When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
Second Chance Thrift Shoppe
Why Second Chance Thrift Shoppe is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Second Chance Thrift Shoppe in Chicago offers a welcoming and community-driven environment that makes it a great place to meet up with friends and enjoy treasure hunting together. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 10am to 4pm, the shop provides an extensive selection of new and gently used clothing, housewares, collectibles, jewelry, books, electronics, toys, and linens. This variety ensures shoppers can discover unique items and bargain deals that cater to diverse tastes. The store's location on 10444 S. Kedzie Ave makes it accessible and convenient for casual visits or planned outings. The friendly atmosphere and thoughtful curation make the thrift shop an enjoyable social spot. Donors also have the opportunity to contribute to the community by dropping off quality donations on Thursdays and Saturdays, supporting a circular economy and reuse culture. The shop’s dedication to excluding soiled items and certain large or unsafe goods ensures that all offerings are in good condition, enhancing the shopping experience. Beyond shopping, Second Chance fosters connections through its thrift updates and exclusive offers, keeping the community engaged and informed. Altogether, Second Chance Thrift Shoppe represents an appealing destination to meet friends, explore affordable and sustainable purchases, and contribute positively to the local neighborhood.
Here's what people think of Second Chance Thrift Shoppe
As of recent, Second Chance Thrift Shoppe holds a 4.6-star rating based on 53 reviews.
User reviews of Second Chance Thrift Shoppe generally reflect a positive experience, with an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 53 reviewers, indicating strong customer satisfaction. Positive reviews often highlight the shop’s well-organized selection, friendly staff, and the variety of unique and quality items available at affordable prices. Shoppers appreciate the opportunity to find hidden gems and enjoy a pleasant, community-oriented atmosphere within the store. Many also praise the donation process as easy and well-managed, supporting sustainability efforts. On the other hand, some negative feedback points to intermittent issues such as limited parking, occasional stock inconsistency, or specific items being unavailable. A few customers expressed concerns related to the store’s handling of customer complaints, as noted by one complaint filed with the Better Business Bureau that remained unaddressed, which may have influenced the BBB’s D+ rating for trust. Despite these isolated issues, the overall sentiment remains very favorable due to the shop’s welcoming environment and positive impact on the community. In conclusion, Second Chance Thrift Shoppe stands out as a valuable local resource for thrift shoppers, offering a broad selection of items and a strong sense of community connection, with room for improvement in customer communication and complaint resolution.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Kevin Powers
The date of purchase was done on 05/16/2025 at 3:14 p.m. per my receipt I spent a total of $334.06 including taxes. The issue is that I was overcharged in the amount of $60.00 plus taxes of $6.15 a total of $66.15. When I got home and double checked my receipt I noticed Alaina overcharged me. This due to the following I purchased 11 baseball cards at $15.00 each a total of $165. Plus one $10.00 baseball card pack and two Star Trek cards at $5.00 each = $20. The total should have been $185 paid. But I was charged for 15 at $15.00 each = $225 Plus $20 a total of $245 I am owed a refund of 60.00 plus 10.25% tax rate taxes of $6.15. I have exhausted all my options sent emails, phone calls, went in person, Facebook messages, etc. I've attached pictures of what I purchased, numbered the items, as well as the total I was charged with the other items purchased, but for the baseball cards I was overcharged by 66.15 total. I have had my mother go in there twice they won’t correct the issue, Tina stated “she reviewed the cameras and I confirmed I had 15 packages, but as you can see with the picture I misunderstood it should have been 11 big boxes at $15.00 each, 1 at $10.00 each, and 2 at $5.00 each. Alaina said on 05/17/2025 she overcharged me offered me additional cards but I declined she said if you want a refund Tina the manger will assist when she returns from Urbana on vacation.” Tina stated she doesn’t know how do a refund and someone will call me but they haven’t and refused my refund and well as Jerry the executive director. I am very upset with the behavior of this business, the management, etc. they are very irate and rude towards us I usually go every weekend, to make donations and purchases with my mother and daughter. I am owed a refund on the card used my mom showed Tina the receipt and Jerry the receipt and they won’t assist. I never received a voicemail and will never shop there at this location again. I was overcharged $66.15. I was being honest of what took place to during my transaction, for “Tina to say she checked the cameras was truly ignorant. If you checked the cameras you should be able to show me how many boxes of card were placed into the bags!” I thought my transaction was correct, but after checking at home it was not. No one bothered to respond to my Facebook messages, emails, etc. At the end of the day I’m not the cashier and this isn’t the first time I’ve been overcharged at this location. Normally it’s for small amounts and I don’t worry about it but this was a $66.15 mistake. I paid for the purchase without an issue you should give me my refund without any issue. Picture with explanation below of what was in the case during my purchase. I didn’t think I would have to fight over something so dumb. I will no longer support and shop from this business moving forward and it’s a shame because I really did enjoy shopping at this store.
veresita Perez
I went to the Second Chance thrift shop after discovering it a few days ago. I bought a lot of stuff from them. I took a picture of a tree. I wanted. They told me they had 50% of all items on 11/30/2024. So I went on that day and bought tons of Christmas stuff, plus the tree I wanted. I realized when I got home, they had a price gouge me. From $30 to now $40, so in reality, there wasn’t anything half of they purposely increased the prices Very disappointed.
Hilda Ostby
Love this thrift shop! Very clean with good values and everything is displayed nicely. You are also supporting a good cause!
Regina Mays
The store is small, has a public bathroom, and a good book section. The rest of the store, although clean, didn’t offer much beyond luluroe level garments and goods. I was a disappointed when the woman at the cashier brought a hamper of bags to go out and wouldn’t let me see what she had to determine if I wanted to drive 35 minutes back tomorrow. And then she didn’t same thing with jewelry that was right at the cash register when I was leaving. While I was in this store for 30-40 minutes I only saw one other person shopping. A bird in hand is worth…. You know what I am saying. I won’t be back, nor will I post this on my social media.
Deborah Rogozinski
My favorite thrift store! So well organized and clean and the staff is amazing. Every time I come in with my daughter we leave with lots of treasures and a big smile on our faces. Great cause too. ❤️
How to reach Second Chance Thrift Shoppe
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Why Second Chance Thrift Shoppe may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Second Chance Thrift Shoppe with your friends? Because it transforms the usual group outing into a unique adventure full of discovery, creativity, and fun at an affordable price. This charming thrift store, boasting a 4.6 rating from over 50 reviews, offers much more than just bargain shopping—it’s a vibrant space where friends and family can connect over the thrill of the hunt for treasures both nostalgic and novel. Whether you want to dig through racks of vintage clothing, unearth quirky knickknacks, or scout for items to inspire a creative DIY project, Second Chance Thrift Shoppe provides the perfect backdrop. Its welcoming atmosphere encourages leisurely exploration and shared excitement, turning everyone into an eager participant in the hunt. Beyond shopping, it’s the spirit of community and the stories behind each item that make meeting here special—transforming a simple thrift store visit into a memorable social event. When you gather your crew here, you’re setting the stage for laughter, teamwork, and the joy of finding “that” perfect piece that none of you saw coming.
What activities can you enjoy at Second Chance Thrift Shoppe, and why is it ideal for a group meetup? One of the best group activities here is organizing a thrift store scavenger hunt. You can split your group into teams and give everyone a budget to find specific items from a curated list such as a quirky coffee mug, a vintage photo album, or the most unusual piece of clothing. This turns shopping into an engaging competition that fosters collaboration and strategic thinking. After the time limit, your group can gather to showcase discoveries, swap stories about their finds, and vote for the most creative or hilarious item. The store’s wide variety of merchandise, from homewares to apparel and collectibles, makes finding diverse items achievable and exciting. Plus, the affordable prices ensure your group can buy their finds without breaking the bank, allowing everyone to take home a little keepsake from the day. These scavenger hunts create a festive and playful atmosphere, ideal for friends seeking quality time together beyond the norm.
How can Second Chance Thrift Shoppe inspire creativity during your group meetup? Beyond a simple shopping trip, the thrift shop is a treasure trove for crafting and DIY projects that you and your friends can plan and start together. After collecting materials such as unique vases, old picture frames, or vintage fabrics, your group can embark on creative endeavors like upcycling, art collages, or personalized home decor. The store’s ever-changing inventory ensures new inspiration with every visit, offering endless possibilities to think innovatively and customize your finds. Working together on projects after shopping integrates fun with teamwork, strengthening bonds as you share ideas and skills. Moreover, crafting with thrifted items is environmentally friendly and budget-conscious, adding a feel-good element to your gathering. This blend of creativity and sustainability makes Second Chance Thrift Shoppe a compelling destination for groups who appreciate meaningful activities that go beyond the ordinary.
What makes Second Chance Thrift Shoppe a perfect place to socialize and bond with friends and family? The store’s layout encourages slow browsing and interaction, providing ample opportunities for conversation sparked by surprising or nostalgic items. You can reminisce about decades past while flipping through vintage books, laugh about the quirkiest apparel on the racks, or plan themed outfits together based on creative finds. Such shared experiences forge lasting memories and open new avenues for connection, making your meetup uniquely enjoyable. Furthermore, the staff are typically warm and knowledgeable, eager to share stories or help locate special pieces, adding a personal touch to the visit. Groups can also combine their thrift store adventure with coffee or treats if the store offers a small café corner or nearby eateries, rounding out the social experience. This combination of a comfortable shopping environment and welcoming community spirit cultivates a relaxed yet lively atmosphere ideal for groups of all ages.
How does shopping at Second Chance Thrift Shoppe support a larger purpose, enriching your group meetup? Beyond the fun and creativity, a visit here contributes to meaningful causes, as many thrift stores operate with the mission of helping local communities through charitable programs or support services. Your group’s purchases help sustain these initiatives, creating a positive social impact beyond your gathering. Knowing your outing benefits others adds depth to your experience, allowing your friends and family to feel part of something bigger while enjoying their day out. This sense of collective goodwill can make your meetup not only fun but also purposeful, inspiring future group activities with a socially responsible edge. Supporting Second Chance Thrift Shoppe thus aligns your group get-together with kindness and community engagement, values that resonate and strengthen bonds.
What other opportunities does Second Chance Thrift Shoppe offer for an engaging group experience? The store regularly features special events such as themed sales, workshops, or holiday-themed hunts that can add excitement and structure to a group visit. Participating in these events together lets you share in exclusive deals, learn new skills, or enjoy festive celebrations that enhance your time there. For larger groups, negotiating private shopping hours or coordinating volunteer opportunities with the shop could be another worthwhile pursuit, blending socializing with giving back. The diverse inventory also offers prospects for group challenges like fashion shows, DIY contests, or storytelling sessions centered on peculiar finds. These varied interactions ensure that repeat visits can offer fresh experiences, keeping the group united in shared discovery and fun.
In summary, Second Chance Thrift Shoppe stands out as an exceptional venue to rally your friends and family because it turns everyday shopping into an event full of adventure, creativity, and connection. Its variety of interesting and affordable items, welcoming environment, and opportunities for playful group activities like scavenger hunts and DIY projects make it a versatile and fun destination. The additional benefit of supporting charitable efforts adds a meaningful layer to your outing, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose. Whether for casual weekends or special occasions, this thrift shop is an enriching place to create memorable experiences with loved ones.