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Photo: courtesy Jenni Lee Nelson

For many of us, vintage shopping in Vancouver has become a regular obsession and expensive habit. But the latest vintage venture is seeking to change that dynamic. Community Thrift and Vintage is Gastown’s answer to overpriced vintage fashion. Headed by Jenni Lee Nelson, the shop also seeks to help the community by working closely with local charities and employing women in transition from detox.

I met with one of the ladies behind Community Thrift and Vintage, Liz Krebs, to discuss the project.

Valerie Tiu: How did the idea for Community come about?

Liz Krebs: A friend of Jenni’s from the PHS Community Services Society came to her and asked if she wanted to take charge in it. I think it was something that was lacking in the community – something that was affordable, yet appealing compared to other thrift stores.

VT: Why is Community different from other shops?

LK: It’s good quality and we have the best selection, but we don’t have the markup [pricing]. Nothing is going to be over 50 dollars. So I think that’s what sets us apart.

VT: The store donates all profits to the PHS Community. Can you tell us more about the program?

LK: We work with the PHS by employing women that are members of the hotels, who are into their recovery. It’s a second chance for them. All proceeds go to other charities supporting the Downtown Eastside. So hopefully, the busier we are, the more people we can employ.

VT: Your merchandise is unique and carefully curated. Where do you find these items?

LK: We go to rag houses like other vintage stores and then we buy it. Rag yards are giant warehouses that pickers go to to select vintage. Some of it is from donation, but most of it is bought from these rag houses.

VT: The space and décor here is amazing. How does the visual merchandising reflect the store concept?

LK: The set up is like a vintage store, but without the high pricing. We wanted to make it beautiful and a fun shopping experience, but not overpriced.

VT: What kind of stories can we expect to read about on the Community Thrift and Vintage Blog?

LK: We are going to include our inspirations, outfits that are cute and pictures of new stuff that we have in store. Things that are special, events, things like that.

VT: What makes the Downtown Eastside so special?

LK: It’s a big part of Vancouver – it’s defining for us. The area is in need of something like this, there isn’t anything else like this store in Gastown. The whole point of this project is to help people in the community. So for us, Gastown is the perfect fit – on the edge of Hastings, but among the other shops.