Observations on Calgary’s Secondhand Market

As I get older, I’m trying not to be one of those “things were better back in the day” people. I really am! I’ve spent a good chunk of my life prey to (often unwarranted) nostalgia, and it’s one of the things of which I am being more mindful. That being said, this is totally gonna be a “things were better back in the day” kind of post. What can I say; sometimes it’s true.

Trips to Calgary used to be SO exciting from a shopping perspective. Back when I was still shopping retail, their malls were better than Edmonton’s, with stores we didn’t have here. Later, I was impressed by the quality of their consignment stores, which were full of designer brands I never saw back home. Later still, the thrifting proved impressive as well. I still remember the visit to the McLeod Trail Value Village where I found a like-new pair of Louboutin Bianca pumps for $70. And the trip to the Silver Springs Vallue Village where I picked up a gorgeous Marni tunic for under $20.

Those were the days … and those days are gone.

On my most recent trip to Calgary, the fanciest thing I spotted (after visiting 6 thrift stores in 3 days) was a new-with-tags Theory dress … for $150. Thanks, I’ll pass. Some of that may have been just luck of the draw; unless you’re going to the same places consistently, or luck into dropping in at just the right time, it’s entirely possible (and perhaps even probable) to strike out. That’s one of the reasons why I don’t put much stock in vacation thrifting these days. Even so, Calgary thrifting on past trips was better. And further, my friend A, who lives in Calgary, assured me that my impression was correct – selection has been declining recently, even as prices are rising.

But not all is bad news.

First, some important context. My friend and I are both designer label hunters. From a broader perspective, Calgary thrifting is not terrible. I saw plenty of contemporary mall brands, like Anthropologie, J. Crew, Loft, Aritzia and similar. Prices were all over the place, even within the same chain of stores, but there were some decent deals to be had. However, I did not see a lot of designer stuff, and what I did spot was either dated or over-priced (or both).

Which leads me to my second bit of good news: the consignment scene is hot! I’m tempted to posit some relationship between the economic downturn that has been affecting Calgary for the last few years, and the rise in good consignment merch (versus thrifting) but I would probably be talking out of my a**. So instead of theories, let’s talk facts.

The last time I visited Vespucci’s, I decided I wouldn’t go back again. The selection was decent, and they had a large designer section, but the prices were high (in my opinion). I haven’t been back for a few years, but decided to stop in on this visit because of my aforementioned disappointment with thrifting. And I’m glad I did. I walked in on a 50% off sale, which was pure luck. But even accounting for that, the prices struck me as being far more reasonable than before – at least at the high-end designer end of the spectrum. Most designer pieces I saw were priced in the $100-250 range which, while high in the absolute, would be decent deals for those particular things relative to eBay and other resale platforms. Add in the 50% discount, and suddenly a lot of things looked very enticing.

I exercised a LOT of restraint and only grabbed 3 things: an AllSaints real leather skirt ($78 plus 50% off, regular retail approx. $500); a Ted Baker silk scarf coat ($98 plus 50% off, regular retail approx. $250); and a pair of vintage earrings ($78 plus 50% off).

I just missed out on a bunch of Dries pieces; they had recently been sent to Vespucci’s sister store VSP Consignment in Toronto because, according to the sales associate, “they sell better there”. Say whaaaa? But in this way I found out (a) about the Toronto store, and (b) that you can ask them to send stuff to any of their other stores (Edmonton or Calgary) for pick-up. You can be sure I’ll be checking out the VSP website from now on.

On recommendation from my friend A, I also checked out Expressions Consignment, and its sister stores A Man of Distinction (men’s consignment) and Molly Marie’s (accessories). By way of background, A is the person who taught me everything I know about bargain hunting, and is one of the most stylish people I’ve ever met. So I jumped on her recommendation without hesitation – and good thing I did! Expressions reminded me a lot of my favourite consignment store in Edmonton (My Favourite Aunt’s) both in terms of selection and layout, as well as pricing. It wasn’t thrift-store cheap, but it was verrrry reasonable. I ended up grabbing a Marni dress for $42 (retail approx. $600) and a Clover Canyon top NWT ($24, retail approx. $200). I would have bought more stuff, but all the shoes (and Aritzia leather leggings! Finally!) I coveted were not my size, sadly.

Even my husband got in on the action, buying 2 pairs of shoes (one Prada, the other Boss) for under $70 in total. I tried to talk him into buying a stunning Brunello Cocinelli blazer, but the $300 price tag gave him a bit of sticker shock (even though I explained that it was a fantastic deal considering similar blazers retail for $3,000-$5,000) and he wouldn’t budge. His loss!

Last but not least, I did manage to scrounge up a couple of thrift scores as well: one, a pair of brand new AGL pumps ($18, retail $400) and a vintage signed Sherman brooch/convertible pendant ($8).

So, in summary, here are my thoughts: if you’re in Calgary, check out the consignment stores … and then come down to Edmonton for the thrifting. See you out there, bargain hunters!