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A while back, I asked Secondhand Savvy newsletter subscribers to tell me about their favourite thrift stores. I have compiled that information below, but first I wanted to talk a little about my favourite store--The Delta Hospital Auxiliary Thrift Store. I hesitate somewhat, as this is a secret I kind of wanted to keep, but it is just too great a place to not to share. The store is open year-round, but the time that I enjoy going the most is when they have their bi-yearly antique and collectible sale. I first went a few years ago with my friend Alison. Her mother had gone faithfully for years but was going to be out of town and asked us to go in her place. She told us to go early, but thinking we had lots of time, we stopped for coffee and a few garage sales along the way. What could it hurt to not be there right when it opens up? After waiting in line for over an hour and a half we quickly discovered the importance of getting there as early as we could.
It was amazing! Both of us were like two little kids in a candy shop--Alison
with the silver and jewellery and me with the housewares and country
furniture. Even though we had to wait, we still managed to find some
incredible finds for the most amazing prices. Alison's best find was
a pearl ring with diamond chips in the setting and for $65 I left with
a brass stand up lamp, a steamer trunk, a clear glass hurricane lamp,
a book, lace curtains, an funky old blender, and some great vintage
bowls. Regardless of the weather, we now go on a regul Survey Results In general, the larger well recognized thrift stores that have outlets in a variety of locations seem to be the favourites for most people. They were seen as having a large selection of a variety of items, good turnover, a decent return policy, reasonable prices, and often location was key--with a store near by in their community or on a central bus route. For others, small independent thrift stores that support local charities were favoured. Their appeal was also selection, turnover, and location, but also the friendly knowledgeable staff or volunteers. Reasonably priced, clean, and well-organized merchandise was also a draw for both the large and the small thrift stores. Smaller thrift shops were also seen as fun because "the selection of articles often has a distinct personality--reflecting the person who operates the shop and the people who use the shop and bring their items there for sale." A common thread amongst most thrift shoppers was that they shopped often, liking that things were always changing. Part of the appeal is the hunt, never knowing what you might find. Most savvy thrift shoppers on average seem to shop at least weekly and the rest were a few times per month. Here is the compiled list of everyone's favourite thrift stores. (Many of these stores can be found in the Store Directory on this site) Most are located in British Columbia, but we did have one entry from overseas...now there is a road trip! Delta Hospital Auxiliary Thrift Shop: 4816 Delta Ave., Ladner
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basis and have learned to be there early...often hours before it officially
opens--blankets, chairs, and coffee in tow. 