Chicago - Buffalo Exchange
HOURS
Monday
11AM - 8PM
Tuesday
11AM - 8PM
Wednesday
11AM - 8PM
Thursday
11AM - 8PM
Friday
11AM - 8PM
Saturday
11AM - 8PM
Sunday
11AM - 8PM
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About This Store
Chicago thrift store shopping at Buffalo Exchange
Buffalo Exchange in Chicago is one of those thrift stores that locals and visitors alike keep coming back to. This spot is part of a well-known chain that’s built its reputation on curated secondhand clothing, which means you’re not digging through random piles but browsing through well-selected pieces. When people talk about Buffalo Exchange, they typically highlight the quality and style of their used clothing — everything from vintage tees to current trends, all picked with an eye for what’s wearable and unique.
Besides the obvious draw of clothing, this Chicago thrift store also carries an interesting mix of items that go beyond just the wardrobe. You’ll often find furniture pieces that lean vintage or industrial, quirky housewares, and sometimes even books. It’s not a massive store packed wall to wall, but the layout makes it easy to explore without feeling overwhelmed. The inventory shifts regularly, which keeps the thrift shopping experience fresh every time.
What sets Buffalo Exchange apart from many other thrift stores in Chicago is its approach to buying and selling. You can bring in your own used clothing and get paid on the spot, which means the stock always reflects the community’s style. This creates a dynamic where you’re supporting local sustainability while also benefiting from a circulation of good-quality secondhand goods. It’s a great stop for anyone serious about thrift shopping, or those just dipping their toes into vintage looks without sacrificing style or integrity.
If you’re in Chicago and want a thrift store where the items have been thoughtfully curated and the vibe is casual and friendly, Buffalo Exchange is a solid choice. Expect to spend time browsing through racks of secondhand finds that feel fresh, with plenty of opportunities to score unique vintage pieces alongside more contemporary used clothing. It’s a spot that respects both the environment and your style, making thrift shopping in Chicago an enjoyable and rewarding experience.
Looking for more options? Explore other thrift stores in Chicago or visit the Buffalo Exchange website for details.
Hip chain that buys, sells, trades trendy vintage & used clothing plus accessories for men & women.
Location
Thrift Hauls
Google Reviews
2 months ago
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I had the absolute pleasure of being helped by Tank, the manager at the Wicker Park Buffalo Exchange, and I can’t say enough good things about him. He helped me pick out some adorable shoes for my grandmother’s funeral, and his kindness and compassion truly stood out during such a difficult time for me. Tank was so patient, loving, and understanding of my grief, making the shopping experience feel supportive and even comforting. His care and attention went beyond just helping me find shoes — he made me feel seen and supported during a moment of heavy loss. I’m deeply grateful for his compassion and heart. If you’re visiting Buffalo Exchange in Wicker Park, you absolutely want to be helped by Tank. Truly a wonderful human being.
5 months ago
Just did a closet clean out & dropped about 2 bags of clothes off. Great experience! Seemed like the manager was on-boarding a new buyer - she was very kind to me as a customer and very patient and informative with the employee. The process of buy/sell/trade can be very daunting however my experience at the Buffalo exchange was nothing but pleasant. The staff made it stress free and very seamless. They were thorough and efficient. I will gladly take my clothes here from now on!
8 months ago
Nice to have a place where you can buy and sell things even if it’s not the latest trending clothing or items of jewelry or hats. This allows for people to always find something that they love from another year which is great! They also sell shoes. If they like something, they will buy it for 25% of what they would sell it for and you can also get 50% of what they would sell it for for store credit. parking is not easy here you have to park on the street and you have to park in the mobile app which is $2.50 per hour.
3 months ago
cool store and reasonably priced for the area, however i live 40+ minutes away and they left the security tag on my item, which releases ink and glass. I had to wait over a month to be able to come back out here for them to take it off and then they gave me a $5 off of a $25 purchase to make up for it.. thats ridiculous for the amount of gas used to come back here + find/pay for parking to even come inside. i definitely wont be returning after this
3 months ago
It’s really disappointing to see how this Buffalo Exchange has changed over the years. The racks are excessively full, to the point where it is difficult and not fun to shop. The management is incredibly abrasive. The last time I was in, they were berating and demeaning their employees on the floor, in front of customers. This time, they kept interrupting an employee who was with a customer and completely micromanaging them in an over the top way. It makes me incredibly uncomfortable. It’s so overt that every time I’ve left after visiting, I’ve mentioned the managers behavior to friends. I could honestly never work here. I feel bad for the employees. And yeah the quality is just trash now. Get new management.
