College is a time for self-exploration and finding oneself. Whether students are decorating their own apartment or preparing for their first night out, there are so many ways to learn about their likes and dislikes. However, to do this on a student budget can be tricky. Thankfully, Auburn has no shortage of thrift stores carrying everything possible, from t-shirts to kitchenware to CDs.
Thrifty Lizard
Thrifty Lizard is open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Located on South Donahue, Thrifty Lizard has two stories of gently used items. On the first floor, customers can find clothes and larger pieces of furniture. One of the store’s personal touches is their themed racks, such as new albums or staff picks. This week, one of the racks is inspired by musician Sombr’s new album, “I Barely Know Her."
Upstairs, the left wall focuses on formal clothing, including suits and wedding gowns. The right side features smaller furniture, appliances, children’s toys and pet supplies. Spanning across the entire second floor is Thrifty Lizard’s selection of dishware and mugs from various cities and events.
Life Savers Mission Thrift
Life Savers Mission Thrift carries clothes, furniture, household goods and vintage finds, such as newspaper issues of the Birmingham Post-Herald from the 1970s. Life Savers is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
In the thrift store's expansive building on East University, customers are first greeted with the sound of a TV playing classic shows, like Petticoat Junction. The center of the store is focused on clothing for men, women and children. Life Savers also has walls of books, home decorations and jewelry.
All proceeds from the store benefit Life Savers Ministries. Founded in 1996, Life Savers Ministries focuses on supporting at-risk children in the Auburn-Opelika area by engaging with them in the Saturday-Sunday school program each week.
In support of its mission, Life Savers Mission Thrift accepts donations of gently used items until 4 p.m. every day that the store is open. Those who want to donate can drop off their items at the store or call for pickup.
Harvest Thrift
Harvest Thrift is open Monday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. This thrift store is only a five-minute drive away from Life Savers Mission Thrift.
“Harvest Thrift started as people donating to the good,” said Rusty Parrish, store manager of Harvest Thrift.
When the founder of Harvest Thrift, Pastor Rick Hagans, first began his ministry and outreach in 1985, he realized that the community’s homeless population was in need. As Hagans preached to local homeless individuals and provided them a place to stay, other community members began donating clothes, home goods and toys until there were enough supplies to start a thrift store.
“Every penny made here goes to fund the ministries, like His Place, Hosana Home and Rick Hagan's Pulpit Ministry,” said Parrish.
Founded by Hagans and operated through his ministry, Harvest Evangelism, these organizations support those in the Auburn-Opelika community struggling with addiction and substance abuse.
“Each day here is full of new, exciting things,” said Summer Williams, an employee at Harvest Thrift.
Harvest Thrift has everything and more, including rows of Christmas decorations, an entire room dedicated to children's books and clothes in every style and size.
Plato’s Closet
Plato’s Closet primarily caters to the young adults of Auburn. The store is organized by color, size and style. There are entire sections dedicated to game day pieces, denim and clothing from name brands like Nike and Lululemon.
“The game day section is always the bomb,” said Chloe Dykes, customer at Plato’s Closet.
Plato’s Closet is a resale store that buys gently used clothes from customers. Across from the Auburn Mall, the store is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day except Sunday. On Sunday, the store opens at 11 a.m. and closes at 6 p.m.
To sell to the store, community members can drop off their unwanted clothes during operating hours. Sellers can return to pick up their cash and unchosen items once the staff has sorted through their clothes. While all pieces are welcome, the Auburn location is currently asking for t-shirts, athletic shorts, jeans and shoes.
Salvation Army
Auburn’s Salvation Army has prices that cannot be beat. The Salvation Army is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays. Located on Opelika Road, Salvation Army carries a wide selection of products to choose from, including appliances, home decorations and clothing.
Proceeds made to the Salvation Army go towards adult rehabilitation centers, supporting those suffering from substance addiction all over the country.
Auburn’s expansive thrift store scene provides students the option to shop sustainably and affordably. Stores like Harvest Thrift, Life Savers Mission Thrift and Salvation Army give back to the community with each purchase, while Plato’s Closet and Thrifty Lizard focus on providing customers with affordable access to trendy, gently used items. Whether they are looking for inexpensive clothing, hoping to collect vintage trinkets or even wanting to benefit a local nonprofit, residents can explore a wide range of second-hand shopping options in Auburn.
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Layla Hyatt, sophomore double majoring in journalism and public and professional writing, is from Mobile, Alabama. She has been with The Auburn Plainsman since the fall of 2025.
