Best Thrift Stores in Toronto
13 min readThrift stores offer used items at budget-friendly prices. These establishments frequently operate under charitable organizations. They serve as a central hub for individuals purchasing gently used clothing, furniture, electronics, books, and various household goods. Thrift stores deliver a valuable service by offering items a fresh lease on life, reducing waste, and making sustainable consumer choices more reachable.
The best thrift stores present diverse items, allowing shoppers to uncover hidden treasures. By frequenting thrift stores, customers can adopt eco-friendly shopping habits. Often, customers can discover quality items at a fraction of the cost of brand-new counterparts. The low cost helps students or anyone aiming to save money without sacrificing quality.
The top thrift shops have diverse products, from clothing and accessories to home goods and electronics. These stores have high standards for accepting donations and selecting inventory, upholding the quality of available items. Store staff should also help customers with any queries about a product. Additionally, thrift stores engage with their local communities by collaborating with neighbourhood charities or supporting social initiatives.
Discover a list of the best thrift stores in Toronto and downtown GTA.
What makes the best thrift stores?
We’ll judge the best thrift stores based on these four criteria:
Best Inventory
The best thrift stores in Toronto understand the importance of a diverse inventory. They should offer a wide assortment of items, like clothes, accessories, home goods, and electronics, ensuring customers have plenty of options. A thrift shop with an extensive inventory increases customers’ chances of discovering something they desire.
Best Quality
Thrift stores must ensure their items are in pristine condition. In addition to being durable and functional, the products are free of substantial wear and tear. Quality control builds a thrift shop’s reputation for dependability, making customers more likely to return.
Best Prices
Affordable pricing is crucial for the best thrift stores in Toronto. Providing reasonably priced items allows customers to shop for products without stretching their budgets. Fair pricing also corresponds with the spirit of thrift shopping. Pricing products appropriately necessitates striking a balance between value and store operational requirements.
Best Staff
Well-informed staff members can guide customers toward their desired items and address inventory inquiries. They also offer insights into the store’s collection. Outstanding customer service establishes trust and loyalty, ensuring shoppers feel valued. Employees who are passionate about the store can create an enjoyable shopping experience.
List of best thrift stores in Toronto
- The Salvation Army
- Wildlife Thrift Store
- Mama Loves You Vintage
- The Pegasus Shoppe
- Twice as Nice
- Black Market Clothing
- Second Nature Boutique
- Talize
- National Thrift
- Plato’s Closet
- Once Upon a Child
- 105 Gibson Centre
- Mission Thrift Store
- Encore Thrift Store
- Style Encore
- By Consignment
- VintageSoulGeek
- The Perfect Find
- Wild Rose Consignment
- Cedar Chest Thrift Store
The Salvation Army
Best thrift store Toronto
The Salvation Army offers one of the best thrift stores in Toronto. This organization spreads Jesus Christ’s love, addresses human needs, and nurtures transformative community impact. Its origins can be traced back to General William Booth’s innovative efforts, ignited by social issues of the 19th century. Currently, it is a tribute to his enduring legacy through its dedication to fostering significant change.
The Salvation Army thrift store has a diverse and expansive inventory. It presents a constantly evolving selection of items catering to shoppers’ diverse needs. The shop’s collection is carefully curated to offer a unique retail experience. Customers can confidently embark on thrifting adventures, knowing that all pre-loved items are in excellent condition.
The thrift store’s success owes much to its dedicated staff members. These knowledgeable professionals embody The Salvation Army’s core values, creating an environment filled with hope, service, dignity, and stewardship. With their guidance, customers can effortlessly navigate the store, receiving the necessary assistance.
Wildlife Thrift Store
Best thrift store downtown Toronto
Wildlife Thrift Store is located in downtown Toronto. What began as a leap of faith for a young family became an enduring commitment to the community. Privately owned yet purpose-driven, the Wildlife Thrift Store’s heart beats for its neighbourhood. Issues like mental health, poverty, addiction, and homelessness ignited its purpose.
Wildlife Thrift Store is a paragon of compassion and community engagement. Its inventory is comprehensive. From clothing to goods, it caters to various tastes and requirements, like a treasure hunt for patrons. Each item echoes a commitment to offering the highest quality. Its pricing balances affordability and responsibility, reflecting business integrity.
Wildlife Thrift Store staff exude values that elevate shopping experiences. They create an inclusive space where patrons feel seen, valued, and supported. In a world where choices abound, Wildlife Thrift Store stands out due to its commitment to growth, impact, and gratitude.
Mama Loves You Vintage
Best vintage thrift store Toronto
Mama Loves You Vintage is one of the best thrift stores in Toronto, serving residents since 2012. The mother-daughter duo, Melo and Mahro Anfield, own the store for vintage fashion. With 30 years of experience in the industry, they combined their knowledge to create an exceptional space reflecting their vision. Their commitment to preserving past charm is evident in their handpicked clothing from the early 1900s to the 1990s.
Mama Loves You Vintage carefully curates inventory covering decades of fashion history. The store features elegant styles from the early 20th century through lively and diverse 1990s trends. This dedication to variety ensures customers can find pieces that match their style, whether a rare find or an original everyday item. The store’s focus on detail includes pricing, with affordable vintage products catering to seasoned collectors and newcomers.
The Pegasus Shoppe
Best second-hand thrift store Toronto
Pegasus began as a grassroots organization in 1994, focusing on the critical need for offering continuing education. It also supports adults with developmental disabilities transitioning out of school. Founded by a dedicated group of women, including Sally Grieve and Allison Masters, Pegasus aimed to be a service organization that promoted inclusion and personal growth. Working within Toronto’s developmental service community, Pegasus established vital partnerships, especially with the City of Toronto’s Parks, Forestry, and Recreation department.
Pegasus thrift stores reflect their commitment to inclusivity through a wide selection of products that cater to various customers’ interests. The store provides numerous items, from clothing to household goods. The shop offers different price points to accommodate various budgets. Additionally, Pegasus thrift stores occasionally carry rare and distinctive products that exemplify the organization’s uniqueness.
Twice as Nice
Best consignment store Toronto
Nicole and Brenda established Twice as Nice Thrift Stores in the St. Clair West community. The pair, who have lived in the area for over a decade, aimed to connect with their neighbours through the Toronto thrift store. Nicole’s experience in aerospace and telecom, along with Brenda’s strong work ethic, contributed to their success. After taking over in 2014, Nicole used her planning, procurement, and sales support expertise to revamp the store.
Twice as Nice Thrift Stores offers various high-quality products from different periods and styles. The store’s selection represents Nicole and Brenda’s dedication to providing items that cater to diverse tastes and preferences. The inventory includes clothing, accessories, housewares, and vintage items waiting to be discovered. The store reflects the St. Clair West community’s essence. Among the wide-ranging collection, unique pieces highlight individuality and sustainable fashion.
Black Market Clothing
Best second-hand vintage clothing store Toronto
Black Market Clothing is a second-hand thrift store established in Toronto in the 80s. The shop initially catered to a specific group, such as punk rockers, OCAD students, musicians, and artists. Over time, it has become a top destination for vintage enthusiasts. The store is owned by John Christmann, Tracey Opperman, and Bernard Chung and offers a wide range of products, including deadstock merchandise, wholesale items, antique furnishings, and architectural salvage. And most importantly, it holds the city’s largest vintage clothing collection.
Black Market Clothing has consistently excelled in carefully selecting vintage items at reasonable prices. As a result of the shop’s exceptional selection, a variety of fashion trends can be accommodated. Black Market Vintage Clothing provides a complete selection representing different periods, from unique pieces to essential wardrobe items. What sets the store apart is not only the variety but also the affordable prices. Vintage lovers can enjoy high-quality and uncommon items without overspending.
Second Nature Boutique
Best gently used clothing store Toronto
Second Nature Boutique, established nearly fifty years ago, is among Toronto’s oldest thrift stores. Ruth Silverberg, a single mother, founded the store with a forward-thinking mentality. She recognized the importance of affordable quality clothing. Ruth exchanged clothes with friends to maintain professionalism while promoting community. This principle developed into Second Nature Boutique, featuring various high-end clothing, footwear, accessories, and jewellery items.
This store is a significant part of Toronto’s fashion landscape and excels at thrift shopping. The range of products highlights the store’s commitment to providing numerous options catering to different style preferences. The selection includes clothing and accessories, allowing customers to find pieces that match their tastes. The store’s competitive pricing is accompanied by its unique items. The boutique’s inventory features gently-used designer brands and vintage treasures, adding excitement for customers seeking distinct pieces.
With a meticulous selection of gently-used designer articles, the boutique has become a popular destination for fashion lovers seeking unique items at reduced retail prices. Second Nature Boutique’s legacy demonstrates Ruth’s dedication to supporting women through cost-effective fashion.
Talize
Best thrift store Mississauga
Talize is a proudly Canadian-operated for-profit thrift store in Mississauga, Ontario. This thrift shop is committed to sustainable fashion, intertwining affordability with environmental consciousness. Beyond its role as a thrift retailer, Talize champions the environment through its offerings.
Items range from brand names to designer fashion, accessories, footwear, housewares, and books. It also offers an extensive collection of toys and anime figures. Step into Talize and it’s almost like you have entered the best anime stores in Toronto. The store’s inventory becomes a haven for savvy shoppers seeking remarkable value.
Talize’s inventory contains brand names and diverse niche items. Quality underpins every selection, breathing life into pre-loved treasures. Affordability is the heart of Talize’s charm, offering unbeatable prices without compromising quality. The true essence of Talize radiates through its staff. These employees epitomize the store’s spirit, greeting patrons with warmth and dedication.
National Thrift
Best thrift store Scarborough
National Thrift is one of the best thrift stores in Scarborough. The store’s core values are dedicated to sustainable fashion and our planet’s welfare. Their thrift shop offerings present unbeatable prices on various items, including designer apparel, accessories, leather goods, shoes, home goods, books, and toys. An impressive 90% of the items in the store are handpicked, enabling the store to focus on exceptional quality and condition.
National Thrift has established itself as a pioneer in eco-conscious shopping. Their inventory includes famous brands and eclectic items. With unbeatable prices, the store’s appeal lies in its affordability. Customers acquire value but also participate in ethical buying practices. By embracing sustainability, inclusivity, and attentiveness, National Thrift has designed an extraordinary thrifting experience that resonates with eco-aware shoppers.
Plato’s Closet
Best thrift store Richmond Hill
Plato’s Closet is a thrift store in Richmond Hill that provides stylish fashion options at low prices. The shop places a high priority on value, style, and sustainability. It supports conscious consumerism by giving clothes and accessories a second life. This prevents numerous items from being discarded in landfills.
This thrift store caters to people who want style and affordability, promoting an alternative approach to fashion. Quality is a priority for Plato’s Closet, offering gently used items in excellent condition that match current styles. Prices are affordable without sacrificing style, enabling customers to access fashionable items within their budget. The helpful staff contribute to the store’s success by creating a welcoming environment. They provide assistance, evaluate products, and pay customers cash immediately.
In addition, Plato’s Closet plays an active role in the Richmond Hill community by participating in discussions with local schools and universities. Topics include recycling, fashion, entrepreneurship, empowerment, the environment, business, and customer service.
Once Upon a Child
Best gently used kids clothing store Richmond Hill
Once Upon A Child is a Toronto-based chain of thrift stores that help parents provide for their children. Established on the belief that high-quality children’s items shouldn’t be expensive, each store is overseen by understanding parents. The store presents a broad selection of locally sourced, gently used kids’ clothes, toys, and equipment.
Once Upon A Child offers various products that suit both parents and children. The store’s idea emerged from the desire to develop a community-focused solution where parents can purchase and sell gently used items like clothing or toys. Notably, the thrift store takes pride in its pricing approach, making children’s items accessible to families of varying backgrounds.
105 Gibson Centre
Best thrift store Markham
105 Gibson Centre is one of the top thrift stores in Markham. The shop blossomed from the compassionate vision and community outreach of Toronto Christian Community Church (TCCC). Fueled by faith, it transformed into a stage for an extraordinary metamorphosis, ignited by divine inspiration. Its mission is to serve the local community and aid those in need while expressing Jesus’ compassion. Under the Rev. Dr. Harding Ng’s guidance, 105 Gibson Centre promotes a nurturing and welcoming atmosphere.
At 105 Gibson Centre, its thrift store welcomes diverse items of high quality and affordable prices. Staff members at the Centre uphold values such as trustworthiness, love, hope, dynamism, and justice. They aim to create a supportive environment where individuals feel included.
Mission Thrift Store
Best thrift store Newmarket
Mission Thrift Store is a nonprofit business focusing on compassion, community, and global impact. As a Christian organization run by volunteers, it has opened more than 50 stores across Canada, including Newmarket. The store’s mission is to turn donated items into essential resources. The profit from each sale will go towards a joint ministry with Bible League Canada, supporting programs in over 40 countries worldwide.
Mission Thrift Store operates one of the best thrift stores in Newmarket. Customers can purchase gently-used clothing and household items at reasonable prices while contributing to a more significant cause. The inventory includes various donated items, providing customers with a wide assortment. Quality control is emphasized in every product, demonstrating the organization’s dedication to customer satisfaction.
Encore Thrift Store
Best thrift store Brampton
Encore Thrift Store is one of the top thrift shops in Brampton, Ontario. The store allows people to donate excess items while promoting a sustainable future. The store accepts mindful donations, such as antiques, clothes, books, and household items. You may also find rare goods like sports collectibles of The Maple Leafs, one of the most famous Toronto sports teams. It has become a centre for positive impact by encouraging responsible disposal and reuse of goods.
Encore Thrift Store stands out for its focus on value, quality, and community involvement. The range of items available showcases donors’ combined efforts to give new life to previously owned goods. Quality assurance makes every item worth buying, balancing affordability and trust. Reasonable prices allow shoppers to enjoy eco-friendly purchases without hurting their budget.
Style Encore
Best thrift store Burlington
Style Encore is an intelligent choice for fashion-conscious shoppers, with each store run by independent owners. Its Burlington thrift store focuses on reselling gently used women’s clothing, shoes, handbags, and accessories for casual and business wear. Offering an alternative to traditional retail, Style Encore has popular brands and styles similar to those found in malls but at affordable prices. Sizes range from 0 to 6X.
Style Encore combines value, style, and customer satisfaction. Its inventory contains diverse gently used items that keep up with trends for fashion lovers. Quality is a priority, ensuring all items are affordable and in excellent condition. Prices encourage shoppers to enjoy fashion without overspending, making it an ideal destination for budget-aware fashion enthusiasts.
By Consignment
Best thrift store Oakville
By Consignment is a distinctive thrift store in downtown Oakville, focusing on exclusivity and sustainable fashion. This small consignment boutique specializes in carefully chosen merchandise managed by a team of knowledgeable fashion experts. By Consignment’s story highlights women’s passion for fashion while maintaining a solid commitment to eco-friendly fashion practices.
By Consignment’s inventory is intentionally curated to emphasize exclusivity and uniqueness. Each item showcases quality, demonstrating the store’s dedication to durable second-hand items. If you have questions, the friendly staff will guide customers skillfully through selecting sustainable fashion. Combining an exceptional inventory, consistent quality, reasonable pricing, and a committed team makes By Consignment one of the best thrift stores in Oakville.
VintageSoulGeek
Best thrift store Hamilton
Vintagesoulgeek opened in 2011 as a boutique vintage store located in Hamilton, Ontario. The quirky thrift shop offers a large collection covering eras from the late 1800s to the 1990s, featuring items that bring nostalgia and style. Specializing in vintage clothing, accessories, and jewelry, Vintagesoulgeek provides a one-of-a-kind experience where history and fashion meet.
The thrift store excels at providing customers with a thoughtfully curated assortment of items spanning different eras. Each piece reflects a quality design that defies time and remains fashionable today. Prices are carefully considered to accommodate different budgets without sacrificing vintage charm.
The Perfect Find
Best thrift store Kitchener
Located in Kitchener, The Perfect Find is a not-for-profit thrift store focused on supporting Christian education at both local and global levels. All items in the store come from community donations, reflecting their generosity. Apart from being a shopping spot, The Perfect Find aims to facilitate education as part of its mission.
Items found in The Perfect Find showcase local support from Kitchener residents. These products may include clothes, toys, books, and other assortments of goods. Some of the best comic book stores in Toronto also donate their inventory to The Perfect Find. The high-quality donations highlight the thoughtfulness of contributors. Best of all, everything is affordable pricing. You can shop sensibly and support a worthy cause.
Wild Rose Consignment
Best thrift store Guelph
Established in 1992, Wild Rose Consignment Clothing is a well-known thrift store in downtown Guelph. It specializes in modern women’s clothing and accessories and offers vintage items. The store has received awards for its positive environmental impact by promoting sustainable fashion. Emily Vamplew joined as owner in 2008, and her dedication to the secondary market has helped build the store’s reputation.
Wild Rose Consignment Clothing is a thrift store with modern and vintage women’s clothing and accessories. Each item has a history and reflects the owner and staff’s commitment. Pricing accommodates various budgets, appealing to many customers. This thrift store represents a balance of fashion, community, and environmental awareness. It is a favourite among fashionistas in downtown Guelph.
Cedar Chest Thrift Store
Best thrift store Cambridge
Cedar Chest Thrift Store is a thrift shop in Cambridge, Ontario. The store offers affordable used items to the public. Its main goal is to support Cambridge Christian School, local charities, and ministries that uplift the community. By doing so, it takes a whole-hearted approach to commerce and emphasizes community care.
Cedar Chest Thrift Store positively impacts the community due to its diverse inventory and affordable prices. The shop’s dedication to quality is evident in its used items collection. What sets Cedar Chest apart are its staff and volunteers, all dedicated to serving the Cambridge thrift store.