Finding a good thrift store in the Pacific Northwest usually feels like a competitive sport. You’ve got the big-box chains where the prices are basically retail, and then you’ve got the curated vintage boutiques that want eighty bucks for a distressed flannel. But then there’s Thrift Express 35th & Union. If you’ve spent any time driving through Everett, Washington, you know exactly the spot I’m talking about. It’s sitting right there on the corner of 35th Street and Union Avenue, looking unassuming, maybe even a little rugged from the outside, but it’s arguably one of the most consistent honey holes in Snohomish County.
It’s crowded. It’s often a bit chaotic.
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Honestly, that’s exactly why it works. When a store is too organized, the "good stuff" has already been picked over by staff or priced according to a corporate handbook that tracks eBay trends. Thrift Express feels like a throwback to when thrifting was actually about the hunt. You’re digging through racks that are packed so tight you can barely move the hangers, but that’s where the 1990s Single-Stitch tees and the heavy-duty Carhartt jackets hide.
The Logistics of Thrifting at 35th & Union
Let's talk about the actual experience of getting there. The parking situation can be a nightmare during the Saturday morning rush. The lot is small, and if you're coming south on Union, turning in feels like a game of chicken. But once you’re inside, the vibe is distinct. It’s a mix of neighborhood regulars, resellers with their IKEA bags, and college kids looking for cheap apartment decor.
What sets Thrift Express 35th & Union apart from the Goodwill down the road isn't just the inventory; it’s the pricing logic. They use a color-coded tag system, which is standard, but the frequency of their turnover is aggressive. They want stuff out the door. This means if you show up on a day when a specific color tag is 50% off, you are walking away with high-quality kitchenware or name-brand clothing for the price of a cup of coffee. It’s the kind of place where you can find a vintage Pyrex bowl for three dollars because nobody bothered to look up the "Gooseberry" pattern on Etsy before tagging it.
Why the Location Matters
The 35th and Union intersection is a bit of a crossroads for different demographics in Everett. You have the older residential neighborhoods nearby, which means the donations coming in are often "old school." We’re talking about solid wood furniture from the 60s, vintage wool blankets, and power tools that were built to last a century.
Then you have the proximity to the Port of Everett and the local industrial hubs. This influences the "workwear" selection. While kids in Seattle are paying $100 for "distressed" work pants at vintage pop-ups, the racks here are often full of the real deal—authentic, broken-in canvas jackets and flannels that actually saw a job site. It’s authentic.
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Cracking the Code on Inventory
If you want the best stuff, you can't just show up at noon on a Sunday and expect a miracle. The pros know the cycle. Usually, the beginning of the week is when the weekend donation hauls start hitting the floor.
The housewares section is a beast of its own. It’s usually tucked toward the back and side, and it is a literal wall of glass, ceramic, and plastic. You have to look past the chipped mugs and the "World's Best Grandma" plates. Deep in those shelves, I’ve seen people pull out mid-century modern lamps and high-end espresso machines that just needed a quick descale. It requires patience. If you aren't willing to get a little dust on your hands, you’re in the wrong store.
A Note on the Reseller Economy
We have to address the elephant in the room: the resellers. You’ll see them. They have the apps open. They are scanning barcodes. Some people get annoyed by this, thinking it ruins the "purity" of thrifting. But at Thrift Express 35th & Union, there is so much volume that the resellers can't possibly grab everything.
They tend to gravitate toward the shoes and the electronics. If you’re looking for textiles, vintage linens, or unique home decor, you usually have a clear path. The store serves as a vital resource for the local community, providing affordable essentials to families who aren't there for the "aesthetic" but for the necessity. That balance is what keeps the store grounded.
What You Should Actually Look For
Don't go in looking for a specific item. That's the first mistake. If you go in saying "I need a blue denim jacket," you won't find it. Go in with categories.
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- Media: The DVD and CD racks are surprisingly deep. While everyone is pivoting to streaming, this location still gets huge collections of physical media.
- Outerwear: Because of the Everett climate, the jacket selection is always robust. Look for brands like Helly Hansen, Columbia, and REl—they pop up way more often than you'd think.
- Furniture: It’s hit or miss, but the "hits" are massive. They don't have a ton of floor space for furniture, so they price it to move fast. If you see a solid oak dresser, buy it immediately. It won't be there in twenty minutes.
The Reality of Post-Pandemic Thrifting
Thrifting has changed. It's mainstream now. Inflation has pushed more people toward secondhand goods, and the "vintage" trend has made everyone a collector. This has led to "boutique pricing" at many thrift chains.
However, Thrift Express 35th & Union has managed to stay relatively immune to the worst of this. Sure, prices have ticked up—everything has—but it still feels like a thrift store, not a curated museum. There’s a grit to it that keeps it honest. You might have to navigate a narrow aisle around a bin of miscellaneous toys, but that's the price of entry for finding a genuine bargain.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Visit
If you're planning a trip to this specific Everett landmark, don't just wing it.
- Check the Tag Calendar: Before you start pulling things off the rack, look at the signs near the entrance. Identify which tag color is the "Discount of the Day." If it’s blue tag day and you find a blue tag item, that’s your priority.
- Dress for the Occasion: The fitting room situation can be hit or miss (or non-existent depending on current store policy). Wear layers. A tank top or leggings allow you to try on a coat or a skirt over your clothes in front of a mirror if needed.
- Bring Your Own Bags: Washington state has bag laws, and honestly, the plastic ones they provide aren't great for hauling heavy hauls anyway. Bring a couple of sturdy IKEA bags or canvas totes.
- Test Everything: There is a testing station for electronics. Use it. Do not assume that the "As-Is" toaster works just because the light turns on. Plug it in, wait for the heat, and then commit.
- Go Left First: Most people naturally drift to the right when they enter a retail space. By hitting the left side of the store first (usually the housewares and miscellaneous section at this location), you beat the crowd to the unique one-off items before they filter into the clothing racks.
Thrifting at 35th and Union isn't just about shopping; it's about the local Everett culture. It's a place where the city's diverse history ends up on a shelf, waiting for someone to give it a second life. Whether you're a hardcore collector or just someone trying to furnish a first apartment on a budget, this corner remains one of the most reliable spots in the North Sound to find exactly what you didn't know you were looking for.
Keep your eyes open and your expectations flexible. The best finds are always the ones you didn't plan for.