In a town bustling with students and historical homes, thrifting used and vintage pieces have become a favorite sport for many Ottawans. Whether you are looking to save some money or add some vintage flair to your life, this guide to Ottawa thrift stores and consignment shops is sure to make any niche shopper happy. Featuring the very best fashion, furniture, and accessory options.
Clothing and Fashion:
Clothes Encounters Of A Second Time
Where: 67 Beechwood Avenue in New Edinburgh.
Cool name, cooler concept. Clothes Encounters of a Second Time encourages the idea of stepping out of your comfort zone and exploring new fashions with their collection of curated pieces. Their mission is to help you both look good and feel good…and their atmosphere proves it. If you’re looking to shake up your closet- this is the place to be.
Bellwethers Vintage
Where: 9 Florence Street in Centretown.
To say that this shop is a VIBE is a total understatement. Truly step into the world of vintage, retro, and classy fashion all at once from the moment that you walk into this beautifully curated shopping space. Their collection focuses on the fashion and accessories of the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s- and they’re all sure to turn heads.
Trove
Where: 1000 Wellington Street West in Hintonburg.
If you’re looking for like-new designer bags and high-end labels, this Hintonburg gem is certainly the place for you. Their unique approach to consignment has allowed them to create an affordable shopping space that boasts the latest trends in a beautiful boutique setting. As well as this, those that bring in items for consignment not only receive cash for their fashion pieces but also a 20% discount for in-store shopping.
Furniture and Home Goods:
Yardley’s Antiques
Where: 1240 Bank Street in Old Ottawa South.
If you’ve ever dreamt of visiting that awesome prop room on Big Fat Liar, then this shop is sure to ignite some major nostalgia. Yardley’s Antiques has been offering quality antiques, lighting, and furniture for over 35 years. Their collection of goods are sure to liven up any space- but exceptionally so for areas like man caves and bars.
A Fine Thing Furniture
Where: 989 Somerset Street West in Hintonburg.
At A Fine Thing Furniture, no item is off the table. Shop vintage home goods, furniture pieces, dinnerware, globes, books, vinyl, briefcases, artwork, and more at this massive antique store.
Founddesign
Where: 164 Elm Street in Hintonburg.
Unique to Ottawa thrift stores is Founddesign. They truly offer the best of both worlds with their curated collection of both vintage and high-end furniture pieces. From retro favorites to mid-century European items, they have options for every room in the house. Also, their clever approach to their staged rooms really allows you to step back in time while shopping.
Accessories
HighJinx
Where: 290 Kent Street in Centretown.
Often dubbed as one of the best Ottawa thrift stores is HighJinx. Not only do they offer a masterfully curated selection of vintage furniture, but they are also very in touch with the community. HighJinx believes strongly in neighbors helping neighbors and their initiatives do just that. With that, they have a community food pantry in which anyone can come and grab what they need. They also take donations for their furniture bank which provides those in the community free access to housewares and more.
Nostalgia Warehouse
Where: 233-C Armstrong Street in Hintonburg
Journey back to the good old days at this fun shop of antiques, collectibles, and memorabilia. Nostalgia Warehouse’s stock rotates frequently and primarily consists of retro toys, figurines, records, games, and more. Not only are they an awesome local alternative to the pain of eBay bidding, but they also shed heavy focus on pricing below market value.
All Books
Where: 327 Rideau Street in Sandy Hill.
Shop used copies on shelves and in stacks of all genres here. Located just off Rideau Street, All Books has been servicing the Ottawa community with great reads for over 20 years. If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to update your book collection, this is the space for you.
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