I love second hand clothes shopping and I always have. When I was a little girl, my parents had an antique shop and used to attend antique fairs, selling clocks, ornaments, furniture, and sometimes clothes and jewelry, with a focus on the 1940s-1970s. I grew up learning how to find rare and curious items, and spent many hours rummaging through junk shops, carboot sales and flea markets finding things to add to my collection. I had tea dresses from the 1940s, old fur coats, and beaded bags from the 30s. As I got older, this passion for vintage and bargains persisted. I love searching for unique and interesting items or designer brands, while also knowing I am not contributing to the 92 million tonnes of clothing that go into landfill every year.
After living in Tirana for five and a half years, I have gotten to know many of the vintage shops and second hand stores, and am a frequent customer at many of them. While this list is not exhaustive and is kind of related to the area I live in, I hope it will help those who also love vintage and second hand clothes shopping, snap up a few bargains.
Hey Jude
Situated just off Rruga Elbasanit, Hey Jude is run by the lovely Xhudi who as an artist, has a great eye for quirky, stylish vintage and modern pieces. She sells womens clothes, shoes and accessories as well as some ornaments. The shop is a treasure trove of unique pieces from designer to handmade, with plenty of sequins, beads, and embellishments. You can check out her Instagram as well, but be quick because all the good things sell out quickly!
Be Stylish by Xhulia
Xhulia’s second hand clothes shop is between Kompleksi Grande and Tregu Electric. I love her shop because not only is Xhulia friendly and helpful but she always has great things in stock. I have bought Armani, Tommy Hilfiger, and highstreet brands like Zara and H&M from her, as well as missing out on some lovely Tom Ford trousers. She also sells some shoes and has a small menswear section. Her instagram is here, or you can visit the shop but message her to ask for opening times.
Royal Luxury
I haven’t been to this shop in person as it is in Durres but they offer delivery and it usually comes the next day. This store specializes in second hand designer clothes such as Guess, Cos, Versace, Twin Set, Max Mara, and high end items including Louis Vuitton. She has a great shoe selection as well and often has bigger sizes which can be hard to find locally. I check her store every day and have bought some wonderful dresses from her including a Diane von Fustenberg original very recently. Instagram here.
AL Shopping
I recently bought two bags from here- an Elisabetta Franchi laptop bag and a Calvin Klein original handbag. The prices are excellent and they sell a mixture of original second hand designer brands, some replica, and highstreet. Quick delivery and always interesting choices available. Instagram here.
Mimi Brand
If you want Versace or Miu Miu blouses, Burberry vests, or even Vans, this is the place to go. She always has nice items on Instagram and updates with new stock very frequently. Check her Instagram here.
House of NY MA MI
The owner of this shop and Instagram page travels to America frequently and brings back items from Calvin Klein, Ann Klein, Ralph Lauren. Tommy Hilfiger and more. The items are carefully chosen and beautifully presented on her page. You can visit the shop, or order online.
Firmato Mania
This is another shop I have bought from and been very happy with. Again, you can choose from high end designer items, some mid range names, and highstreet. She often has sales where you can get even better bargains and delivery is quick and efficient. Instagram page here.
Now if you are a real bargain hunter and have time to spare, here are my top picks for the Ali Demi side of town.
Rruga Pjeter Budi
Just up from Hey Jude there are two shops that unfortunately, I do not remember the name of. One is next to a toy shop opposite the kindergarten and the lovely lady there has a great selection of vintage and second hand pieces. I bought a beautiful ball gown there and a pair of original Levi’s for less than 2000 lek for both. A few doors up is another shop, next to the pharmacy which specializes more in high street names including H&M, Zara, Shein, and some brands like Esprit, Tommy Hilfiger and Cos. Her prices start at 800 lek and she has a great eye for modern and fashionable pieces.
Shkolla Baletit
Just behind the Ballet School is a side street where in the morning you can find people selling clothes and shoes on the road. Prices here start at 100 lek and you can haggle if you are buying more than one item. Towards the end of the road, away from the school, there are two garages down a slope, piled high with mens, childrens, and womens clothes. Here you can rummage and haggle with items starting at 200 lek. This is a great place to get children’s clothes, and there are lots of nice dresses and shirts to be snapped up as well. You will absolutely not leave here empty handed.
Rruga Petro Nini Lurasi
This is the road the ballet school is situated on and it heads towards Tregu Electric. On the right side of the road, there are maybe 10-15 second hand clothes shops selling mens, childrens, and womens clothes as well as fabric and accessories. Prices can be a bit higher here, but you can also haggle. Put aside a couple of hours to go through the whole street! Don’t forget to check the side streets around here as well as there are a few gems hidden off the main road.
Rruga George Bush
Just before Toptani, opposite the Parliament, there is a small vintage shop on the right, just off the main road. I am not sure of the name, but it is down a flight of stairs and it is full of great finds. You can find designer labels here tucked away alongside highstreet brands and vintage items from the 80s, 90s and even earlier. If anyone knows the name, please do let me know!
Tregu Kamze
On your way to Kamze on the main road, there is a large market on the right which specializes in second hand clothes. It is not smart, fancy, or particularly inviting, but it is piled high with clothing at low prices. You will need to wade through a lot of poor quality items to find the goodies, but there are plenty to be had.
Brylli
The road that takes you from Ali Demi up to Nene Tereza Hospital has a number of great second hand clothes shops, mainly on the right as you go up. Take a walk up the hill and get ready to rummage for bargains.
Where are your favourite places to buy second hand clothes in Tirana?
Follow The Balkanista!
