Armstrong, BC is home to many wonderful thrift stores, second-hand shops, and consignment clothing boutiques. Here are 6 of the best thrift shops and second-hand stores to check out in Armstrong.
Bargain Bin Thrift Store
The Bargain Bin Thrift Store in Armstrong, BC is a shopping destination for locals and visitors alike. Renovated in 2020, this downtown mainstay includes a large clothes section, a kids clothes/toys area, and a housewares department. The Bargain Bin is a charity shop operated and staffed by the local Healthcare Auxiliary volunteers. Proceeds support local health initiatives like the Vernon hospital, as well as other community investments such as student scholarships.
Sales are common at the Bargain Bin, but are rarely announced in advance. It may depend on which volunteers are opening up the shop on any given day. It’s not uncommon for one area of the store to be 50% off though. The holy grail of Bargain Bin sales is the dollar-bag sale, in which you pay a set price (such as $5) for a grocery bag full of clothes of your choosing. Keep your eyes out for sales!
The Bargain Bin in Armstrong accepts donations of clean, quality used clothes and housewares. Donations are currently accepted only on Tuesday and Friday, during operating hours. Signs generally indicate whether or not to use the Donation Door (pictured above) at the front of the building (or the utility door behind the shop). Please don’t leave donations here unless they meet quality guidelines and are dropped off during indicated times.
Here’s where to find the Bargain Bin:
- Location: 3445 Pleasant Valley Road, Armstrong, BC
- Phone: (250) 546-8813
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bargainbinarmstrong/
Kindale Armstrong Thrift Store
The Kindale Thrift Store is a non-profit charity shop in downtown Armstrong. Located close to the consignment shops, this thrift store is known for its excellent stock of housewares, kids toys, and one-of-a-kind items. Proceeds go to the Kindale Developmental Association, which helps people with disabilities (mainly adults) create and live meaningful lives in an inclusive community.
Prices at the Kindale Thrift Store are generally excellent, and its always worth checking to see if they have anything new (well, new-to-you!). I’ve found things I’ve been looking for (like heart-shaped cookie cutters) at this thrift shop after having no luck at the other shops in town. Then other days I strike out! The Kindale thrift shop also accepts donations, but only during operating hours (follow the posted signs).
Here’s where to find the Kindale Thrift Store:
- Location: 2725 Patterson Avenue, Armstrong, BC
Sea Stars Kids Boutique & Consignment
Sea Stars Kids Boutique & Consignment Shop in Armstrong, BC is a high-quality children’s clothing store offering both new and used clothing. The shop stocks locally-made kids clothing and accessories and carefully curated second-hand items.
Quality pieces are selected from consigned collections to curate the lovely collection of children’s clothes. Sizes range from newborn to elementary/middle school-aged. Sea Stars also carries women’s maternity clothing, as well as specialty kids clothes like dance leotards (mainly preloved) and muddy buddy rain suits (mainly brand new).
Sea Stars Boutique is located in the old downtown, between the Kindale Thrift Store and Frugal Frocks Consignment. Here’s where to find Sea Stars:
- Location: 2625 Patterson Avenue, Armstrong, BC
- Phone: (778) 442-1717
- Website: https://www.seastarskids.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SeaStarsKidsBoutique/
Frugal Frocks Ladies Consignment
Frugal Frocks Ladies Consignment is an eclectic second-hand shop and cafe located in downtown Armstrong. Another local mainstay, Frugal Frocks is a consignment-shopping destination for vintage clothing lovers and those looking for a quality, curated second-hand store. And there’s always the added bonus of picking up an in-store latte or Italian soda!
Frugal Frocks has a lovely vintage section hidden away in a closet (it even has its own change room!). There’s lots to look at, including little knick-knacks, collectibles, and the odd fun retro household item. If you’re looking for something unique, Frugal Frocks is the place to start!
Frugal Frocks is located in the historic downtown area of Armstrong, across from the Branding Iron Pub. Here’s the location details:
- Location: 3450B Okanagan St, Armstrong, BC
- Phone: (250) 546-3448
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FrugalFrocks/
The Guy Next Door Consignment
The Guy Next Door, located right next door to Frugal Frocks, is a consignment shop selling both men’s and women’s clothing. The store also offers other unique antiques and one-of-a-kind items. It’s the kind of vintage shop where you might find that perfect LP alongside a classic wool jacket.
The Guy Next Door builds on the cheery retro vibe of neighbouring Frugal Frocks. The shop is also known for their fun window displays that change alongside the seasons.
Here’s where to find The Guy Next Door Consignment:
- Location: 3450A Okanagan St, Armstrong, BC
- Phone: (250) 546-0950
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theguynextdoorvintage/
Gathering Grounds Thrift Store
Gathering Grounds Thrift Store is Armstrong’s newest thrift shop, located in the Country Court Mall between Askew’s Foods and the library. Next to the dollar store, this shop sells clothing and housewares, as well as small furniture items and kids stuff. Gathering Grounds also offers express printing service.
Gathering Grounds Thrift Shop regularly posts sales and featured stock on their Facebook page. Items sold at the shop are donated by local organizations, including Glad Tidings Church, Vernon Christian School, Pawprints, Pleasant Valley Christian Academy, and the Okanagan Boys and Girls Club.
Here’s where to find Gathering Grounds Thrift Store:
- Location: 3305 Smith Dr, Suite #5, Armstrong, BC
- Phone: (778) 442-0019
- Website: http://www.gatheringgrounds.ca/thrift/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ggroundsthrift/