Melville is a trendy shopper's dream destination. As a historical suburb known for its bohemian appeal, the shops in Melville tend to reflect this at all times, from the facade to the items they sell. If you're in need of retail therapy, it's time to go shopping!
What Are You Looking For?
Shopping Centres
Independent Stores
Shopping Centres
Bamboo Centre
The Bamboo Centre is a petite and attractive shopping centre in Melville overlooking the Melville Koppies. The Bamboo Centre is one of the first buildings you will see as you enter Melville, and has long been the venue of the boutique Bamboo Gallery. Enjoy browsing for a good read at Love Books, or sit down for a coffee and a bite at Service Station. Does your wardrobe need an upgrade? Convoy will be sure to have clothing or accessories to suit any taste.
27 Boxes
27 Boxes is a unique shopping centre on 4th Street in Melville. Constructed from recycled shipping containers, 27 Boxes showcases a vibrant and trendy blend of local businesses. You can shop a wide selection of artisan foods, local fashion and curated design, all while taking in the splendid views of the area. Visitors can also enjoy a children's park as well as an open air amphitheatre, while secure public parking can be accessed via 4th Ave.
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Independent Stores
Clyde On 4th
Clyde On 4th first opened its doors 20 years ago, and has been going strong since. Their main objective is to aid collectors of Georgian, Art Nouveau, Art-Deco and 1950s objects. If you enjoy browsing through beautiful knick-knacks, vintage jewelry and antique silverware, Clyde On 4th will be your perfect haunt. Clyde is known for personal service and dedication to his trade, so if there's a specific piece you're after, make sure to fill in a collector's advice form while you're there.
Convoy
Convoy is a collaborative retail space in the Bamboo Centre, Melville. This space operates as a collaborative project composed of proudly South African designers, with each unique designer's work equally showcased. They primarily sell high quality, locally-made fashion, accessories, merchandising and other apparel.
Junkie Charity Store
Junkie is a charity store in Melville, currently on 7th street, that was established in 2010. If you're a fan of everything thrifted, boy is Junkie the place for you! As a charity store, Junkie primarily sells secondhand goods accepted as donations from the public and businesses. All proceeds generated from the sale of these donations are donated to a charity of the donor's choice. So, you may need to sift through some odd (but fun) items to get to the hidden gems, that's just part of the magic of thrift shopping, isn't it? And you're contributing to a good cause in the process. We'd call that a win-win!
Love Books
Love Books is an independent book store located in the Bamboo Centre, Melville. They offer a wonderful, curated selection of books for book lovers of all ages. Also available as an event venue, Love Books is the perfect place to host book launches and book clubs. Got little ones? Love Books offers story time every Saturday at 10am for children. Make sure to check out their gorgeous selection of journals, handmade cards, international magazines and Joostenberg's delicious wines from the old family farm in Stellenbosch. Make sure to bring your Love Books loyalty punch card!
Snow Lion Artefacts
A favourite among Melville's holistic shopping crowd, Snow Lion Artefacts stocks gorgeous authentic Tibetan and Nepalese crafts. Sourced from communities and individuals in support of the Tibetan People's refugees situation, Snow Lion is a more than worthy cause to support. If you're not feeling quite so zen, Snow Lion has everything you'd ever need to get your chakras realigned and back in action.
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How To Put Your Head In The Game
If you (like me) are always on the hunt for great and amazing deals, and if the thrift store is your happy place, then you've stumbled onto the right article, as this is your guide to all the amazing thrift stores around Johannesburg. We've looked far and beyond for the best places to hunt for a fab find or two.
Bounty Hunters Charity Shop
Where: Bounty Hunters Charity Shop, 4th Avenue, Melville, Johannesburg.
They are not only an incredible thrift store, they are also doing it for a great cause. This is a charity shop that depends solely on donations, so if you aren't buying do a good deed by donating a few items you no longer have use for. They support 30 charity organisations, some of which are dependants on this shop. Recently they have extended their reach to people and their pets in neighbouring communities who are financially stressed. So, at least you know your money is going to great, helpful and meaningful reasons.
For more information click here!
TWECO The Curiosity Shop
Where: 225 Beyers Naudé Drive, Northcliff, Randburg, Johannesburg.
Support this beautiful cause whose mission is to assist and promote a variety of registered charity organisations by offering a retail facility for their donated items through affiliation with them. This store will sure tickle your fancy in more ways than one, because you will find everything you want from antique items such as clothes, house decor, furniture, books, handbags, shoes, kitchen ware and many more.
For more information click here!
Junkie Charity Store
Where: 77th Street, Melville, Johannesburg.
Next time you find yourself around Melville and looking for some great deals, be sure to pop by at the Junkie Charity Store. They were established in 2010 and they sell secondhand items, but hold on don't let the "secondhand items" drift you away from thinking they don't have quality stuff. Their secondhand merchandise is always high quality, interesting and beautiful, which ensures that each visit can be an adventurous thrifting experience.
The charity organisations that Junkie supports are:
- Abraham Kriel Kindertehuis
- Baby Haven
- Ban Animal Trading
- Bambelela
- Children of Fire
- Community Led Animal Welfare
- Melville Koppies Heritage Fund
- Princess Alice Adoption Home
- Salvation Army Old Age Home Emmarentia
- Theatre Benevolent Fund
For more information click here!
HospiceWits
Where: They have several stores around Joburg. To know which one is near you click here!
Please tell us you've heard of, or at least been involved in lending a helping hand to, HospiceWits. Well, now you do. They say the philosophy that lies behind the active care offered by HospiceWits to the terminally ill is to emphase the importance of living to the fullest with whatever time is left. So, if you're running your thrift errands and confused as to where to go, look no further they sell pre-loved second hand items that are in a sellable condition, including furniture, books, clothing, children's items, accessories, magazines, homeware, decor items, artwork, electronic goods in mint condition, music, DVDs, footwear, chairs, tables, toys, bags, suitcases, gardening items... you name it, they have it!
For more information click here!
Cash Converters Melville
Where: 9 Main Road, Melville, Johannesburg.
Maybe you're not looking to buy, but to sell some of your stuff? This is the perfect place to do so. Someone else will enjoy them and they will be taken care of because you know another man's used goods are another man's treasure. And your wallet will be extremely glad to have some company!
For more information click here!
Reminiscene
Where: Shop 106, 27 Boxes, 75 4th Avenue, Melville, Johannesburg.
The name says it all people. This thrift store takes you back in time, giving you the best in vintage and old skool style that will definitely make you stand out with style and class, darling! They have been running for 27 years so you know they really know what they are doing. The shop specialises in period clothing from the 1970s and before. The shop not only has clothes but handbags, leather day bags, evening bags, shoes, gloves and of course jewellery.
For more information click here!
Dunusa Markets
Where: De Villiers Street, Johannesburg.
Last, but by no means least. This is my ultimate favourite, and I would one hundred percent recommend it to anyone who is looking for quality, real, amazing, affordable, unique styles that you'll probably be the only one owning. Don't believe me? Go check it out yourself, and tell me how many nice things you found. 99.9% of my clothes are from this place, and if I do say so myself, I clean up nice with my affordable thrifted goods from Dunusa.
Shut Up And Take My Money!
Okay good people, now that we know where to find all the gems, let's head out! We've always wanted thrifting partners we're so glad we've found you. Let's go spend some bucks at these amazing thrift spots.
Do you have any Thrift Stores you can recommend to us? Feel free to comment down below, your opinions matter because we write for you!
Junkie Charity Store
Charity stores often stock some of the best vintage items finds around town, and fortunately for us, Melville is stocked with these kinds of places. One that stands out is the Junkie Charity Store on 4th Avenue. To give you an idea of what is on sale here note the following: turn of the century furniture, quirky lampshades and hospital beds... pretty cool, eh? The vast array of items marked for sale is so big that you could call Junkie a department store.
Click here for more information.
Modern Antiques
Greymont is the go-to place if you're antiquing. On weekends cars flank Long Road on both sides as people rush to get their hands on the finest old-school wares. One of the shops that stand out the most is Modern Antiques which specialises in collectors' items and the restoration of old furniture.
Click here for more information.
Hunters Rest Antiques
We're staying in Greymont for now because there's just so much to see. Hunters Rest Antiques is the candy store we've all been searching for. From rustic Coca-Cola signs to old-school petrol pumps, it's all here. Welcome, you have arrived at the coolest place on earth, and it's within driving distance from home - what a win. Hunters also specialise in artwork, jewellery, furniture and everything in between. Also, be sure to check out the coffee shop while you're there.
Click here for more information.
Hospice Wits
Nothing hurts quite as much as the vintage we didn't buy. From loungy armchairs to tracksuit pants purchases, all the cash goes to a worthy cause. HospiceWits provides care and support to the communities within the Johannesburg Metropolitan District, primarily Johannesburg and Soweto. Be sure to check them out and maybe score some cool deals while helping someone in need.
Click here for more information.
Bounty Hunters
This list will not be complete without mentioning the store with all those cats in Melville. Two stories of yesterday's treasures are waiting for you to be discovered among a mountain of kittens. Be sure to know that the money you spend here will be used to better the lives of feline friends all over town. The shop sells everything from hand me down clothes, tonnes of books to random items such as wetsuits and dirty playing cards.
Click here for more information.
Barter Buy Antiques & Interiors
Barter Buy is a wonderland of antiques and collectibles. This furniture refurbishment specialist store is housed within a two-storey former residential property in Kensington. The ground floor alone stretches on for what seems like at least half a kilometre. Barter Buy are experts in Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian furniture restoration and stock a vast collection of antique utensils, decorative pieces and unique statement furnishings.
Click here for more information.
Kensington Trading Antiques
Another Kensington antique store to check out is Kensington Trading Antiques. This is a vintage clothing and music lover's paradise. Their vast array of vinyl collectibles alone makes visiting them well worth your while. For the ladies, there is an entire section of the store dedicated to vintage clothing and accessories, some of which date back decades. These unique fashion items are not only in fine condition, but are generally fairly priced. The store also stocks bespoke furniture, Art Deco light fixtures and retro gaming stations.
By Shawn Greyling
Junkie Charity Store
Charity stores often stock some of the best vintage item finds around town, and fortunately for us, Melville is stocked with these kinds of places. One that stands out is the Junkie Charity Store on 4th Avenue. To give you an idea of what is on sale here note the following: turn of the century furniture, quirky lampshades and hospital beds... pretty cool, eh? The vast array of items marked for sale is so big that you could call Junkie a department store.
Click here for more information.
Modern Antiques
Greymont is the go-to place if you're antiquing. On weekends, cars flank Long Road on both sides as people rush to get their hands on the finest old-school wares. One of the shops that stands out the most is Modern Antiques which specialises in collectors' items and the restoration of old furniture.
Click here for more information.
Hunters Rest Antiques
We're staying in Greymont for now because there's just so much to see. Hunters Rest Antiques is the candy store we've all been searching for. From rustic Coca-Cola signs to old-school petrol pumps, it's all here. Welcome, you have arrived at the coolest place on earth, and it's within driving distance from home - what a win. Hunters also specialise in artwork, jewellery, furniture and everything in between. Also, be sure to check out the coffee shop while you're there.
Click here for more information.
HospiceWits
Nothing hurts quite as much as the vintage we didn't buy. From loungy armchairs to tracksuit pants purchases, all the cash goes to a worthy cause. HospiceWits provides care and support to the communities within the Johannesburg Metropolitan District, primarily Johannesburg and Soweto. Be sure to check them out and maybe score some cool deals while helping someone in need.
Click here for more information.
Bounty Hunters
This list will not be complete without mentioning the store with all those cats in Melville. Two storeys of yesterday's treasures are waiting for you to be discover them among a mountain of kittens. Keep in mind that the money you spend here will be used to better the lives of feline friends all over town. The shop sells everything from hand-me-down clothes and stacks of books to random items such as wetsuits and dirty playing cards.
Click here for more information.
Barter Buy Antiques & Interiors
Barter Buy is a wonderland of antiques and collectibles. This furniture refurbishment specialist store is housed within a two-storey former residential property in Kensington. The ground floor alone stretches on for what seems like at least half a kilometre. Barter Buy are experts in Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian furniture restoration and stock a vast collection of antique utensils, decorative pieces and unique statement furnishings.
Click here for more information.
Kensington Trading Antiques
Another Kensington antique store to check out is Kensington Trading Antiques. This is a vintage clothing and music lover's paradise. Their vast array of vinyl collectibles alone makes visiting them well worth your while. For the ladies, there is an entire section of the store dedicated to vintage clothing and accessories, some of which date back decades. These unique fashion items are not only in fine condition, but are generally fairly priced. The store also stocks bespoke furniture, Art Deco light fixtures and retro gaming stations.
Click here for more information.
On A Side Note
Other places to check out for that vintage antique hook up are all in a list we made just for you of all the thrift stores around town. Giving you all the best of the best, and you know us; we've always got you. You'll find the greatest gems and amazing antique items. So, be sure to check out all of these amazing places here! You won't regret it.
If you have any suggestions be sure to comment down below!