Second Hand Clothing Stores in Vancouver
Photo Credit: Paula Hlavacek via Google Images
For many people, fashion is an important part of their identity. It’s a way for them to express themselves - their personality, their interests, their taste. However, many clothing items, especially the ones deemed affordable for teenagers like H&M, Shein, and Zara, are produced so cheaply, quickly, and in such mass quantities, that they have become infamously known and referred to as “fast fashion.”
The constant release of new fashion at cheap prices, and the quick turnover of ‘microtrends’ are prevalent issues surrounding the fashion world. The leader of the sustainable fashion course at Falmouth University, Tom Crisp, told VICE News, “The trends prey on our insecurities about the way we look and feel,” he said, “encouraging us to consume more in order to stay on trend.”
Many people are unaware that the environmental impact of fast fashion on our planet is comparable with that of the oil and airlines industries, with the UN estimating the fashion industry is responsible for 2 to 8 per cent of global CO2 emissions.
Fast fashion isn’t only bad for the planet. Many of the materials and dyes used to create this clothing are harmful to humans, too, and can be linked to multiple types of cancer and respiratory illnesses. According to Earthday.org, everything from the flame retardants used in clothing to the PFASs used to waterproof can cause skin irritation and are probable carcinogens. Additionally, the working conditions of the factories where these clothes are produced are usually extremely poor. Workers can be subjected to physical abuse, extremely low pay, and long working hours.
If you love fashion, but don’t want to support the fast-fashion industry, an easy way to reduce your environmental impact is by shopping second-hand. Not only is buying second-hand or pre-loved clothing better for the environment; it’s also a huge money saver.
I’ve highlighted four second-hand clothing stores within five kilometres of Hamber. Whether you’re an experienced or rookie thrifter, there’s bound to be something new to learn. Who knows? Maybe you’ll find your new favourite store.
Value Village - 2354 Granville St. Vancouver, BC
Whether your style is comfy, grunge, minimalist, or anything, really, Value Village is sure to have a piece for you. While on a visit to this store, I spoke to one of the managers at Value Village, Alpha.
“Value Village is partnered with a non-profit organisation, such as Big Brothers. That non-profit organisation collects all the [clothing] donations, and in turn, what they do is they sell (them) to us,” Alpha explained. “This way, the non-profit organisation has consistent funding, and we have a consistent supply of clothing. Value Village is a for-profit company partnered with a non-profit organisation.”
Even the clothes that don’t sell are saved from the landfill. Instead, they are donated in bulk to developing countries, where they are then sold or distributed to people in need.
Value Village also has some of the lowest prices in terms of second-hand shopping. Most of their basic clothing items were marked for under $15.00, an amazing deal when compared to retail prices.
Front & Company - 3772 Main St. Vancouver, BC
Front & Company is a well-known and loved thrift/consignment store located on Main Street that has been up and running since 1993. They offer a wide variety of clothes, ranging from luxury to everyday casual, as well as their own line of accessories.
Unlike places like Value Village, who will take almost any clothing donations, Front & Company, as well as Turnabout and The Main Exchange, are more selective in what they take to sell. These stores make sure that the clothes they are getting are going to sell. In turn, the donor gets to keep some of the profit earned from their clothes, so by consigning clothing you don’t want to wear anymore, you can actually make a profit yourself!
Turnabout - 2929 Main St. Vancouver, BC
Turnabout offers clothes on the more extravagant end of the fashion spectrum, providing great deals on second-hand pieces from luxury brands like Gucci and Chanel. Though this may mean their prices are a little more expensive than some other stores, what they offer is more than worth your money. They also sell many clothes from more affordable brands, such as Aritzia, and are sure to have something to fit your look.
Turnabout has been around for 43 years, and was founded by Vancouverite Joy Mauro in 1978. Since then, Turnabout has expanded, and now has five locations all across Vancouver.
The Main Exchange - 3728 Main St. Vancouver, BC
While this store may be smaller than some of the other ones mentioned in this article, that doesn’t make it any less special. The Main Exchange specialises in “current women’s styles from contemporary and popular brands”, according to their website.
The Main Exchange has a selection of mostly women’s clothing, varying in brand and style, and has a nice, bright atmosphere. It’s also a few doors down from The Front and Company, which makes for easy comparison shopping.
Thrift store shopping is not only good for our planet, but good for your wallet as well. We can all do our part in helping to reduce our environmental impact, and for some, it may be as simple as shopping pre-loved. While what you’re looking for may not always be guaranteed, it makes it extra special when you do find that fashion treasure!