If you don’t have a ton of money to blow on shopping, Tucson’s home to a fabulous variety of re-sale shops for the thin of wallet. We put together a brief guide on local places to find used clothing, music, and even building material for your home. Reduce! Reuse! Recycle!
MUSIC
PDQ Records
For fans of vinyl, PDQ is the place to go. Some of the items run a little pricey, but they have a fantastically large collection for a music store and it’s always nice to buy local. Visit them at 2342 N. Dodge Blvd., Mon-Sat, 10am-8pm, Sun, noon-6pm, online at Myspace.com/PDQRecords or call 881-2681.
Zia Records
Zia Records is one of the coolest places to get your music fix. They offer a wide variety of used and new CDs and vinyl. If you’re looking for some eccentric gifts, they have everything from calendars to graphic tees. Also check their website for in-store performances. Two locations to serve you: 3370 E. Speedway Blvd., 327-3340, Sun-Thurs, 10am-10pm, Fri-Sat, 10am- midnight & 3655 N. Oracle Rd., 887-6898, daily, 10am-10pm. ZiaRecords.com
BOOKS
Bookmans Entertainment Exchange
Bookmans has an amazing collection of everything from books to old school video games. The stores are always clean and the staff is friendly. Check in frequently, because their stock goes quickly. They have some great giveaways to events like women’s roller derby and concerts, so keep up with their website. Find them at: 6230 E. Speedway Blvd., 748-9555; 3733 W. Ina Rd., 579-0303; 1930 E. Grant Rd., 325-5767. Daily, 9am-10pm. Bookmans.com
The Book Stop
The Book Stop boasts a collection of rare and out of print books and they definitely have quite a selection. They have books covering just about any topic and the antique atmosphere is second to none. It’s great for gifts or if you’re looking for a particular collectible. 214 N. 4th Ave., 326-6661. Mon-Thurs, 10am-7pm; Fri-Sat, 10am-10pm. Sun, 12pm-5pm. BookStopTucson.com
CLOTHING
Buffalo Exchange
Buffalo Exchange is known for having a good selection of name brand products. If you are looking for a deal on accessories, this is where you will find it. It is not just for the ladies. They have a great selection of things like screen print tees for guys. Check ‘em out at: 250 E. Congress St., 882-2939, Mon-Sat, 11am-7pm; 2001 E. Speedway Blvd., 795-0508, Mon-Sat, 10am-8pm; Sun, 11am-7pm; 6170 E. Speedway Blvd. (women’s boutique) Mon-Wed, 10am-6pm, Thu-Sat, 10am-7pm, Sun 11am-6pm.
BuffaloExchange.com
Desert Vintage & Costume
Desert Vintage has pieces that date mostly from the 1960s to 1980s. They have a good selection of random costume wardrobe that would come in handy for a party or every day wear. 636 N. 4th Ave., 620-1570. Mon-Sat, 11am-6pm, Sun, 11am-5pm.
Goodwill
Goodwill is the place to go for your basic wardrobe pieces. Everything is priced to go, so more likely than not you’ll be able to get what you find for a good deal. They also get a small selection there’s got to be one close to you. 4955 E. Speedway Blvd., 795-2885; 7139 E. 22nd St., 290-2322, 300 N. 4th Ave., 623-2799, 4082 E. 22nd St., 790-0907. Mon-Sat, 8am-9pm, Sun, 8am-7pm. GoodwillTucson.org
How Sweet It Was
How Sweet It Was is where the truly old vintage lives. A lot of their pieces are turn of the century and are kept in great condition. The service is great and the staff is willing to actively give each customer individual attention. A great place for some cool formal wear. 419 N. 4th Ave., 623-9854. Mon-Fri, 10:30am-6pm, Sat 10:30am-8pm, Sun, noon-6pm. HowSweetItWas.com
Needfull Things Thrift Store
Located in a trailer, Needfull Things is more than meets the eye. They specialize in having a diverse selection of clothes and home décor. If you need to add a homey touch to your place, you can find some cool kitchen ware and knick knacks here. 742 W. Limberlost Rd., 245-9587. Wed-Sat, 10am-5pm.
Preen
One of the swankiest vintage shops in Tucson, Preen has a loyal following due to it carrying fashionable jewelry and really nice vintage clothing. This place is unique because they also do custom alterations and help restore misused clothing. Also, a great place to find local music.
210 N. 4th St., 628-2991. Mon-Thurs, 11am-6pm, Fri-Sat, 11am-8pm. Sun, 12pm-5pm. PreenTucson.Blogspot.com
Salvation Army
The organization donates a good portion of their earnings to charity. They offer a variety of different products depending on donations. Most of their stock is clothing and small appliances. Occasionally you can find a piece of second hand furniture that is worth grabbing. 6715 E. Tanque Verde Rd., 722-6525; 2717 S. 6th Ave., 624-1741; 5757 N. Oracle Rd., 293-1961. Refer to website for hours and additional locations. TheSalvationArmyTucson.org
BUILDING MATERIALS & APPLIANCES
Gerson’s
This is the best place to find new things to add to your home or to replace something that is broken. They have everything from lighting and doors to furniture. The staff is willing to negotiate and their stock seems endless. 1811 S. Park Ave., 624-8585; Mon-Sat, 8:30am-5pm. Gersons.net
HabiStore
HabiStore supports a great cause as it is run by Habitat for Humanity. If you are looking to go green at your house, this is the place to go. The pricing policy is 50% off of retail and they have hard to find used items like cabinets. 935 W. Grant Rd., 889-7200. Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm, Sat, 8am-4pm. HabitatTucson.org/HabiStore
