How Bloordale became a ‘new Kensington Market’ for thrift and vintage clothing
A cluster of six shops makes the west-end neighbourhood an underrated thrifting destination.
Ask any Torontonian for their go-to thrifting destinations, and you’ll likely hear Kensington Market or Queen West in reply — not only for the variety of options but also because of the air of effortless cool that comes with the territory.
But in the past decade, a new thrifting contender has emerged: Bloordale Village.
This little strip of Bloor St. W. between Dufferin and Lansdowne was once the domain of dusty pawn shops and a crowded Coffee Time. Nicknamed Boredsdale, most residents overlooked its charm in favour of more popular neighbourhoods to the east, south, and west.
But the area was evolving, and the Bloordale thrifting scene started to take off thanks to the Value Village just west of Lansdowne station, says Laura Dal Fabbro, owner of Lucky Tiger Vintage. While the Value Village is set to close in 2024 to become condos and a GO station, it’s currently known as one of the best in Toronto.
That made it a natural step for thrift-shop owners to gravitate to the neighbourhood, which over time created a snowball effect — because once one vintage shop opens up, you’re likely to get others following in the same footsteps.
For a recent debut like Lucky Tiger, which opened in late spring 2022, that kind of growing community can be appealing.
“It’s easier to break into the scene; everyone is like a big family,” says Dal Fabbro. “There is not the competition you’ll get in a place like Kensington.”
Now — in addition to the Value Village and a long-running Salvation Army — Lucky Tiger is one of a cluster of six independent thrift and vintage clothing stores in Bloordale. Dal Fabbro says that the shops each showcase a different personality, with options ranging from $100 hype T-shirts to one-of-a-kind holy grail finds.
While Fabbro adds that Bloordale’s foot traffic isn’t yet on par with Toronto’s more famous thrifting areas, it’s developing a reputation as a kind of “new Kensington Market.”
“Underrated,” she says, “but we expect to see that change soon.”
Read on for a run-down of Bloordale’s six independent shops, and check the map for locations.
Odd Finds General Store
Specialty: Retro cheery and Instagram-worthy duds
Feminine. Pastel. Bright. Odd Finds General Store conjures images of sunny afternoons lazing with drinks in the backyard, poring over vintage magazines and gossiping with friends. This Bloordale staple has been women-owned and women-run since 2013, and is worthy of an extended browse.
A visit last September found the shop stocked with a curated selection of pleated shorts, cotton blouses in pastel patterns, and gauzy linen sundresses perfect for a late-summer stroll.
Throwback Vault
Specialty: ’90s swag that’ll make even the most hardcore of sneakerheads jealous
With locations in Square One Mall and on Queen West, Throwback Vault has been bringing the best of the ’90s to the GTA since 2011. Now their newest location has opened in the spot previously occupied by NTS By the Pound.
Founded by four brothers, Throwback Vault stocks loads of jackets and denim. They also feature a prime selection of graphic tees, snapbacks, and vetted sports gear, so both regulars and newbies can easily find their next favourite hip vintage piece.
Daily online drops also make it easy to shop from the comfort of home.
96 Tears Vintage
Specialty: Statement pieces and the genuinely editorial
This eclectic assortment of vintage clothing and furniture gives off hip boutique vibes from the moment you step through the doors. Editorial, but chill about it — right down to the wall festooned with polaroids of happy customers wearing their finds and the stacks of vintage Playboys mingling with mod sunglasses on retro coffee tables.
Find a mod printed dress reminiscent of ’70s funk, paisley velvet bellbottoms, or a lilac halter top made of sheepskin. The shop also sells furniture plucked straight from antique shops, including a stack of Depression-era glass serving wear.
Lucky Tiger Vintage
Specialty: Timelessly hip finds of excellent quality
The pulse-pounding music is the first thing one notices upon entering Lucky Tiger Vintage. The bright interiors and citrus scent the second. But don’t let the departure from the typical thrift store vibes throw you off — this place is the real deal.
Deftly curated for a more egalitarian vibe, some of the finds included genuine wool flannels, buttery-soft leather jackets, and the kind of floral midi-skirts that Princess Diana would have loved. With everything they sell, quality is key.
Be sure not to miss Lucky Tiger’s second location in Koreatown.
Tara Thrift
Specialty: The unexpected and oh-so-affordable
Low-key thrifting at its purest, Tara Thrift is perfect for those unique “thrill of the find” items. With low lighting and a softly trilling radio playing for ambience, this place is lined with chunky jewelry and cheap patches for your craftily designed battle jacket.
Many of the best finds are kept at the front, with artfully torn jean jackets, tartan schoolgirl skirts, and every shape and size of black boots. At the back, find a wide selection of athletic wear and even more shoes, from bedazzled pumps to platform Doc Martens (which we almost came home with).
Waybach
Specialty: Menswear ranging from the basic dad shirt to the one-of-a-kind must-have
Patagonia pull-overs, classic Nike caps and sweatshirts, and logo tees are the name of the game here. At Waybach, you’re bound to find something that gives off put-together-but-not-trying-too-hard vibes, with a rotating selection of clothing that remains endlessly fresh.
Don’t miss the floor-to-ceiling graffiti mural or the friendly staff at this ode to ’90s nostalgia.
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