Shopping thrift and consignment on Martha’s Vineyard

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Halloween costumes fill the window currently at the Second Hand Store in Edgartown. — Photo by Katryn Yerdon

Do you like to jump from yard sale to yard sale, picking up great finds for less? Have you decided to become a little thriftier this year and cut back on big expenses, yet find yourself in need of some home good necessities? Perhaps you are someone who just enjoys the eclectic look. Whatever category you fall in, everyone can enjoy a shopping outing, or better yet a treasure hunt, at some of the Island’s best retail outlets: thrift stores and consignment shops. Our Island has several to choose from, and with our community’s penchant for giving, you will be amazed at some of the wonders you will find.

In Edgartown, The Martha’s Vineyard Boys & Girls Club Second Hand Store, on North Summer Street in Edgartown, is a consistent treat to behold. From books, clothes, and dishes to beds, couches, and household items, everyone can find a special something to go home with. The extra benefit of shopping here is that the proceeds go to the Boys & Girls Club to help them achieve their mission: providing youth programs and to help them to develop important skills like leadership and build self-esteem, all while in a safe, fun environment.

If you find you are someone who is actually looking to downsize your household instead of adding to it, the Second Hand Store also accepts tax-deductible donations of items that are still in good repair for resale in the shop. To shop or make a donation, visit them Tuesdays through Fridays from 10 am to 5 pm. They even offer, for large donations, a free pickup service. To learn more or schedule a pick-up you may reach them at 508-627-5683.

In keeping with the second hand and donation theme, another great option is the long running, since 1962, The Thrift Shop on Chicken Alley in Vineyard Haven. This well-run establishment is manned by a bevy of volunteers, there to help raise money for Martha’s Vineyard Community Services (MVCS). Like the Boys & Girls Club Second Hand Store, they offer tax-deduction forms for any donated items that are able to be resold, i.e.: in good condition.

Here, a family in need or someone looking for that special something can find everything from clothing for the whole family to housewares, furniture, books, collectables, and even artwork. To browse their selection or make a much needed donation, visit them at 38 Lagoon Pond Road (just past the Post Office on the opposite side of the street) during their business hours of Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm (donations accepted only between the hours of 9 am and 2 pm) and Saturdays (no donations on this day please) from 9 am to 2 pm. You may also call them with questions at 508-693-2278. Keep in mind that all proceeds from this store go to MVCS, whose purpose is to provide/make accessible a host of programs and services for the Island in such areas as education, health, and human services.

There are two other great second hand options in Vineyard Haven as well. For women’s clothing and accessories there is Martha’s Closet, a consignment shop that has a plethora of seasonal options. Currently they are running a 25 percent off summer items sale and as always, they have their back room discount of 25 to 75 percent off selected items. Martha’s Closet is located in the Tisbury Marketplace at 79 Beach Road (in the building just behind The Net Result) and is open Mondays through Saturdays from 10 am to 5 pm. They may also be reached at 508-696-5488.

Another consignment shop in Vineyard Haven is I’ll Second That!, a well stocked furniture and home goods store located on the other side of Mix at the back of the parking lot on Union Street. Their telephone number is 508-693-6095 or 617-869-6887. They are open currently Thursdays through Mondays, from 11 am to 5 pm, though Sunday hours are 11 am to 2 pm. They will be open year round, with limited hours.

Happy hunting!