If you’ve ever driven down Route 130 through South Jersey, you know the vibe. It’s a mix of industrial grit, car dealerships, and that specific brand of suburban hustle. But tucked into the Pennsauken Mart area—well, where the Mart used to be—sits a massive building that basically serves as the regional mecca for people who hate paying retail. We’re talking about the 2nd Ave Thrift Superstore in Pennsauken NJ. It isn't just a store. It’s a 30,000-square-foot ecosystem of second-hand chaos that somehow works perfectly.
Honestly, thrifting has changed. It used to be a "secret" for broke college students or people looking for irony in a faded trucker hat. Now? It’s a competitive sport. You’ve got professional resellers with their scanning apps, TikTok influencers looking for "quiet luxury" hauls, and parents just trying to keep their kids in school clothes without taking out a second mortgage. Through all that shift, the 2nd Ave Thrift Superstore Pennsauken NJ location has remained remarkably consistent. It’s big. It’s loud. And if you don't know the rules of engagement, it’ll eat you alive.
The Reality of the Pennsauken Floor
Let's get one thing straight: this isn't a curated vintage boutique in Brooklyn. You won't find things organized by "aesthetic" or color-coded by a stylist. This is a high-volume operation. They process thousands of items daily. Because of that volume, the 2nd Ave Thrift Superstore in Pennsauken NJ feels more like a warehouse than a shop.
The lighting is bright. The aisles are long. You’ll hear the constant clack-clack-clack of plastic hangers sliding across metal racks. It’s rhythmic. It’s almost hypnotic if you’re there for more than an hour. And you probably will be. You can't just "pop in" here. To find the good stuff—the genuine leather jackets, the vintage Pyrex, the mid-century modern lamps—you have to dig.
One thing that surprises first-timers is the sheer amount of brand-new merchandise. This store doesn't just rely on local donations through their partner, GreenDrop. They get overstock. They get liquidations. It’s not uncommon to find a row of Target-brand home goods or Zara basics still with the original tags on them. It creates this weird tension where you’re looking at a 1990s bowling trophy one second and a 2024 fast-fashion top the next.
👉 See also: How is gum made? The sticky truth about what you are actually chewing
Decoding the 2nd Ave Pricing and Color System
If you want to survive the 2nd Ave Thrift Superstore Pennsauken NJ, you have to understand the colors. Everything has a tag. Every tag has a color. Every day, specific colors are discounted.
- Sunday and Monday are usually the big turnover days.
- Look for the signs near the entrance; they’ll tell you which color is 50% off.
- There’s usually a "color of the week" that might even be 1.99 or less.
But here’s the kicker: the "pro" thrifters know the rotation. They know that if a blue tag item is 50% off today, it’s been on the floor for a while. If you see something you love but it’s a "new" color (no discount), you have to make a choice. Do you buy it now at full thrift price? Or do you gamble and hope it’s still there in three days when that color rotates into the discount slot? Usually, in Pennsauken, if it’s good, it’s gone in twenty minutes. Don't gamble on Patagonia. Just buy it.
The pricing itself has seen some inflation lately. That’s the reality of the 2020s. A few years ago, every t-shirt was two bucks. Now, you might see a "boutique" section or specifically marked-up items if the staff recognizes a brand like North Face or Lululemon. It's a bit of a bummer for the hardcore hunters, but compared to the $120 you’d pay at the Cherry Hill Mall down the road, it’s still a steal.
The Reseller Factor: Is it Ruining the Fun?
You’ll see them. They have the overflowing carts. They’re usually in the shoe aisle or the electronics section. These are the folks who flip items on eBay, Poshmark, or Depop. Some people get annoyed by them, feeling like they "strip" the store of the best finds.
✨ Don't miss: Curtain Bangs on Fine Hair: Why Yours Probably Look Flat and How to Fix It
But honestly? There is so much inventory at the 2nd Ave Thrift Superstore Pennsauken NJ that no army of resellers could take it all. They’re looking for very specific things—high-end sneakers, vintage band tees, certain types of tech. If you’re looking for high-quality staples, work clothes, or housewares, you aren't even competing with them. Plus, the resellers provide a weird kind of quality control. If they pass something over, it’s usually because it has a flaw they can't fix, which is a good signal for you to check for holes or stains.
What You’ll Actually Find (and What to Avoid)
The furniture section is hit or miss. It’s located toward the back left. Sometimes it’s just broken particle-board desks from 2005. Other times, you’ll find a solid oak dining table for $40 because it needs a light sanding. If you have a truck, it's worth the look.
The clothing racks are the main event. 2nd Ave organizes primarily by size and category, which is a godsend. Most thrift stores just throw all "Large" shirts together. Here, they try to keep the long sleeves separate from the short sleeves. It’s not perfect, but it saves your wrists from hours of unnecessary flipping.
Avoid the "as-is" electronics unless you’re handy with a soldering iron. There are no returns. That $15 espresso machine looks great until you get it home and realize the pump is shot. Stick to things you can test. There are usually testing stations with outlets—use them. Every single time.
🔗 Read more: Bates Nut Farm Woods Valley Road Valley Center CA: Why Everyone Still Goes After 100 Years
A Quick Note on the GreenDrop Connection
The relationship between 2nd Ave and GreenDrop is why the Pennsauken location stays so packed. GreenDrop acts as the donation collector for charities like the American Red Cross and the Military Order of the Purple Heart. When you drop off bags at the side of the building, those items are essentially sold to the store to fund those charity programs. It’s a business model that keeps the shelves heavy. It’s also why the "new arrivals" rack is basically moving 24/7.
Pro Tips for the Pennsauken Scavenge
- Dress for the occasion. There are no dressing rooms. I’ll say it again: No dressing rooms. If you want to try on a coat or a pair of jeans, wear leggings and a tank top so you can slip things on over your clothes in the aisle. It sounds weird, but everyone does it.
- Bring your own bags. New Jersey bag laws are a thing. While they sell reusable ones at the counter, it’s easier to just bring your own heavy-duty totes.
- Check the "Return" racks. These are the racks near the mirrors where people put things back. These are often the "best" items in the store because someone else already did the work of finding them before realizing they didn't fit.
- The Shoe Aisle is a Battleground. If you see a pair of Hokas or Jordans, grab them immediately. Even if you aren't sure they’re your size. You can decide while you walk around, but if you leave them on the shelf for a second, they’re gone.
- Watch the Cart. In a store this big, people "accidentally" take things out of unattended carts. Keep your eyes on your prizes.
Why Location Matters
The Pennsauken 2nd Ave benefits from being at a crossroads. You get donations from the wealthier Moorestown and Haddonfield suburbs mixed with the more utilitarian items from Camden and Philly. This variety is why the inventory is so diverse. You might find a high-end designer gown from a gala next to a pair of rugged work boots used on a construction site.
The parking lot is huge, but on Saturdays, it’s a disaster. People park like they’ve never seen lines before. If you can swing a Tuesday morning or a Wednesday night, do it. The vibe is much chiller, and the staff is usually restocking the shelves during these "off" hours anyway.
Is it Worth the Trip?
If you’re coming from Philly, it’s a quick hop over the Betsy Ross or the Ben Franklin. If you’re a local, it’s likely already in your weekly rotation.
The 2nd Ave Thrift Superstore in Pennsauken NJ isn't about luxury. It’s about the hunt. It’s about the dopamine hit when you find a $100 jacket for $6. It’s about the sustainability of keeping textiles out of landfills.
Thrifting here requires patience. You’ll probably leave empty-handed 20% of the time. But that other 80%? That’s where the magic happens. You just have to be willing to look past the scuffed floors and the crowded aisles to find the treasure.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Visit
- Check the Calendar: Before you leave, check if it’s a holiday. 2nd Ave often runs 50% off the entire store on days like Memorial Day or Labor Day. These days are chaotic but incredibly lucrative.
- The "Sniff and Stitch" Test: Before heading to the register, take your items to a well-lit area. Check the armpits for stains and the crotch for thinning fabric. Check all zippers. 2nd Ave doesn't do refunds, so a broken zipper makes that "steal" a "waste."
- Sign Up for the Loyalty Program: They have a "Loyalty Club." It’s basically just your email or phone number, but it gets you points and occasional coupons. If you’re spending $50+ a pop, those points add up to a free $5 or $10 off pretty quickly.
- Go Early: The best items are often put out overnight or first thing in the morning. By 4:00 PM, the "vulture" resellers have usually picked the jewelry and high-end racks clean.