A Thrifter’s Guide to the Best Thrift and Vintage Shops in Vancouver
Every neighbourhood in Vancouver has its own distinct feel. There are endless places to browse while shopping in Vancouver, but it’s often the thrift and vintage shops in each neighbourhood that give each area its own unique vibe.
From curated boutiques to hidden gems, we’ve put together a guide to the best thrift and vintage shops in the city. These tips on where to score the most stylish sustainable finds will remind you why shopping for pre-loved items isn’t just trendy, it’s environmentally friendly, too.
Where to Find the Best Thrifting in Commercial Drive
Commercial Drive is known to be one of the most vibrant, funkiest areas in town. An eclectic mix of artists hubs, unique boutiques, and culinary delights from different cultures has resulted in a bustling neighbourhood with real spirit.
It should come as no surprise, then, that the thrifting in Commercial Drive is out of this world.
Start at The Only Vintage, a project from Odyssey International, Vancouver’s top used clothing recycler. Here, they sift through thousands of pounds of used clothing every week. The result? A curated sustainable, size-inclusive collection specializing in rare and vintage fashions.
Then, make your way over to Mintage (Commercial Drive). Founded in 2003, Mintage operates three different vintage stores across the city. The Commercial Drive location is their original shop, and it carries vintage items from the 1920s to the early 2000s, alongside upcycled and repurposed clothing, artisanal leather goods and locally designed jewelry.
Next, hit Rewind Resale Commercial Drive. This proudly queer-owned resale and consignment store has been operating since 2009, and now has three stores across the lower mainland. Their mission prioritizes reducing the fashion industry’s impact on the climate by keeping clothing out of landfills, which means you can shop here while knowing that you’re helping the planet.
Where to Find the Best Thrifting in Mount Pleasant
The Mount Pleasant area has endless shopping options, and is especially known for the hip and independent shops lined up along Main Street.
Begin at The Mintage Mall, Vancouver’s first vintage collective. Organized like a delightful thrift shopping maze, this sprawling space specializes in colourful vintage clothing from all different eras, plus custom t-shirt printing, art, taxidermy, jewelry, and punk screen-printing projects.
Next, hit up Woo Vintage. They’ll “woo” you with their selection of retro items from the 1890s to the 1990s. They restore, repair and clean garments before stocking them, a truly sustainable approach to fashion.
Finally, visit F as in Frank Vintage Clothing. This spot is a must-visit destination for anyone who is feeling nostalgic for 80s and 90s fashion, with everything from iconic brand-name items to cool vintage hats and sunglasses.And for those looking to get a taste of the hip Mount Pleasant area on a deeper level, consider signing up for a Vancouver Local Adventures’ Mount Pleasant Food Tour.
Where to Find the Best Thrifting Downtown
Downtown Vancouver might have a reputation for upscale luxury shopping, but its second-hand options are equally as show-stopping. With thrift stores in Gastown, Yaletown, Chinatown and Strathcona, you can spend hours thrifting downtown and never run out of places to visit.
Check out Community Thrift & Vintage, a not-for-profit social enterprise that supports people who are at-risk through their supportive work training program. With two locations a block apart from each other in Gastown, all profits are donated to the PHS Community Services Society, and their stunning curated collection is priced at a low price point for accessibility.
Next, explore the Wildlife Thrift Store. Located at the corner of Granville and Drake Street in a building that was built in 1917, this massive thrift shop donates partial proceeds to people in the neighbourhood experiencing mental health and poverty issues.
Another great thrifting spot is Forastera Vintage, which you can find on the Heatley Block. With a diverse selection of vintage clothing, accessories and art, this shop’s artsy vibes seem like they’re right out of an indie movie, all while they work toward reducing textile waste. Immersed in the community, they also host events like the “Collective Words” poetry night.
Then, head over to Chinatown Vintage Community Thrift Shop on East Pender Street. Browse their racks of luxury designer labels and contemporary styles while knowing that the money you spend there goes towards the revitalization of the Chinatown neighbourhood, since this shop is a social enterprise of the Chinatown Foundation.
When you’re done, stop off for coffee and a snack at Social Crust Cafe & Catering, a social enterprise operated through Coast Mental Health. This cozy café supports young adults with barriers to employment.
Where to Find the Best Thrifting in Kitsilano
Locals call this neighbourhood “Kits,” and they love it for its beachy, laid-back vibes. Iced coffee from a local Kits café and then some thrift shopping? Sounds like a perfect day to us.
Start out at Rummage Community Thrift on Burrard and 4th Ave, where they prioritize keeping clothes and other items out of the landfills while supporting the local neighbourhood. The retro décor here is truly funky, with unexpected treasures around every corner.
Next, visit The Wayback Vintage & Thrift Store on Broadway. Absolutely bursting with stylish finds like furs, retro high heels and statement hats, this local vintage staple embodies the true spirit of thrifting.
End with the BC SPCA Vancouver (West) Thrift Store, which is located on the corner of Broadway and Dunbar inside a picture-perfect mint-coloured building with white awnings. Find your next stylish outfit here while knowing that a percentage of proceeds goes towards helping animals in need.
After you visit some of these one-of-a-kind shops, you’ll understand why Vancouver’s got a reputation for having some of the best vintage clothing stores, consignment stores and antique stores around. Plus, you’ll feel great about shopping sustainably and supporting local businesses while you’re at it.
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