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Don’t miss out on the unique finds in 9 of the best thrift stores in Durban!
Thrifting is my way of getting almost new items without spending so much. Not only is it cheaper, but I can find designs that are nearly impossible to get anywhere else.
I love thrifting in Durban because most of the shops aren’t just businesses; they’re charity-driven. That means I can score great deals while supporting a good cause!
If you enjoy thrifting and want to make a difference, I’ve got some solid recommendations where you’ll find unique pieces while backing a meaningful mission.
LIV Cafe & Thrift Store
Media From: livstore.dbn
Address: 36 Aubrey Dr, Glen Ashley
Phone: +27 733 617 203
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Website: http://www.liv-village.com/
Price Range: RR
Shop with a purpose at LIV Café & Thrift Store, where you can enjoy good coffee while hunting for hidden gems. There’s a mix of secondhand finds and brand-new items in the thrift store, while the cafe offers a peaceful setting for chatting with friends or getting some work done.
Both support the LIV Village, so if you’re thrifting or having coffee, you’re supporting their cause.
The shop offers upcycled designer clothing, unique homeware made with shweshwe fabric, even Kookaburra cricket gear, and Lavender Linen bedding. Plus, they have fresh new pieces from Be You, their barista’s own clothing range.
I purchased a bag here for just R50. It was still in great condition despite indications that it was heavily used. Out of curiosity, I looked up the original price and was surprised that it was worth R2,000!
| Tip: Hold your meetings in their boardroom, complete with amenities for businesses, including a TV. |
Luxity
Media From: luxity.shop
Address: 1 Palm Blvd, Umhlanga Ridge
Phone: +27 100 206 171
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Friday to Saturday – 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Sunday – 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Website: http://luxity.co.za/
Price Range: RRR
Luxity is a great spot for pre-loved luxury items. Their clothing, handbags, shoes, accessories, and watches come from top brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Ferragamo.
They take authenticity seriously, offering a full refund if a customer buys a fake. The premium pieces are in near-new condition, making you feel like you’re shopping for brand-new.
I popped in here once, and it felt like stepping into a high-end boutique. I ended up buying my wife a stunning Brown’s diamond ring—perfect for Valentine’s!
| Tip: Their website also doubles as a selling platform, so you can shop or sell your luxury items. |
Now & Then Second Hand
Media From: nowandthen2nds
Address: Ellis Park Shopping Centre, 28 Romsey Grove
Phone: +27 791 929 633
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Saturday – 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Website: http://www.nowandthensecondhand.co.za/
Price Range: RR
For quality second-hand clothes, furniture, and homeware, pop into Now & Then Second Hand. It’s a family-run spot that offers a mix of lesser-name and big-name brands, like Nike, Woolworths, Wimpy, and more.
Their vintage clothing section has gems for all ages, while the furniture section has some great items that are affordable and in great condition. Plus, the friendly staff are always happy to help, offering advice so you can pick what suits you best.
I found an antique storage box here for R400. It now adds a rustic charm to our bedroom.
| Tip: They offer deliveries, redecorating, and even storage unit clear-outs if you need a hand. |
Hidden Treasure
Address: 37 Maryvale Rd, Dawncliffe
Phone: +27 748 160 001
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Saturday – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com
Price Range: R
Hidden Treasure is a thrift store packed with pre-loved items, from clothes and furniture to books, kids’ toys, and more. You’ll also be contributing to their efforts, as purchases help support community development in South Africa and around the world.
They’re always adding new stock, so every visit feels like a fresh treasure hunt. Plus, the ladies who run it are kind, sweet, and ready to lend you a hand.
I scored a kitchen-grade microwave here for just R500. It had no scratches, the inside was spotless, and it worked as intended. Easily one of my best thrift finds!
| Tip: Check their Facebook page to stay updated with their latest stock. |
Dress for Less Ladies & Men’s Second-hand Clothing & Accessories
Media From: dressforlessdurban
Address: Shop 13, Arcadia Centre, 87 uMhlanga Rocks Dr
Phone: +27 315 635 080
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Saturday – 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Website: https://dressforless.durban/
Price Range: RRR
Dress for Less Ladies & Men’s Second-hand Clothing & Accessories is your one-stop shop for second-hand clothing, shoes, and accessories. The shop is neat and organised, allowing you to browse systematically, making thrifting efficient.
There is also brand-new clothing available—all at great prices.
You’ll find well-known brands like Nike, Diesel, Puma, and Adidas, along with vintage gems like leather bags and boots. If you’re patient, you might even uncover leather cowboy hats or some unique trinkets!
My wife loves Capri bags, so I was thrilled to find one of its cow leather shoulder totes here. The leather had minimal cracks, and there was no sign of wear. She loved it, especially with brand new ones costing R8,762!
| Tip: If you’re in Hillcrest, check out their newest branch at The Mushroom Farm. |
Cash Crusaders South Beach
Media From: cashcrusaders_sa
Address: China Mall, 55 Gillespie St Shop GR10A, Ground Floor
Phone: +27 313 320 137
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Saturday – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Sunday – 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Website: https://cashcrusaders.co.za/
Price Range: RR
There are three Cash Crusaders branches in Durban, but the one in South Beach is my favourite. The shop has a solid mix of second-hand goods, from clothes to electronics—all at competitive prices. You’ll find rare electronics, vintage furniture, and collectable items from brands like LG, Sony, Apple, Bosch, and more.
Shoppers can apply for flexible loans, with the option to extend up to five times. Plus, they run regular deals and promotions, so there’s always a chance to score a bargain.
This is my go-to for electronics, especially phones. I picked up my iPhone 15 Pro Max here for R23,599—pre-owned but in top shape, with no damage!
| Tip: They also buy pre-loved items and offer instant cash payouts depending on the product’s condition. |
St Giles Thrift Shop Durban
Media From: stgileshospiceshops
Address: 4 Prince St, South Beach
Phone: +27 313 374 404
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Website: http://www.saintgiles.org.za/
Price Range: R
Another great thrift shop with a purpose is the St Giles Thrift Shop. This charity store funds the work centre and gym for the Saint Giles Association for the Disabled, so every purchase supports a good cause.
They stock a mix of clothing, footwear, books, and home décor. There are also bric-a-brac items for collectors or DIY enthusiasts.
Here, I found a copy of The Famous Five by Enid Blyton for just R8. It took me right back to my childhood, remembering how my dad used to read it to me at bedtime. Now, I get to pass on the tradition by reading it to my kids every night!
| Tip: Keep an eye out for antique and vintage furniture. They often receive donations of this kind. |
Walk by Faith Charity Shop
Media From: walk_by_faith_shop
Address: 1 Deeptank Road, Lower Illovo Business Park
Phone: +27 766 301 429
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday to Friday – 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
- Friday – 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
- Saturday – 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Sunday – 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Price Range: R
Walk by Faith Charity Shop is a non-profit thrift store that supports local communities through the sale of pre-loved goods. This little gem has a wide selection of clothing, shoes, accessories, and more—all at budget-friendly prices.
They also stock quality second-hand furniture, including sofas, tables, chairs, and décor pieces. Every purchase helps fund important community projects like feeding programs, education, healthcare support, and shelter for the homeless.
Plus, the affordable prices make it easier for individuals and families to get what they need without spending too much.
I got lucky on my last visit when a big donation arrived, including a Sony washing machine that typically costs around R5,000. It was in perfect working order, and I snagged it for just R1,500. What a bargain!
| Tip: They also have personalised items like mugs, sticky note holders, and mousepads. |
