Whether you’re decorating your first dorm room, looking for a new-to-you jacket for a Montana winter or just trying to stretch your college budget, thrifting is one of the easiest ways to shop sustainably in Missoula.
Missoula has no shortage of secondhand shops, and shopping used can do more than save you money. Keeping clothing, furniture and other useful items in circulation means fewer things end up in the landfill and fewer new resources are needed to replace them.
The University of Montana is leaning into that idea. With a growing focus on zero waste and a brand-new campus thrift store, there are more ways than ever to make sustainable shopping part of everyday college life.
So grab your tote bag and get ready to thrift:
If you're a UM student, this should be your first stop for residence hall essentials.
The Loop is especially useful during move-in because you don’t have to buy everything brand new. Instead of purchasing a microwave, mini-fridge or bedding that you'll eventually have to figure out how to get rid of, check to see whether you can find it secondhand on campus.
The idea is simple: Buy less new stuff, keep useful things in circulation and save some money along the way.
The Loop isn’t accepting donations yet, so don’t drop items outside the store. Once regular donation hours are established, the Office of Sustainability will provide more information about what can be donated and when you can regularly shop.
Visit Website: The Loop @ Lommasson
Want your thrifting trip to come with a side of coffee? Funk It combines a curated thrift shop with a cozy coffeehouse on Missoula’s Northside.
Funk It was created around the idea of making secondhand shopping accessible, creative and sustainable. The shop focuses on repurposing pre-loved items while creating a welcoming place to hang out, study, grab a drink or hunt for something funky.
And honestly, that’s part of the fun of thrifting: You never quite know what you're going to find.
Visit Website: Funk It Coffee and Thrift
Located on Brooks Street, Missoula Thrift is operated by Flathead Industries, an organization that provides services and opportunities for people with disabilities.
Shopping here gives donated items another life while supporting programs that help people with disabilities find greater independence and employment opportunities.
The store carries the classic thrift-store mix, so it’s worth taking your time and browsing through clothing, housewares and other secondhand finds.
Hot tip: Missoula Thrift currently offers 50% off everything on Thursdays.
Visit Website: Missoula Thrift by Flathead Industries
Sometimes you need a huge selection and a little patience. That’s where Goodwill comes in.
Missoula's Goodwill is located on South Reserve and carries secondhand clothing, furniture, home goods and plenty of random treasures that you didn’t know you needed until you found them.
The local Goodwill is part of Easterseals-Goodwill Northern Rocky Mountain, and proceeds from its stores support employment, job training, disability and health-related programs.
Visit Website: Goodwill
Secret Seconds has two locations in Missoula, at 1136 W. Broadway and 920 Kensington Ave., making it an easy option no matter which side of town you’re on.
Even better, your thrift haul supports a local cause. Secret Seconds is operated by YWCA Missoula, and 100% of its net proceeds support YWCA programs and services for local families in crisis.
You can find everything from clothing and accessories to housewares and furniture, so don’t be afraid to wander through the racks and shelves.
Visit Website: Secret Seconds
Technically, ReStyle is more of a resale shop than a traditional thrift store, but it deserves a spot on the list.
ReStyle buys and sells gently used, brand-name clothing for teens and adults, so it’s a great option if you’re looking for something a little more curated. The shop is also particularly useful if you’re cleaning out your closet: ReStyle buys accepted items for cash or store credit, and items they can’t purchase can be donated to charity.
It’s a good reminder that sustainable shopping isn’t just about where you buy. It’s also about what you do with the things you already own.
Visit Website: ReStyle Clothing Exchange
You probably won't find exactly what you had pictured, but you might find something even better.
Thrifting is a treasure hunt, not a speed run.
Look for stains, tears, missing buttons and broken zippers before you buy.
Thrift stores can be great places to find kitchen supplies, furniture, decorations, books and other college essentials.
Sustainable shopping doesn’t mean buying something just because it’s cheap. The most sustainable item is often the one you actually need and will use for a long time.
Check each store’s donation guidelines before dropping anything off. And never leave donations outside a closed store.
The UM Office of Sustainability represents the University of Montana's ongoing efforts to become socially, economically and environmentally sustainable in our operations, classrooms and facilities. Learn more about sustainability efforts underway across campus and how you can participate as a member of our campus community: