Was accused of stealing/incompetent security guard demanded he check my bag (I was travelling and had a carry on with me). Consider this: as someone carrying a small suitcase, wouldn't it be more clear if I was actually stealing? Wouldn't I have to find a spot to actually open up my bag and stuff things in it inside this busy and crowded store? Do better. Thrifters: don't even bother with this location/listen to the reviews citing issues with loss prevention and take your business elsewhere.
I really like the Value Village on Bloor Street in the Annex. It is a smaller boutique style store inside a beautiful historic building and in my experience that actually works in its favor. I personally find it better than the Queen Street West Boutique and the Dovercourt location. Social media can make it seem like certain stores are always full of treasures but thrifting takes patience and timing. Even with the hit or miss selection this location and the Edward Street store are my go tos because they consistently offer interesting pieces. The building is the old Brunswick House also known as Ye Olde Brunswick House. It was founded in the 1870s and rebuilt in 1907 with large windows, ornate decorations and a heavy cornice. They have kept a lot of its historic character and you can still feel the charm when you walk in. I left a review with another account before and later donated those items when they did not fit my style which taught me to shop more strategically. Now I go in with a plan and this store rewards that approach. On my most recent visit I spent $96 and came away with three high value pieces that together would have cost well over $500 at retail. Each of them normally sells between about $138 and $220. They were all items I had been thinking of purchasing at regular price and never imagined I would thrift, so the visit saved me a lot of money. Even though I forgot to use coupons it was still completely worth it. The staff are fine. They are not overly friendly but not rude either. Most of the time they focus on stocking racks so you will often hear “excuse me” as they work. Because the store is small the aisles can be tight. There is a washroom but you need to ask staff for a code. Like other Value Village locations they no longer have change rooms due to theft prevention policies. Some people might feel watched by security but in my experience the security person is simply doing his job and is actually very nice. While I am critical of Value Village’s for profit pricing practices stealing is still wrong and the staff are just enforcing store policies. This is very much a boutique Value Village. The focus is on clothing, bags, shoes, belts, hats and accessories with a small men’s section and a much larger women’s section. There is a designer showcase display and from what I saw the pieces look authentic. If you are expecting housewares, books or DVDs you will not find them here and should visit a regular Value Village instead. Pricing can sometimes be inconsistent. For example I saw a purple jacket priced at $8.00 at a garage sale and marked at $18.99 at Value Village. It makes you wonder how items are priced and I am pretty sure you can dispute it at the counter if you notice something way off. There has even been media coverage about Value Village marking up prices more than people expect, sometimes charging more than what you could pay for something new. It is worth keeping an eye on the price tags and deciding for yourself whether it is a good deal. This location could improve accessibility. There is a ramp inside the store for moving baskets but there should also be a proper ramp outside to make the entrance easier for everyone. Thrifting should be accessible to everyone regardless of income and ability. It is an excellent way to shop sustainably and I personally avoid retail prices whenever I can. My advice is to visit this store on a random weekday and take your time browsing. There are plenty of surprises waiting on the racks. Overall this Value Village consistently gives me great finds and with a thoughtful approach it can be one of the most rewarding thrift spots in Toronto especially because the setting has so much character.
Decent selection. I came here a few weeks ago and was really upset because I had to leave behind a pair of shorts I really liked. They didn’t have change rooms and they wouldn’t let me try it on in the bathroom ether and didn’t want to risk it not fitting. This location is decent overall, and I’ve found a couple of nice things here, but I really wish they had change rooms. It definitely stops me from buying things sometimes.
I think it's ridiculous to have no fitting rooms, AND have an return policy of exchange-only. One staff who was kind and apologetic said this is "since Covid". More likely it's to avoid shoplifting, though they have security there all the time, so I'm not sure what's the real reason. Another staff person did not even respond to my comment about the return policy. Blank face. It's a great location but I will not be returning...
MOST EXPENSIVE VV EVER. Super disappointed insane prices. Used worn shoes for $19+ saw a pair of sandals 39.99 not only are the price of items here ridiculous but it’s a tiny shop. Not worth a visit found nothing. Staff are not good
Update: I like this VV because it’s nearby but please please chill out on the security! It’s super uncomfortable to have security staring you down like a hawk while you’re just shopping for clothes. It’s really not a great experience to feel like you’re in a prison and I will stop coming if I’m going to be stared at every time. Please stock better quality items. This is like any other value village. Also, please please get some air purifier/scents going so it doesn’t smell so musty. Thirdly, if you’re not going to have change rooms available for customers to try things on in then you should be offering a full refund not just a “store credit” that expires after a very short period of time. The overall experience could easily be significantly improved. My two cents. Thanks!
The prices have gone up at value village and they don’t have a change room which would be very useful. There are good items but you have to look for them.
Value Village Boutique is a Canadian Second hand store based in Toronto, Ontario. Value Village Boutique is located at 481 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M5S 1X9, Canada.
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