The best way to get a bargain at the WCSS Re-Use-It Centre:

Firstly, everything in our store is a good deal! Our stock is 100% goodwill donations that have come from the community. Some of it’s new, but most of it has already had a life, and comes to us as our beloved seasonal population leave town in March, April and May. A lot of it is barely worn and simply won’t fit into the suitcase when time comes to leave.

We aim to price our stock in a way that is fair, to provide affordable necessities (and luxuries!) and to generate enough money to support our growing list of community programs.

Secondly, we like to think of the WCSS Re-Use-It Centre as a never-ending treasure hunt. We have fresh stock coming in every single day (which other store in town can say that?!) and we never know what’s going to be in the boxes and bags of donations brought to us. This constant flow of items means that if you want to find bargains, you might get lucky with a one-off visit, but you’ll definitely find all sorts of things you never knew you needed (hot pink onesie, anyone?) if you visit us even once a week. It means that if you’re looking for something in particular, put it out there to the universe, or whatever you believe in (my step-dad Jon puts out such needs to St. Jude, the patron saint of lost things) and then follow-up with regular visits until it manifests.

The more practical among us might make a point of checking in with the staff (phone us on 604-932-1121 and ask, if it’s something very specific) and taking advantage of our 2 hour hold policy, which gives you time to get down to Function to collect it, or to convince your significant other that you cannot live without it, or to find a vehicle to transport the item home…

Thirdly, wait patiently. If you’ve found an item that you want but you can’t afford, or you’re not 100% convinced that you need, wait 3 weeks and take 50% off the price! You’ll notice that nearly all our items have a dated price tag, which means they will be reduced if they sit on our shelves longer than 3 weeks. This is the best time to swoop in on a deal, as long as someone else doesn’t swoop in on it first!

Our clothing rotates too, so every week a different color is on sale. Ask the cashier or look for our signs around the store so you know which color tags will sell for 50% off. Also, check outside on our marked down rack.

Now you’re equipped with these skills, let the bargain-hunting begin! I personally always enjoy pairing a thrift store session with breakfast or lunch, and there are a few lovely places to eat and drink nearby: Burnt Stew Café, Cracked Pepper Café, PureBread and WildWood Café. Also, bring a group of friends with you to laugh at you trying on too-tight one-piece ski suits, or give you an honest opinion on a pair of jeans, or to give you a reason to buy an item you can’t justify on your own… after all, that’s what friends are for!

See you soon.

Helen, Manager at WCSS Re-Use-It Centre