I am interested in second hand clothing stores (think thrift shops in the US- not necessarily consignment stores, because they might be too expensive)in these cities. Does anyone have any suggestions- either for stores or specific neighborhoods?
Thanks so much for your help.
In Germany, a lot of thrift shops (zweitehände Landen) are run by the Red Cross (Rotes Kreuz).
But, I can't say where they would be in Frankfurt (Jo) or Munich.
Frankfurt has quite a few second hand shops, a couple of them carry a lot of designer clothes which you can purchase for far less than just regular clothes from H&M for example. There aren't really any thrift shops here, but there is a huge flea market along the Main River every Sat. which has bargains galore. Write me if you need more info about Frankfurt and addresses.
Thanks everyone for your help. If you have any other ideas, I would love to hear them. I am primarily shopping for pre-teen and teen nieces and nephews. The girls really want some things (outfit, hat, scarf, etc.) that are distinctly European and very fashionable- they want to "show off" - and they want as much as I can buy them!! I am not so much worried about the boys- they are much easier to shop for.
A lot of churches and kindergartens (day-care) have flea markets. There always seems to be several of them going on every weekend here in my neighborhood. We also have a childrens' second-hand store here too. Flea markets may be the most fun though for your kids. Lots of times the stuff is new too. Just remember to bargain a bit. There isn't really that big of a difference though in fashion from here to the States. Maybe a tad bit dressier with the teens. They really try and look nice all the time, hair, clothes, & shoes. The guys too. Well, unless they are into punk or goth fashions. LOL
Munich's not very good for 2nd hand. Everything is expensive vintage shops, not like a goodwill. You might be better off at H&M or something.
The "Wear to Wear" Paris guide is a good source of 2nd hand and virtually every other type of store in Paris. It's a small blue guidebook. There are a lot of inexpensive, stylish clothing stores along the rue du Rivoli from the Marais to the Louvre that I think the young women in your group will enjoy. I think all the stores will blow their minds -- they do mine! If you can go there in June or January, everything will be on sale too!
This is my favorite equivalent of a Goodwill...in Paris..out of the way, but we locals go there. EMMAUS, 191 rue d'Alésia, closest metro Plaisance...open tuesday thru sat 11-14, 1430-1830, and monday 1430-1830. Items arrive every day...clothes for adults and kids..always a surprise
In Paris, follow Rick's direction to Sacre Coeur in Montmarte. As you walk uphill from the Metro stop towards the base of the stairs, you go up a short street lined with souvenir shops. There are a couple of secondhand clothing stores there with seemingly endless bins of very inexpensive clothes. Book says it's Rue de Steinkerque.
In Frankfurt - There are 2 stores called Carpe Diem that are very nice, lots of designer clothing. One on the Kaiserstrasse, near Ross Markt, the other one behind the Fressgasse. There is a very nice one in the Schiller Passage, by the Stock Exchange and the Australian Sports Bar, but I cannot remember the name of it. In Bornheim near the Saalbau, there is Dr. Jacket & Mrs. Kleid, and several other ones in the neighborhood. Near the Klein Markt Halle is one on the Hasengasse. Caritas on Freiligrath Strasse has a sale about 4 times a year where I have found good bargains and there is an Oxfam off of the Berger Strasse near Marienplatz. Judy, PM me if you want more.
I live in Frankfurt and have not found many affordable thrift shops or resale shops. I have US Army base access and they have some pretty decent thrift shops with good prices. There is a Kleidermarket in Frankfurt that has clothes and shoes, prices are not as cheap as Goodwill, but there are some bargains to be had. It is across the street and down a couple of doors from C&A whose address is Zeil 48, Frankfurt Germany, 60313
Phone: 49 69 299810. Also, there is a really good little thrift shop, mostly clothes, shoes, linens, purses in Wiesbaden (not far from Frankfurt) that is only open on Wednesdays, if anyone is interested, write me and I will tell you more about this one. I just discovered a WONDERFUL shop in Strasburg, France, about 2 hours from Frankfurt, that had a little bit of everything. I loved it. If you are interested, let me know. I want to rent a truck and go back soon to get some antique furniture peices for very cheap!
You can try flee markets. I don't know how you'd find out about them, maybe in the newspaper...
