The Best Consignment Stores in Vancouver

Fill up or clean out your closet at these top Vancouver consignment stores

Consignment stores offer a second life to unwanted clothes. Whether you’re shopping or consigning, these thrifty recyclers of fashion are unquestionably a haven for those who are money-smart. These boutiques are a world apart from thrift stores (which have their own merits and charm), offering a near retail level shopping experience with the added benefit of higher product knowledge from staff.

If you’re going to consign, make sure to familiarise yourself with each store’s specific policies. Some require appointments, others have specific labels/styles they accept and each will have a different structure of payment. But once you get the formula down pat, it’s amazing how much extra cash you can earn from garments you’ve lost the love for.

Read on for seven of Vancouver’s best consignment stores.

Turnabout

If you’re one of those shoppers who gets a thrill from the hunt, Turnabout could tip you over the edge in frenzied glee. Each Turnabout location has a slightly different vibe but all are chockablock full of treasures and gems. If you’re willing to sift through their inventory (they have a lot), you could be rewarded with some amazing discounts on designer labels.

Later this year, Turnabout will be launching their e-commerce site where shoppers will be able to purchase items online.

Style: Contemporary luxury. Nothing is more than three years old and it’s not uncommon to find brand new items still with their tags on.

Specialty: Women’s and men’s clothing and accessories. Favourite brands here include Alexander McQueen, ETRO, Proenza Schouler and Zac Posen. Staff at Turnabout are extremely discreet about protecting the privacy of their consignors, but let’s just say you’d recognise a lot of names (broadcasters, socialites, actors).

Price range: Mid- to high-range. Definitely affordable luxury. If you shop during sale season, you can often find discounts as deep as 80%.

Consignment policy: Turnabout accepts seasonal clothes every day, but if you’re new, make an appointment so they can take the time to review the contract with you. Everything must be new or like-new, no more than three years old. They have three different splits available:

1. 40:60 for consignment (40% of sale price to consignor, 60% to Turnabout), although given the exclusivity of some of their pieces, Turnabout does make exception by either adjusting the commission or guaranteeing a minimum return.
2. 25:75 for a cash buyout (25% of resale value in cash to seller, 75% to Turnabout)
3. 30:70 for store credit (30% of resale value to seller in the form of store credit, 70% to Turnabout).

3109 Granville Street, Vancouver
3112 W. Broadway, Vancouver
2929 Main Street, Vancouver
610-15355 24th Avenue, Surrey

Wee Ones Reruns

Considered one of the best baby consignment stores by many parents, Wee Ones Reruns makes staying on top of baby’s needs a lot more affordable. Babies and kids go through their clothes so quickly that you’ll find plenty of brand-new still-with-tags-on items in the store. Items are all in extremely good condition and the store is owned and staffed by moms so you’re in good hands here.

Style: Current styles with an emphasis on seasonal clothing and accessories.

Specialty: Babies’ and kids’ clothing and accessories. Clothing in sizes from newborn to 10. There are also toys, books and equipment such as baby monitors and carriers. Wee Ones doesn’t carry bassinets, car seats, cribs, change tables, high chairs, nursing chairs, playpens, strollers, breast pumps, or swings.

Price range: Mid-range.

Consignment policy: You’ll need an appointment and those are made on the first of every month for that month and once all appointments are filled, you’ll have to wait for the next month (these book up quickly). Clothing must be clean, seasonal and currently in style. Toys and accessories must be clean, complete (no missing parts) and be recall-free. Split is 40:60 (40% to consignor, 60% to Wee Ones Reruns).

612 Kingsway, Vancouver

C’est La Vie

C’est La Vie consignment boutique is owned by Faustine Faure, a Paris ex-pat and a lover of beautiful things, which is what you’ll find in her store. The store’s got a cool art school vibe happening that’s chic (in a Roman Holiday sort of way, naturellement) and really sets C’est La Vie apart from other consignment shops.

For those who can’t make it into her store, Faustine also sells on etsy (cestlavie boutique6) and ebay (cestlavieboutique99).

Style: While they specialise in vintage items, C’est La Vie also offers some modern options. Most are used, but you’ll find new items as well.

Specialty: Clothing, shoes, hats and sunglasses for women and men. They also carry jewellery by local and international designers. Faustine has two designers currently working with her, who supply original pieces as well. C’est La Vie has very high standards on what they’ll accept so you’ll find a well curated selection in pristine condition.

Price range:  Affordable! Prices are generally $10-$100.

Consignment policy:  Be forewarned, Faustine is incredibly selective about what she accepts and already has a close network of regular consignors. But if you want to try, drop off clothes during store hours and staff will review within one week. What’s accepted and sold in the store will be split 50:50 (50% of sale price to consignor, 50% to C’est La Vie). Some items will be featured on its website and the split is then 40:60 (40% to the consignor, 60% to C’est La Vie).

3247 Main Street (@ 16th Ave), Vancouver

Mine & Yours

Located on Hornby Street in the heart of downtown, Mine & Yours has an exclusive list of high-end designers that they’ll buy. They pledge to carry solely “on-trend, in-season, clean, new condition clothing” at 50-80% off retail prices. 

Style: Fashion-forward boldness meets feminine class and all the hottest current trends.

Specialty: Women’s clothing, shoes and handbags. 

Price: Mid- to high-range

Consignment policy: They accept clothing on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays with no appointment necessary. Mine & Yours offers three different options for sellers.

1. Direct buy – They’ll offer you 30% of their appraised retail value on the spot once they’ve confirmed authenticity. This is the quickest way to put money in your pocket.
2. Trade in for store credit – Store credit will be 50% of the resale price and will never expire. You’ll get the credit right away, so you don’t have to wait for the item to sell.
3. Consignment – Once your item sells you’ll get 50% of the profit. This option takes the longest, but has the highest reward. 

1060 Hornby Street, Vancouver

High End Resale

High End Resale is a gem of a find for those looking for designer accessories for both women and men. Common brands found here include Chanel, Hermès, Prada and Louis Vuitton.

Style: Both modern and vintage with an emphasis on quality.

Specialty: High-end accessories – handbags, jewellery and sunglasses. For men, shoes, wallets, cufflinks and other accessories. They also carry a selection of fine housewares – silver, crystal, porcelain, etc. They don’t sell clothes or furniture.

Price range: Moderate.

Consignment policy: Please book an appointment and bring in items in new or like new condition, preferably with original receipt. Absolutely no fakes or counterfeits permitted. Split is 50:50 (50% of the sale price to consignor, 50% to High End Resale)

Downtown: 813 Hornby Street, Vancouver
Kitsilano: 2607 W.16th Avenue, Vancouver
Richmond: Aberdeen Centre, 2/f, coming Nov 2014

My Sister’s Closet

My Sister’s Closet is a charity boutique, with all proceeds going towards Battered Women’s Support Services to help end violence against women. Their motto is “Look good! Feel good! Do good!”

Style: They offer styles ranging from modern to classic to funky in a wide range of sizes (xs to xxl).

Specialty: They have gently used, vintage and designer women’s and men’s clothing and accessories including shoes, handbags, belts and jewelry.

Price range:  Bargain! Prices start at $5.

Consignment policy: Anyone is welcome to come in during store hours to donate clothing and accessories. Through their Women Artisans Program, consignment agreements may be made with local artisans to showcase their work in the store. Call for details.

1092 Seymour Street, Vancouver

Changes Clothing and Jewellery Bar

Changes is a small but well-edited consignment and jewellery store that may as well be called “Enable.” Consignment is done at high standards here so you’ll find that everything is in fantastic condition, even vintage pieces.

Style: Mix of vintage and contemporary. Newer pieces tend to be mid-end to designer labels that are no more than a year old.

Specialty: Women’s clothes, shoes, jewelry and accessories. They feature a jewellery bar with pieces by local and Canadian designers and hair accessories by French label, Pink Lily.

Price range: Mid-range.

Consignment policy: Appointment needed. Please bring in items that are freshly laundered, pressed, on hangers, seasonal and purchased within the last year. Consignors have three different payment splits to choose from:

1. 50:50 for store credit (50% of the selling price in the form of store credit, 50% to Changes)
2. 40:60 for consignment and donation (40% of the selling price to consignors, 60% to Changes with remaining unsold items donated to a charity of Change’s discretion.)
3. 35:65 for consignment and pickup (35% of the selling price to consignor, 65% to Changes with remaining unsold items returned to owner.)

4454 W.10th Avenue, Vancouver

Front & Company

Front & Company dominates the Main Street consignment scene and has thrived over the decades by staying on-trend, whether that means focusing on vintage or newer items. Over the recent years, their quirky, independent vibe has evolved to become increasingly commercial, offering new merchandise from Vancouver brands such as Herschel & Co. and Native (shoes).

You can find new, sample and consignment items here as well as online through their e-commerce site.

Style: Mostly current styles (on-trend pieces are no more than two years old) and a smattering of cool retro finds.

Specialty: Women’s, men’s and children’s clothing, shoes and accessories, housewares and novelty gifts. This is a great place to find costumes or party favours.

Price range: Mid-range

Consignment policy: If you’re a new consignor, bring in one trial bag during store hours (returning consignors may bring in more) and your items will be assessed immediately. Seasonal items only. On-trend pieces  should be no more than two years old, vintage items must be in like-new condition. After 30 days on the floor, items are reduced by 20%; after 60 days items are donated to Front’s rummage sale (proceeds to Front’s designated charities), unless otherwise requested. 40:60 split (40% to consignor, 60% to Front).

3772 Main Street, Vancouver