Celebrate National Thrift Shop Day with these Hamilton spots
Once again, it pays to be a bargain hunter.
Aug. 17 marks National Thrift Shop Day in North America, a day that commemorates all things thrifty and second-hand.
Hamilton is home to dozens of thrift stores - all chock full of treasures just waiting to be discovered.
And not only do you save money, but often times thrift shops are run by organizations that support people in need and allow items that may have ended up in a landfill find new life.
The Spectator's Fallon Hewitt, who lives a double life as an avid thrifter, has put together a list of some of the city's thrift stores to get you jump-started on your scrimpy shopping spree.
Mission Thrift Store
This chain of thrift shops has two locations in Hamilton as well as a store in Burlington. They offer a wide-selection of items - anything from new threads and vintage roller skates to fine home furnishings and quirky decor.
They also have a rotating silent auction that typically features antique furniture, toys and collectibles.
Mission Thrift Store has locations at 601 Upper Gage Ave. on the Mountain, 33 King St. E. in Dundas; and 2421 New St. in Burlington.
The Salvation Army Thrift Store
Is there anything better than a store that organizes its bric-a-brac by colour? Absolutely not. The Salvation Army, also known as the Sally Ann, has three thrift stores in Hamilton as well as a shop in Burlington.
This chain is your go-to for just about anything you need that can be picked up second-hand. Hamilton's Mountain location also has a section of more rare vintage items at the front, so be sure to take a peek.
The Salvation Army has locations at 250 King St. E. in the downtown; 879 Upper James St. on the central Mountain; 2500 Barton St. E. in Stoney Creek; and 3245 Fairview St. in Burlington.
Value Village
Perhaps one of the most well-known thrift stores, Value Village has four locations in Hamilton and two more stores in Burlington.
You can find anything from jewelry and furniture to shoes and books. The chain is also known for its surprise bag-like selection of presorted items, which are always worth checking out.
Each location has its own unique traits - even more reason to go thrifting as often as possible. Their donation program also allows you to save some extra money on top of your thrifty finds.
Value Village has locations at 530 Fennell Ave. E. on the Mountain; 50 Horseshoe Cres. in Waterdown; 840 Queenston Rd. in Stoney Creek; 120 Portia Dr. in Ancaster; 2340 Fairview St. in Burlington; and 2030 Appleby Line in Burlington.
re-Source Thrift Shop
Hidden inconspicuously in a plaza-style mall, re-Source Thrift Shop is a hidden gem on the Hamilton Mountain.
This small chain of thrift stores offers a large selection of furniture, tchotchkes, dishware, books and clothing. The front end of the Hamilton location also plays host to a vintage and antique goods section as well as a silent auction full of neat stuff.
re-Source Thrift Shop is located at 1050 Upper Gage Ave.
Habitat for Humanity ReStore
This non-profit chain of used stores specializes in homewares and renovation supplies.
But the Burlington location does sell clothing, housewares, furniture and some brand-new overstock that's worth the trip to sift through.
If you're in the market to freshen up your home, the Hamilton store sells everything from light fixtures to cabinetry.
Habitat for Humanity has locations at 285 Nash Rd. N. in east Hamilton and 1800 Appleby Line in Burlington.
These are just a few of the thrift shores the Hamilton area has to offer. You could also satisfy your hunt for thrifty and vintage finds at these other shops:
- Talize, 1400 Upper James St., Hamilton
- St. Vincent de Paul Value Store, 429 Barton St. E., Hamilton
- St Vincent de Paul Next To New Store, 200 Parkdale Ave. N., Hamilton
- The Giving Closet Thrift Shop, 1162 Barton St. E., Hamilton
- Plato's Closet, 505 Rymal E., Hamilton; 1505 Guelph Line, Burlington
- Once Upon A Child, 1550 Upper James St., Hamilton; 940 Queenston Rd., Stoney Creek; 1505 Guelph Line, Burlington
- Hamilton Antique Mall, 233 Ottawa St. N., Hamilton
- Freelton Antique Mall, 248 Freelton Rd., Freelton
Fallon Hewitt is a Hamilton-based reporter at The Spectator. Reach her via email: fhewitt@thespec.com