Value Village Boutique — Attraction in Toronto

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...

I’ve visited this smaller Value Village location many times, and it primarily focuses on men’s and women’s clothing, footwear, and accessories. It’s important to note that this store does not carry household goods, knickknacks, children's clothing, toys, or books/DVDs. However, if you’re looking for books/DVDs/mixed media, the BMV next door is a fantastic option.

The staff experience can vary quite a bit. While some employees appeared to be less enthusiastic and somewhat unapproachable, I had the pleasure of meeting Liz, who was incredibly helpful and friendly. She truly made my visit enjoyable, and I wanted to give her a special shoutout for her outstanding customer service.

When shopping here, patience is key. The selection may not always include the trendiest items, but with a little creativity, you can find some hidden gems. During my visit, I found four items for a total of $37, which I felt was reasonable. However, it’s worth mentioning that Value Village does tend to mark up their prices significantly, so doing some research beforehand can help you navigate their pricing better.

The store does have a washroom, but there are no changing rooms. Trying on items can be a bit tricky, as you’ll need to use the mirrors available in the store. Accessibility is somewhat addressed with a ramp inside, but I do wish there was an outdoor ramp as well, as this could be inconvenient for those with mobility challenges.

Overall, I do recommend visiting this Value Village location. It’s not a bad spot, and I found some great summer vacation vibes with the items I discovered. For instance, I came across an Urban Outfitters sequin skirt priced at $14.99, which is a steal compared to its original price of $47.99. I also found a Chelsea/Endless Rose Boutique brand beaded mesh top for just $6.49, while similar items are being sold on Poshmark...

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Value Village Boutique is a unique gem that brings a whole new level of thrift shopping experience to the table. As the name suggests, this particular Value Village focuses exclusively on clothing, offering a boutique-style shopping adventure.

Walking into Value Village Boutique feels like stepping into a high-end downtown boutique. The carefully curated racks & displays create an atmosphere that rivals expensive fashion stores, yet the prices tell a different story—deals abound at every turn.

The selection of clothing is diverse, with options for every style & occasion. Whether you're searching for trendy pieces, classic staples, or unique finds, Value Village Boutique has something for everyone. The thrill of discovering hidden treasures while navigating the neatly organized aisles adds an element of excitement to each visit. Their dedication to maintaining a clean and organized space contributes to the boutique-like ambiance.

In summary, Value Village Boutique offers a delightful blend of affordability & style. If you're a fan of scoring amazing deals while enjoying a boutique shopping atmosphere, this is the place to be. The treasure trove of clothing options, coupled with the feeling of discovering hidden gems, makes Value Village Boutique a must-visit for fashion enthusiasts...