The Essential Guide to Thrift and Thrift Shops in Kensington Market

Kensington Market’s thrift and vintage stores provide treasure hunters with unique, bold and stylish yarns for all occasions.

Bordered by College to the north, Dundas to the south, Spadina to the east and Bathurst to the west, Kensington Market is truly the heart of downtown Toronto. An eclectic mix of culture, shopping and dining makes the neighborhood an artists’ and creatives’ paradise.

One of Kensington’s defining characteristics is the abundance of vintage and consignment shops within its square block. With the growing movement towards sustainable fashion options – like opting for previously loved items – Kensington is the perfect place for your next vintage shopping spree.

Here’s a long list of several vintage gems you’ll find tucked away in one of Toronto’s most beloved neighborhoods.

Courage My Love

Serving treasure hunters and vintage enthusiasts since 1975, Courage My Love is a Kensington staple and a must if you’re planning a day of savings in the eclectic neighborhood. Housed in a turquoise Victorian home, Courage My Love offers vintage finds, one-of-a-kind jewelry and beads, and vintage remakes.

The vast selection of beads, charms and jewelry available at Courage My Love.

Urban walkway

You’ll find a wide range of vintage options from military fatigues to sports jerseys and colorful tulle ballerina skirts at this family run business. Urban Catwalk is known as a friendly place in the market, offering a great selection at reasonable prices.

Urban Catwalk’s large collection of sports jerseys and camo jackets.

Exile

Exile, “Kensington’s mecca for vintage and costume”, has been a neighborhood mainstay since 1975, originally attracting the punk, DIY and anti-war scenes. They have since grown into one of Kensington’s most popular vintage stores, now focusing on styles from the 1940s to 1960s, as well as an impressive collection of used Levi’s.

Exile’s rack of vintage fur coats and wall of wacky colorful wigs.

Vintage area

This mother-daughter-owned company offers styling services for its carefully curated selection of vintage pieces that lean towards more glamour. Planning an event, looking forward to your prom? Contact Space Vintage to book a styling appointment and they will have a selection of options picked out for you before you even arrive.

Glamorous dresses for your next special occasion, waiting to be styled for you at Space Vintage.

Miriam and Micah Vintage

Miriam and Micah opened in July 2021, occupying the lower level of what was once the popular Sub Rosa. Co-owner Miriam Gampel says she feels “like she’s part of another era” and loves couture, silver and antique jewelry from the 1920s and 30s.

Explore Miriam and Micah’s vintage finds on a staircase.

Shoney’s clothes

If you like thrift hunting, you’ll love Shoney’s. With more of a quintessential thrift-shop vibe than some of the market’s highly curated boutiques, Shoney’s is the kind of destination where you’ll find diamonds in the frill at unbelievable prices.

Treasure Hunt at Shoney’s Clothing.

Bungalow

Bungalow is truly a retro experience, from the moment their very 70s-style orange logo draws your attention to Augusta, to their selection of mid-century modern Scandinavian furniture. Bungalow also offers an exciting selection of new, vintage and refurbished clothing as well as unique housewares from decades past.

An assortment of retro cufflinks from Bungalow.

Breathless vintage

If you’ve seen that Breathless Vintage is no longer open at 9 Kensington Avenue, fear not. This leather and vintage shop was not another casualty of COVID. They recently took possession of a new home down the street at 37 Kensington Avenue so customers can enjoy a new yet familiar vintage experience.

Disney’s Pluto on a ’90s-style baseball shirt and Hawaiian prints at the new Breathless Vintage location.

Vintage Kensington Flamingo

Looking for vintage with a little more daring? Look no further than Usato and Flamingo. These sister stores offer vintage finds inspired by music, including rock, metal, punk, new wave, pop and clubwear sensibilities. Their selection focuses on the years 1960 to 1990.

An impressive assortment of vintage denim and graphic tees at Flamingo.

Victory Girl Vintage

This very neat vintage store specializes in items from the 1920s to the 1970s. The collection oozes femininity, from tiny ’60s miniskirts to ’50s housewife-worthy button-down dresses, and glamorous dresses dating back to the 1960s. crazy years.

Pretty in Pink: Victory Girl Vintage’s highly curated vintage fashion finds.

King of Kensington

Housed in the same location as Victory Girl Vintage, King of Kensington has ruled the kingdom of Kensington for over 20 years with an eclectic selection of vintage finds for men. You may also be familiar with an old Kensington favorite from the same owner, Flashback (and Flashback 2) who has since moved to Queen West.

Male counterpart to Victory Girl: Male silhouettes found at King of Kensington.

Lost Boys Vintage

If you’re looking for a vintage graphic tee, make Lost Boys Vintage your first stop. From original band t-shirts and iconic movie merchandise to Harley Davidson t-shirts and sweatshirts, Lost Boys Vintage also offers a wide selection of vintage Carhartt.

Blast from the past: A Linkin Park band t-shirt hangs from a circular rack among other treasures at Lost Boys Vintage.

Old and new fashion

Favoring Western and American influences, Fashion Old and New offers a wide selection of denim, including vintage overalls, shoes and boots (hello cowboy boots!) as well as accessories, bags and clothing.

The well-curated collection of vintage cowboy boots at Fashion Old and New.

Dance days

Dancing Days very much seems to have been picked straight from Haight-Ashbury around 1969. However, Dancing Days has actually been spreading “good vibes since 1989,” as their Instagram bio reads. This bohemian boutique fits perfectly into the Kensington aesthetic of hippies and artists living together in the creative community.

Travel back in time on a trip to Dancing Days.

vintage outlaw

One of Kensington Market’s hidden gems, Vintage Outlaw has an incredible selection of pieces from the 80s, 90s and Y2K. Their collection is carefully curated and cutting-edge. You can also check out their Instagram for some amazing style inspiration for your vintage finds.

A purple satin ruched tube top from Vintage Outlaw’s Y2K finds.

Vintage Kensington Depot

Kensington is home to one of two Vintage depots in Toronto, with a second location to the east. While their Danforth location has more new clothing, their Kensington location has an extensive vintage collection that you’ll want to check out.

The huge selection of thrifty finds at Vintage Depot’s Kensington location.

Hi Kensington

A collection of vintage and one-of-a-kind gems, Hi Kensington is a treasure among shops in Kensington Market. Hi launched her own label in mid-2020, using vintage fabrics from previously coveted pieces, to create modern pieces you’ll love.

Groovy retro prints revisited in modern silhouettes at Hi Kensington.

CrazyLokoVintage

CrazyLokoVintage is home to an impressive collection of highly curated graphic tees, vintage sportswear, unique outerwear, and designer finds. They also post drops on their Instagram account, so be sure to follow them to be the first to hear about their latest and most coveted arrivals.

Replay

Canada’s top streetwear and sneaker store has also made its home in Kensington. Although Rerun is more consignment than vintage, our guide wouldn’t be complete without it. Catering to sneakerheads and streetwear connoisseurs, they carry both new and pre-loved items from Supreme, Off-White and more.

Don’t miss Rerun’s secret storefront at 237A Augusta Ave.