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How to Find Designer Furniture for Less at Remix Market NYC
Remix Market NYC is located at 5-38 46th Avenue in Long Island City, Queens, NY 11101. This destination is widely recognized as the premier resale shop for high-quality secondhand furniture, art, and home decor in New York City. Operating as a sibling company to the professional junk removal service The Junkluggers, the shop is a critical player in the city's circular economy. It serves as a bridge between unwanted items and eco-conscious homeowners, keeping tons of material out of landfills while providing deep discounts on everything from mid-century modern statement pieces to everyday essentials.
The store is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and Saturday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Unlike traditional thrift stores, Remix Market NYC operates with a specific set of rules regarding inventory, payments, and social impact. Understanding these nuances is the key to successfully furnishing a New York apartment without breaking the bank.
The Unique Supply Chain of Remix Market NYC
The most fascinating aspect of Remix Market NYC is its inventory source. While most thrift stores rely on public drop-offs, Remix Market takes a different approach. They do not accept donations from the general public. Instead, their entire stock comes exclusively from The Junkluggers of NYC.
When New Yorkers hire The Junkluggers to clear out their homes or offices, the "green trucks" deliver usable, high-quality items directly to the Long Island City warehouse. This model ensures a constant, daily influx of fresh inventory. Because the items come from a professional removal service, the shop often scores high-end furniture from estate liquidations, corporate office cleanouts, and luxury apartment turnovers. It is not uncommon to find a Herman Miller Aeron chair or a West Elm sectional tucked between vintage treasures and sturdy IKEA basics.
This "ethically monogamous relationship" with The Junkluggers allows Remix Market to maintain a high standard of quality control. Their team inspects items before they hit the floor, ensuring that the "thrill of the hunt" remains a positive experience for shoppers rather than a search through piles of unusable junk.
Mastering the Strategy of the First Come First Served Rule
If you see something you love at Remix Market, you must act immediately. The shop follows a strict "first-come, first-served" policy that has made it a favorite for professional set decorators and interior designers who know the value of a unique find.
Items are sold "as-is," and all sales are final. This means the moment a piece is paid for, it is off the market. Because the website is updated frequently with current inventory, many shoppers find themselves in a race to claim items before they even arrive at the physical location in Queens.
In our experience navigating the New York secondhand market, the most successful buyers are those who have their measurements ready. In a city where every inch counts, knowing whether a sideboard will fit through your narrow hallway or into your pre-war elevator is the difference between a successful purchase and a logistical nightmare.
How Phone Sales Can Give You a Competitive Edge
One of the most distinctive features of Remix Market NYC is their willingness to conduct phone sales during the work week. This is a game-changer for people who work 9-to-5 jobs and cannot make it to Long Island City the moment a new item is posted online.
Rules for a Successful Phone Sale
To secure an item over the phone, follow these steps:
- Browse the Website: Visit the official site and identify the specific name of the item you want.
- Call on a Weekday: Phone sales are typically open Monday through Friday during shop hours. If the staff is busy with in-store customers, they may take your name and call you back.
- Be Ready to Pay: They do not accept Zelle, Venmo, or cash over the phone. You must have a credit or debit card ready.
- No Negotiations: Unlike a flea market, the prices at Remix Market are firm for phone sales. The discount is already built into the price tag based on the item's condition and brand.
Using the phone sale method allows you to "lock in" an item. Once purchased, the shop will hold your item for up to 48 hours, giving you time to arrange transportation. However, if you fail to pick it up within that window, you may face storage fees or the risk of the item being re-listed.
What You Can and Cannot Find in the Queens Warehouse
The inventory at Remix Market NYC is eclectic and unpredictable, which is part of its charm. However, there are certain categories they specialize in and some they strictly avoid for health and safety reasons.
Frequent Finds
- Furniture: Sofas, dining tables, bookshelves, bed frames (non-upholstered), and office chairs.
- Art and Decor: Framed prints, original paintings, mirrors, and unique sculptures.
- Lighting: Floor lamps, chandeliers, and quirky table lamps.
- Kitchenware: High-quality dishware, glassware, and serveware that often looks like it belongs in a high-end boutique.
Prohibited Items
Remix Market has a strict policy against carrying mattresses and bed frames with soft upholstery. This is primarily a safety precaution to prevent the spread of bed bugs—a concern every New Yorker takes seriously. Additionally, they generally do not stock electronics, as the "as-is" nature of their sales makes it difficult to guarantee the functionality of complex gadgets. If you are looking for a television or a laptop, you will need to look elsewhere, but if you need a mid-century teak dresser, this is your paradise.
Navigating Logistics and Transportation in Long Island City
Buying a couch in NYC is easy; getting it home is the hard part. Remix Market NYC does not provide in-house delivery services, but they are well-versed in the needs of their customers and provide several resources to help.
For smaller items like side tables, lamps, or chairs, many locals use ride-share services. An Uber XL or a Lyft can often accommodate a modest-sized haul. For those who prefer a more traditional New York experience, the shop often recommends Sunnyside Car Service, a local favorite that is used to handling awkward loads.
For large-scale furniture like dining sets or sectional sofas, the shop maintains a list of trusted third-party delivery vendors. These professional movers typically charge a starting fee of around $70 and go up depending on the distance and the number of stairs involved.
Pro Tip: Always measure your doorways and elevators before you buy. Because Remix Market has a "No Returns" policy, "it didn't fit through the door" is not a valid reason for a refund.
The Social Mission Behind the Business
Remix Market NYC is not just a for-profit retail store; it is a "professional fundraiser" for Habitat for Humanity NYC and Westchester. This philanthropic core is what sets them apart from the average furniture reseller.
A full 10% of every sale goes directly to Habitat for Humanity, supporting their mission to build affordable housing for New Yorkers. Furthermore, Remix Market is committed to the "Creative Reuse" movement. They donate approximately 50% of their incoming inventory to local 501(c)3 non-profits, schools, and arts organizations.
The Non-Profit Partnership Program
If you represent a school, a theater group, or a community center, Remix Market is a valuable resource. They offer free donations of furniture and housewares to registered non-profits through their "Non-Profit Pickup" program. These appointments are available on weekdays and require documentation of tax-exempt status.
When you see a "Yellow Sticker" on a piece of furniture in the warehouse, it signifies that the item is slated for donation to these community partners. This ensures that even the items that don't sell to the general public find a home where they can provide value, rather than ending up in a New Jersey landfill.
Sustainability and the Environmental Impact of Thrifting
Every year, Americans throw away over 12 million tons of furniture. In a densely populated city like New York, the waste problem is amplified. Remix Market NYC serves as a localized solution to this global issue. By choosing to shop at a "creative reuse center" like Remix, you are participating in a system that values the longevity of materials.
The Junkluggers trucks that arrive at the 46th Avenue loading dock daily represent a massive diversion of carbon. Manufacturing a new sofa requires significant energy, water, and raw materials like timber and petroleum-based foams. Buying that same sofa secondhand at Remix Market eliminates that manufacturing footprint entirely.
Furthermore, the shop's commitment to the local community means that the money spent stays within the New York ecosystem, supporting local jobs and charitable initiatives rather than being funneled to large, international fast-furniture corporations.
Why This Queens Gem Is a Set Decorator’s Dream
If you’ve ever watched a show filmed in New York and marveled at the authentic-looking apartments, there’s a high chance some of those items came from Remix Market. As members of the Set Decorators Society of America (SDSA), the staff at Remix Market are experts at helping film and television crews find the perfect "steal" for their productions.
This speaks to the quality and character of the items they curate. Whether a production needs a "starving artist" vibe or a "corporate mogul" aesthetic, the warehouse usually has something that fits. For the average shopper, this means you are browsing a collection that has been vetted by some of the most discerning eyes in the design industry.
Comparing Remix Market NYC to Other Thrift Options
While New York has many thrift stores, Remix Market NYC fills a specific niche.
- Goodwill and Salvation Army: These are great for clothing and small household goods but often lack the curated furniture selection and high-end brands found at Remix.
- Housing Works: Known for high-end fashion and well-curated decor, Housing Works is a fantastic peer to Remix, though their furniture prices can sometimes be higher due to their Manhattan-centric locations.
- Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist: These offer direct-to-consumer deals but come with the risk of meeting strangers and the lack of a centralized, professional warehouse to browse.
Remix Market offers the best of both worlds: the reliability of a professional storefront with the "jackpot" pricing of a peer-to-peer sale.
Summary of the Remix Market Shopping Experience
Shopping at Remix Market NYC is an exercise in intentionality. You go there not just to find "stuff," but to find pieces that tell a story while supporting a greener, more equitable New York. With daily updates, a mission-driven business model, and a location in the heart of the Long Island City arts district, it has earned its reputation as a "thrift shopper’s paradise."
Whether you are a student looking for a sturdy desk, a new homeowner searching for a vintage mirror, or a non-profit in need of office chairs, Remix Market provides a sustainable, affordable, and community-focused alternative to the traditional retail cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Remix Market NYC accept donations from the public? No, they do not accept donations from the general public. All of their inventory is provided exclusively by their partner company, The Junkluggers. If you have items to get rid of, you can contact The Junkluggers for a removal service, or look for other local thrift shops that accept public drop-offs.
How can I see what is currently in stock? The best way to see current inventory is to visit the official Remix Market NYC website. They update it frequently with photos and prices. However, items sell quickly, so a piece you see online in the morning might be gone by the afternoon.
Are there any discounts available? Yes, Remix Market offers discounts to wholesale buyers and dealers who provide the proper tax-exempt paperwork. They also occasionally host community events like clothing swaps.
What is the return policy? All sales are final. There are no returns or exchanges. Because items are sold "as-is," shoppers are strongly encouraged to inspect items thoroughly and take measurements before completing their purchase.
How do the phone sales work? Phone sales are available on weekdays. You can call the shop at (929) 302-3954, provide the name of the item from the website, and pay via credit or debit card. There is no negotiation on prices for phone sales.
Is there parking available at the shop? There is generally street parking available around the Long Island City warehouse, though it can be busy during weekdays. There is also a loading area for customers to pick up their purchased items.