Top 5 Thrift Stores in YVR

Cover Photo by Arturo Rey on Unsplash

If you’re anything like us here at The Issue, nothing brings as much joy as quickly as a bit of retail therapy. We can’t get enough of fashion. And buying a new bag, coat, or pair of shoes can transform any so-so day into an exciting adventure. 

There are some consequences to loving clothing shopping as much as we do, though. For one, it can be extremely expensive to constantly be on the hunt for the next hot item – after a while, those numbers add up! For another, if we’re trying to save a buck by shopping fast-fashion, we’re left feeling guilty about what impact on the environment our purchase has made. 

However! There is a way to buy your newest favourite clothing item while saving yourself some cash and actually doing a favour to the environment, and that solution is – of course – thrift stores. 

Ah, thrifting. What used to be considered as perhaps something to look down on, has quickly become the trendiest way to update your wardrobe. Not only does thrifting save you money and help the environment, but it allows you to find a wide variety of unique, sometimes rare, vintage items which oftentimes become your favourite article of clothing in your closet. 

If all this wasn’t reason enough to make you a thrift-store-lover, you’ll find many places on this list that choose to donate a portion of their sales back into their communities and to local and national charities. What better excuse to go for a shop! 

So, if you’re in the mood for a thrift shop and you’re in Vancouver, here are the spots we recommend hitting up: 

Hunter & Hare 

A relatively new thrift store to Vancouver, Hunter & Hare has quickly gained a massive name for itself as one of the chicest consignment stores in the area. 

With two stores at the moment (Union Street and North Vancouver locations), and a massive social media following, Hunter & Hare is the place you go when you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind, high quality, second-hand piece. 

A women’s only shop, Hunter & Hare is very selective when it comes to drop-offs, only taking in very lightly used, branded apparel that is in season at the time of collection. This careful sorting process ensures that they are only selling the very best of thrifted items. As a customer, you almost feel as though you’re buying something brand-new, not just “new-to-you.”  

Hunter & Hare also sells books, greeting cards, jewellery, candles, and house-hold items designed and created by local artists. 

To top it all off, on the Tuesday at the end of each month, Hunter & Hare chooses a different Canadian charity to donate 25% of sales made that day. In the past, these charities have included The Downtown Eastside Women's Centre, Vancouver Black Therapy & Advocacy Fund, and BC Community Alliance. 

Follow Hunter and Hare on their Instagram @hunterandhare

Wildlife Thrift Store 

We would be amiss if we didn’t include this one on the list. With its two iconic locations (Granville Street and West 70th Avenue), Wildlife Thrift Store has been a staple of thrift shopping in the city since its creation back in 1997. 

It’s almost a rite of passage for someone new to the area to have at least one item from Wildlife in their home, and this is easily accomplished given the wide variety of goods they carry. This store has got everything – old furniture, houseware, prints, records, books, DVDS, CDS, puzzles, and – yes of course – racks upon racks of clothes. 

Because they’re not as picky about the items they accept (as long as they’re in good condition), you’re able to find a wide variety of clothes that you may miss at other shops. If you’re looking for a thrift store that covers the entire spectrum of Vancouver fashion, this is your shop. 

A family-owned and operated store, Wildlife Thrift Store was created specifically with the hopes of giving back to the community. They regularly donate to local charities which have included Coast Mental Health, The Gathering Place and Covenant House. 

Follow Wildlife thrift store on Instagram @wildlifethriftstore

My Sister’s Closet 

If you’re looking for that instant feel-good-feeling of helping someone out while you shop, we recommend you hitting up My Sister’s Closet. 

A store run by the Battered Women’s Support Services (BWSS) in downtown Vancouver, this self-proclaimed “eco-boutique,” has two locations (Commercial Drive and Seymour Street) which sell clothing available to all genders. 

You can feel good about what you buy, as 100% of the proceeds go toward BWSS. This is an amazing act of kindness you can do for your community, as these funds support the violence prevention and intervention services and programs operated by BWSS. In a year, BWSS can receive more than 18,000 requests.

PRO TIP: Besides all that good-good stuff, My Sister’s Closet has been supported by women’s dance company, Glow Studios (home to Luminesque Dance), for some time now – meaning, you can often find some amazing second-hand costumes and dance gear that dancers have parted ways with. If you’re in the market for a new-to-you pair of strappy dance shoes, this is the place to go. 

Follow My Sister’s Closet on Instagram @msc_bwss

Front and Company 

Always looking to stay ahead of the style game, Front and Company has everything you’re looking for in a thrift shop – from days of the past to trendy new styles.  

Originally, the shop sold a small but mighty selection of quality consignment clothing, affordable antique collectables and elegant vintage jewelry. Over time, the store got more and more popular, so moving to a larger location and adding to the selection of goods in the shop was necessary. 

Today, Front and Company is home to over 5000 consigners. And in addition to the beautiful, quality vintage items, the Front also carries a wide selection of contemporary items and accessories such as footwear, bags, and hats, as well as baby items and home décor. Like we said – it’s everything you’re looking for! 

Well-known in Vancouver for their iconic window displays, if you’re hitting up thrift stores in Vancouver and don’t go to Front and Company – did you even go thrift shopping? 

Follow Front and Company on Instagram @frontandcompany

Colette’s Frocks 

Okay, okay, we know. North Vancouver is not the same as Vancouver. For one, you need to travel across either one of the perpetually busy bridges to get here or take the old-fashioned Seabus, which probably isn’t anyone’s favourite way to travel unless you’re under the age of seven. Sure, it’s a trek to get over to North Vancouver, but once you’re there – we have a spot for you to check out. 

Just a ten-minute walk from the Seabus station at Lonsdale Quay sits Colette’s Frocks. A well-established, cozy thrift shop which has been a staple of the trendy LOLO neighbourhood since its opening in 1992. 

This shop is very selective with the items it brings in, so if you’re not in the mood to rummage through racks and racks of old graphic tees, this is the place you wanna go. The store, situated in a heritage building along Lonsdale, features a selection of vintage fashion, new consignment, footwear, hand-crafted jewellery, and pieces from local artists, including re-purposed clothes!! Great for the environment and so, so chic. 

To add to all this awesomeness, Colette’s Frocks is dog-friendly! So bring your pooch and prepare to find your new favourite high-quality clothing piece. 

Follow Collete’s Frocks on Instagram @colettesfrocks

These are only some of so many thrift stores in the Greater Vancouver Area. What are your favourite thrift stores? Comment below and we will make sure to give them a shoutout next time! Until then, happy thrifting everybody! Don’t forget to tag us @the_issuemagazine on what you got!