Kim Massey, Stephanie Herlihy, Lisa Chu, and I are long-time Roosevelt Island residents who saw a need to revive secondhand affordable shopping in the community. Many remember the beloved thrift store that once served the Island, and we wanted to bring that spirit back—creating a space for accessible shopping, neighborly connection, and learning about sustainable fashion. Our goal is to offer a warm, fun shopping experience for the community. The soft opening on April 18th was flooded with neighbors, visitors, shoppers and well-wishers. It was a heartwarming show of support! A special thank you to the folks at Hudson Related for believing in our wish to boost the circular economy of reuse.
This pop-up is located at 521 Main Street and will run through July as we plan for a permanent future if the community embraces adding this to Main Street.
Hours: Wednesday–Friday, 2pm–8pm; Saturday, 10am–8pm; Sunday, 12pm–6pm
Our inventory of men’s, women’s and kid’s clothing, comes primarily from community donations, which we collect most Sundays, along with select pieces sourced off-Island. We accept gently used clothing, accessories, décor, and home goods, and offer a shopping discount for every donation drop-off. Items we don’t keep are passed along to charities or organizations that recycle responsibly. Roosevelt Island is an ideal place to foster a circular economy—Transit Thrift gives neighbors a way to pass on what they no longer need while finding affordable, secondhand items. As part of our mission, we operate as a social enterprise and have committed to donating a portion of our profits to Island youth sports programs.
New inventory is added daily, with something for everyone at every price point. Our $1 rack has quickly become a customer favorite, alongside unique vintage finds and standout prom and graduation pieces. Stay tuned for upcoming events, including our grand opening on May 9, styling sessions, and upcycling workshops.
Transit Thrift is inspired by the name of Kim Massey’s former vintage stores, The Transit Station, which she owned and operated in Minneapolis and San Diego. The name reflects the idea that clothing is always in motion. Stephanie Herlihy ran RI Thrift at the Roosevelt Island Farmers Market for two years—“Transit Thrift” brings together the spirit and legacy of both ventures.
Follow us on Instagram @transit_thrift and visit transitthrift.com to stay updated on new arrivals, events, and store news.
Great news! Thank you!
Fantastic addition to the island.
Thank you for doing this !
What a great venture, Ladies!
Congratulations 💐🎊🍾