Tucked away in Brooklyn at 1 12th Street, Big Reuse is one of New York City’s most exciting thrift stores that savvy shoppers are desperately trying to keep under wraps. This nonprofit store sells salvaged and surplus building materials, furniture, appliances, books, clothing, and so much more at prices that will make your jaw drop.
With a 4.3-star rating and hundreds of happy customers, it’s no wonder bargain hunters keep coming back week after week. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast, a budget-conscious decorator, or just someone who loves the thrill of the hunt, Big Reuse in Brooklyn is absolutely worth a visit.
A Treasure Trove of Salvaged Building Materials
Walk through the doors of Big Reuse and you’ll immediately understand why contractors and DIYers treat this place like a well-guarded secret. Old doors, window frames, sinks, faucets, and architectural elements line the shelves at a fraction of retail prices.
For anyone tackling a home renovation on a tight budget, this is basically a goldmine hiding in plain sight.
Reviewers have mentioned finding kitchen and bathroom cabinetry, paints, hardware, and even lumber cut-offs perfect for weekend projects. One customer described it as a “great resource for DIY or budget rehab, while keeping items out of landfills.” That dual mission of savings and sustainability makes every purchase feel extra rewarding.
Prices can vary, so it pays to visit often since stock changes daily. Knowing what you need before you arrive helps you move quickly and snag the best pieces before anyone else does.
Furniture Finds That Would Cost a Fortune Elsewhere
One longtime shopper shared an almost unbelievable story about finding a real burled wood dresser with marquetry inlay in perfect condition, plus two stunning Federal-styled yellow pine bookcases, all at Big Reuse. Pieces like those would command serious money at antique shops or auction houses, yet here they showed up on the floor at bargain prices.
The furniture selection at Big Reuse is genuinely unpredictable, which is part of its charm. Filing cabinets, chairs of every style, dressers, and bookshelves rotate through constantly.
Shoppers who visit frequently get the best picks, especially since items sell fast when the price is right.
Some pieces may need minor repairs or a fresh coat of paint, but for someone with a little creativity and elbow grease, that only adds to the fun. Think of each imperfect find as a future showstopper waiting to happen.
Books Galore for Every Kind of Reader
Book lovers, prepare yourself. Big Reuse has one of the most surprisingly impressive book sections of any thrift store in New York City, and it keeps growing.
Reviewers have raved about walking out with stacks of titles for just a few dollars each, including classics, rare finds, and popular reads.
One customer picked up “The Power Broker” and “My Brilliant Friend” for next to nothing, while another described the book department as a heaven for old and antique titles. The selection spans genres from fiction and history to art and DIY, making it easy to lose track of time browsing the shelves.
Staff have noted that the book department is actively expanding, which means each visit could yield something completely new and unexpected. For anyone who believes a great book should never cost a fortune, this section alone makes the trip to Brooklyn totally worthwhile.
Clothing That Keeps Rotating Fresh
The clothing section at Big Reuse may be smaller compared to dedicated clothing thrift stores, but what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in turnover speed. Stock rotates frequently, meaning every visit has the potential to surprise you with something brand new on the rack.
Prices here are notably more reasonable than many other NYC thrift shops, which is saying something in a city where even secondhand shopping can feel expensive. Shoppers have reported finding stylish pieces without the inflated price tags that haunt trendier resale boutiques in Manhattan or Williamsburg.
The key to scoring the best clothing finds is visiting regularly and being open-minded. You might not find exactly what you planned for, but you could stumble across something even better.
Bring a little patience and a sense of adventure, and the clothing section will rarely disappoint a determined thrifter.
Prices So Low They Seem Almost Unreal
Forget paying full price. At Big Reuse, some items are priced in cents, and most everyday household goods rarely exceed a few dollars.
One reviewer mentioned mugs, utensils, cups, and recycled items available for as little as $1.50, making it one of the most wallet-friendly shopping experiences in all of New York City.
Picture frames for $2.49, books for under a dollar, and furniture pieces that would run hundreds elsewhere available for a fraction of the cost. Those kinds of deals are what keep bargain hunters loyal to this Brooklyn gem year after year, rain or shine.
Of course, pricing can sometimes feel inconsistent, and a few reviewers have noted that certain larger appliances seem priced higher than expected. Still, for the sheer volume of affordable finds available on any given day, Big Reuse remains one of the best bang-for-your-buck destinations in the borough.
A Nonprofit Mission That Makes Shopping Feel Good
Shopping at Big Reuse is not just about saving money. Every purchase supports a nonprofit organization committed to sustainability, community engagement, and keeping usable items out of landfills.
That feels meaningfully different from dropping cash at a chain retailer or a for-profit resale shop.
The store even partnered with local artists on a zero-waste mural project, reflecting a deep commitment to the neighborhood and the environment. Customers who donate items know their old belongings will find new homes rather than ending up in a dumpster, which adds a feel-good layer to the whole experience.
Composting classes are also available through the organization, showing that Big Reuse thinks beyond just selling stuff. It genuinely wants to build a more sustainable community in Brooklyn and beyond.
For shoppers who care about where their money goes, this nonprofit model turns every bargain into something worth feeling proud about.
Friendly Staff Who Make the Experience Worthwhile
Customer service at a thrift store might not be the first thing you think about, but at Big Reuse it genuinely stands out. Reviewers have singled out staff members by name, with one customer going out of their way to praise Maric and Andrew for their unparalleled patience and communication over several months of complicated scheduling.
Another shopper called out store manager Fred as the best in the business, crediting him with making every visit feel like a personalized antiquing adventure. Even the cashier got a shoutout from one reviewer who said she “had me in stitches” with her humor during checkout.
Of course, no workplace is perfect, and a handful of reviews mention inconsistent experiences. But the overwhelming majority of customers leave feeling welcomed and well-treated.
That kind of human connection is surprisingly rare in retail and makes Big Reuse feel like a neighborhood institution rather than just a store.
Donation Drop-Off That Helps the Whole Community
Got stuff you no longer need? Big Reuse makes donating incredibly easy and genuinely impactful.
The store accepts a wide range of household items, furniture, building materials, books, clothing, and more, giving your unwanted belongings a second life instead of a landfill fate.
The store even offers a pickup service for larger items, which is a game-changer for anyone who has ever struggled to haul a heavy dresser down three flights of Brooklyn stairs. One reviewer enthusiastically recommended this service for people who want to declutter without the logistical headache.
One important heads-up from regular donors: paint donations are only accepted until 5 PM daily, so plan accordingly. The store runs largely on community generosity, with some staff members even volunteering their time.
Treating the space and the team with respect goes a long way in keeping this wonderful resource available for everyone in the neighborhood.
Appliances and Home Goods at Bargain Rates
Need a stove or a washer but cannot stomach new appliance prices? Big Reuse stocks secondhand appliances alongside an eclectic mix of home goods including sinks, toilets, kitchen gadgets, tableware, and more.
For someone outfitting a first apartment or flipping a fixer-upper, the savings can be genuinely significant.
That said, a few seasoned reviewers offer a fair warning: used appliances come without warranties or guarantees that they will work perfectly. One experienced furniture salvager noted that a washer or stove priced around $350 carries real risk without any proof of functionality.
Going in with realistic expectations matters here.
For smaller home goods like bowls, mugs, and kitchen tools, however, the value is hard to beat. Even pet owners have found the store useful, with one regular shopper picking up food and water bowls for neighborhood stray cats at almost no cost.
Small wins add up fast at Big Reuse.
Records and Media for the Vintage Obsessed
Vinyl lovers and media collectors have quietly discovered that Big Reuse is one of Brooklyn’s best-kept secrets for records, CDs, and other media. Tucked alongside the books, the media section offers an ever-changing selection that rewards those who visit regularly and dig with patience.
One reviewer casually mentioned walking away with stacks of records without even really trying, which speaks to just how well-stocked this section can be. Given the current vinyl revival sweeping New York’s music scene, finding quality records at thrift store prices feels almost rebellious in the best possible way.
The stock rotates unpredictably, so there is no guarantee of what you will find on any particular visit. That randomness is actually half the fun.
Whether you collect jazz, classic rock, soul, or spoken word, the odds are good that a return visit to Big Reuse will eventually deliver something worth spinning.
A Massive Space That Rewards Exploration
First-time visitors often describe walking into Big Reuse as a bit overwhelming, and honestly, that reaction makes total sense. The store is enormous, packed from floor to ceiling with an almost dizzying variety of items.
One reviewer compared it to a treasure hunt where you have no idea what you are looking for until you suddenly find it.
The layout can feel chaotic, with some areas nearly impossible to fully organize given the sheer volume of donations coming in daily. But that organized chaos is exactly what makes browsing so addictive.
Around every corner there is something unexpected waiting to catch your eye.
Practical tip from veteran shoppers: bring a portable fan during summer visits since the space can get warm. Also, the entrance is off 12th Street near the Lowe’s parking lot on the east side, not the entrance closest to the subway.
Knowing this small detail saves a lot of unnecessary walking.
Discount Board and Online Shopping Options
Savvy shoppers at Big Reuse know to check the discount board posted near the front of the store every time they visit. Updated biweekly, this board highlights rotating sales and special pricing across various categories, giving regulars an edge when hunting for the best deals of the day.
Beyond in-store browsing, Big Reuse also offers online shopping, which is a surprisingly underutilized feature that many customers do not even know about. This means you can potentially snag something special without making the trip to Brooklyn, though nothing quite replaces the experience of physically exploring the store in person.
Seasonal sales add another layer of savings throughout the year, and prices tend to shift with supply. The golden rule here, echoed by multiple longtime regulars, is simple: if you see something you love, grab it immediately.
Items move fast, and waiting even a day often means losing out for good.
Dog-Friendly Shopping and Community Perks
Here is a detail that genuinely sets Big Reuse apart from most thrift stores in New York City: it is dog-friendly. Bring your four-legged companion along for the treasure hunt, because they are welcome inside the store.
For Brooklyn dog owners, this small perk makes a spontaneous Saturday visit so much more enjoyable.
Beyond the canine welcome mat, Big Reuse offers community programming including composting classes, making it a hub for environmentally minded locals who want to learn as well as shop. Pet supplies also occasionally appear in the inventory, adding another reason for animal lovers to browse regularly.
The store operates seven days a week from 10 AM to 7 PM, giving flexible shoppers plenty of windows to visit without rushing. With free-roaming pups, rotating community events, and a staff that genuinely cares about the neighborhood, Big Reuse feels less like a store and more like a Brooklyn institution worth protecting.
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