Thrift in the Basque Country
- Sydney Schultheis
- Oct 7, 2024
- 8 min read
Updated: Nov 21, 2024
I won't bore you with the details... Basically, I moved to the Basque Country in 2021. At this time, I was addicted to thrifting. I arrived to the middle of Gipuzkoa, one of the three provinces of the Basque Country, only to find that the thrift scene was not rubust... It's been four years since then. Safe to say, you can thrift here- and you should.
I am going to detail some of the best thrifting options in Gipuzkoa. My recommendations are mainly around Donostia (San Sebastian) but I'll touch on some of the surrounding areas, too.
Where to Thrift in the Basque Country...
Location
It's a little hidden, but if you know where to look it's easy to find. Thank you Marta for showing me! It is located in Gros, a very hip area of Donostia (San Sebastain). It is right next to a big church/catherdal. If you're looking at the church's entrance, do a 180 and walk about 100 feet, it'll be to your left (look for the big yellow sign). Bonus- you're right in Gros! Check out the store, then grab a coffee, walk to the beach, get dinner, and the train station is like 5 minutes away.
Inventory
This place is full, full of clothes. Great winter coats, sports gear, equally stocked for men and women (well, equal no, but a lot of menswear). It does has some cute knick knacks, dishes, etc. I've even bought some local postcards, which was such a fun find. They also have a little bit of jewlery, shoes, some furniture... I usually go for the clothes. With that said, they have expanded into the basement, so there should be more furniture options.
Prices
You can't beat it. I also love how they price. A coat is 10 euros, doesn't matter the quality/brand/nothing. A top is 2 euros, period. So, you know exactly what you'll pay. As the cheap queen I am, 10 euros feels like a lot for me... but, realistically, you are able to find some fantastic, genuine pieces, whether that's a vintage leather jacket, or a fur coat... so 10 euros isn't bad. Pants are 2 euros, the shoes are 5? Check with the employees.
Vibe
I love the vibe here. Mix of authentic/vintage/local pieces and the basics- Zara, H&M... fast fashion. One of my favorite thrift stores.
Location
There are many Emaus locations, I won't get into each here, but for sure you should check them out. I'll focus on the EkoShop in Amara. This is across the river, a little bit "out of town." But honestly, I love the area. My favorite cafe is like a 10 minute walk from the shop, plus it's surrounded by other cool local stores.
Inventory
This place is big. Downstairs is full of furniture- tables, lighting, cribs, you name it. Decent clothes selection too- a lot of fast fasion, but I've found some gems, like a local rugby training sweather. They also have crafting material and jewellery. Overall, a little bit of everything- including a pretty extensive wedding section.
Prices
Prices here are also pre-set by the item. It's a little bit more expensive, like 8 euros for pants, or 6 for a top... However, they run deals all the time. For example, 3 euro jeans or 1.5 euro pants.
Vibes
Even if I don't buy something, the shop always has interesting things. I have also gotten some gems here, i.e the rugby top.
Location
Great location! If nothing else, check it out because the area is great! Right next to the train station, next to Tabakalera (a cultural center with art exhibitions, restaurants/cafes, and a viewing platform). And, it's next to Cristina Enea Parque (take a walk).
Inventory
Mostly fast-fashion/trendy items... Which isn't necessarily a bad thing! Really, they only sell clothes and shoes, some accessories. I am not sure how, but it seems like Zara directly donates unsold goods to Koopera. So you can find new, with tags, dresses or tops, for cheap. They have started to include random pieces, like a new holiday felt letter sets, or books, or phone cases, so there are treasures to be discovered.
Prices
I do not love the prices here... They aren't bad. For example, 10-15 euros for a dress... They also price differently depending on the item. So, you find a nice jacket, and it'll be 25 euros. However, they always have random cheap things, like a new Zara top for 2 euros. They also run a lot of specials, like follow their instagram and get 50% off. So, don't be discouraged by the price tags.
Vibes
Ok, honestly, I want to love this store... but it's not my favorite... With that said, the Koopera in Bilbao is amazing. Plus, I have bought a couple all time faves from here... So, ignore me. It is a small store and the staff are kind, so the location itself lends itself to pretty good vibes.
Location
This one is a little random, tucked in between autos shops, right off the highway. So, if you have a car, super easy to access. Beasain is a medium (small) city in Gipuzkoa, it has it's own merits, but it is definitely isn't a tourist destination. Regardless, if you find yourself in bored or intrigued, hop on a train to Beasain. The thrift shop is about a 20/30 minute walk from the station, but you'll pass some interesting areas, like Igartza. I'll include some pictures below- not a super famous site, but nonetheless an impressive and beautiful area with lots of history.
Inventory
Off the bat- this store is great for furnishing a house/apartment/whatever. They not only have an amazing selection of vintage pieces, but they also have new pieces that have been donated to their stores. Think bunk beds, sofas, tables, etc. They also have a great selection of books, and movies, and CDs- Basque, Spanish, and English. Obviously, English books are few and far between... but I digress. Lots of clothing, some bedding/tablecloths/things of that nature. The also have random gems, like a sewing machine, a bike, and film slides I'll inlude a picture below.
Prices
Once more- hard to beat the prices. They set by piece. A shirt is 2 euros, a dress is 5, a coat is 10. However, their furniture is priced individually. I can't really speak to the value, because I don't really know what a bunk bed is going for nowadays.
Vibes
My all-time fave! Fortunately, unfortunately, my apartment is fully furnished... So, all the amazing pieces I find here I cannot bring home... Lots of vintages and unique pieces.
Location
Great location, kind of in the middle of the old town of Tolosa. Tolosa is also an amazing city, worth visiting. The store is next to a beautiful outdoor pavilion, which is used for markets, and I'm sure other cool events. Plus, Tolosa has a great food scene. Vegan and vegetarian places, asian restaurants, artisanal pizzerias, so on and so forth.
Inventory
They have bags, denim, shirts, coats, jewlery, shoes, the list goes on. They also have a small selection of local goods, such as earrings from local artists.
Prices
Think more boutique than thrift. Obviously, this is a highly curated collection, so the prices aren't dirt cheap like some other thrift stores. You're getting new, or like new, pieces for less than half the retail price. They also have a good amount of vintage pieces, which are always cool to see.
Vibes
Immaculate vibes. The also have a ton of events. I have been offered champagne or cheese when I've visited. Even if your aren't in the market to buy anything, it is worth checking out because they have a cool little musuem inside, and the owner is super kind.
Freedom - Tolosa
Location
I found this shop randomly while exploring the streets of Tolosa. It's a little tucked away. But, once you know it's there, it's easy enough to find. For some reason, it doesn't show up on Google Maps, but don't worry- just walk down "Letxuga Kalea" toward the river and it'll be on your right.
Inventory
Super cool inventory- new things like umbrellas or home decor. They also have books in addition to all their clothes. There are vintage coats, alongside more trendy/new pieces.
Prices
The prices are more similiar to a boutique vintage store. However, they have two or three "2 euro" bins in the front, which are full of gems.
Vibes
The owner is super nice. She gave a little toiletry bag with my purchase. I was really happy with the selection and vibe here- felt like a hip thrift shop in the states.
Non-Geographical Options
Vinted
Location
I use this app in Spain... I ran into some difficulties at first because it was requiring a Spaisish phone number, but I've got it sorted. I only see things from Spain/Portugal/France/occasionally Italy... But to my understanding, all of Europe uses this and theoretically you have access everything... However, there may be some behind the scenes things regarding the postal system, which would be why I can't get a pair of pants from England... Regardless, you can use this anywhere.
Inventory
Literally everything. It's a platform where individuals can sell their stuff- from clothes to home decor to electronics to toys. You can use Vinted in a very bougie way, buying verified designer pieces... But, it's also a place to sell very regualr things- a top from H&M you no longer use, or party supplies you didnt end up needing.
Prices
You are buying from indiviuals, so you are able to make offers or create bundles at a discount price. Obviously, if you're buying vintage Gucci or something of the like, prices are going to be high. But, if you need a new black top, you can find something for 1 euro.
Vibes
Beware, this can quickly become an addiction... I haven't lost complete control... But, I have spent (wasted) a lot of time on this app. With that said, the more time you spend on the app, the more it's catered to your wants. Basically, you create the vibes.
Facebook Marketplace
Location
You set the location, so you can look at a 10 km range or a 100 km range, it's up to you. The benefit of this is, you're able to find things in your community, keeping the money in the area and you're meeting your neighbours.
Inventory
I mean, truly anything you want. It is less geared towards clothes/shoes... But the selection of home goods/improvement and furniture is good.
Prices
Depends on the seller. You can haggle, but each seller will take offers in a different way- some may be offended and others are happy to come to a price you both agree on, so keep that in mind. I find Facebook Marketplace to be more expensive than thrift stores, but you get the benefit of looking for an exact item you need and you're contributing to your community at the same time.
Vibes
For some reason, Facebook continues to be full of strange people. So be careful. With that said, there are obviously still very kind people on the app. I got a wonderful vintage brass mirror from a very nice man, and the whole process was painfree. Facebook Marketplace is also full of weird scammy listing, but just don't pay attention to those.
Final Word
I am no expert, but I have put in a fair amount of hours searching and visiting thrift stores around here. Feel free to reach out with any questions or comments, and please, contact me if you know of any other thrift stores I should check out! Eskerrik asko!
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