The best thrift stores in Toronto

If there’s one thing I’ve learned to love in Toronto, it’s second-hand stores. I don’t need to tell you that in Ardèche, where I was born and raised, my options were very limited. In Toronto, however, there’s something for every taste and budget. Let’s take a look at the second-hand stores you can find in Toronto.

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The chains

In these second-hand stores in Toronto, you’ll find clothing, home products, books and accessories. A great stop for everything you need! The products come from donations that can be made by anyone.

Value Village

It’s perhaps one of the best-known channels: Value Village has over a dozen stores in Toronto and the GTA (Greater Toronto Area), as well as across the country. In the United States and even in Australia. For the record, the first store was opened in San Francisco in 1954.

In Toronto, you have 2 options: Value Village and Value Village Boutique. In the latter, the products are a little more selective. Generally speaking, you can find all brands and sizes at low prices. You have to rummage around quite a bit to find something, and you have to drop in regularly. But I found quite a lot!

A little tip: if you have stuff to donate, visit one of the stores that has a donation center to make your donations. In exchange, you’ll get a 20% discount voucher.

Returns/exchanges: you can exchange your products. Go to the store with the products to be replaced, look for something else that interests you and make the exchange. You have 14 days and you can’t get a refund.

The Salvation Army

There are nearly a dozen The Salvation Army stores across Toronto. I find them a little less well-stocked than Value Village, but if you’re in the area it’s always worth a visit.

Goodwill

I have the impression that Goodwill stores are better known in the United States; in Toronto we only have one. But we also have others in Ontario. I’ve never been there, so I have no personal experience.

Talize

It’s a store I rarely see mentioned in lists of second-hand stores in Toronto. I discovered Talize thanks to my boyfriend, who grew up in Toronto and knows all the ins and outs. We were there recently, so check out this vlog for an overview of the store.

The prices are a little more expensive, but the products are also of better quality. I found quite a few products there during our last visit, and that day there was also 50% off all shirts. They seem to share this kind of info on their Instagram account!

Mission Thrift Store

Well, I’ve only been to the Mission Thrift store once and haven’t found anything. But if you’re towards Etobioke they’re all next door so I’ll make a stop there just in case! I had the impression that the clothes were a bit “older” than the others.

The independant shops

These stores are different. While you’ll find everything in the chains, in the independents the selection is a little more thorough, with some stores really specializing in luxury second-hand goods. As a result, prices will be higher. And above all, you’ll find something for every taste.

Common Sort

There are 3 different boutiques in Toronto (Riverside, Parkdale and Annex) and one in Montreal (Le Plateau). This boutique is well known for the quality of the pieces it offers. If you’re looking for something more specific on a budget, you’ll definitely want to stop in. Note also that they buy if you have products to sell.

Black Market

Located on Queen Street West, Black Market is well known for its $10 everything concept. Beware, since they have 2 stores (one opposite the other), the 2 don’t have the same concept. The one in the basement still offers $10. In the other, the prices are higher, but the products are also more select.

Wildlife Thrift Store

Another independent second-hand store. This one is in the heart of the city, in the St Lawrence Market district. You’ll find clothing, accessories and homeware. A percentage of their income is donated to several associations. You can also make donations.

Market by the pound

Moving away from the center, we discover a slightly different concept. In this second-hand store, you pay by weight. I haven’t had the chance to go there, but in the reviews I’ve read, it’s advisable to be patient when rummaging through the bins. You should also bring gloves to rummage through the bins, as things are less sorted than in other stores.

Double Take

So for this store you have several options. Buy in-store, buy online, but you can also take part in their workshops to learn how to upcycle your clothes! You can also find damaged clothes to repair, rather than throwing them away they give them a second chance. They’re also part of the Yonge Street Mission organization, which helps people in need in Toronto.

Good Market

The store is really cute, decorated with great taste. You’ll find a designer section for more specific pieces.

Just Thrift

This one is a little further from the city center, next to the large Yorkdale shopping center. But it’s one of those places where you can find great bargains on well-known and sought-after brands such as Aritizia and Nike, among others.

I Miss You Vintage

Changing categories, I Miss You Vintage is a luxury second-hand store. You’ll find bags, clothes and shoes, all very well sorted! A good address to keep if you want to treat yourself without breaking the budget.

Expo Vintage

This second-hand boutique is located in the Little Portugal district. In addition to shopping, I recommend going for a drink or simply a stroll in this very pleasant neighborhood.

Crazy Loco Vintage

In the heart of Kensington Market – I took you there in this vlog a few weeks ago – we found Burberry, Chanel, but also printed t-shirts and accessories. You’ll find several of them around, so I really recommend you take a stroll.

I hope all these addresses will help you find what you’re looking for! If you have other addresses you like, don’t hesitate to tell me about them in comments. If you’re looking for other addresses in Toronto, you might like my list of favorite coffee shops in Toronto.