New to you: Second-hand clothing shops in Vancouver

Not only is shopping for second-hand clothing an eco-conscious and budget-friendly way to stock your closet for the season, it’s also an adventure. Never knowing what you’ll find till you hit upon that one-of-a-kind piece for an unbeatable price is the thrill of the vintage excursion. Here are several shops worth a second look.

New to you: Second-hand clothing shops in Vancouver
Alison Cairns By

C'est La Vie Consignment Boutique

3247 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5V 3M6

For a small but ever-changing selection of current fashion basics — from sweaters to blouses to summer dresses and leather jackets — this laid-back shop at Main and 17th rarely prices items over $50 with many for much less. They have a decent selection of jewellery and shoes, as well as a small men’s section and an impressive rack of new hats. Also, don’t forget to check out their $5 bin near the door for scarves, t-shirts, belts and more.

Mintage

1714 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC V5N 4A3

It’s the thrill of the hunt at this large used clothing store on Commercial Drive. Rack upon rack of styles from the ‘40s to the present day occupy the northern-hunting-lodge type space, from true vintage pieces, including an impressive selection of wedding gowns, to two-piece skirt and pant suits to all the tweed you could ever desire. Their cases of jewellery, both new and used, are bursting at the seams, and they even carry their own line of reworked pieces — vintage fabrics in modern cuts.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Encore Fashions

2445 Marine Dr, West Vancouver, BC V7V 1L3

As you might expect from this Dundarave store, items here are often higher-end, with brand names like Donna Karan, Dolce & Gabbana and Chanel gracing the racks. Specializing in designer clothing, you can bet that that Diane Von Furstenberg dress has hardly been worn and that you won’t find a better deal on Manolo Blahnik shoes. For minimal wear and top-shelf designs, there’s no better place to find your next Valentino cocktail dress and true vintage jewellery to match.

Front & Company

3772 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5V 3N7

The thrill of this shopping experience is knowing that in a couple of weeks, the price of that adorable yellow frock or must-have fur vest will be reduced. If, that is, it’s still there. Working on the consignment method, excellent finds at this Main Street clothing destination are priced initially and then dropped the longer they’re on the rack. But those initial prices are pretty decent and the shop is full of on-trend, good quality pieces. Might as well seize the day. And the dress.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Turnabout Luxe

3109 Granville St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3K1

Another luxury consignment store, Turnabout is your best bet for items that will take you from the office into the evening. With a large section organized by designer, you’re sure to come across that perfect black Escada suit and a matching Coach bag. They even carry top-of-the-line jewellery from otherwise unattainable Tiffany’s. They also sell new designer samples and overstock so no matter what, it’s worth stopping in at one of the three Vancouver stores.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:
More from Alison Cairns Alison Cairns
Alison Cairns has been working in writing and publishing for over a decade. A devoted Vancouverite, she loves exploring the hidden gems and new happenings — both cultural and culinary — in the city. She is also a lover of coffee, wine, craft beer and pretty much all food except sea urchin. She staves off the results of these loves by running the seawall, cycling the city and hiking the mountains.
Get cooking with these Vancouver kitchen stores

Get cooking with these kitchen stores

When it comes to cooking at home, it helps to have the right tools for the job. From the basics like a frying pan, wooden spoon, sharp knife and cutting board to the more obscure, like a cherry pitter, pizza peel or tortilla press, these stores have you covered. [Photo courtesy of Yellow Pages]
Sweet relief: Chocolate shops in Vancouver

Sweet relief: Chocolate shops

The art of chocolate making combines precision with true creativity and is on full display around Vancouver. Indulge in your favourite sweet treat — you know that dark chocolate is good for you, right? — at any one of these irresistible shops featuring chocolates that are as beautiful to look at as they are delicious to eat.
Vancouver activewear stores to get you in gear

Activewear stores to get you in gear

Rain or shine, Vancouver is an active city year-round. There’s no better way to get motivated than to look good while you’re working out. These stores — all but one Vancouver-founded — will get you in gear. Literally. [Photo credit: iStock.com/BraunS]
Close menu