Albuquerque is abundant with secondhand shops: thrift stores, consignment boutiques, bargain bins, antique shops and curated vintage. Shopping vintage allows you to time-travel as you touch the fabric of yesteryear. Where better than Route 66 to get your vintage clothes, with all the conveniences of modern life? Look no further than these quirky shops on Central Ave. (AKA, Albuquerque's Route 66) that are guaranteed to get your thrift fix.
The Indoor Flea Market
11109 Central Avenue NE
The Indoor Flea Market is an Albuquerque institution, with over 30 years of operation under its belt and 15 years on Central Ave. With 21,000 square feet of floor, filled with antique vendors, selections encompass authentic vintage signs, clothing, toys, furniture, collectibles and kooky decor. Be sure to check out The Other Indoor Flea Market on San Pedro Dr. and Central, a second thrifty home to another 85 vendors.
Vintage Vault
3503 Central Avenue NE Suite E
Vintage Vault is an underground marketplace for vintage and secondhand vendors in the heart of historic Nob Hill. This underground showroom boasts a variety of vendors, including artisans specialized in mid-century design, analog music, vintage designer clothing and seemingly infinite Fiestaware and Pyrex selections. Head over to Vintage Vault to put the “kitsch” in your kitchen.
Avengers Vintage
4011 Central Ave NE
Avengers Vintage is the passion project of Carlos Vargas and Selah Ryan. The two established Avengers in 2021, as longtime lovers of the mid-20th century neon signs, classic cars, sharp clothes… and all things Route 66! Selah grew up shopping secondhand as a lifestyle and always knew she wanted to own her own vintage shop. Dreams do come true on Central Avenue!
East Nob Hill is Albuquerque’s best-kept secret for high-quality secondhand goods, with shops like Nob Hill Music, Octopus Banana Mid Century Modern, Parklife, Antiques & Things, Cowboys & Indians Antiques and Barrymore’s Antique Store. Beginning in 2024, Avengers and friends at Parklife and Clay + Coda began hosting their triannual vendor event, Mid Mod Yard Sale. The event shows off the neighborhood’s vintage gems in a shopping extravaganza, complete with music, food and refreshments.
The gilded boudoir inside Avengers Vintage. Ooh la la!
Keep an eye out for the Annual Modish Market, commencing in 2025.
And Stuff (& Stuff.) Retail Collective
3123 Central Ave NE Suite A
Next door to Little Bear Coffee in the old Save Way Gas and Service Station building is And Stuff., a retail collective of over 20 local vendors that specialize in fine goods, artisan creations, housewares and houseplants, used books and high-quality vintage denim. Lee, Wrangler, Levi’s, you name it. Even the new items have that Southwest-66 flair!
Frock Star Vintage
115 Harvard Dr SE
The Bricklight District is a tight-knit and warmly lit street across from the University of New Mexico. Frock Star Vintage sits at the end of Harvard Street, beckoning to the university’s most fashionable and eccentric students since 2009. Gina Yates’ Frock Star is open 12:30 to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. To check on hours or make an appointment, call 505-266-6979.
Heck Yeah Vintage
512 Central Ave SE
EDo is Albuquerque’s up-and-coming neighborhood east of Downtown, full of savory bites and charming boutiques. Heck Yeah Vintage is one of the newer shops in EDo, but it is making waves. The employees curate the quirky selection into social media lookbooks, allowing one to dream up potential avatars. You could be a Southern Gothic Cowgirl, an Urban Huntsman, a Westernwear Hippie or a Vintage Clown!
The Vintage Hippie Joint
323 Romero St NW Suite #3
Tucked away in La Plazuela Sombra in Old Town, two lovers of the Summer of Love, Tonya Taylor-Drucker and David Drucker, operate The Vintage Hippie Joint. Some would call that a joint-business venture. Their enthusiasm for vintage goods comes from “living through the era” of Woodstock, psychedelia and ‘60s and ‘70s rock ‘n’ roll. Pick up a cowboy hat and a fringed leather jacket on your next visit.
