Mount Pleasant is often thought of as the destination for thrift shopping in Vancouver but Commercial Drive is really a contender for the designation of best thrifting in the city. With seven stores on one street, not to mention Found and the Freed, Black Door Vintage, and The Front Supply Co. in the surrounding area, Commercial is a one-stop shop for all aesthetics and styles of thrifters.
These stores represent a great mix of vintage, high-end consignment, and second-hand contemporary fashion (plus one antique store).
The Only
The Only is a great place to find one-of-a-kind vintage pieces, particularly '90s graphic and concert tees. The women/BIPOC-owned business sorts through 180,000 pounds of clothing every week in partnership with clothing recycler Odyssey International. The result is a treasure trove of unique and obscure items like an antique 1930s illustrated devil jumpsuit Halloween costume.
They also just introduced a plus-sized section online that they will be adding to since it is notoriously difficult to find vintage clothing for plus-sized bodies.
Address: 1616 Commercial Dr., Vancouver
Velveteen Vintage
This Indigenous LGBTQ+-owned thrift store is the newest on this list; the new location reopened in early April and is worth a visit to see the colourful and quirky space. Find a selection of denim, leather jackets, homewares, colourful knit throw blankets, and fun clothing pieces.
Address: 1303 Commercial Dr., Vancouver
Turnabout Consignment
Turnabout has locations all over Vancouver (Main Street, Granville, West Broadway, etc.), including one on the Drive. The luxury consignor stocks men’s and women’s designer clothing and accessories and can be a great place to find high-end items in great condition with a lot less rummaging through the racks involved.
Address: 1003 Commercial Dr., Vancouver
Little Miss Vintage
This cute little vintage shop is chaotic gold for rockabillies, punks, and pinups. Little Miss Vintage stocks fashion from the 1950s through to the '80s and has a great selection of formal dresses through the decades. The vibe is very rock and roll and it’s the kind of place where you find things you didn’t know you were missing.
Address: 941 Commercial Dr., Vancouver
Miscellany Finds
Miscellany Finds is a thrift store that carries exactly what it says on the sign, miscellaneous items from clothing and accessories to homewares and books, but it is the mandate that makes the place different from your average thrift store. Miscellany Finds founders Portia Sam and Zainab Bernard assist marginalized women transitioning back into society by offering employment, training and programs to those who are considered hard to place in the workforce. With a focus on holistic and practical life skills, they empower and support women who have experienced addiction, domestic violence, correctional institutions, and sex trade work in an environment where they can feel represented.
Address: 1029 Commercial Dr., Vancouver
Mintage
Spanning over 3,000 square feet, thrift shoppers are spoiled for choice at the Commercial Drive location of Mintage. The massive space is bursting with colour and some serious vintage or vintage-adjacent gems. Sunglasses that say NO can be found alongside crochet cardigans, pastel rain gear and corduroy pants. Mintage is a great place for anyone trying to capture the cottagecore, Practical Magic, or alt aesthetics.
Address: 1714 Commercial Dr., Vancouver
Bonus! An antique furniture store
Attic Treasures
When all the clothing gets tiresome or tedious, Attic Treasures is just down the road with a great selection of antique furniture and homewares. Largely stocked with mid-century modern pieces, this store feels like a time capsule with formica tables and 1970s Franciscan dishes. There’s also a selection of vintage jewelry and small trinkets for those who can’t lug a dining set home.
Address: 944 Commercial Dr., Vancouver
