Pre-owned Local Shops
Updated: Feb 11, 2022

The holidays are approaching and I keep thinking to myself, how can we reduce our waste this season? One way to reduce our waste this holiday season is by gifting pre-owned presents. If you think about it, every pre-owned garment purchased means one less new garment being produced. Each new item produced requires an immense amount of energy. I have found some of the most unique items while browsing through these shops and want to share a short guide with you.
Ottawa has a great vintage, preloved and secondhand shop scene that is spread across the city. You will be pleasantly surprised by the selection at these shops.
The Clothes Secret
This consignment shop is conveniently located in Old Ottawa South on Bank St. They have a great instagram account where they often showcase their newest products. They receive new product every week and you can always find classic and fun styles at this shop. For more information, check out their website – https://www.theclothessecret.com/index.html
https://www.instagram.com/theclothessecret/?hl=en
Bellwethers Vintage
This vintage shop is located on Florence Street just off Bank Street and right in the heart of downtown. If you haven’t checked out their instagram yet, you are missing out. It’s a fun and vibrant vibe they have got going on their media, check it out here: https://www.instagram.com/bellwethersvintage/?hl=en For more information, visit their website: http://www.bellwethersvintage.com/
Black Squirrel Books and Espresso Bar
I know this spot isn’t a pre-owned clothing shop but gifting books is never a bad idea. This book store is conveniently located in Old Ottawa South on Bank St. Grab locally roasted coffee or a craft beer while you browse this used book shop. You can find all sorts of books among the shelves and don’t forget there is a large non-fiction section in the basement. If you’re looking for vintage books, they have also got you covered. For more information, check out their website: https://www.blacksquirrelbooks.ca/ and if you’re interested in their instagram, here it is: https://www.instagram.com/black_squirrel_books/?hl=en
Trove Fashion
Located in Hintonburg off of Wellington Street West, you can find this fun consignment store. The items here range from stores like Matt & Nat, Hunter and Mackage and all that’s in between. For more details on their shop, check out their website: https://trovefashion.com/ and for new updates you can check out their instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trovefashion/?hl=en
Valamode – Luxury Consignment
Valamode is a luxury consignment showroom where you can find all your designer needs a a fantastic price and pre-owned. Let me tell you, there are some gems at this shop. This shop is run by Dia who is a luxury resale expert and has one of the best closets in the city. For more information check out her website: https://www.valamode.com/ and for the best designer content, check out her instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luxuryconsignmentcanada/
Preloved Ottawa
Preloved Ottawa is located inside the Den shop on Churchill Avenue. They have the best preloved clothing selection with items dropped off on a weekly basis. You can find most of the items highlighted in their instagram stories. These articles are quick to go and you have to keep a speedy eye on the items to get ahold of them. Check out their instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/prelovedottawa/?hl=en and their website here: https://prelovedottawa.ca/
Darling Vintage
This vintage shop is located in Centretown off Somerset Street West. Darling Vintage is a retro fashion boutique with a lovely curated collection. The storefront alone is a reason to visit this shop. Their instagram highlights new products and you can check it out here: https://www.instagram.com/darlingvintageshop/?hl=en
Hope you get your secondhand shop on and have a blast while you are at it!
Good luck out there,
Olivia