There are few things more satisfying than discovering a hidden gem.
Whether it be in life, in love or on the shelves of a thrift shop, finding a forgotten treasure is a particular kind of thrill.
It is a good thing for treasure thrill seekers then, that the North Coast has a veritable trove of gems waiting to be unearthed.
We took a wander through some of the local thrift stores to see what was on offer and which you should turn to depending on what you need.
Read on for our guide of five local stores and let us know where we should visit next.
Second Chance Umhlali
Old Main Road, Umhlali | secondchanceumhlali.co.za | 084 872 0000.
Second Chance is the undisputed king of thrift stores on the North Coast, with three separate storefronts taking over a fair portion of the main drag through Umhlali.
The wide range of goods on show and focus on quality meant there was little surprise when Second Chance was voted as ‘Best Thrift Shop’ in the Best of Ballito 2024 awards.
At the main store in the old railway station, you can find furniture options galore, alongside kitchen appliances, kitchenware and glassware.
Visit for a wide bed selection and an excellent range of outdoor and indoor furniture.
In the secondary store next to the Ringside Boxing Gym, you can expect more antiques and some of the better clothing at Second Chance.
Find everything from lamps and artwork to vintage trinkets and Halloween decorations.
The final storefront is around the corner next to Cindy’s, which offers clothing, curtains and towels.
This is a great option for low-cost adult and children’s clothing, with other fabric options and pillows available too.
The Vintage Barn
Collisheen Precinct, behind Sugar Rush Park | thevintagebarn.co.za | 065 665 6995.
The Vintage Barn is the ideal place to visit to add some colour to your man cave, with new and second-hand decorations on every shelf.
Entering the Vintage Barn is like looking back through time as you walk through what feels like 50s Americana, and it has the stock to boot.
Hosted in an actual reclaimed barn behind Sugar Rush Park, the store is the best place to find posters, signs, records, old comic books and more.
There is even an arcade corner with neon lighting and the barn has its own restaurant too. There is also a smaller book and clothing collection.
Visit it to find unique items that will make your man cave the envy of many.
Castaway Love
Shop 22A, Ballito Lifestyle Centre | 083 256 0282.
If you are looking to upgrade your wardrobe, but want to stay environmentally friendly and within budget, then Castaway Love is the thrift store to visit.
It is the place to find pre-loved clothing items that are excellent quality and in style.
The majority of the clothing they keep is women’s but there is a small selection of menswear too, so you should be able to convince your boyfriend to come along.
You can also find shoes and some decor items, all of which will add to the quality of your wardrobe or home interior.
Castaway Love has been active in a few different locations across the North Coast since 2013, but now calls the Lifestyle Centre home.
The Dog Box Dolphin Coast SPCA Charity Shop
Balvista Centre, 22 Sandra Road, Ballito | 031 579 4352.
The Dog Box is a charity store staffed by volunteers that raises money for the Durban and Coast SPCA.
It is completely reliant on donations for its stock, so the offering is dependent on what has been donated.
Good quality second hand items are always wanted, so keep them in mind next time you’re looking to give something away.
As for what is on offer, the Dog Box has undoubtedly the best book and DVD selection of the local charity stores.
Find cook books, novels, non-fiction and more alongside a selection of clothing, homeware products and some good Halloween costumes.
Woman on a Mission Charity Shop
25 Sandra Road, Ballito | 082 418 9648.
Woman on a Mission is similarly led by a desire to help others and is also stocked by community donations.
There are plenty of interesting things to be found on its shelves, including some genuinely unique items not seen anywhere else.
Are you looking for a full set of bowls trophies, for example, or perhaps some ice skates?
The latter forms part of Woman on a Mission’s best stocked collection – sporting equipment.
You can grab a set of golf clubs, tennis rackets, bike helmets, rugby scrum caps and much more, including a selection of books and DVDs too.
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