Value Village — Attraction in Toronto

UPDATE FEB. 2025: Value Village is American owned.

UPDATE IN JULY, 2024: Why are the books so expensive to buy when they were donated to Value Village in the first place? Today, I used a 30% off coupon that had been emailed to me to purchase books and media at Value Village. The children's books are low priced, e.g. $1.49, and that's great. But, the hardcover books for adults ranged from about $5.49 and upwards, not counting HST and the 30% off coupon. The shelves were stacked with books, especially overflowing with children's books in bins and on shelves. No wonder Value Village issued the 30% off coupon to try to get rid of some of this stock. It would be better to donate books to the Thrift Store where the selling prices would be cheaper, no HST charged and the Thrift Store is non-profit. Value Village is a for-profit organization.

After the shock of the prices of the books, I didn't want to look at anything else in the store. Of course, once I recover, I will return to Value Village but I won't be buying any more books again unless I get another 30% off coupon to use.

PREVIOUSLY IN 2023 - 4 STARS: Value Village shopping is important to me as a thrifty person on a small budget and for environmental reasons. This is my usual store location in which to shop. Lots of parking. Good-sized store, clean, and well-stocked with a wide variety of merchandise.

There have been absolute treasures that I have found while shopping in this store, e.g. designer labels with comparatively low prices to buy here. Some items aren't worth buying, in my opinion anyway. The prices of everything aren't really as low as what I would prefer and I've wondered if they were the same prices as for the items originally purchased elsewhere when new. Some of the clothing look brand new and never worn so could possibly be close-outs from other stores that went out of business. Who knows the source of the items on sale at any Value Village store? It doesn't matter to me so long as I can enjoy my shopping and get good items to buy which usually happens. It is rare that I have not bought anything when shopping here and at other Value Village stores.

I am not happy with the self-checkouts. To take advantage of a staff member to pay for my purchases at a regular checkout, the customer is only allowed to pay in cash, not by debit or credit card. That's a strange, inconvenient rule and doesn't happen at Walmart's self checkouts. You can pay by these cards at the self-checkouts at Value Village.

Why did Value Village stop offering their 50% off days to "preferred customers" the first day and then to the general public the second day? I loved those special events and shopped every time.

Why have the fitting rooms been closed permanently? It is a nuisance to buy an item, bring it home to try on and then drive back to the store (gas $ spent) to get an exchange only on any item in the store costing the same amount or more of that returned item. No refunds given. Only exchangeable for other merchandise in a time frame of 10 days from the original date of purchase, I believe.

I am glad that partial proceeds from this for-profit company go towards charity. The merchandise is usually nicer than at the Salvation Army Thrift Stores.

Other than the above comments, I am really happy to shop in this store. The staff members are very nice. I recommend that you try...

i have been purchasing from various Value Village for years, but after this particular event, I wouldn't even bother reccomending anyone to thrift here.

I am assuming theft has become common within these stores and people have succumbed to removing and replacing tags on clothing for a better price ... Yada Yada....

at checkout, i scanned a few items and I had a cart still full of items. I dont usually, or ever really, read the words on a price tag but quite litterally just the numbers on it. So when the first dress I scanned came up as a pair of $5.99 shoes. This short South indian male employee came running to correct me. I was demandingly told 'so these are CLEARLY not a pair of shoes' as he starts taking things out of my hands and then he continued to remove all my scanned items, check the tags on every single thing in my cart and then he he just stood there with the scanner in his hand just checking my whole cart for more theft as I just stood there (there was nothing wrong wjth my other items besides one missing price on a small tree ornament). I have NO problem with price adjustments or having them retag an item, but I was DUMBFOUNDED. who speaks to/treats anyone, let alone a customer like that. I was blatantly accused of repricing the item myself and was belittled and shamed. Had he simply said, 'I think these items may be priced wrong, let me check' I wouldn't care. But his wording, actions, and behaviour made him such a bully and I am genuinly hurt that I have been treated like this. Save yourself if you have any self respect. I don't tolerate disrespect from anyone so you will NOT be seeing me test my luck. These employees will bully you at the registers and are nowhere to be found when you need help otherwise. Thanks VV for a reality check. I'll name the employee when found...

Shopping at thrift stores is like embarking on a treasure hunt you never know what you’ll find, and that’s exactly what makes it so exciting. One day, you might walk in looking for a simple sweater and come out with a vintage jacket that tells a story. Or, maybe you’ll stumble upon a rare book, an antique piece of furniture, or even quirky home décor that adds character to your space.

The unpredictability of thrift stores is what sets them apart from regular retail. Sure, you won’t always find exactly what you’re looking for, but the thrill of discovery often leads to unexpected gems. And for the eco-conscious shopper, it’s an affordable and sustainable way to recycle and repurpose items, helping reduce waste.

Prices are generally budget-friendly, and it’s easy to get creative mixing and matching different styles, eras, and trends. Whether you’re a fashion enthusiast hunting for one-of-a-kind clothing or a collector seeking rare finds, thrift stores offer something for everyone.

Of course, not every trip will be a success. Sometimes, it’s hit or miss, and you may leave empty-handed. But that’s part of the charm: it keeps you coming back for more, always wondering what hidden treasure might be waiting on the next rack or shelf.

In short, thrift stores are a unique blend of adventure and affordability, making every visit a...