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Buffalo Exchange in San Diego is a standout spot for anyone serious about thrift shopping. This location is part of a well-known chain that’s built its reputation on buying, selling, and trading carefully curated used clothing. You won’t find just any old stuff here; the focus is on wearable, stylish items that feel fresh yet have that secondhand charm. It’s a place where vintage lovers and everyday thrifters intersect, making it a reliable destination for digging through racks of thoughtfully selected pieces.
When you step into Buffalo Exchange, expect to see a mix of clothing that spans decades and styles—from classic vintage jackets to current-season trends, all pre-loved. While clothing is the main draw, you’ll also come across some interesting accessories, shoes, and occasionally other unique items that fit the store’s aesthetic. Unlike some thrift stores loaded with random household clutter, Buffalo Exchange keeps it streamlined and fashion-forward. Their staff is pretty knowledgeable, too, often ready to chat about sizing or styling tips, which adds to the welcoming vibe.
This San Diego thrift store stands apart because it balances the thrill of secondhand shopping with a polished shopping environment. It’s not just about hunting through bins; the layout makes it easy to browse without feeling overwhelmed. Plus, Buffalo Exchange buys items directly from customers, which means the inventory refreshes constantly. That’s part of why returning regularly can pay off—new pieces show up all the time, keeping the selection lively and worth revisiting.
If you’re in San Diego and looking for a thrift store that feels more like a well-edited boutique with personality, Buffalo Exchange is a solid stop. It offers a mix of vintage and contemporary used clothing that appeals to both committed thrifters and casual shoppers aiming to add character to their wardrobe without breaking the bank. The mix of quality, curation, and a friendly atmosphere makes Buffalo Exchange a favorite for secondhand shopping in San Diego.
Looking for more options? Explore other thrift stores in San Diego or visit the Buffalo Exchange website for details.
Hip chain that buys, sells, trades trendy vintage & used clothing plus accessories for men & women.
Too many finds wish I could’ve taken everything. Very well priced, almost cheaper than goodwill these days. But some new fashion nova heels for $16.
Came into this store today after being disappointed by my treatment at the “flash back” store in hillcrest. The dichotomy of my experience between this store and the flash back was night and day. The sweet gal with the side bangs, (i believe her name was Fawby?) was so incredibly helpful and super supportive while I was trying on my new outfits. She made me feel so confident in my new clothes and I really appreciated that. She also pulled something off of the rack that she thought I would like and it ended up being my favorite piece! When checking out, the tall, handsome, young gentleman, with the prettiest mascara and bright blue eyes was a joy while checking out. His sunny demeanor lit up my day like the sun! He made the process super easy and fun and even gave me some “tokens” to support local charities! It felt good to spend time here where I felt valued as a customer. Also super cute stuff all around this store! 😄🌹❤️
It appears that I am not alone in having had a negative experience at this location. The staff working in the clothing buy-back area consistently display unprofessional behavior, often being rude, inattentive, and preoccupied with their phones. Their responses are brief and unfriendly, which detracts from the overall experience. As a result, I will not be returning to this location to sell clothes. The Buffalo Exchange in PB offers a significantly better experience, with a friendly staff and a much higher acceptance rate for items. For those looking to sell clothes and enjoy a positive interaction, I would recommend choosing a different location.
I absolutely hate leaving bad reviews. I went back here twice to give it another chance despite my first experience and then reading some reviews. Im here to confirm all the reviews are correct. I came in with Micheal kors , Kate spade bags ive only won like once they barely looked at them... Whole bag of jeans she says "we aren't taking skinny jeans with holes" understood she then proceeds to hand me back 5 pairs of boot legged jeans no holes. Idk 🤷🏼♀️ if you keep getting reviews that your clothes and your service sucks; maybe do something different idk.
Whyyyyyyyy is Buffalo Exchange charging $18 for a faded vest that has pit stains?!?! This "thrift" shop started going downhill when they started selling their own fast fashion clothing. So ridiculous! 🙄