Thrifty London: Vintage Shopping in the UK’s Capital

Bargain hunters and vintage lovers unite, it’s time to get thrifty! Join NICA on a whirlwind tour of London’s best vintage shops as we venture from East to West in pursuit of an irresistible deal. 

Beyond Retro

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With 3 London stores located in Dalston, Brick Lane and Soho, Beyond Retro is something of a staple in the UK capital. For the largest quantity of second hand clothing and accessories in London, head to Beyond Retro’s gigantic vintage warehouse in Brick Lane. Here you’ll find rails upon rails of colour co-ordinated plaid shirts, velvet bodysuits and distressed denim jackets.

Beyond Retro’s accessories department doesn’t disappoint either, shoppers can select from an expansive collection of hair scrunchies, patterned neck scarves and waist cinching belts with prices ranging from very reasonable to moderate.

Seek & Revive Kilo Sale

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If you've never ventured to a vintage kilo sale before, the concept is simple: shoppers are given a carrier bag on arrival which they can fill to their hearts' content, then, at the end of the shop their items are weighed and they pay by the kilo. For reference a kilo is around four to five items of clothing – at £15 per kilo this is an amazing deal!

Kilo sale events are common and occur all across London, eager to see what the fuss was all about we ventured to the Seek & Revive sale in Shoreditch during the month of July. Paying £1 on entry, we proceeded to navigate around the huge warehouse space where clothing and accessories were arranged by category. 

This shopping event is certainly one for the patient, keen eyed bargain hunter -it took us over 2 hours to sift through the vast array of items on offer! Be it a psychedelic printed bathing costume or a 1980’s bomber jacket, expect to find a vast array of one-off pieces.

East End Thrift Store

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One of London’s best kept secrets, the East End Thrift Store is a go-to destination for great value vintage. The décor is minimalist and, as with all vintage treasure, shoppers should come prepared to rummage in exchange for designer labels at steal-worthy prices. From genuine shearling jackets to tartan trousers and vintage fedora hats, you’re unlikely to come away empty handed.

Vintage shops in London are ten a penny, but there are plenty of gems to explore. Do you have a must-visit second-hand shop on your radar? Send us your suggestions via twitter @Nica_Handbags.