The 411 on How to Thrift Unique and Sustainable Finds Like a Pro!

Welcome to re:form’s best tips and tricks on thrifting!

Some say there is an art to thrifting. We believe it may take a little patience, some time and knowing what you’re looking for. We’ve consulted some of our friends who are the queens of thrifting to give you the 4-1-1 on everything thrift.

Brainstorm a list so you have an idea about what you're looking for

First things first, have an idea what you’re looking for. This will save you money and patience. Knowing what you’re looking for will make your mission more fun. Beforehand, write a list of all the items you want so you can go to those areas in the store first. It can seem overwhelming when you walk in, but most thrift stores have a good organization in place.

Go to the back racks first

When you’re at the thrift store. Check the back racks and clothes in the fitting room rack. The back racks are where new items come out daily, so you’ll get the first of the pick. We recommend checking the fitting room racks because sometimes someone will have good picks and they don’t fit, so it’s sometimes more curated.

Carve out some time during your week to go thrifting

Try to thrift during the weekdays rather than the weekend. Thrift stores are a lot more busy during the weekend because most people have the day off. It’s important to keep in mind that most thrift stores are closed on Sundays, Value Village is an exception!

Shop for opposite seasons.

We know this might sound kind of bizarre and you’re probably thinking “Why would I buy tank tops in the winter time?”. Majority of people who donate their clothes do so during seasons changing. For example, if it’s winter time, a lot of people are going to be bringing in their shorts and tank tops since it’s over with. This makes it the best time of the year to buy those items since there will be a greater variety (plus, other shoppers wouldn’t bother in a season that’s not the current one. This pretty much lets you have the space to yourself).

BYOBag

Just like grocery shopping, we advise you to bring your own big shopping bags. Some places do charge for their bags but environmentally it’s better and more logical to bring your own! We would suggest (depending on how much of a shopper you are) 2-3 reusable bags.

Try new things. A big part of thrifting is finding things you usually wouldn’t find anywhere else. If you see something edge, unique or that catches your eye, try it on! There are plenty of bold outfits to try on at thrift stores and will help you grow a better understanding of what you feel comfortable and confident in!

Stay connected!

When you really find a location you like, stay informed with them! Whether that be following them on social media, checking on their website, setting up push-notifications/emails or whichever way works for you. Plenty of thrift stores offer specials, deals and discounts. As someone with their own experience in dropping a lot of money one day while thrift shopping only to find out the next day they had a sale with everything 50%, stay in tune with your stores.

Have Fun With It

Most importantly have fun with it. Try new things, explore new stores and enjoy the treasure hunt that is thrift shopping!

Locations Locations Locations!

It sounds counter intuitive, but avoid high end neighbourhoods because their thrift store will price the designer pieces more expensive. Despite thrift stores having the same name, they price their items differently.

Go with a full wallet

Bring cash. If you’re going to bigger thrift stores such as Salvation Army and Value village, they accept cash, debit, and credit cards. But, if you’re going to some smaller run thrift stores they mainly accept cash only. Another tip of carrying cash on you, is once you’re out of money, your out! So it eliminates impulse buys. Trust us, we can always use one more pair of black boots in our closet, but do we really need it? Give some love to the planet and shop consciously.

We’ve made a list of our top 5 thrift stores in no particular order. Below there is a Google Map so you can easily save and start shopping some great finds in Vancouver.

1. Salvation Army in Vancouver BC

The Salvation Army Thrift Stores are great because they offer a great selection of clothes, home items, furniture, and shoes.

2. Value Village

Value Village has a wide variety of locations across the Lower Mainland with great prices on their products. They offer clothes of all ages, genders and sizes with items dated from multiple years/seasons.

3. Wildlife Thrift Store

Located on Granville St downtown Vancouver. Sells clothing and interior accessories. They are super reasonable and have a great selection of items. For more information, click here.

4. My Sister’s Closet

Located Seymour st Vancouver. Amazing environment with super welcoming and friendly staff members. For more information, on their cause and hours, click here.

5. Aunt Leah’s Urban Thrift

Located East Broadway, Vancouver. This thrift store has a very cute and warm aesthetic to it as well as a variety of styles to choose from. For more information, check them out here.

What are you waiting for? Start hunting! Feel free to tag #reformyvr to show us your finds on Instagram or Twitter and you'll be featured on our page.

Feel free to add to our discussion if we've missed any places you love.