5 Lowcountry Thrift Shops for Secondhand Clothes, Tech and Hidden Gems

Thrifted treasures

Story + photography by Audrey Geib

The old saying proves true in the Lowcountry: one person’s trash really is another’s treasure. Step into a thrift shop here, and you’re stepping into a story. Every aisle brings a surprise, and every shelf offers something with a past and the promise of a new chapter. You might spot a cocktail dress with plenty of parties left in it, a piece of jewelry that still catches the light or a chair just waiting to anchor a living room. The thrill isn’t only in what you carry home but in the chase itself. Even better, most local shops funnel their proceeds back into the community, supporting charities, schools and rescue groups. With five stops on this thrift tour, the only real question is what you’ll uncover along the way.

St. Francis Thrift Shop

6 Southwood Park Drive A, Hilton Head Island

St. Francis is bright, bustling and the kind of place where you can lose track of time. The aisles feel curated but not over picked, leaving room for serendipity. Volunteers greet you with genuine warmth and can point you toward your next treasure. The shop supports more than 25 local charities, St. Francis Catholic School and programs ranging from Meals on Wheels to Volunteers in Medicine. Don’t miss the display case up front, where rare and interesting items sparkle like bait.

Great for: Glassware, kitchen items, clothing, sporting goods, electronics

Fabulous find: A Fenichel clear crystal rhinestone wedding necklace. It shimmered like it had leapt from a Gatsby party, begging for a little black dress and a night out. $225

The Bargain Box 

546 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head’s oldest thrift store hums with history. The store has old-school charm: a little maze-like, a little crowded and all the better for it. You might wait in line to get in, but once inside, the thrill of the hunt takes over. Every purchase helps fund local charities and nonprofits, making the community as much a winner as the shoppers. Since opening in 1965, The Bargain Box has returned more than $15 million to the community and sold everything from a Rolls Royce to a baby grand piano.

Great for: Art, antiques, clothing, one-of-a-kind items

Fabulous find: A new-with-tags Farm Rio top in deep greens and reds, perfect for the shift from summer to fall. Breezy fabric keeps it cool for warm afternoons, while the half sleeves take the edge off evening chill. $24

The Church Mouse Thrift Shop and Boutique

78 Arrow Road, Hilton Head Island

The Church Mouse feels more boutique than bargain bin. Racks are lined with high-end labels, fine jewelry and stylish surprises, so shoppers move slowly, scanning like curators. Since opening in 2004, the store has donated more than $5 million to local and global missions. Look for green Sticker Sale labels for deep discounts, and don’t overlook the men’s racks, just as thoughtfully stocked as the women’s.

Great for: Jewelry, clothing, furniture, antiques 

Fabulous find: A dreamy Marchesa Notte floral gown in a soft, dusty palette with a flowing silhouette. Perfect for a Lowcountry wedding or a dinner under the oaks at sunset. $195

God’s Goods Thrift Store

15 Centre Drive, Bluffton

God’s Goods is cheerful and orderly, with racks and shelves arranged just right for browsing. Still, surprises hide in plain sight: a vintage film camera beside children’s books or a coastal-patterned dining set ready for company. Run by more than 350 volunteers, the shop is a full-scale operation powered by community spirit. Unsellable items are shipped to developing countries, while every cent beyond overhead flows to local and global charities.

Great for: Housewares, bedding and linens, electronics, sporting goods

Fabulous find: A Canon AE-1 film camera. Retro charm at its best, ready to capture your next Lowcountry adventure. $80

Heaven’s Treasure

4371 Bluffton Parkway, Suite 102, Bluffton

Cozy and welcoming, Heaven’s Treasure rewards the slow browser. Shelves brim with stylish clothing, glittering jewelry and charming home goods. Proceeds support local Catholic schools, so each purchase invests in the next generation while giving you a guilt-free hunt.

Great for: Clothing, jewelry, furniture, kitchen items

Fabulous find: A deep berry Kate Spade purse. Bold against a chunky knit and jeans, yet refined enough to pair with a dress for a night out. $60

Other thrifting hot spots

The Litter Box Thrift Store
46 Old Wild Horse Road, Hilton Head Island
Run by the Hilton Head Humane Association, the store funds the care of shelter animals. High turnover keeps the selection fresh, and online and eBay options extend the reach.
Great for: Seasonal items, clothing, books, furniture

Osprey Village Thrift
2600 Main St., Hilton Head Island
Each purchase supports Osprey Village, an inclusive neighborhood planned for adults with developmental disabilities. While the residential community is still in progress, the nonprofit already provides employment support and respite services in Beaufort and Jasper counties.
Great for: Furniture, housewares, clothing

Palmetto Goodwill
Hilton Head, Bluffton, Beaufort
With multiple locations and late hours, Goodwill is a steady go-to for working families. Fixed prices make it a reliable stop for bargain hunters.
Great for: Clothing, lamps, books, woven baskets

Palmetto Animal League Thrift Store
1 Sherington Drive, Bluffton
Bright, busy and full of variety, the Palmetto Animal League Thrift Store is tough to leave empty-handed. Best of all, proceeds support the league’s no-kill animal rescue work.
Great for: Furniture, home goods, clothing