You’ve probably seen the massive parking lot off Old Country Road. It’s usually packed. If you've lived in Nassau County for more than a week, you know exactly what I’m talking about. Unique Thrift Westbury isn't just a store; it's basically a local institution at this point. It’s big. It’s chaotic. Honestly, it’s one of the last places where you can actually find a "steal" without feeling like you’re in a curated boutique that marks up used T-shirts to fifty bucks.
Thrifting has changed. A lot. Between the "depop girls" flipping inventory and the rise of corporate-run thrift chains that feel more like department stores, finding a genuine bargain is getting harder. But Unique—which is part of the Savers family of brands—manages to keep that old-school hunt alive.
What You’re Actually Getting Into at Unique Thrift Westbury
Let’s be real. If you walk in expecting a quiet, organized shopping experience, you’re going to have a bad time. This place is huge. The aisles are narrow. There is a specific smell—not a bad one, just that "processed clothes and old plastic" scent that defines the industry.
The layout is pretty standard for a Savers-owned property. You’ve got the housewares in the back, furniture (sometimes) scattered, and racks upon racks of clothing that seem to go on forever. But here is the thing: Westbury is a high-turnover area. The volume of donations coming into this specific location is staggering compared to smaller spots in, say, Mineola or Hicksville.
The Real Deal on Pricing
People complain about prices going up. They’re right. A few years ago, you could snag a coat for $7. Now, you might see a North Face jacket tagged at $45. That’s because the staff is trained to recognize brands now. They know what Patagonia is. They know what Lululemon is.
However, the "tag system" is still your best friend. Every week, different colored tags go on sale—usually 50% off. If you’re patient and you play the colors, you can walk out with a haul that feels like 2015 prices.
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The Strategy for Surviving the Westbury Rush
Timing is everything. Do not, under any circumstances, go on a Saturday afternoon unless you enjoy fighting for a spot in the dressing room line. Monday mornings? That’s the sweet spot.
Why? Because Sunday is the biggest donation day. The staff spends Sunday night and Monday morning processing the bins. If you want the "fresh" stuff—the high-end kitchen gadgets or the designer jeans that someone’s aunt just cleared out of her closet—you need to be there when the doors open on a weekday.
Know your brands, but look for quality over labels.
I’ve found 100% cashmere sweaters at Unique Thrift Westbury that were priced at $6 because the brand tag was missing or it was a label the sorter didn't recognize. On the flip side, I’ve seen Target-brand shirts priced at $8 just because they looked "new." You have to look at the seams. Feel the fabric. Check the composition tags.
The Housewares Goldmine
Most people go for the clothes. That’s a mistake. The real value in Westbury is often in the hard goods. Think about the demographic of the surrounding area. You’ve got wealthy pockets of Long Island nearby where people are constantly upgrading their kitchens.
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- Le Creuset (Yes, it happens, though it's rare and usually chipped).
- Vintage Pyrex (Look for the primary colors).
- Silverware (Real silver plate often gets mixed in with the stainless steel).
- Art frames (Cheaper to buy a $5 ugly painting for the frame than to buy a new frame at Michaels).
The Ethics of Thrifting in 2026
There’s been a lot of talk lately about whether "thrifting for fun" takes away from people who "thrift for need." It’s a valid conversation. But the reality is that the sheer volume of textile waste in the US is astronomical. Stores like Unique are a pressure valve for the local landfill system.
When you shop at Unique Thrift Westbury, you’re participating in a circular economy. Savers (the parent company) is a for-profit entity, which is something some people forget. They partner with nonprofits like the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island. They buy the donated goods from these nonprofits, which provides the charities with a steady stream of revenue. It’s a business model that works, even if it’s not a pure "charity shop" in the way a church basement might be.
Misconceptions About "The Best Finds"
"Everything good is gone by 10 AM." False. The staff is putting out new racks literally all day long. I have found my best items at 2 PM on a Tuesday. It’s all about being in the right aisle at the right time when the rolling rack comes out of the back.
"The electronics work." Maybe. Always, always use the testing station near the back. If they don't have a plug available, ask. Don't buy a VCR or a blender without seeing it spin. Return policies at thrift stores are notoriously strict—usually, it's exchange only or store credit within a very short window.
How to Spot the Fakes
Westbury is close enough to the city that "super fakes" show up. I’ve seen "Louis Vuitton" bags in the locked glass case that were clearly Canal Street knockoffs.
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- Check the hardware. If the "gold" is peeling off to reveal silver plastic, it’s fake.
- Stitching. Luxury brands don't have loose threads or crooked lines.
- The lining. High-end bags have high-end interiors. If the inside feels like cheap nylon, leave it.
Don't let the "Value Village" or "Unique" branding fool you into thinking everything is authentic just because it's in a glass case. Use your eyes.
What to Skip
Avoid the shoes unless they look brand new. Footbeds mold to the original owner's feet, and honestly, the hygiene factor is a bit higher there than with a shirt you can throw in a hot wash. Also, skip the "new" items in the plastic packaging near the front—those are usually just cheap dollar-store-quality goods the store stocks to fill space.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Visit
To maximize your time at Unique Thrift Westbury, stop browsing aimlessly. Most people wander. Don't do that.
- Start at the back left. This is where the newest houseware carts usually land.
- Check the "Return" racks. These are the clothes people tried on and didn't want. They are already "vetted" for being somewhat interesting.
- Dress for the occasion. Wear leggings and a tank top. The fitting room lines can be 20 people deep. If you can slip a sweater over your shirt in the mirror, you’ll save 30 minutes of your life.
- Bring your own bags. New York’s plastic bag ban means you’ll be carrying out a pile of loose clothes if you aren't prepared.
- Look for the "Off-Season." Buy your winter coats in July. Buy your summer dresses in January. The competition for these items is much lower, and the prices are often more aggressive.
If you’re looking for a curated, boutique experience, go to a vintage shop in Brooklyn. But if you want the thrill of the hunt and the chance to find a $200 blazer for $12, Westbury is the place. It’s gritty, it’s loud, and it’s perfectly Long Island. Just make sure you check for stains under the armpits before you head to the register. It happens to the best of us.