We all love a good deal. Why pay full price when you can buy a second-hand item at a fraction of the cost? Let’s face it – nabbing that pre-loved gem off the racks is all part of the thrill of the (bargain) hunt.
And here in Penticton, you can browse for hours and snag one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect your individual style. Besides scoring fantastic deals, thrift shopping offers the added perk of sustainability. Whether it’s vintage clothing, rare books, or eclectic home decor, treasure hunting in Penticton’s thrift shops is as good for the earth as it is for your wardrobe and home.
On the flip side, maybe you have a designer handbag in your closet, collecting dust? See below for some local consignment shops where you can sell it to the next happy owner – and make a few bucks in the process.
We’ve pulled together this roundup of shops in Penticton alone (there are also many other great shops throughout the region) to help guide your next shopping exploration. Have fun... and may you find that perfect something!
Shax Vintage
Opened in time for Christmas 2023, this hip downtown store is their second location. Shax first opened in Kelowna two years ago and has found a steady stream of customers coming up from the South Okanagan. Nestled in the 600 block of Main Street, the shop offers a well curated collection of vintage t-shirts, jeans and collectables.
Got some sweet clothing items that you think might be a fit? You can exchange them for store credit or maybe they'll even buy them outright. Come in for a browse and have a chat with the owners who clearly love what they do. Find them on Instagram 651 Main Street
Care Closet Thrift Store
If you love perusing shelves for hidden gems, the Care Closet has unique clothing items, gift ideas and cute trinkets at affordable prices. The brainchild of Della Catherine Volden (1916-1994), the Care Closet began in her basement as a way to generate money to support the local Hospice. More than 30 years later, the store is now run by 42 volunteers and is a significant fundraising engine for three local charities: the Hospital Auxiliary, the Hospice Society and Medical Foundation. Follow their Facebook page for the latest updates. 574 Main Street
Polka Dot Purse Consignment Store
In business for over 16 years, you can find great labels at amazing prices with apparel for women, men and kids, including shoes and accessories. This cute shop is a fun place to explore and it's larger than you might think! Nab items for the whole family and unique gifts. Polka Dot Purse will also sell your items for you, on consignment. They note that items that are cute, current and clean sell the best. Visit their Facebook page to find out more. 120-564 Main Street
Apsara Consignment Boutique
Apsara Boutique has an excellent collection of women’s clothing items and accessories, as well as an online shop, including designer brands like Lululemon, DKNY, Coach, Fluevog and Fossil. You can also make an appointment to consign your own gently used items. Follow their Facebook and Instagram pages for updates. 246 Main Street
Elizabeth O. Vintage
This stylish shop offers a curated collection of vintage, thrifted and upcycled goods, “ready to live a beautiful life with you.” Shop owner Holly turned her secondhand-buying passion into a retail reality when she moved to Penticton, opening the store in 2020.
With a regularly updated hand-picked inventory, you’ll find clothing, accessories and home décor inside, with plenty of nearly one-of-a-kind gift ideas. Visit their website to find out more or to shop the online collection and follow them on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest. 102-218 Main Street
The Book Shop
A staple for locals and tourists alike to peruse through the thousands of new, used and out-of-print books. The Book Shop has been in Penticton since 1974 and is often a favourite destination for returning visitors to our community.
Operating as a kind of consignment model, you can bring in your pre-loved books and receive a credit to buy other books in the massive floor to ceiling collection.
First time visitor? Plan to get pleasantly lost in the stacks, which sprawl over 5,000 square feet and are organized into categories and collections. The knowledgeable staff can be helpful if you’re looking for something specific.
242 Main St
Salvation Army Thrift Stores
Two stores to choose from in Penticton, one downtown and the other in the middle of Penticton. You never know what will turn up on the shelves and racks! Check out the Salvation Army website and follow their Facebook page for the latest updates. 2399 South Main Street & 318 Ellis Street
Value Village
A global thrift retailer with a department store vibe. Clothing for the whole family, accessories, footwear, housewares, tools, crafting supplies, books and more. Here's their website. 101 Rosetown Ave
Penticton Online Thrift Store (aka 'Junk In The Trunk')
This Penticton-based thrifting initiative can be found online. Search for gently used and items from the comfort of your laptop or phone. A percentage of every sale goes to the local Salvation Army Food Bank, and if you have items gathering dust around your home, you can call for a pick-up. Visit their collection on their website.
4th Meridian Art & Auction
Looking for unique fine art & vintage prints, handmade ceramics, culinary & food books, vintage curiosities & mid-century decor? Spend sometime with this curated collection.
Based out of the Cannery Trade Centre, you can browse the collection in their gallery/warehouse shop, or plan to participate in one of the upcoming online auctions. Make sure you prowl around the other delightful shopfronts while you're in the Cannery Building - there's always something new popping up there.
Visit their website for more information or visit their Facebook and Instagram pages. #104 1475 Fairview Road
This roundup covers just locations throughout Penticton. Are we missing your favourite? Tell us about it – we’ll add it to the list! Email economicdevelopment@penticton.ca.
@start.here.penticton