This thrift store is honestly such a hidden gem. Not only can you find amazing pieces -- from clothes to unique items -- but the money you spend goes toward a non-profit organization that rescues wild and domestic animals from cruelty, neglect, and lack of care. I think that's what makes shopping here so special. You're getting things you love while supporting a powerful cause at the same time. They also have a donation section if you want to give a little extra, which I definitely recommend. Overall, it's a great place doing great things -- definitely check it out! read more

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I can tell the staff put a lot of effort in organizing the store and filtering out items of questionable quality or remaining life. The quality of the dress shirts are amazing for adults. Lots of warm clothing available for children. For adults, sizing skews towards the larger sizes in jackets and shirts and pants probably because fewer donate at the smaller sizes for adults. Medium and large were the most common adult sizes seen. Children sizing appeared abundant. Value during a 30% off sale season are amazing. Service at the counter is friendly. Parking is abundant toward the end of the day. read more

lovely store with unique and diverse merchandise. Money goes to a worthy cause. Fun place to shop.My only criticism would be that the space is very tight, and there is a lot of inventory in that small space. The store needs to figure out a way to enable the flow of customers without getting in the way of marketing their merchandise. read more

so awesomely adorable they had everything! I got this really cute knitted bag and a cat vac (a rumba with a cat sitting on top that cleans your desk) 5 's read more

an actual thrift store unlike some other "thrift stores" in NOVA. They always have really good quality and range of items here for amazing prices. I have found a brand new blush Ann Taylor suit for $7 here and a brand new Ivanka Trump dress for $15, just to mention samples if the great quality items they have here. I mostly come for clothes and bags, but they have very nice jewelry, books, kids items, glassware and china, etc etc as well. And the volunteer customer service associates are so kind and helpful and friendly. They always help me out when I come. Nowhere quite like this place that I have experienced in NOVA. read more

It seems like a lot of the good housewares or kitchen items get bought by the staff. I've been multiple times now with items purchased on the counter by employees. I've been in quite a number of times and I generally get the sense that things are picked over as there are rarely any type of "hidden gem" and if there is, it's typically priced accordingly. read more

**This review is based on a beginner's experience as a thrift shopper.** I'm exploring the idea of becoming a thrifter (not sure if that's the proper term). My experience at Second Chance thrift store gave me hope that I can make this a hobby. Second Chance is off of Chain Bridge Road in Fairfax,VA. It's in a brick building that resembles a house. If driving, look for Hard Rock Cafe. I passed the building 2 times trying to find it. I just parked and eventually ran into it. The staff is super friendly and helpful. It was a little awkward walking into the building. I knocked first, like I was entering someone's home (lol). The layout of the space is pretty simple. Art, toys, books, menswear, purses/bags and a few other random things are downstairs. Women and children clothes are upstairs. *Alert* Common misconception: Although there are great pieces in thrift shops, there is a possibility you may not find it that day. Meaning, if you think you will walk away with all these inexpensive and unique pieces, think again. Don't get me wrong, someone's junk/gently used item is another person's treasure. However, come open minded. I find a variety of out of season clothing (5-10 years in fashion trend) to newly out of season items (less than 3 years). Here's what I discovered and purchased: Lauren Ralph Lauren sweater- $4 H&M blazer- $5 Binder-$1 Folder organizer- $1 750 pieces puzzle- $3 I thought this was a steal!! I'm still learning what to look for. I know that wool, satin, 100% cotton and silk items are good pieces to have. However, it's still summer and they have a lot of summer pieces that they are trying to get rid of. I appreciate the quality of these items. I didn't find any holes or stains in their clothes (unlike other stores that take anything). Only negative I could find about this store is that it's quite small and the bathroom was not as clean as I would like. The bathroom is also the fitting room and it's located downstairs. If you are in the area, it's worth exploring. I will try again in the fall. read more

Humane Society Second Chance Thrift Store - Thrift Stores Near Me - Fairfax, Virginia

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This is our go-to thrift shop. We shop and donate here. There are two parking lots associated with this store so there's lots of parking. Inside is a bit more crowded but that means it's jam-packed with items which the volunteers keep current - for example if Christmas is coming they'll have all their Christmas stuff out and well displayed so it's easy to see. Items move fast here so if there's something you see that you want, you better pick it up as it may be gone the next time you visit! We've found some amazing deals here and look forward to our next visit. read more

This store reopened again in 2021 - but Yelp has it incorrectly marked as closed. One of my favorite gems in the area for thrifting!!!

Tucked in an unassuming brick house on 123 right in downtown old Fairfax. There is a small parking lot accessible to 123. The larger parking lot is accessible from around the corner. The hours are a little shirt for people who work. Second Chance is run to support the Fairfax chapter of the Humane Society. Second chance accepts high quality donations. Make sure everything works and has all of the parts. Clothing must be current in the last few years and must be clean. They take just about anything. When you enter and start looking around you will know why they only want the best. 99% of what they sell is awesome! The space is a bit on the small side which is why they can't just accept everything. I actually make two donation piles: one for here and one for everyone else. The pricepoints fo from $1 to a few hundreds. Every day there are different things in sale. Join the mailing list to find out when and what they are. Here are my reasons for give 5 stars: 1. Tons of vintage everything from clothes that dishes and accessories 2. Volunteers are friendly and helpful 3. The place is always packed with both great things and people 5. Karen, the manager/director is so incredibly amazingly no. She lives her job but also likes raising money to help the cats, dogs, and horses. 6. They have a small bathroom where you can try in things and it is kept really clean 7. They take credit cards And 8. They will help you carry your donations in for your and they will help carry out your purchases too! Honestly it is pretty small but I don't think i have ever left without buying something. read more

This is a very small, curated shop that supports homeless pets--hooray! There is a small parking lot next to the shop entrance. When you enter, the shop is divided into themed rooms and levels: downstairs is the men, housewares, and seasonal rooms; upstairs are the women and children sections. There isn't a lot of space to move about; definitely is not wheelchair-accessible. In my browsing, I found that most items were a lot pricier than most other thrift stores I've been to. I think that's reasonable for some items if they're new with tags (NWT). But a well used Lane Bryant sweater for $25 or a heavily flaked non-stick fry pan for $15 (a health and safety risk) is coo-coo bananas! I love thrifting, I am committed to fostering and adopting older rescue animals, but...this shop missed the mark for me. read more

I love this place! As other reviews have mentioned, the proceeds go to the Humane Society. This is an awesome organization run by really nice people, and it basically feels like a thrift store in a house, so everything is really charming and adorable. Beyond the fact that it's a good cause, I've had some LEGIT good finds here. Like those $150 LL Bean boots--for $10. These insanely awesome red pumps--$3. A cute Urban Outfitters jean jacket--$3. I don't know what it is about this place, but I always seem to have luck here. Maybe it's because of the hours. Since I'm fortunate enough to sometimes be out of work around 3:15, it doesn't bother me that they close at 4. For those who work later, I'd recommend going there on a weekend. It's really worth a visit! read more

Well it was smelling when I walked in. So so for items available. A little cramped in some spaces. The staff not very friendly. No greetings when I walked in , no " may I help you"at any time. The good thing was there clothes in put in meat size order. No fitting rooms. Shows place Willy billy everywhere. read more

Lots of bargains in a historic location, well-organized - I never leave empty-handed. Friendly, helpful staff reflect well on the management team. Wish they were open longer hours - I think much of that relies on volunteers, so kudos to them for keeping this hidden gem sparkling. read more

All proceeds benefit the Humane Society which is conveniently located upstairs from this basement location. The first of two, Second Chance 2, it is also the smaller and less well known. They often are overfilled with unwanted goods priced right but you may have to search for the real treasure. Mostly books and lady's (mature adult) clothing. They have a room of kids toys and books that are great buys. And all the games I saw had all the pieces. Completely fun by volunteers, please be kind and patient. Parking in private lot by building but drive slow, the driveway will be on your left and is hard to see if you are coming from downtown Fairfax. I purchased: a full freezer bad of toy trucks, cars, planes, helicopters, etc. for $2.50; two books for $1.50; a lovely shadow box copper coated Magnolia leaf wall hanging for $10 (50% off); an unpainted hand sculpted recreation of the smoking caliper from Alice in Wonderland about the size of my hand for $1; and empty picture frames with molds for $3. All told I spent about $25 and had so much the woman was kind enough to help me to my car with my bags. It made me feel extra fuzzy to know the money was going to the homeless animals whom hold a special place in my heart. read more

Give animals a second chance while spending your money. I've been coming to this place since 2007. EVERYTHING in there is from donations, every dime goes towards the rescue of animals and every person is a volunteer (they do not get paid). When I used to live down the street years ago, I went there every week. I also have donated things over the years. I used to stop by here and there to socialize with the cats in the shelter... the kitties are sometimes alone in a room and are happy to have human company. Give it a chance. It's a lovely place! read more

Wife and I stopped in here today to have a look around the store, and was surprised as to how small it is! When we walked in, the woman behind the counter was talking to another woman and did not acknowledge us for fear of having to stop talking to actually help someone that may want to buy something. We looked around a bit, and saw some of the prices were higher than what other thrift stores. Not much in the way of items to buy here, and felt like it needed a cleaning as well. Hopefully they can train the woman behind the counter to stop talking I'm guessing her friend and to actually meet and greet customers which is more important, then maybe we'll come back here. And as we left, there no 'Have a nice day, and hope to see you soon.' 'Goodbye'. Nothing. Need to train the staff better here. read more

Cool place. 100% of the proceeds go to the animals so this deserves 5 stars alone. Nice finds and they have promotions and sales at select times. I just wish they were open later instead of closing at 4 during the weekdays. read more

I have donated TONS of stuff to this thrift shop. Why? I think their cause is amazing. All of their money goes directly to helping animals, no middle man needed. Their selection is always very eclectic but I almost ALWAYS leave with something to take home. The prices can be a little high for most thrift stores, but honestly I don't feel bad spending a little more to support animals, because half of my pets have come from the humane society so you have to pay it forward. read more

Charming little shop housed in an old home/apt. building. Better quality selections than others and fair pricing. Tight to move about but adds to the cozy charm. Proceeds go to Humane Society. Off street parking too. read more

I have been going there at least every other week to shop and to donate housewares, clothing items, jewelry, etc. for years. Karen, the manager, and the other women working there are all wonderful volunteers who do a super job displaying all the wares. I love the room of kitchenware and almost always find something unique. They have a way of arranging the items so that they can be easily matched with one another. I never get tired of perusing all the interesting items. There is a large jewelry case with really nice earrings and bracelets that seem to be handmade just for this shop. I love the fact that I'm supporting needy animals every time I walk in there. read more

This is a great store. I have been there lots of times to buy for my granddaughter and others. they sell everything but fur and furniture. They are located in a small antique house next to the Fairfax County Humane Society Hdqtr's The place is clean with good prices, lots of everything including antiques, clothes, and housewares. Money goes to the animals. read more

Not sure why Brian H. was upset over not being shown around a small store unless he is as unobservant as he is egotistical. I have never had a problem with the staff at Second Chances nor the prices -- after all, it is a charity and goes to help save animals. A+ store, 5 stars all around so long as Brian H. isn't around. read more

Very nice! The staff was friendly and helpful. The building was clean and organized. Very impressive:)

I love this place! I live part of the year in NOVA and make sure I get here as often as I can. Very nice selections attractively displayed. I make sure I bring the very best of stuff I'm donating here as they are a fabulous charity!!!!! read more