When you walk into Big Reuse, you never really know what you’ll find – and that’s part of the magic. One visit might lead you to a metallic dresser that looks straight out of the 1960s, and the next could surprise you with a cane chair, a weathered trunk, or a beautifully carved wooden cabinet that seems to hold stories of its own. Every piece here has a history, and when it finds a new home, that story keeps going.
Our staff see that every day. Big Reuse’s Onassis remembers a customer who came in every single day for a week, slowly selecting pieces for her new apartment. “She was so grateful,” he said. “By the end, she needed a U-Haul to take everything home, but she saved so much money coming here.” Andie shared how even staff members can’t resist the treasures that come through. “I scored this woven backpack that looks like the traditional Filipino ones,” she said. “It’s from the 80s, mass produced back then, but it feels special, like it’s lived a few lives before it found its way here.” The backpack, called a pasiking, is a traditional handwoven rattan pack from the Philippines, often crafted by the Ifugao people.It represents craftsmanship, resilience, and heritage, much like Big Reuse’s mission to give meaningful items new life.
A customer and her daughter standing in the middle of Big Reuse were amazed by all the furniture around them. They couldn’t believe the variety of pieces Big Reuse had available, talking about how incredible it was to see Big Reuse bring in new items every day. From past visits, she remembered furniture that looked straight out of the 60s – such as lampshades, dressers, and other timeless finds – that could easily fill an entire apartment. She laughed and said that if she had a U-Haul truck, she would grab as many items as she could at once. It was such a warm moment, discussing talking how much joy these finds bring.
Walking through the Reuse Center’s Gowanus location, it’s easy to see why people fall in love with this place. Rows of vintage furniture line the space. From dark wood desks and mid-century dressers to tall cabinets with intricate carvings. There are metallic chests that gleam under the lights, rustic trunks with leather straps, and shelves that look like they’ve been part of someone’s story for decades. Some pieces look nearly perfect, while others wait for a creative touch to bring them back to life.
Sarah, a regular Big Reuse customer, shared how thrifting here helped her build a home filled with meaning:
“I moved into a new apartment a few months ago, and the idea of filling it with furniture felt daunting (not to mention costly). Thankfully, a few trips to Big Reuse solved this problem and made me feel more connected to my new community. I was able to get quality pieces with unique and fun vibes — made even better by the fact that I was helping give these well-loved items a second life rather than buying new. Thanks to Big Reuse, I have an affordable backyard table, chairs, an umbrella, a futon, a kitchen table, a TV stand, a kitchen island, two stools serving as plant stands, a dresser, and even a fire pit.”
Stories like Sarah’s show what makes Big Reuse so special. Thrifting here isn’t just about finding something affordable; it’s about giving something a second chance. Whether it’s a dresser, a coffee table, or a vintage storage trunk, every piece that leaves our warehouse skips the landfill and becomes part of someone’s new beginning – turning simple exchanges into moments of connection. People don’t just leave with furniture; they leave knowing their purchase helped the environment, supported a local nonprofit, and added something meaningful to their home. Every item has its own character, a reminder that sustainability can be personal, creative, and full of heart.
So next time you’re looking to furnish your home, stop by Big Reuse! You might find exactly what you need – or something you didn’t even know you were looking for. Either way, you’ll be part of a story that’s still growing.
If you’d like to support Big Reuse, you can volunteer, donate, drop off reusable items at our Gowanus Reuse Center (thrift store), or drop off food scraps and yard waste at one of our food scrap drop off sites. Every small act helps keep materials out of landfills and supports a greener, more sustainable New York City.
Look out for our new soon-to-be-opened thrift store location in Bushwick!