Buying clothes at an ukay-ukay shop is both cost-efficient and eco-friendly. Since most clothing pieces are preloved, they are resold at a much lower price compared to the original retail price.
Reusing them also prevents them from being thrown out, which would add to the already staggering amount of clothing waste that dozens of countries gather in today.
This is why thrift stores are so popular in the Philippines, as they give customers a chance to score great deals on items from some of the world’s most popular international clothing brands, all while helping the environment.
In Cebu, the most popular ukay-ukay stores range from the quaint and ordinary to the massive and organized. They offer everything from affordable t-shirts, jackets, bottoms, shoes, accessories, and more.
These thrift stores in Cebu are the perfect place for a budget-friendly OOTD shopping spree.
OSMEÑA BOULEVARD
If you’re looking for a place with several thrift stores to hop around, the road along Osmeña Boulevard leading to Cebu Provincial Capitol is the place to go. There are several quaint stores with endless selections of clothes to sift through.
There is an ukay-ukay shop on the second floor of Coco Mall, a rather inconspicuous strip mall along the road. They offer a variety of clothes, some costing as low as Php 50, and others having a 20% discount.
Another is the Cyres RTW Shop across Coco Mall, which offers dozens of ready-to-wear tops and bottoms as well as discounted secondhand branded shoes.
There are more along the road, and you can hop from one shop to another to make the most of your ukay-ukay shopping experience. Some are less conspicuous than others, but you never know which ones have the sweetest deals and best finds.
CARBON MARKET
Another ukay-ukay spot is located in Carbon, where you can also find the island’s biggest public market. This is more than just a haven for everyday goods – it’s also a hub for great ukay-ukay finds.
The Carbon thrift stores are located right beside The Barracks, offering dozens of jeans, t-shirts, and outerwear for as low as Php 25.
If you go further down the market, you will find vendors selling a variety of baseball caps and sneakers. You can also find souvenirs and household items for your home or to get as gifts.
Thrift shopping at Carbon requires a ton of energy as there could be hundreds of market goers in a single day. It can get crowded, so be mindful of your surroundings and watch over your belongings when you visit these thrift stores.
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LEFT TO VARY
Some thrift stores sell overrun clothes (high quality factory surplus products sold at lower prices) rather than secondhand clothing.
The best place to get these is at the Left to Vary Warehouse, located along A.S. Fortuna in Mandaue City.
They sell the cheapest overruns in the country, certifying all products to be brand new. Aside from t-shirts, they also sell trendy jackets, comforters, blankets, curtains, and even fabrics and sewing supplies.
Aside from the Mandaue branch, Left to Vary also has stores in Talisay and Colon Street. They are much smaller compared to the Mandaue warehouse, but may be more accessible.
FABULOSA DE FASHION
Many Cebuanos would agree that the best ukay-ukay in Cebu is at Fabulosa de Fashion. It has a typical secondhand store setup, but is better organized than others.
It has multiple branches in the city, each air-conditioned with clothes organized in hangers for a convenient shopping setup. Their products can be a bit more expensive than others, but they won’t break the bank.
They occasionally have sales where you can buy several pieces of garments for Php 100. You can check for updates on their social media pages, where they also post about new products available at their stores.
Their branches can be found near the Skywalk in Robinsons Fuente, one at the Talamban Marina Mall, another at City Time Square in Mandaue, and another at the Casuntingan Market in Lapu-Lapu City.
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At ukay-ukay stores, designer products that were previously sold at a more expensive price can be purchased for less than the cost of a single fast food meal. Many of these clothing items are in great condition too, making every purchase a worthwhile one.
There are many other thrift stores around the island that are perfect for budget-friendly shopping sprees, especially if you like having a variety of fashionable OOTDs! You will definitely find some good pieces from the piles and racks of clothes as you scour and sift through these popular ukay-ukay shops.