10 Kansas City Antiquing & Thrifting Spots
Kansas City has many places to find unique second-hand items. However, some might search for a vintage mirror while others look for a good bargain table. Antiquing and thrifting are similar yet different terms. Sometimes they overlap, but for a successful scavenger hunt, it’s helpful to define the two.
An antique store could include items at least a century old usually at a higher price and with occasional vendors. A thrift store carries more recent products usually at a lower price and without outside vendors. But which is better? It all depends upon what special item you’re looking for.
Antiquing
For a little bit of everything, visit River Market Antiques. They have more than 160 vendors and several floors of items to check out. I previously lived across the street from this antique mall and would visit often. You can definitely spend an entire day exploring the 30,000 sq ft. space.
Westside Storey is a great spot for fun Kansas City gear. They host over 50 vendors and artists to curate a collection of KC merch and vintage gameday wear. Alumni from midwest schools like KU, K-State, and Mizzou can also find nostalgic sweatshirts or jerseys.
Thrifting
Not only can you find a good deal at Hillcrest thrift stores, but you can also give back to your KC community. By shopping at Hillcrest, your clothing item, jewelry, or other purchase helps support their mission to solve homeless in KC. If you’re looking to donate items, your gently used furniture can be supplied to another person in their transitional housing program.
Arizona Trading Co. has a mix of vintage apparel at low prices. If there’s a nice top you don’t wear anymore, you can trade it for another piece that caught your eye in the store. Or, guests can resell their clothes for cash.
Antiquing and thrifting in Kansas City offer two sides of the same coin—whether you prefer hunting down rare antiques with rich history or scoring stylish bargains at local thrift shops. From River Market Antiques’ endless vendor stalls to Hillcrest’s community-driven mission, each destination offers a unique shopping experience. No matter your goal—decorating your home, refreshing your wardrobe, or simply exploring KC—this list of ten spots makes it easy to plan your next treasure hunt.
Created and written by Karen Miazga Blackwood
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