There’s no better place to save money than Seattle thrift shops. Not only can you score a bargain on almost new and lovingly cared-for items, you might unearth some treasures: a designer handbag, an unwrapped board game, or even new electronic equipment. And, Saint Margaret’s Thrift Shop in Factoria is where you can likely find all three.
Saint Margaret’s Thrift Shop is a charity store run by a friendly volunteer team, plus a few professional staff. The price range is low—there are bargains everywhere, with many new items available for a couple of dollars. It’s a great place to find clothes and toys for the kids, too.
There’s so much to see at the shop that you’ll want to set aside at least 30 minutes to browse. Watch for sales and sign up for their email news to hear about storewide 50% off days.
Saint Margaret’s thrift shop is where you can find:
- men’s, women’s and children’s clothing;
- electronics;
- small kitchen appliances;
- jewelry;
- shoes and purses;
- glassware;
- kitchenware;
- boardgames and puzzles;
- children’s toys;
- seasonal decorations;
- crafting supplies;
- books and many other treasures.
If you’re planning a party, you could also score gorgeous wine glasses, large serving platters and table décor.
On a recent 50% off day, we came home with a spectacular haul: crystal wineglasses for our holiday table, the Scattergories board game (new in box), two pairs of new earrings, a pack of beautiful unopened holiday cards, plus wrapping paper and bows. We spent less than $20. Our one regret is that we didn’t buy a gorgeous mahjong set—because we don’t know how to play. But, there’s always next time (and now we have some motivation to learn).
The shop hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. There’s plenty of free parking. You’ll find the shop at the back of the parking lot of Saint Margaret’s Episcopal Church, located at 4228 Factoria Blvd. SE, Bellevue, WA 98006. You can expect to see new items throughout the shop every couple of days.
Even though it’s a nonprofit organization, Saint Margaret’s gives its all profits away to other small nonprofits—your purchases will go on to help others nearby. Whatever the shop makes after it covers costs such as heat and light, it gives away.
Plus, the shop does a fantastic job of keeping things out of the garbage and landfills. It's amazing what can be recycled! You can donate your goods to the shop, too. Donation hours are 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday (shorter hours due to staffing shortages).
The next time the kids outgrow their jackets or your coffee maker goes caput, check out Saint Margaret’s for super budget-friendly options.
