Out of the Closet Thrift Store Opens in Hyde Park, Ending Seven-Year Resale Drought

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Hyde Park · February 11, 2026

After a seven-year thrift store drought, Hyde Park residents can finally shop second-hand again with the grand opening of Out of the Closet Thrift Store on January 31, 2026. Located at 1607 E 53rd Street, this newest location of the nation's largest nonprofit thrift store chain offers affordable, high-quality clothing, furniture, and home goods to the community.

The store isn't just about bargain hunting—it's making a social impact with 96 cents of every dollar earned supporting lifesaving HIV/AIDS services provided by AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF). Beyond retail, the store provides a non-judgmental environment for free, confidential HIV testing. The opening marks a significant moment for Hyde Park, which has been without a dedicated thrift shopping destination for seven years. The store creates a stigma-free space where community members can both shop and access important health resources.

Hyde Park residents looking to support the new business can attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for Saturday, February 15, at 1:00 PM, where local elected officials and AHF leadership will formally welcome this valuable addition to the neighborhood. Community members are also encouraged to donate gently used items to help stock the store while decluttering their homes for spring.

Sources:
1. https://www.bakersfield.com/ap/news/new-out-of-the-closet-thrift-store-increases-hiv-aids-services-in-chicago-s-southside/article_4bdff517-d8b0-58db-869e-168eae0fe5f5.html
2. https://www.hpherald.com/