Canadians are pushing back against proposed U.S. tariffs by making a point to support our own economy. A lot of people feel let down by a longtime trade partner and are choosing to spend differently. Some are canceling U.S. trips, dropping American subscriptions, and making an effort to shop Canadian whenever they can. As thrifters, we get it. Shopping with purpose matters. Whether it is about saving money, reducing waste, or being more intentional with what we buy, thrifting is one small way to make a difference.
Shopping at thrift stores puts money in the pockets of Canadian organizations, no matter the original manufacturing country of what you’re buying. The brands you find at the thrift store are vast and certainly not just Canadian. But the original $$ spent on that object is now long gone. Purchasing it a second (or third?) time will now only benefit the thrift store you are purchasing from. That’s a little bit of second hand magic for you! The caveat here of course is that not every thrift store in Canada is Canadian-owned, which brings me to my next point.
It’s no secret I have mixed feelings about Value Village. I have been curating lists of the best local thrift stores that aren’t Value Village for over two years now (see below). Have I taken my grudge against overpriced secondhand clothing too far? This is only just the beginning. Because Value Village is actually owned by the American corporation Savers, it has never been a better time to consider alternatives.
If your city isn’t here then I encourage (nay, demand!) you to seek out locally-owned or charity-based thrift stores before you head out on your next thrifting adventure.
Note: you may want to avoid big thrift chains for other moral reasons. Not to point fingers but the Salvation Army has a history of anti-LGBTQ+ policies and Mission Thrift Store funds evangelical Christian initiatives. Not finger pointing, just aggressively gesturing.
The truth is you might get a bit of sticker shock when shifting your shopping habits to Canadian-made. There’s an unfortunate truth about why manufacturers abroad seem so cheap. Low prices uuuuusually means low-quality materials, mass-production and questionable labour practices (eek!). In comparison, Canadian-made goods cost more because they support local manufacturing, ensure fair wages, and follow strict environmental regulations. It is a far different product and one that isn’t cheap to produce or sell. Buying Canadian-made just isn’t accessible to all budgets.
The answer? Thrifting. If buying Canadian isn’t in your budget, shopping second hand lets you support local organizations without the high price tag. It might take a little more time and patience, but with some creativity, you can find what you need.
Shopping at Canadian thrift stores is *ideal* but it’s also worth considering the bigger picture. At the end of the day, thrifting isn’t just about where the store headquarters are. It keeps items out of landfills, reduces demand for new production, and makes shopping more affordable. It would be great to always shop at Canadian-owned thrift stores, but any thrifting still supports sustainability and reducing waste. It is about finding the right balance for your priorities.
