The store, unlike many other thrift stores, prides itself in providing quality clothing for its customers at low prices that have not changed since its opening. Their goal is to help people living in poverty build stronger futures and work their way out of poverty. The store is a part of YSM’s Double Take program, which is a community training and employment initiative for people who may face obstacles with regular employment and those who are newcomers to Canada. The Yonge Street Mission (YSM), a local Toronto charity, opened its thrift store Double Take in 1999, to serve a growing immigrant community in the Regent Park neighbourhood. The opening of consignment stores has also helped the increasing immigrant population, especially under a looming economic crisis. The Salvation Army opened several Toronto buildings in the early 1900s, opening their first known ‘thrift-store’ in 1908.
Charitable organizations such as The Salvation Army opened their own consignment stores under a religious agenda and, to this day, are still operating under their religious mission. Is affordability a fashion fad?Ĭonsignment stores made their way into larger cities in the early 1900s as a means of raising money for charitable causes. After all, shoppers flock to thrift stores for their low prices and unique finds.
For consignment stores operating under a for-profit agenda, it seems contradictory to hike up the prices of donated clothing that is meant to benefit those in need. Though a $20 jacket for most shoppers would be considered reasonable, some may consider it a stretch out of their budget. Major thrift stores such as Value Village have been criticized by consumers for their drastic price changes. With the average cost of living continuing to rise in Toronto, the rising prices of second hand clothing do not make it easier on those who truly need it most. Major fashion magazines such as VOGUE have caught onto the ‘thrifting’ trend, with celebrity fashion gurus such as Alexa Chung utilizing thrift stores as a part of their style arsenal.Ĭan we blame Macklemore for donning your grandfather’s hand me downs?
Once considered suitable only for the poor and working class, ‘thrifting’ has vastly expanded into mainstream culture, trickling its way to upper middle class hipsters and fashion bloggers. A group of rowdy, suburban teenagers gather at a nearby register as a cashier rings up several items in hand. Loud alternative rock music blares through a broken-down speaker as herds of fashion-conscious youth crowd the sale rack - a familiar scene at this beloved consignment store. A nostalgic smell drifts from piles of stained mom jeans and multi-colored windbreakers at a local Queen Street thrift store.
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