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Thrift culture is on the rise, and there is no wonder why. With higher prices on literally everything, many of us are left to cut expenses in many areas of our lives. Although you really need to shop around to find what you need, with some time, you usually will.
Getting new items for our house, clothing, and even toys can be expensive and also detrimental to the environment. This is where the principles of reducing, reusing, and recycling can become an important practice, not only to reduce our costs but to give all kinds of different items a second or third life that otherwise would end up in landfills.
And hey! We are not suggesting that all you buy has to be second-hand, but as in everything, a good balance is always a good decision.
And what if we told you that many of the thrift stores also support local causes?
Well, let us present you with a list of eleven thrift stores in Vancouver to help you find low prices while supporting noble causes.
Thrift Stores Vancouver:
Wildlife Thrift Store:
Located in downtown Vancouver, this is a store with an interesting history, to say the least. Wildlife Thrift Store, which formerly supported the Wildlife Rescue Association in Burnaby, now works together with donators and buyers to support many local charities, including Coast Mental Health, The Gathering Place, Greater Vancouver Food Bank, Food Banks, and Meal Hubs, they also have a partnership with the Covenant House in both Vancouver and Toronto so you are not only helping the environment here or your wallet, but you can also make a difference to someone living in a vulnerable situation by supporting this business.
Where to find it: 1295 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC Open: Daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Accepting donations of all clothes, books, and housewares. Please make sure that you bring your donations clean and in good condition.
Clothes and Collectives Thrift Boutique-West End Seniors' Network
Located in the West End, this small store can offer more than you think. From Clothing to antiques, books and CDs, and some vintage treasures as well as art. Earnings will support programs and services for older adults in the West End, so make sure to pop up and check this place out.
Where to find it: 1030 Denman Street #110, Vancouver, BC Open: Wednesday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Masks are highly recommended. Accepting donations of quality men's and women's clothing, shoes, accessories, and collectibles, as well as CDs, DVDs, books, and small home decor (limited to one bag per visit). Please make sure that you bring your donations clean and in good condition.
Rummage Community Thrift
Located in Kitsilano, this store has a heartwarming beginning, and its founder, a former architect, changed her desire to build buildings for her desire to build connections, stories, and a space where people can feel at home and in tune with themselves. Here, you will not only find treasures but also a sense of community. Local artists can showcase their artwork in the store, and there are also events like clothing swaps and photo shoots.
Where to find it: 2560 Arbutus St., Vancouver, BC Open: Seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Accepting donations of clothing and household items. Please make sure that you bring your donations clean and in good condition.
Gracie's Thrift Store
Located in East 16th and run entirely by volunteers, this thrift store's proceeds are 100% donated to community causes and organizations, with 60% of them going to global charities including the Red Cross, Myeloma Canada, SOS Children Village, the Humanitarian Coalition, and more. According to its website, the other 28% and 12% are donated to local communities and United Church outreach, respectively. Where to find it: 803 East 16th Avenue, Vancouver, BC Open: Alternate Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Refer to their Facebook page for schedules. Accepting donations of all items in good condition, contact the Thrift Store Coordinator at graciesthriftstore.vancouver@gmail.com to arrange donations. Please make sure that you bring your donations clean and in good condition.
My sister's closet!
With two locations, one on Main Street and the other on Commercial Dr. My sister's closet! is a store where you will find artisan merchandise, new items, and second-hand items. If you are into designer clothes, you can also find them here for a more reasonable price than in retail stores. To give you an example, a Michael Kors watch for men can cost you $75 here, which is $175 less than its original price. But as amazing as that sounds, there is a better reason for you to stop by and make some purchases here: 100% of the proceeds are donated to help fund the violence prevention and intervention services and programs operated by BWSS (Battered Women's Support Services). This store is fully operated by amazing women who volunteer their time to make a difference in the community, so check out their volunteer opportunities while you are at it.
Where to find it: 3958 Main St., Vancouver, BC, and 1830 Commercial Dr., Vancouver, BC You can also shop online. Open: Monday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Accepting donations of all items for women and men. Refer to their website for donation details. Please make sure that you bring your donations clean and in good condition. Volunteer opportunities
Hob Too thrift shop
Located in Kitsilano, this store has everything from new to vintage, from collectibles to furniture. The items they offer are so unique and lovely that you need to check them out for yourself. What's more, 100% of the proceeds go to support end-of-life care and bereavement support programs that are offered by the Vancouver Hospice Society. By purchasing here, you are for sure helping a noble cause close to home.
Where to find it: 3626 W. Broadway, Vancouver, BC Open: Monday to Saturday from 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Accepting donations of all items. Please make sure that you bring your donations clean and in good condition and contact them at 604-737-7304 or hobtoothrift@shaw.ca. Volunteer opportunities: volunteer@vancouverhospice.org
Still Fabulous Thrift
Located on Main Street, this thrift store offers quality men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing and accessories, as well as some collectibles and vintage items. By supporting this store, you are also helping raise funds to support BC Children’s and Women’s Hospital charities, which is an amazing way to give back to the community.
Where to find it: 4355 Main Street, Vancouver, BC Open: 7 days a week, except some holidays, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Accepting donations. Please make sure that you bring your donations clean and in good condition. Volunteer Opportunities: stillfabulousshop@gmail.com
BC SPCA Thrift Stores
With eleven stores, all of them privately owned and operated, the BC SPCA thrift stores are one of the biggest in Vancouver. Their stores are in different parts of BC, and you can help make a difference in the life of an animal by shopping here. Check out their website to learn about the programs and services that they provide to help fight animal cruelty and improve the lives of farm and wild animals.
Metro Vancouver Locations
BC SPCA New West Thrift Store Where to find it: 708 6th St., New Westminster, BC Open: Wednesday to Monday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tuesday: Closed
BC SPCA Richmond Thrift Store Where to find it: 160-5400 Minoru Boulevard, Richmond, BC Open: Monday to Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Statutory holidays: Closed
BC SPCA Surrey Thrift Store Where to find it: 5626 177B St., Surrey, BC Open: Monday to Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sundays and Statutory Holidays: Closed
BC SPCA North Vancouver Thrift Store Where to find it: 1523 Pemberton Avenue, North Vancouver, BC Open: Monday to Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sundays and Statutory Holidays: Closed
BC SPCA Vancouver (East) Thrift Store Where to find it: 5239 Victoria Drive (at 37th Ave.), Vancouver, BC Open: Monday to Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Statutory holidays: Open (except Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year's Day).
BC SPCA Vancouver (West) Thrift Store Where to find it: 3606 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC Open: Monday to Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Statutory holidays: Open (except Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year's Day).
Accepting donations, preferably of the following:
Housewares
China/flatware
Furniture (tables, chairs, sofas, beds, shelving, desks, lamps)
Rugs
Curtains
Appliances
Electronic equipment
Clothing
Games
Book
Please make sure that you bring your donations clean and in good condition.
Miscellany
Located in East Vancouver, this store will greet you with home decor, accessories, and unique vintage pieces, as well as high-end brands, so make sure you check it out before spending big bucks in retail stores. Also committed to helping local charities, elementary schools, and organizations such as Rape Relief, Transition Houses, and Food Banks.
Where to find it: 323 E. Broadway, Vancouver, BC
Open: Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, from noon to 5 p.m.
Community Thrift and Vintage
Located in East Hastings, this store offers vintage seasonal fashion, so if you were thinking of getting some summer wear, you should check out their selection. There are some cute dresses and skirts, as well as t-shirts and shorts. 100% of the proceeds are donated to PHS Community Services, which helps some of the most vulnerable people in Vancouver.
UNISEX SHOPPE
Where to find: 11 W. Hastings St., Vancouver, BC
Open: Monday to Thursday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday from 11a.m. to 5 p.m.
FROCK SHOPPE
Where to find it: 311 Carrall St., Vancouver, BC
Open: Monday to Thursday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday from 11a.m. to 5p.m.
Thriftique
Located in East Vancouver, in Thriftique you will find fashion, accessories, CDs, and more. If you are a student or a senior, you can get 15% off on any item at any time, which is a bonus. Plus, you will be helping support BabyGoRound, which is a local organization created to help families in need. It's a win-win.
Where to find it: 2147 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC
Open: Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Accepting donations of all items. Please check with the store prior to scheduling a donation and make sure that you bring your donations clean and in good condition.
Conclusion:
Whether you want to buy, donate, or volunteer, it is true that these thrift stores have something for everyone, and if supporting your wallet and the environment also comes with supporting a good cause, what's not to like? The Broke Budget Girl site offers important tips to consider while shopping at thrift stores; make sure you check it out before heading out to find your treasures.
Please note that we are aware that there are a lot more thrift stores out there, and we would have loved to add all of them to this post. Make sure to search for others and share your findings. In the meantime, grab your buddies and make a special trip to one of these treasure shops. Happy thrifting!
Side note: If you also need help with essential food items, check out our post: Exploring Vancouver's Food Banks: Discover Locations, Application Process, and How to Donate
And this article is also a good place to find food banks in Canada, Australia, and the UK.