After cruising the Toronto thrift scene for ages, I like to think of myself as a pro thrifter. People always ask where I snag my outfits and the go-to answer? Thrifted. People often can’t believe what I have found over the years on my thrift trips. And, to be honest, practice made perfect, but also, knowing where to go makes the difference.
Thrifters are often very secretive about their favourite places because once a thrift shop gains major popularity, finding gems becomes way more difficult. But, to be honest, for better or for worse, there will never be enough thrifters to save all the beautiful fashion finds from going to waste. So today, I am letting you and the rest of the internet in on my “little secret” of where I have scored the best pieces over and over. These shops will not disappoint. Happy thrifting!
The Best Thrift Stores in Toronto
1. Salvation Army Keele & Finch – 3711 Keele St, Toronto, ON M3J 1N1
Don’t judge a book by its cover! When it comes to thrift stores, I’ve come to know that the ones in the most random locations can pleasantly surprise you.
This is my go-to store. If I had to pick one from this list to be the only thrift store I’d visit for the rest of my life, it would be this one. Ok, I went a bit overboard there, but seriously… I take a trolley with me every time I go because I leave that store with a bunch of things every single time. And my most worn thrift clothes are from this store.
A sure find: Danier Leather Jackets in beautiful condition, Sneakers, Aritzia brands, Man’s section is great too!
2. Value Village Rogers Road – 605 Rogers Rd C1, Toronto, ON M6M 1B9
This one is more in the Mississauga area but still Toronto, right? This store is the one with the most designer finds I’ve ever encountered. Talk about Hermes boots (in the glass for $500 but still a catch), Valentino pumps, Dolce and Gabbana dress, vintage Escada blazer… I can keep going! Note that I’ve only been in this store a handful of times because it is far away from me, but if you are craving a designer thrift trip, this is where to go… and it’s just a few blocks from a Go Train station.
A sure find: great shoes, tops and dresses
3. Salvation Army – 189 Lakeshore Rd E #187, Mississauga, ON L5G 1G2
This one is more in the Mississauga area but still Toronto, right? This store is the one with the most designer finds I’ve ever encountered. Talk about Hermes boots (in the glass for $500 but still a catch), Valentino pumps, Dolce and Gabbana dress, vintage Escada blazer… I can keep going! Note that I’ve only been in this store a handful of times because it is far away from me, but if you are craving a designer thrift trip, this is where to go… and it’s just a few blocks from a Go Train station.
A sure find: Designer pieces for thrift store prices, Aritzia brands
4. Value Village Landsdowne Station – 1319 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6H 1P3
This is one of the largest Value Village I’ve been to, and it is usually packed, so I go here when I have time to spend half a day in there. I once went two weekends in a row and saw a completely different variety so it’s worth a often visit, they restock a lot as they are attached to a huge drive-thru donation centre. The glass counter (where they store designer finds) is also worth a look in this store.
A sure find: Fashion pieces, huge dress section with great finds, shoe section is also good
5. National Thrift – 2341 Keele St, North York, ON M6M 4A2
I have a love-and-hate relationship with this store because I have found great stuff in here but almost never in my size. If you are a bigger size, say Large – Plus, this store is a must! They have a bunch of brands from the US. I asked around, and they told me they usually import their clothing. Prices are a bit cheaper than Value Village, and they have a loyalty program that often gives you a few dollars off each order with very minimal spend. They also have great customer service and FITTING ROOMS ARE OPEN!
A sure find: Victoria’s Secret, La Senza, La Perla pajamas and bras, brand shoes, and vintage designer behind the glass, everyday fashion pieces for larger sizes.
6. Just Thrift – 53 Orfus Rd, North York, ON M6A 1L7
They focus on designer brands, so you will for sure find them here! They are higher priced when you spot the Lululemons and Michael Kors that you find anywhere else, but it’s a good store to find a $200 Chanel ballerina flats… This is the kind of finds you can get from this store, and I was very surprised at how organized and clean the store was.
A sure find: luxury designer brands
I will keep updating you if I find more thrift stores worth sharing! I also have a TikTok account where I share my thrift finds and a Poshmark account where I resell some of what I find. Check them out 🙂
Best of luck on your next thrift trip!