by Katie Thompson
Norwich is a hub for fantastic second-hand shops- be it fashion, furniture, antiques or vintage. It plays right into our creative spirit and love of independent makers. And you’ll find it’s not uncommon to unearth an archival designer piece or one-of-a-kind curio for your home!
There are special vintage spots and popular charity shops dotted across our fine city, but if you’re looking for a place to start, make sure to check out Norwich Market, The Lanes and Magdalen Street.
This is our guide to the best second-hand shopping in Norwich!
Norwich Market is a go-to for vintage
Norwich Market is a must-visit for any vintage fashion fiend (as well as second-hand book or film lovers). Especially as it’s home to two of the city’s most popular vintage destinations: Taxi and Lovering & Co.
Taxi Vintage is a funky store with an array of mens- and womenswear from the ‘40s to the ‘90s. If you’re looking for dungarees, denim jackets or shirts, you’re in the right place. Next door, Lovering & Co. is known for fine vintage by luxury labels like Hermes, Burberry, Barbour and Levi’s. Whatever you do, check out their incredible tie selection!
Norwich Market’s pop-up stall plays host to local makers who upcycle and remake pre-loved clothing into unique pieces. Previous pop-ups have included Morwenna Farrell and Fiorella Vintage.
Across the Lanes you’ll find amazing second-hand stores, like Sue Ryder Vintage
For a day of second-hand shopping in Norwich, you won’t want to miss the Lanes.
Norwich may be known for its medieval churches, but if you look a little closer, you’ll see they’re not all as they seem. St Gregory’s Antiques and Collectables is a treasure trove of second-hand. Rails, shelves and cabinets are packed with jewellery, homeware, glassware and more by an assortment of independent traders.
Bridewell Alley is known as the home of Sue Ryder Vintage, a popular spot for chic fashion, accessories and vintage sewing patterns. It’s not uncommon to find labels like Gucci or Issey Miyaki alongside reliable favourites St Michaels and Laura Ashley.
And opposite, Sams in the Lanes specialises in second-hand. Here you’ll find well-curated rails of vintage, including timeless occasionwear, statement outerwear and colourful staples.
Speaking of vintage, pop into Stones on Pottergate and Vintage Apparel on St Giles Street. Stones is a step back in time to ’70s Americana, where ditsy dresses, suede waistcoats and flared silhouettes abound, while Vintage Apparel honours streetwear styles from the ‘90s and logo-emblazoned casualwear.
Looses Emporium on Magdalen Street is a treasure trove of antique and vintage homeware
If you’re a lover of charity shops- look no further than Magdalen Street. This area is a go-to for books, fashion, homewares et al. And if you’re going to visit one shop only, make sure it’s Looses Emporium.
‘Emporium’ is the right word because this is the largest collectables and antique shop in Norwich. Specialising in antique and vintage furniture, it’s quite easy to get lost amongst the rows of chairs, lighting, kitchenware, wall art… the list goes on! From mid-century design to original vintage film posters, you’ll need a bigger bag!
Norwich’s churches are home to hidden treasures- including antiques and vintage!
Just like St Gregory’s, All Saints church on Westlegate is home to a fantastic array of antiques and collectables. With pieces from over 25 independent traders, you never know what you’ll discover in the displays of ceramics, memorabilia, and jewellery! For lovers of the unexpected, make sure to pay a visit.
For pre-loved clothing, head to New-U in Castle Quarter. This boutique-style shop celebrates second-hand with a unique points system when you bring in or exchange your pre-loved pieces. As well a supporting sustainable shopping, as a charity, New-U supports young people searching for employment. It’s a win-win!
Norwich’s many events, fairs and markets are a great place for second-hand shopping
There’s always an exciting event happening in the City of Stories. And some of the most popular are havens for second-hand shoppers!
At The Forum, you can attend fairs and markets like the Local Makers Market (where you’ll find Norfolk- and Norwich-based creatives crafting new out of something old), kilo sales (a fantastic way to discover affordable and timeless vintage pieces, all for £20 per kilo) and The Norwich Record Fair (one of the UK’s biggest fairs that attracts record collectors for across the world)!
One of the city’s most popular events- especially for locals- is the Norwich Lanes Summer Fayre. As a celebration of our independent quarter, you’ll find rails bursting with vintage fashion, boxes filled to the brim with second-hand shoes, and tables spread with vintage homeware.
Elsewhere, there’s the NR2 Yard Sale, a huge neighbourhood table-top sale that happens each July. As the saying goes: one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. It’s not uncommon to head home with your arms piled high with clothing, books, toys, fabric and more- saving it from the scrap heap. And meeting the city’s vibrant community along the way!
And for runways, talks, and workshops, there’s Slow Fashion Norwich. This community of local creatives and vintage sellers is all about eco-conscious consumption. They even showcase local sustainably-minded designers, sellers and shops at their annual Slow Fashion Week- and anyone can attend!
