Kolkata has always been cost-effective, not only for food and transportation but also for clothing. And to be honest, this city was already crowded with stores offering everything from clothing to furnishings at significantly reduced rates before thrifting became trendy. High-end fashion houses? Charming. But local street markets and thrift shops here? Better than ever. From New Market to modern local street markets selling pre-loved couture, these top thrift and second-hand stores reflect the city's grace without breaking the bank.
10 Thrift Stores In Kolkata For Amazing Budgeted Finds
Top Thrifting And Budget Friendly Stops In Kolkata
College Street Market
With its lanes of used books, rare first editions, and ageless classics arranged at a stretch of 900 metres, College Street is nothing short of a bookworm's utopia. Being the biggest used book market in the world, it's for people who love the smell of old books and the excitement of finding a good deal. Once you've stuffed your tote full of books, only to have them added to your TBR, the famous Indian Coffee House awaits you with a conversation on every topic. A dreamer, a thinker, or just someone who amasses more books than they can read, College Street is your safe house. Know the names of significant distributors who will give you substantial discounts on the books you want, and you're all set!
Timings: 11 AM - 7 PM. Closed on Sundays.
How To Reach: The nearest metro stations are Central and MG Road. It's a 5-minute walk onwards.
Pro Tip: Here are some other bookstores in Kolkata you will fall in love with.
Esplanade Market
People who frequent the Maidan market say it is probably the largest sports goods bazaar in Asia. It began as a market sometime in the 1950s for cloth merchants who migrated from across the border following the partition of Bengal. Today, it houses a vast number of shops selling a wide range of sports items. Cricket bats, gloves, wrist supports, footballs, football shoes, jerseys, hockey sticks, and more. The pavement opposite the Maidan market is lined with stalls selling junk jewellery, books, leather goods, remakes of the latest and in-trend shirts, eyewear, watches, and cargo pants. You can pick up an entire outfit with accessories for under INR 1,000 here. Also, check out Foreign Publishers Agency, a one-of-a-kind bookstore on the footpath near the Grand Hotel. If you know what you’re looking for, you’ll find some great books on sociology, film studies, literary criticism and many other technical subjects.
Timings: 10 AM - 9 PM
How To Reach: The best option is to take the metro train to Esplanade metro station or Maidan Metro Station.
LBB Tip: You can also check out Shahid Minar or Tipu Sultan Mosque, or eat at The Lalit Great Eastern. It has some delectable bakery treats.
Russell Exchange House
Since its founding in 1940, the Russell Exchange has been one of Asia's oldest auction houses. However, it's not only a place for collectors. It's full of unique artefacts, vintage tales, and a typical historic charm. The company started when Russell, the original owner, sold it to the great-grandfather of the current proprietors. You can get anything from old cassettes to colonial furniture and antiquated cameras. It's where Kolkata's past and present collide, with collectors and newcomers alike seeking a piece of the city's rich history. Previously a favoured spot for filmmaker Satyajit Ray, this secluded neighbourhood on Russell Street offers a unique blend of history, art, and intrigue, making it an ideal destination for anyone wishing to experience the city in a different light.
Timing: Mondays, 10 AM - 2 PM; Wednesdays to Saturdays, 10 AM - 7 PM. Sundays, 10 AM - 4 PM. Closed on Tuesdays.
Price: INR 20 - INR 1,50,000 onwards
Contact: 033 2229 8974
Google Rating: 4/5
Instagram: @the_russell_exchange
New Market
This entire market established the groundwork for being loud about local and thrifting before it became a fashion trend. Located on Lindsay Street, adjacent to Free School Street, is the New Market, formerly known as Sir Stuart Hogg Market. New Market is still the centre of Kolkata's shopping scene. The market is filled with pretty outfits, sunglasses, bags, shoes, beach and boho-inspired items, decor collections, and other affordable alternatives to luxury labels. However, if shopping sounds strenuous, you will definitely appreciate the numerous vintage stores this lane has to offer, ranging from vinyl stores to old cinema theatres.
Timings: 10 AM–8:00 PM. Closed on Saturdays.
How To Reach: If you're driving your own car, there is paid parking near the Esplanade and Roxy Cinema. When using Ola/Uber/In Drive facilities, please ensure your drop-off location is either the Oberoi Grand or the KMC building. You can also take a metro train to the Esplanade metro station.
Love Me Twice
During the pandemic, Love Me Twice, situated on Manohar Pukur Road, began as a single rack of secondhand products occupying a small portion of the Mono boutique. Founder Mridula Pai’s desire to contribute to a sustainable fashion world has transformed Love Me Twice into a full-blown thrift label, now occupying half the space in the boutique store. Carefully curated and thoroughly cleaned secondhand clothes and accessories from well-known brands — Allen Solly, Marks & Spencer’s, American Eagle, Zara, Gap, Millville USA, and more, and the closets of celebrities like Priyanka Bose and Karuna Ezara Parikh. Find a diverse range of dresses, tops, sarees, kurtis, shirts, co-ord sets, skirts, shorts, different kinds of pants, loungewear, ethnic wear, and more. Winter wear collection includes pullovers, jumpers, hoodies, vests, overcoats, and jackets. The label also stocks a range of colourful accessories, including earrings (oxidised, beaded, metal, and wooden ), neckpieces, rings, scarves, footwear, sunglasses, and bags, among other items.
Google Rating: 4.3/5
Timing: 11:30 AM - 8:30 PM. Closed on Mondays.
Price: INR 40 onwards for accessories and INR 200 onwards for clothing.
Contact: 09830611514
Instagram: @lovemetwicethriftstore
LBB Tip: An interesting thing about the thrift store is that they have something called a Swap Rack, where you can provide them with any two pieces of clothing from your wardrobe in exchange for a couple of pieces from theirs.
Fancy Market
The Fancy Market is one of Kolkata's most well-known marketplaces. Situated in Khidirpore, the market is a popular gathering spot for both residents and visitors. Renowned for offering a broad range of products, such as jewellery, clothing, and handicrafts, the market is an excellent spot for visitors to shop for gifts and souvenirs. It is expected that you would haggle with merchants over item prices.
Timing: 10:30 AM - 8 PM
How To Reach: You can walk to the Esplanade bus stop or Mayo Road. Travel to Khidirpur Crossing by CSTC Bus 37 or one of its variations. Fancy Market is only a short stroll from Khidirpur Crossing, where you can get off.
LBB Tip: Carry your umbrellas and be aware of the weather. The market tends to shut down during heavy rainfall.
Burra Bazar
Visit the lanes of Burra Bazar—India's largest wholesale market. An estimated 50,000 buyers and dealers visit the market every day. The majority of lanes and by-lanes, aside from the arterial route, are only eight feet wide and unbelievably crowded with cars and people vying for space. Separated into highly specialised sub-markets, such as Dhotipatti, Fancypatti, Tulapatti, Chinipatti, etc. Other divisions include Kothi, Chowk, and Katra. Satyanarayan AC Market, Banstalla Street, Kalakar Street, and Bagri Market. Amartalla Street is a playground for everyone, so if you have children or younger siblings and are unsure of what to get them, consider buying a few soft toys or more. Cotton Street in the area should satisfy your synthetic saree requirements. Ezra Street and Pollock Street should be your first stop for all things electricity, lighting, and electric appliances. Chitpur is a jumble of everything in the kitchen. Strand Road is where you'll find all the hardware appliances.
Timing: 9 AM - 8 PM
How To Reach: You can take the metro to Mahatma Gandhi Road or Chandni Chowk, then walk. You can also ride various buses to the Burra Bazar station.
Gariahat Market
Gariahat is the place to go if you want shoes, purses, kurtis, and sarees at prices that will make you wonder about everything. This is the perfect location to showcase your bargaining skills and shop for items priced from INR 10 to INR 20 and beyond. Gariahat is also the place to go if you're looking for gifts for your buddies. You will find a place in your heart for everything you purchase if you enjoy collecting unique items and know what you want. Aesthetic kitchenware? Gariahat has you covered. Pinterest night lamps? They have it.
Timing: 11 AM - 8 PM. Closed on Sundays.
How To Reach: The nearest metro stations are Kalighat and Rabindra Sarobar.
LBB Tip: Do not miss out on the Gariahat Chess Club. It is located directly beneath the flyover and is classified as a heritage spot. First-time guests are welcome to play without restriction. If you wish to visit frequently, you can become a member by paying an annual fee of INR 500. There are 13 tables with laminated chessboards in the space.
Hatibagan Market
This market is well-known for its reasonably priced home basic needs, fake jewellery, and ethnic clothing. You've come to the correct place if you're looking for a gorgeous saree that looks like a Sabyasachi without breaking the bank. Also, if you hear someone bartering expertly, know that they have mastered the art of Kolkatan negotiating. Make sure to refuel as you shop because the street-side phuchka (pani puri) here is legendary. Hatibagan offers the best bargains in Kolkata when it comes to shopping.
Timing: 10:30 AM - 10 PM
How To Reach: The nearest metro station is Shyambazar. You can book an Ola/Uber/Rapido service as well. Multiple buses go towards Hatibagan.
Dil Se, Spreading Happiness
The mission of Dil Se Happiness, a pre-owned multi-design store in Kolkata, is to assist the less fortunate members of society. Designer clothing donated from all around the nation is displayed in a 3,000-square-foot non-profit store. It is available for purchase at incredibly low costs. Prominent designers such as Santanu Goenka, Anjali and Arjun Kapoor, Tarun Tahiliani, Rashi Kapoor, and Sayantan Sarkar were among those who donated 95% of the sale revenues to various philanthropic causes through Dil Se Happiness. This is a win-win scenario! You purchase while also lending a hand! How awesome is that?
Timing: 10:30 AM - 6:30 PM. Closed on Sundays.
Price: INR 100 - INR 500 onwards
Instagram: @dilse_spreadinghappiness
