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Talize is a bit of a mixed bag for Canadian thrifters. On the plus side, it’s a Canadian thrift store, the selection is solid, and the hours are convenient, which makes it an easy go-to. On the downside, it’s for-profit, and the prices can be a biiiiit high (ok, sometimes straight-up ridiculous) for secondhand shopping.
That said, at least they’re keeping items out of landfills and supporting local charities in a roundabout way. It’s all about balance: knowing what you’re getting into and shopping strategically. And hey, they still have change rooms, which is more than we can say for some places.
Related: Thrifting at Value Village: Everything you need to know
Yes, Talize is Canadian owned and operated.
No, Talize is not a non-profit. Similar to Value Village, they purchase donated goods from community partners but operate as a for-profit organization.
Nothing. Instead, Talize helps manage the operational costs of collecting and distributing donations for charity partners. They also purchase donations to support funding. The charity that Talize is currently working with is Cornerstone to Recovery.
Talize works with various recycling companies to ensure that items are reused or resold whenever possible. They claim to do everything they can to keep items out of landfills.
No, Talize does not wash clothes before selling them.
Each Talize location also operates as a donation center. They collect clothing, accessories, shoes, linens, books, toys and housewares. They do not accept mattresses, miniblinds or lawn mowers. For full list, see their website.
When you donate to Talize you receive a $5 off coupon to spend in-store on purchases of $25+. Honestly, not as good as Value Village but at least it’s something.
Tip: Keep a few small bags of donateables handy so if there are no other relevant promos running you can get a $5 off coupon before heading in to shop.
Yes, Talize has change rooms!!! Which, honestly, should be the bare minimum for a for-profit retailer with a limited return policy. The bar is low, but I’ll take it.
To their credit, the change rooms are actually functional and well-managed. So, points for that.
Talize offers store credit for returns within seven days of purchase if items have the original receipt and tags. Some items, like furniture and electronics, aren’t eligible.
Store credit is at least a step up from Value Village’s exchange policy – you don’t have to spend it that same day. But still, seven days? Not exactly generous.
Seniors and students get a 10% discount on regularly priced items.
Talize also offers daily manager’s specials that are different for each location. Usually it will be 50% off a specific category. They don’t post about these anywhere so you just have to go in to see what’s on sale.
They do occasionally have discounts across all stores so follow them on Instagram or Facebook or sign up for emails to learn more.
Talize is a better choice than Value Village because it’s Canadian, but it’s still a for-profit thrift store with prices that can feel a little high. That said, it’s usually cheaper than buying new, and if you take the time to dig, you can still find some real hidden gems. Plus, every item you buy is one less thing headed to the landfill.
Would I rather support smaller, community-focused thrift stores? Absolutely. But scoring my favourite vintage silk button-down at Talize for under $10? That was a win.
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