Secondhand & Savvy in London, Ontario
Chirag Ranpariya
Its #WasteReductionWeek and textiles (aka clothing and other fabrics) are a MAJOR part of the problem. Did you know the average person throws away 37 kilograms of textiles each year, and 95 per cent of those clothes could be reused or recycled? Globally, textiles waste has increased dramatically due to the rise in clothing consumption and production.
You might be under the impression that shopping brand new all the time is your only way to be trendy, fashion forward, and always looking great. Well, sorry to say but LEN is here to prove you wrong! We have amassed a list of all the places in London to shop savvy second hand goods!
At Filthy you will find Men’s and Women’s clothing, accessories and footwear, along with many sweet housewares and trinkets. They specialize in carefully curated vintage finds that are always changing and evolving. This rad vintage spot is always spinning great music, having fun events, and has anything for anyone looking for any kind of vintage piece. (PSSTTTTT – they are having a MAJOR sale this Friday October 20th, with 50% off all their vintage product in store)
2. The Sentimentalist Vintage Clothing
This store touts themselves as “a little time travelling oasis” – touting all your retro vintage staples, there is always something new here. Their location in Old East London makes for a great trip to experience all that the neighbourhood has to offer.
Blue Pepper offers a well stocked curated collection of quality vintage from the 1920’s to around 1985 with a Diverse Collection of His & Her Vintage Fashions, Timeless Classics and some really Fun and Funky Finds. Located around the corner from Dundas and Richmond, this is a great stop to make if in the Downtown core.
4. Style 360 Selective Consignment
Style 360 is the working woman’s choice for price conscious high end consignment that keeps you looking great all year long. This shop prizes itself in only stocking garments of the highest quality so women can look fantastic while making “the economically and ecologically responsible choice”. If you’re looking to shop current fashion – this place is for you.
Plato’s Closet boasts itself as being the destination for every day basics and trendy designer styles – and we cannot argue with that. Their model has them buying only in season merchandise from people like YOU and selling them at up to 70% of the retail price. They pride themselves in carrying girls sizes 00 – 22 and guys size 26 – 42 waist. Although this store’s key demographic is the younger crowd – the LEN team has all found professional workwear, shoes, and workout attire at a great price and great quality. All it takes is one look at their instagram feed to show you how much of a broad offering Plato’s has for everyone – so take a look for yourself.
When I first began my journey into shopping secondhand, Boutique Top Floor was where it all started. You will find a variety of designer clothing and accessories both new and gently used for all occasions.Whether you are looking for your favourite designer jeans to a dress for that special event, Boutique Top Floor is sure to meet all your needs on budget. New items arrive daily!
7. NU4U Closet
This newer consignment boutique on Richmond Row has something for all savvy shoppers, boasting stock in children’s, women’s, and mens clothing – there is something for everyone. Their prices are fair and selection is great.
8. Mine 101
Mine 101 is a fusion of sustainable price conscious fashion and doing good for the local community by directly supporting Women’s Community House. Their mantra of “look good, do good” is everything we like about sustainable fashion in the forest city.
9. Talize
No thrifting list would be complete without Talize, and BEFORE you say its too overwhelming for you – hear me out. On my last visit their entire store was colour coded and perfectly organized, and I was extremely impressed. Beyond the ease of finding the colours and styles you want (yes I did go straight to black thank you very much) – their selection of name brands was truly outstanding and at amazing prices. The best thing about Talize are their Managers Specials in which each day a different section of the store is 50% off. PLUS students get a 10% discount too with valid student I.D. If you need MORE of a reason to shop here, Talize is a proud Platinum Partner of the Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada. Through this partnership, Talize has contributed over $1.5 Million to this date since its inception in 2005.
Its no secret than LEN has a love for GoodWill Industries of Ontario Great Lakes Region and all the work they do to create greener workspaces – but their system for easily donating almost anything puts them on the list for savvy secondhand in London. When you shop at Goodwill, you’re not the only one who gets a great deal. Last year, sales from Goodwill stores funded employment and job training for people in your Community. Your purchases supported valuable employment, education and training services in your community to help people find a job and get control of their finances. The money you spend stays directly in your community and gives people an opportunity to make a fresh start.
11. Value Village
With a recent re-branding to focus on the sustainability of shopping second hand, this savvy staple made our list for good reason. In 2016, Value Village repurposed hundreds of millions of items. They keep 700,000,000 pounds of reusable items out of landfill each and every year. Value Village is the place to get great deals on great items. On a recent trip I found two vintage Tommy Hilfiger tee’s, a sweet Zara denim shirt, and some Levi’s jeans. If you’re into hunting for deals, this place is one you should try out – or try again.
12. Habitat for Humanity ReStore
A non-clothing but honourable mention for secondhand shopping in London, Ontario is Habitat for Humanity ReStore. The money raised from the sale of items at the ReStores pays for the overhead costs of operating Habitat for Humanity Heartland Ontario. By covering our their own costs, they are able to keep our promise that every dollar donated to Habitat for Humanity will go directly towards building homes for families in need. Habitat for Humanity believes that we all deserve to have a strong foundation for a prosperous and opportunity filled life. Habitat ReStore stocks new and used building supplies, furniture, appliances, and so much more.
Know any other second-hand stores we missed? Let us know on Twitter or Facebook by joining the conversation on why secondhand is the better way to shop @LondonEnviroNet
Article written & curated by LEN’s Communications Coordinator Kaitlyn Tyschenko