A culture of conscious consumption is booming in Calgary, with residents increasingly choosing second-hand and vintage stores over mass-market retailers. This shift isn’t just about positively impacting the city’s environment; it’s also a chance to save money, express individuality, wear clothes with character and history, and support people and animals in need. Calgary is home to many fantastic vintage shops where you can discover stylish and fascinating finds. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best spots the city has to offer. Read on at calgarynka.
MEOW Charity Thrift Shop
The name of the MEOW Charity Thrift Shop says it all. It’s a place where you can shop for second-hand goods while helping kittens. 100% of the sales proceeds go to the MEOW Foundation, which supports homeless and abandoned cats in and around Calgary. By shopping here, you’re not only finding unique items but also promoting environmental sustainability and supporting your community and its tiniest felines.
The store is a treasure trove of home decor, accessories, electronics, books, and even beds and toys for your own cats. They also have weekly sales with discounts of up to 50% on various categories. You can stay updated on these promotions by following their Instagram account (@meowcharitythriftshopnorth).
In addition, the shop features many handmade items crafted by volunteers, including tote bags, pet beds, slippers, and toys.
You can also donate your gently used items. The shop accepts a wide range of goods, such as kitchenware, books, accessories, artwork, and sports equipment. It’s important to note that donations are only accepted during store hours at the designated drop-off zone at the front of the shop.
If you don’t have items to donate, you can make a monetary contribution to help the foundation fund its programs and carry out its mission.
Furthermore, you can become a volunteer for the MEOW Foundation. Volunteers play a crucial role at the adoption centre, thrift shop, charity cafe, and other facilities. From caring for cats to crafting, there’s a meaningful role for everyone.
The Consignment Shop on 17th Avenue
This is another shop that beautifully blends a love for shopping with a passion for animals. All proceeds from the store go to local animal rescue centres. The shop has already donated over $230,000, with much more work still to be done.
The store’s founder, a woman named Sue, fled war-torn Lebanon in 1974. As a little girl, she was introduced to the world of second-hand shopping because her family couldn’t afford department stores. When Sue grew up, she wanted to give back to the city that had welcomed her so warmly. With the support of family and friends, she opened her own thrift store to give Calgarians a place to dress well while giving local dogs and cats a chance at a happy life.
You can also bring items you no longer need to this store, from clothing and shoes to home decor. For safety reasons, they do not accept children’s equipment, hardwired light fixtures, books, or large furniture.
Crossroads Market
Crossroads Market has been a Calgary staple since 1987. It quickly became a home for many local vendors, some of whom have been there since the very beginning. From its inception, the market has aimed to maintain a down-to-earth character while being open to new and diverse offerings.
This place is known for being a vibrant community hub. It frequently hosts charity events, concerts, and other gatherings. Throughout the year, the market supports numerous fundraisers for schools, daycares, non-profits, and arts and sports organizations.
Here, you can find fresh produce alongside a variety of vintage shops filled with interesting antiques and unique vintage sheet music. Beyond hunting for one-of-a-kind items for your home, the market is a wonderful place to socialize and soak up positive energy.
Vintage Redefined Market
Vintage Redefined offers a more curated market experience. Here, you’ll find unusual vintage pieces, collectibles, and true treasures made from upcycled materials. If you’re not a fan of digging through piles of stuff to find a hidden gem, this market is for you—the local curators have already done the hard work. You’ll only find truly interesting, on-trend pieces. In addition to clothing, there are tons of cool vintage dishware, collectible toys, furniture, and decor items.
Thriftopia
This store is known for its unique pricing model, where items are priced by category. For example, most children’s clothing costs about $2 per piece.
What’s more, this second-hand store has an online shop! On the website, you can find the best items from their selection at great prices and in excellent condition. They offer flat-rate shipping for $30 within Canada and $35 to the US.
Here you can find a wide selection of adult and children’s clothing from mid-range to high-end brands. The store also stocks shoes, accessories, books, and toys.
The store has received glowing reviews. Customers praise the prices, which are very competitive for a thrift store, and note that it’s a great place to find brand-name items for less.
The shop itself is very clean and well-organized. The fitting rooms even have couches, which is a rare and welcome touch for a second-hand store. It’s definitely worth a visit.
WINS Thrift Stores
WINS, or the Women in Need Society, is a charitable organization that operates seven thrift stores across the city. The revenue from these stores funds the society’s charitable programs.
The society’s mission is to address gender inequality and help women overcome poverty. Thanks to the thrift stores, a growing number of women are receiving the tangible help they need.
Unfortunately, Calgary remains one of Canada’s more challenging cities for women to achieve professional success. At the same time, the rising cost of living is turning basic necessities into luxuries. One way the society helps is by providing women and children with essential winter clothing. Between September 2024 and February 2025 alone, WINS distributed over 20,000 coats and jackets through its thrift stores, most of which were given away for free.
At the Women in Need Society thrift stores, you can find a wide selection of clothing for women and men, accessories, home decor, furniture, and more. They often have discount days and offer year-round discounts for students and seniors.
By shopping at these stores, you are directly supporting individuals and families in need. This is more than just a business; it’s vital community work. Your purchases help women build new lives, find employment, and clothe and feed their children. Moreover, the stores foster a supportive atmosphere where you can always find like-minded people.
Thrift stores in Calgary are a key part of the city’s modern culture, blending style, community support, and eco-consciousness. In these local shops, you can find items with a story and contribute to the well-being of your community. Every small purchase is a big step toward a more conscious and responsible future.