Thrift shopping has grown in popularity because there are more people who want to save money and lessen their environmental impact. Luckily, Nova Scotia is home to a unique selection of thrift and consignment shops. Each shop offers its own treasure hunt where you can find ‘new to you’ gems for your closet. The shops listed below are fantastic places where you can find new-to-you clothing that won’t cost you an ‘arm or leg’.
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In The Bin Used Clothing & More
A thrift store with a rewards system? Yes, please. In The Bin is my ‘new to me’ favourite place to shop for ‘gently-used’ clothing and shoes. When you shop at In The Bin, you get Guy’s Frenchy’s shopping experience without fighting the huge crowds. You never know what treasures you are going to find in their bins since the many of the items for sale come from the States.
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68 Albert Street, Windsor
Retro Runway Fashion
Walking around Wolfville’s shopping core, it is hard to miss the neon green sign pointing down a side street. You would never know about the hidden gems that await you from the look of the outside of the building. Retro Runway Fashion is a ‘must-visit’ shop for those looking for retro fashion, jewellery, and toys. Don’t worry if something is too large, they offer alterations onsite. Julie, the owner, creates her own unique pieces that are available at the shop.
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2 Central Ave, Wolfville
Hazel’s Hand Picked Clothing
Focused on natural fibres and high-quality clothing, this second-hand consignment store offers a uniquely focused shopping experience. The bright green-lined windows make it easy to find the store. They post lots of their beautiful items on Facebook and Instagram for you to shop from the comfort of your own home.
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964 NS 358, Port Williams
Consignor’s Place
Possibly the most popular consignment store in the Annapolis Valley, Consignor’s Place offers a huge variety of gently used clothing. Items are accepted by season, so there is always something new available for you to choose from. They also have sales regularly, so the prices are even better.
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77 Crescent Drive, New Minas
Lost and Found Store
A curated collection of handpicked and handmade goods, this Halifax shop is a treat. Lost and Found focuses on clothing from the 1970s to now. This shop is great, especially if you are looking for unique pieces without having to spend hours searching for what you want.
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2383 Agricola Street, Halifax
Sharon’s Closet
Located in downtown Amherst, Sharon’s Closet is a staple local consignment store. The store can be overwhelming because there is clothing hanging all over the wall and in rows. It can be like a treasure hunt to find what you are looking for, but you will find hidden gems along the way.
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16 Church Street, Amherst
Plan B
Possibly the weirdest store on this list, Plan B should definitely be on your list to check out when you go thrifting. The store is made up of local small and micro businesses selling everything from second-hand and vintage clothing to taxidermy.
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2180 Gottingen Street, Halifax
The Compassionate Closet
Do some good while shopping for new to you clothing and buy items from The Compassion Closet, which supports Hospice Halifax. Shop in store or check out their online store, which offers shipping across Canada. They are just expanding their shop space for even more thrifting fun.
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32 Glendale Ave Lower Sackville
Bethany Bargain Bin Society
Get ready to dig for some treasures at Bethany Bargain Bin Society. The prices are very reasonable and there is a large variety of items from clothing to home goods for you to choose from. Special items are auctioned off on their Facebook Page. This is one of the longest-running thrift stores in Nova Scotia, opening in 1997.
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125 1st Ave, Digby
Pennys Chic Boutique
Once located in New Minas, Penny’s Chic Boutique has moved to Coldbrook. Ladies, clean out your closet and make some money off the clothing you are no longer wearing. Check their lovely stock to see if you can find new gems to fill your wardrobe.
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7165 Highway 1, Suite 210 Coldbrook
Nora’s New to You Thrift Store
Cape Breton is home to a lovely thrift store. Nora’s New to You Thrift Store works with Haley St. Center participants to help them gain important skills. Being a non-profit shop, the prices are extremely reasonable and only quality items are put out for sale. Watch for their ‘dollar day’ for an even better deal on their Facebook page.
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1161 Main Street, Sydney Mines
Elsie’s Used Clothing
This cozy shop is located on Vintage Row and is packed with Pinterest-worthy decor. Retro clothing is abundant at Elsie’s Used Clothing. They also regularly have brand-name clothing available.
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1530 Queen Street, Halifax
Just Kidding Kids Consignment
This consignment shop is not fooling around, it is packed with great kid’s clothing from baby to larger kids sizes. This shop is popular for parents because you can get great items and make money off the items your little ones have grown out of.
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9323 Commercial Street, New Minas
Jane’s Again
Behind the bright blue door on Main Street in Wolfville is a lovely consignment store. Offering modern, stylish clothing, Jane’s Again is a popular option for those looking to stay on trend without spending lots of cash. There are new items every day, so keep coming back to find hidden gems.
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390 Main Street, Wolfville
Rick’s Riches Thrift Store
Helping the community in more than just offering affordable clothing, you can feel good shopping at Rick’s Riches Thrift Store. Part of the Corridor Community Options, the thrift store helps participants learn valuable skills. There are new items daily, donated by the local community.
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21 Convent Road, Enfield
The Has Bin
A blend of high-end consignment shops and large bin thrift stores, The Has Bin is a must check-out shop for any second-hand shopper. You can shop the racks to find fun and funky clothing. The Has Bin moved from Windmill Road, Dartmouth to Agricola Street in Halifax in 2020, so they have even more space to showcase their fantastic selection of gently-used clothing.
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2738 Agricola Street, Halifax
The Rusty Zipper
If you are looking for high-quality and brand-name clothing, check out The Rusty Zipper. Located in Lower Sackville, this ladies consignment store offers a wide selection of clothing of all sizes, as well as pure Nova Scotia Honey. Check out their Facebook page to see the hottest items of the season.
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575 Sackville Drive, Lower Sackville
Hand in Hand
One of Halifax’s most affordable thrift stores, it is no wonder that Hand in Hand is so popular. They have regular sales and lower-priced racks, including a dollar rack from time to time. The store caters to women and children with a large variety of clothing, accessories, and even has cute kitchenware and home decor.
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440 Herring Cove Road, Halifax
Louis Good Used Clothing
A local chain of thrift stores, Louis Good Used Clothing has grown to have four locations across Nova Scotia. Mondays are a great day to stop in because they offer a two-for-one special. The clothing is hung up, which makes it easier to browse and find what you are searching for.
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166 Robie Street, Truro
361 Willow Street, Truro
320 Stewart Street, New Glasgow
373 Keltic Drive, Sydney
gala re curated thriftstore on Charlotte St iin Sydney is an absolute gem. Curated vintage, high-end and unique fashions. Gala_re2 on IG. Gala re on FB. It’s the best shopping ever. How could you miss it. Your list is incomplete.