and all she got me was this crummy tshirt"s there's soem real treasures.
I have been going here for years and in terms of finding hidden treasures it's awesome. I get brand new-looking clothes people give me compliments on... you just have to be willing to search junk to find the good stuff and wait in long register lines. But beware because they won't take any returns and they have been getting worse about where the slap price tags - right on the front of everything with multiple staples such that you can rip your treasures when you try to get them off. And I recently bought some shirts there and when I got home and emptied the bag they came out covered with cabbage - seriously - they must have been re-using a bag or someone at the store ate a sloppy cabbage lunch next to it.
I'm going to have to say that this is the largest and best used/second hand thrift shop I've been to. IT IS HUGE. Some of you may feel a little queasy from the thought of second-hand, maybe arm-pit stained clothes, but seriously, if you don't go anywhere else, you should at least check this place out. I have found so many things here. I found a cute tan water-resistant trench coat with red lining for $8. I have found several cute, vintagy looking bags/purses. I have found a city DKNY bag for $4. I have also found belts and awesome vintage jewelry. They look so pretty and are a great addition to my closet.
The price is a little pricey for a thrift store, but you can find some great stuff here. I'd definitely recommend a visit!
If you don't like picking through racks and racks of clothing in a HUGE wherehouse style building, this place is not for you!
BUT -- its Bostons cheap Vintage shopping at its BEST. Like an earlier review said -- its great for wacky, ugly and stupid costumes, but also great for real clothes!
Not to mention they have AMAZING Jewelery, Belts, Purses and Shoes (okay the shoes can varry)!
They also have a decent selection of homewares and are a great location to pick up some extra glassware!
GUYS: You have to look, but they have some great shirts and blazers here for WAY cheap! Skinny boys its more of a search, but if you are willing to look, you will find stuff!
TOTALLY DECE. as far as urban thrift stores are concerned these days, this place is pretty good. great sorting of a huge amount of stuff. a lot of clothes and stuff. whole
back room for non clothes, tons of lamps and clock radios and stuff. I couldn't find a "#1 DAD" shirt or hat though so I was a little bummed, but we found a few other choice items such as a black velour track jacket with differently colored diagonal stripes, a couple weird records, a $5 soft case for a synth, and a leopard print bandana. I probably coulda found
more but I had been in there for too long. sales never seem to happen on anything I'm ever buying, cause they never have sales on white tags. I should go back on a search for fitted shirts, I'm sure I could find 3 nice shirts with enough time and patience, and while wearing a thin/tiny tee shirt so I could try em on in the store, as there is no dressing room. anyway this joint is chill.
Everyone who knows me knows I love thrift stores, records, being thrifty. I am Scottish after all.
U.R, an exciting place for random junk and stuff you mostly need (or just want for cheap).
I buy used records, sometimes clothes, and random stuff for the apartment. I have gotten some great wall art from here (old museum and symphony prints).
I have a lot of qualms about U.R as much as favor.
-I found a centipede while rummaging through records
-It smells bad often
-For the junk they sell, the prices are WAY too high. $3 for a scratched Paul Simon record? No dice. $12 for an old blazer? What? Really?
I like saving money but why do I feel the folks you legitimately NEED to buy clothing from Urban Renewals are getting ripped off?
Lower them prices and keep later hours!
The inventory is always random which is can be both funny and frustrating.
Always a guess on what you will find.
I don't get it. How can people seriously love this place?
I went there once (and maybe I need to try again) and found nothing in the way of clothing in a place where most of what they sell is clothes! And I'm not even picky! I'm the kind of girl who goes into a thrift store looking for clothes with an open mind and always tries on a gazillion things! I found 1 dress here. Just one.
And of course, I had to try it on in front of a bunch of weird people and "Allston kids" because they don't have fitting rooms.
Seriously, this is the kind of place where you can find a bunch of random jars, plates, cups, furniture, etc for your apartment, but clothing?! No way. Unless you like huge over sized, unoriginal clothing. And that's just the women's section. The men's section is WORSE. Everything is so big! You'd think the location of this place helped their donations, but honestly, I went there based on all these reviews on Yelp and found myself significantly disappointed.
Please, tell me if I missed something, otherwise gouge my eyes out with a rusty spoon and label me permanently blind. I wouldn't trust my dog to find a good place to take a crap here, he'd be too confused on where to start.
Luckily I had 8 bucks on me, which is pretty good considering the excellent almost unworn condition of the dress, and the fact that this place doesn't take debit/credit cards. If you're feeling adventurous enough to go here, make a trip to an ATM first and maybe even get drunk (if you aren't already), you might find the selection more amusing.
If you're looking for good thrift, vintage finds, go to the Garment District for these, instead. It's more expensive, but at least you'll be cleverly dressed!
I am pretty much the Queen of Thrift in my hometown (Houston, TX), so I feel like I have a huge bank of various thrift store to compare Urban Renewals to.
I liked this place enough. It's MUCH cleaner than the cheapest thrift stores I frequent in Houston. It is huge, as any good thrift store should be. The price is just about right too. Real thrift should be much lower than retail price.
I didn't spend a long time searching through the racks, but the women's shirts were all a little too frumpy for my tastes. I was actually on a mission to find a cute, cheap purse, and this place did not disappoint. I got a purse and a little brooch for $7 total, and I came away pretty satisfied. :)
I had my first Urban Renewal experience recently. It was pretty interesting. I bought the UGLIEST winter coat. Seriously, it looks like a shag carpet but it was so cheap (5 bucks) and is warm. I can manage looking like a complete fool.
The store has a policy to not sell anything without a price tag which is so disappointing if you had your heart set on something. However, it should be back on the shelves the next day so you could buy whatever it is later.
A great place for when you are first moving in to a new apartment and need some kitchen supplies. They sell grab bags of utensils for about $3, which range from the essential (spatula, wooden spoon) to the obscure (Half-spoon strainer thing, two kinds of potato mashers).
Who knows? Maybe strange new utensils will inspire you to find recipes that will actually put them to use.
Huge place. I have had a pretty decent time finding things to fit and that aren't stained. Way more women's clothing than mens. Decent amount of kids clothing. They have some books and some horribly fascinating costume jewelry.
I truly appreciate a place that you can find brand new (still with the tags on) second-hand jeans. I have gotten used to going there at least once a month, bringing in donations, but almost every time we leave with something too.
If you don't want to get stuck in the aisles behind women with a million babies and carts full of crap then go on the weekdays.
Neighborhood: Allston/Brighton
Category: Shopping
Neighborhood: Waterfront
Category: Furniture Stores
Neighborhood: Allston/Brighton
Category: Used, Vintage & Consignment
Neighborhood: Central Square
Category: Used, Vintage & Consignment
Neighborhood: Jamaica Plain
Category: Used, Vintage & Consignment
My local dry cleaner, watering hole, deli, cafe,…
Good deals, killer music, offbeat products and/or…
I love thrift stores, because I believe in…
I am from Los Angeles and am used to being able to…
I have a love/hate relationship with the magical…
When I'm not feeling boring, and want to add a…
Where to purchase non-animal shoes, belts,…
My local dry cleaner, watering hole, deli, cafe,…
