2nd STREET – Williamsburg

About 2nd STREET – Williamsburg

2nd STREET is the American arm of Japan's largest secondhand retailer, and its Williamsburg branch on Kent Avenue brings the chain's distinctive approach to the waterfront side of the neighborhood. Every piece is cleaned, condition-graded, and merchandised by category, size, and color, which makes the floor far quicker to shop than a typical resale store.

The chain buys directly from the public at the counter every day, so the stock turns over constantly and reflects what people nearby are clearing out of their closets — in Williamsburg that tends to mean contemporary designer, Japanese labels, technical outerwear, and good basics. Pricing sits mid-range for Brooklyn resale: not the cheapest secondhand in the borough, but the condition grading means you rarely get surprised by a flaw once you are home.

It is open 11am to 8pm every day of the year. Kent Avenue puts it a few blocks west of the Bedford Avenue L, which makes it an easy add to a Williamsburg circuit that runs through Crossroads, Buffalo Exchange, and Awoke Vintage. 2nd STREET also has Brooklyn branches in DUMBO and on Smith Street.

What to Expect