Geoffrey from New York

About me I travel to discover how people elsewhere live, how they manage living with low incomes in expensive cities, how they grapple with hard times and failing economies, how they deal with ageing or crumbling families and how they themselves age and adapt. Knowing and loving New York comes from having lived through many of its manifestations while witnessing its changes....

Oct 4, 2025

Thrift Shops 1 New York

Free condoms!

"New York City has many thrift stores and I know where there are three good ones clumped together. One even has free condoms!"

Among New Yorkers who love to shop, frugal ones and those who understand good value rarely pass a chance to check out a thrift store. It’s best when the stores are clumped together because then you can get the hunt out of your system more efficiently.

Understanding and appreciating good value are two different things. A pair of way too tight Prada shoes for $40 is a value that must be scooped up. That's understanding. A fifth cashmere sweater? Appreciation.

I know where there are two good ones sort of clumped together. Housing Works has been written about and it is good but it is also known to be sometimes crazy expensive. They are in the business of supporting HIV research and one of their best bargains is free---condoms!! Most stores have a basket of condoms near the cash register, so there’s that. Housing Works has stores all over Manhattan and in my neighbourhood there is one on Columbus Avenue between 74th and 75th.

Next, consider Goodwill at 157 West 72nd, between Broadway and Columbus. About 21/2 blocks from Housing Works. The men’s section often has dress shirts---with brands like Brooks Brothers---and suits at ridiculously low prices. When one store is light on inventory, the other might be heavy. I hardly ever hit up just one, usually visiting both.

Shopping

This week 25% off

with the code fall25

*on our yearly membership

About this spot

306 Columbus Ave

Brooks Brothers:

US$

Website

3474737400

Social

Our New York City Guide

Find your way with 308 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our New York guide.

Join as a Spotter?

Loved this Spot? And love your city? Join your local team. Share your favs and become part of our international community!

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in New York

The Pythian Temple

R&R Shrine

"The Pythian Temple" in NYC was designed in 1927 for the movie 'The Knights of Pythias'; today, it's remarkable for much more than its beauty...

Art & culture

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Oct 16, 2025

A Gathering, 2001 - Muñoz & Martin

Subway art 13

"A Gathering, 2001" by Muñoz & Martin in the Canal Street train station in NYC 'enlivens the space & provides respite from the busy commercialism above'...

Art & culture

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Oct 16, 2025

Rucker Park

NBA caliber street basketball

"Rucker Park" in New York City is where big men and children come to play basketball, strut, defy, dominate make a name for themselves. You have to see it.

Art & culture

Relaxing

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Oct 16, 2025

Saiguette

Vietnamese counter/takeout

I first returned to the Vietnamese restaurant "Saiguette" in NYC for its light, rich, rejuvenating soups, but I also recommend the pork shoulder sandwich.

"New York in Transit - Jacob Lawrence", I've been passing this piece a lot lately. Nearby is a spot where musicians hang out, so it's nice to pause here...

Art & culture