Second-Hand Shopping in Vancouver
Written by Kelly Chan, Sustainability Committee member
It was reported in 2023 that if each consumer decided to purchase one piece of second-hand clothing instead of a new one, it would have reduced carbon dioxide emissions by over two billion pounds, which is the equivalent of removing 76 million cars from the road for a day. As such, buying second-hand plays a crucial role in improving global sustainability, as well as an individual’s sustainable lifestyle. For example, by shopping second-hand, you are helping to lower the abundance of clothing sent to landfills annually, limit the amount of resources required to make new products due to decreased demand, and you are taking part in more mindful consumerism while saving money.
Something else to consider: Stores that sell second-hand items usually have more affordable prices, so it is also important to be conscious of not buying more than you need and risk contributing to the cycle of waste.
Below are only a handful of local second-hand shops that sell items from graphic tees, jewelry, shoes, and scarves to tiny trinkets and furniture. If there is a store you love visiting and it is not mentioned, feel free to share it using the suggestion form on our GSA website!
1- Rummage
Location: 2560 Arbutus St, Vancouver, BC V6K 1N7
Website: https://www.rummagecommunitythrift.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thriftrummage
2- Miscellany Thrift and Vintage
Location: 323 E Broadway, Vancouver, BC V5T 1W5
Website: https://shopmiscellany.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miscellanythriftandvintage
3- Green Thrift Stores
Location: 2352 W 41st Ave, Vancouver, BC V6M 2A4
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greenthriftstores
4- Urban Repurpose
Location: 440 Brooksbank Ave #2, North Vancouver, BC V7J 2C2
Website: https://www.urbanrepurpose.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/urbanrepurpose
5- My Sister’s Closet
Locations: (1) 3958 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5V 3P2, (2) 1830 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC V5N 4A5
Website: https://www.bwss.org/about-bwss/my-sisters-closet/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msc_bwss
6- Community Thrift and Vintage
Location: 11 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1G4
Website: https://communitythriftandvintage.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/communitythriftandvintage
Sources
Jowders, S. (2024, April 22). A Guide for Customers: 5 Earth-Friendly Perks of Secondhand Shopping. SimpleConsign. https://www.simpleconsign.com/blog/5-earth-friendly-perks-of-secondhand-shopping
Howland, D. (2023, April 19). How good is secondhand apparel for the planet, really? Retail Dive. https://www.retaildive.com/news/secondhand-clothes-sustainable-environmental-impact-resale/647428/
Mullen, L. & Hunn, K. (2023, December 15). A sustainable guide to thrifting. Environmental Center. https://www.colorado.edu/ecenter/2023/12/15/sustainable-guide-thrifting