When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
Monarch Thrift Shop
Why Monarch Thrift Shop is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Monarch Thrift Shop, nestled in Chicago's Avondale neighborhood, stands out as more than just a retail space—it's a beacon of sustainability and community support since its founding in 2015 by Mireya Fouché and Christa Cauley. This women-owned, award-winning boutique thrift store spans 4,000 square feet and showcases an extensive collection of quality merchandise including women's and men's clothing, shoes, accessories, housewares, home decor, books, and select furniture pieces. Monarch’s strategic location on Milwaukee Avenue and its thoughtful curation reflect its commitment to accessibility and variety, catering to a diverse clientele. Its recent expansion in 2022 reflects its growing success and community presence. Beyond shopping, Monarch features an inspiring gallery space, partnered with One Heart One Soul, where customers can engage in creative expression through a community art wall. A significant highlight is the store’s dedication to sustainability—diverting nearly 50,000 pounds of donated goods from landfills in 2023 alone through creative partnerships, clothing swaps, and textile reuse initiatives. The store’s welcoming atmosphere includes family-friendly amenities such as stroller-friendly fitting rooms and a Monarch Kids section, inviting parents and children to enjoy the space comfortably. Most importantly, Monarch reinvests in the community by operating a robust job training program that empowers individuals facing barriers to employment, offering them mentorship, career skills training, and essential apparel for interviews. Monarch Thrift Shop unites environmentally conscious shopping with meaningful social impact, making it an ideal place for friends and neighbors to meet, shop, and support a worthy cause.
Here's what people think of Monarch Thrift Shop
As of recent, Monarch Thrift Shop holds a 4.5-star rating based on 114 reviews.
Reviews for Monarch Thrift Shop consistently praise the store’s unique blend of quality, variety, and social mission, contributing to its strong 4.5-star rating from 114 reviews. Customers highlight the store’s spacious and well-organized layout, which makes browsing a pleasant experience across diverse categories from designer goods to affordable essentials. Positive feedback often centers on the welcoming, inclusive atmosphere that reflects Monarch’s community values, especially its family-friendly environment and thoughtful customer service. Shoppers appreciate the wide-ranging merchandise, including stylish clothing and home decor, along with the engaging gallery space fostering creativity. The visible commitment to sustainability and social impact resonates deeply with patrons, who value supporting a business that provides job training and opportunities for those facing employment challenges. Negative reviews, while limited, occasionally mention pricing on certain high-end items and the boutique-thrift pricing model, which some find higher compared to typical thrift stores. A few customers have noted limited parking or busy store hours as minor inconveniences. However, these critiques generally reflect individual preferences rather than fundamental issues with the store’s mission or offerings. Overall, the reviews paint Monarch Thrift Shop as a beloved community hub where shoppers can find great deals, contribute to sustainability efforts, and support an organization dedicated to rebuilding lives through employment training. This consensus underscores Monarch’s role as both a retail destination and a positive social force.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Jordan Bellm
I just moved here from Denver and was lucky to find this shop. They have a great variety of clothes, household items and more for a fair price. The people here are also very friendly. I’ll definitely be a regular here!
Ouiyen Chaswald
I was walking past Saturday when they were closed and seen the yellow flower shirt in the window. I came back Sunday afternoon, one hour before closing and got it. Very nice store. Great sales. Definitely will come back.
Rachel Goat
They had a good selection and everything was well organized. Pretty decent location near other shops. If I lived in the area I would stop in again however I won’t be making the drive from the suburbs specifically for this store. Would recommend checking out if local though.
Jay
Hands down the best thrift around. Super reasonable pricing. Everything goes to a good cause. They have great deals on Wednesdays and Fridays. The staff is very friendly. Great selection of varied items that changes constantly. I appreciate that everything is sorted by size and color, which makes shopping a lot quicker. Super organized, especially for a thrift store. I donate a lot of clothes here too - a simple drop-off inside during store hours. No gatekeeping, I recommend this place to all of my friends. Monarch is a gem.
Alicia McNamara Grott
Terrible!!! When I came in I was told the whole store was 50 percent off. I asked to see three pieces of jewelry that were in a case. One wasn’t priced and they refused to sell it to me. Then I looked at some silverware. The lady asked if I wanted to see another box that was in a locked case. I said yes. And again, none of it had prices on it so she called a woman from the back. She said they needed to call someone at home to price it?!?! I said it was getting a little crazy. It wasn’t my fault!!! She said they didn’t want to overcharge me. Baloney!! I shopped around and saw they had other silverware that wasn’t priced. I brought it up to the cashier and told her that this wasn’t priced either. She kept telling me it was 50 percent off. She had already told me the whole store was 50 percent off so it made no sense. Then she said she meant 50 cents each. So if that was a set price why wasn’t the other?? I see the woman from the back come back out. So I come over to the desk. I’m hanging around and finally, I ask the woman what is going on. She tells me they can’t make a decision. This was stinking silverware!!! It was in a locked case!!! She offered it show it to me!! But they won’t sell it!!??? I volunteer at a thrift shop that is much better run!!! You are doing your charity an injustice!!!
How to reach Monarch Thrift Shop
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Why Monarch Thrift Shop may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Monarch Thrift Shop with your friends?
Monarch Thrift Shop offers a unique and rewarding place to gather with friends or family, combining the excitement of discovering stylish, affordable thrift finds with the opportunity to support a meaningful community cause. This women-owned, award-winning boutique thrift store is more than just a shopping destination—it is a vibrant community hub where visitors can connect, relax, and take part in engaging activities all under one roof. Its spacious 4,000 sq. ft. layout offers plenty of room to browse vast selections of clothing, accessories, housewares, and select furniture, making it ideal for groups who want to explore diverse styles and treasures together. Beyond shopping, Monarch Thrift Shop fosters a welcoming atmosphere that encourages socializing and learning, hosting creative workshops, yoga sessions, comedy shows, and co-working events. Every purchase you and your friends make goes directly to supporting Monarch’s vital job training programs for individuals overcoming barriers to employment, helping break cycles of youth homelessness and recidivism. Whether you want a fun outing, a chance to find fashionable goods, or a way to make a positive impact, Monarch Thrift Shop is the perfect rallying point for your group.
What activities can you enjoy as a group at Monarch Thrift Shop?
Monarch Thrift Shop offers an array of activities that make it an excellent venue for group meetups. First, there is the timeless thrill of thrift shopping—exploring expertly curated racks filled with trendy clothing, unique accessories, vintage home décor, and even elegant furniture pieces. Groups can turn the shopping experience into an adventure, sharing style tips and helping one another find hidden gems. Monarch recently opened Monarch Luxe, a section dedicated to “eclectic luxe” fashion, for those who appreciate circular fashion and high-end yet sustainable finds. Beyond simply shopping, Monarch hosts regular events and workshops that cater to community members seeking enriching experiences. For instance, group yoga sessions called Better Together community yoga provide a relaxing, healthy break with the added benefit of a 15% store discount afterward. Creative sessions like co-working with a creative pause invite groups to collaborate, paint, or craft in a supportive environment equipped with art supplies. These activities make Monarch not just a store but a lively social space. Special events such as holiday craft classes and comedy shows create festive, memorable outings, generating laughter and connection—all while supporting Monarch’s social mission.
Why is Monarch Thrift Shop perfect for group meetups?
Monarch Thrift Shop’s commitment to inclusion, community, and quality makes it an ideal spot for gatherings of friends or family. Its spacious, airy layout allows groups to roam freely without feeling crowded, and the store is stroller-friendly, inviting parents to bring little ones along without hassle. The friendly staff and community vibe foster a warm environment where groups feel comfortable browsing and socializing. Monarch’s unique positioning as both a retail and community space means that your meetup has meaning—every item purchased supports job training programs tailored to empower youth and individuals facing employment challenges. Hosting your group at Monarch offers a blend of fun shopping, purposeful giving, and meaningful interaction. Whether your group loves fashion, enjoys artistic hobbies, or seeks wellness activities, Monarch provides the kind of versatile experiences that suit diverse interests. Its events calendar is packed with engaging options like after-hours shopping parties, holiday fundraisers, personalized styling sessions, and more, all designed to bring people together. In addition, Monarch’s location in Chicago’s Avondale neighborhood adds local charm and easy accessibility for your friends to convene.
What makes Monarch Thrift Shop’s mission important for visitors?
Beyond its appealing environment and activities, Monarch Thrift Shop stands out because of its powerful social mission that resonates with many visitors. The shop dedicates profits to job skills training for individuals who face barriers to traditional employment, including youth and formerly incarcerated people. This means when your group shops or participates in events, you’re directly helping fund mentorship programs, interview apparel, professional certifications, and access to technology that help participants rebuild their lives with dignity and stability. Monarch provides a safe and supportive space not only for shoppers but also for the trainees who gain confidence and career skills through its programs. This focus on empowering people and breaking cycles of homelessness and recidivism amplifies the significance of every visit. Groups rallying at Monarch are not just enjoying a day out—they become part of a broader community effort focused on lasting social impact. This alignment of purpose and pleasure allows groups to feel good about their time spent together, knowing they are contributing to positive change while having a great experience.
How can Monarch Thrift Shop enrich your group’s experience with special events and workshops?
Monarch Thrift Shop enhances group meetups through its dynamic lineup of special events and workshops, curated to inspire, educate, and entertain visitors of all ages and interests. The shop hosts regular workshops that address creative pursuits such as crafting, art, and holiday card making for community causes. For example, participants in holiday craft classes have the chance to create greeting cards for incarcerated women, blending artistry with outreach. Comedy shows, like the Traveling Comedy Show, provide a lively and fun way for groups to share laughter while supporting the thrift shop’s mission. Yoga sessions offered in partnership with local organizations combine wellness with community-building, perfect for groups seeking a rejuvenating physical activity. The co-working with creative pause sessions offer a productive yet inspiring environment — perfect for groups looking to mix work with a splash of creativity in a relaxed setting. Monarch also regularly hosts after-hours shopping events, including stylish celebrations with live music or personal styling experiences. These thoughtfully planned activities turn ordinary meetups into memorable social gatherings that stimulate connections through shared interests and the joy of giving back.
What variety of products and shopping experiences does Monarch offer for your group?
Monarch Thrift Shop’s impressive merchandise selection ensures that every group member will find something exciting and affordable to take home. The store features a wide array of apparel, shoes, and accessories all carefully curated for style and quality. Its housewares and home décor offerings include unique vintage and trendy pieces, ideal for those who love decorating or seeking one-of-a-kind finds. Select furniture items allow buyers to furnish spaces creatively without breaking the bank. For shoppers wanting an elevated experience, Monarch Luxe delivers luxury with an eclectic twist, promoting circular fashion and sustainable trends. Monarch also caters to families by providing stroller-friendly fitting rooms and a dedicated kids’ art space, making it easy for parents and children to enjoy the visit together. Gift cards and certificates are available, allowing groups to gift items or support the shop’s mission in a flexible way. With such diverse offerings, Monarch enables group meetups to include shared style discoveries, fun fashion swaps, or gift-buying adventures, all while benefiting from great prices and the satisfaction of contributing to an ethical cause.
How does Monarch Thrift Shop’s community involvement benefit groups visiting there?
Monarch Thrift Shop’s deep community involvement enriches every group visit through a profound sense of connection and shared purpose. The shop actively partners with local organizations to provide mentorship, job training, and empowerment to marginalized populations. When groups gather at Monarch, they join a network that values inclusivity and social responsibility. Events often feature collaborations with community leaders and artists, giving visitors the chance to learn, interact, and contribute beyond shopping. Monarch’s commitment to producing events with social impact, such as fundraisers and special projects supporting incarcerated women or youth homelessness, makes every group activity meaningful. This environment of caring and activism offers groups a chance to engage not just socially but ethically, creating conversations and memories around giving back. Visiting Monarch is more than a retail experience—it's an invitation to be part of a collective effort for positive change, making group meetups thoughtful, purposeful occasions with lasting community benefits.