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The truth is the best Value Village in Toronto isn’t in Toronto at all. You really have to leave the city if you want to find the best stuff. Even the best thrift stores in Toronto tend to be picked over because of the sheer number of ‘cool people’ all looking for the same treasures. Add in the resellers who thrift for a living, and it’s no wonder the pickings can be slim. While the very best Value Village isn’t in the city, some Toronto locations are still better than others.
The previously awarded ‘best Value Village in the Toronto’ has closed, as of August 31, 2024. RIP.
Address: 924 Queen St E, Toronto
This location is a close competition for the best Value Village location in Toronto (the actual city of Toronto, not the GTA). Because the neighbourhood tends to be a bit more affluent the donations also tend to be a bit higher-quality. Lots of modern brand name clothes here. The store is smaller than some other locations but still a decent size, clean and well-organized.
Address: 18 Edward St Unit #3 & #5, Toronto
Newly opened as of Winter, 2024, this location is a welcome addition to downtown Toronto. It’s clean, well-organized, and conveniently located. Prices seem a bit lower than VV boutiques, and they carry a good selection of housewares (though no furniture). The only downside is the narrow spacing between racks, which can make navigating the store with their red carts tricky. Overall, it’s a solid addition to the area.
Address: 772 Dovercourt Rd Unit 100, Toronto
This Value Village in Toronto is located in a very unique building that used to be an old Canada Post building from 1953. It has two full floors of secondhand goodies to explore. Unfortunately the aisles are quite narrow, there’s no parking and the only elevator is technically for freight (at the time of writing this). Admittedly this is a bit of a disappointing replacement to the one on Bloor and Lansdowne. Hopefully in time, they are able to improve with feedback.
Address: 639 Queen St W, Toronto, ON
I’ve been reluctant to add the Value Village boutiques to these lists but it’s time to admit that they do indeed make the cut. If you’re buying used clothes at non-retail prices, it counts enough for this list.
The downtown location really leans into the “boutique” part of the name. The space is stunning, with high ceilings, a wraparound balcony, and ornate mirrors. It’s possibly one of the nicest-looking Value Villages out there? But let’s be honest. It’s still a Value Village. That means racks that can get messy, no fitting rooms, and prices that often feel a little too close to retail for comfort. Exchanges are allowed, but buying without trying — especially at these prices — can feel like a bit of a risk.
It’s clothing, shoes, and accessories only here. No housewares. No donation drop-off either. The racks can get a little chaotic, but there are still good finds if you’ve got the patience.
Address: 481 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON
Let’s just call it what it is: this place is confusing. It’s called a “boutique,” but what kind of boutique doesn’t have change rooms or allow returns? You can try things on over your clothes in the aisles like everyone else, but yeah… that’s not very “boutique”-y. The building itself is beautiful, with old architectural details that make it feel like you’re stepping into a vintage shop. But at the end of the day it’s still just a Value Village.
The layout’s not great. Narrow aisles, lots of people, and not much space to actually look at anything when it’s busy. Plus, no housewares. It’s mostly clothing, activewear, shoes, and accessories. But at the end of the day, I do recommend you give this location a shot. It’s not that bad?
Address: 1030 Wilson Ave, North York
This location is also one of the best Value Village locations in the wider GTA. It’s a large building with lots of items and decent sized aisles to walk down to browse and pass others with carts. It is clean and well-organized, which is a blessing for a thrift store. The neighbourhood also lends itself to lots of gently used brand name items and designer clothing. This Value Village location also gets a lot of praise for the friendliness of its staff. Not exactly a common compliment for Value Village but if you are a looking for a friendly thrifting experience then give this location a try.
Tip: parking can be chaotic on weekends so try and visit at off-peak times (like weekday evenings)
Address: 1475 Dundas St E, Mississauga
This is one of the better Value Village locations in the GTA. In particular, because it is located right next to a few other of the best thrift stores in Mississauga. You can visit this location but also stop in at the Salvation Army, Mission Thrift Store, Goodwill and Talize without even leaving the intersection (though it is a very large intersection). This Value Village location is large, well-organized and has spacious aisles to shop. Definitely check this location if you are looking for furniture or lamps.
Address: 1525 Victoria Park Ave, Toronto
This is a nice large Value Village location with lots of variety. It is clean, organized and with friendly staff. This location has so many options for all kinds of clothing, jewelry, accessories, electronics, books and household items. Definitely worth a visit if you want to venture a bit out of the city.
Address: 295 High Tech Rd, Richmond Hill
This Value Village is one of the largest and cleanest around, which definitely makes it stand out. It is new to the roster, having opened in Summer 2024. As with any thrift store, the selection is hit or miss depending on timing and luck. Bonus: it doesn’t have that typical “thrift store smell” yet and let’s hope it stays that way!
Address: 101 Northview Blvd, Woodbridge
This is a great Value Village location to spend a bit of time shopping outside of the GTA. This location in particular carries amazing housewares and furniture because the surrounding neighbourhoods have fairly large and affluent homes. Lots of trendy and modern clothing as well.
If you really want the good stuff you have to leave Toronto and venture a bit further. A good idea is to find the best thrift stores is to take a road trip (for example, here are the best thrift stores in Hamilton).
Address: 50 Horseshoe Crescent, Hamilton
This Value Village location is definitely worth the drive out of the city. It is one of the biggest locations on this list, clean and very organized. The stock tends towards unique vintage finds but there are also lots of options for gently-used, brand name items.
Terenia says:
Hello, I am a returning customer, after 2 decades! Please send me an occasional email to let me know the best deals on clothing, especially natural fiber clothing.
Heather says:
Hello! Do you mean you are a returning customer to Value Village in Toronto?
Michael says:
What about Woodbine and Danforth location ?
Heather says:
Oh I must have missed that one. Is it one of your favourites?