Thriving this winter without overspending on clothing
By: Mayra
Ever since I can remember, I have loved thrifting. I recall my mother taking me to the mercaditos in Mexico City, picking up fresh fruits and agua de horchata, then diving into the clothing section, where we would always find something cute and unexpected.
Now in my adulthood, I know that buying from la paca and thrift stores brings not only good memories but also a lot of good things into the world: sustainable fashion, preventing clothes from getting to landfills, and the unbeatable thrill of finding staple pieces. Also! In case you didn’t know, as a Sheridan Student, you have access to free clothes thanks to the Dressed For Success Program, which is basically our thrifting corner within the SSU 🫶🏼. Make sure to check it out before spending on your winter pieces!
Without further ado, here are my top thrifting tips and favourite places to go thrifting in Mississauga and nearby!
Before you head out to the Thrift Store 📝
Bring a Wishlist: Write down everything you want and need. Save yourself from being overwhelmed and overspending.
Go Early: The best items are often scooped up quickly, so try to visit these stores early in the day.
Be Patient: Thrifting requires time and patience. Take your time to browse the racks and shelves.
I usually do a quick sweep of the shelves before I go back and slowly go through them one by one.Check for Discounts: Some stores offer discounts on certain days, so be sure to ask about any ongoing promotions. For example, Talize offers a student discount with your SPC card!
Reusable bags or cart: Take your own reusable bags or bring a shopping cart so you can move around easily.
🧣 Extra Tip! Check the materials of the garments you normally like. All natural fibres, like cotton, wool, linen, and cashmere, will last you way longer than any other synthetic materials.
Best Thrift Stores in Mississauga (The Thrift Corner)
Talize Thrift Store – The Organized Clothing Heaven
📍 3100 Dixie Rd, Mississauga, ON L4Y 2A6, Canada
Talize is a must-visit for fans of ultra-organized thrift stores. This place is huge and impressively organized by colour and size, making it easy to browse without feeling overwhelmed. They have a great clothing section on racks, well-managed fitting rooms, and a daily “Manager’s Sale” offering 50% off a specific category, which is perfect for scoring extra deals.
Goodwill Community Store – The Non-Profit Thrift Store
📍 1224 Dundas St E, Mississauga, ON L4Y 2C5, Canada
Goodwill is a reliable go-to for variety, from all sorts of clothing and accessories to home décor and books. This location is perfect for finding winter accessories, all while supporting a community-focused non-profit, and since it’s a non-profit, every piece of clothing you buy it’s tax-free! Look for weekly colour tag sales for bigger savings.
The Salvation Army Thrift Store – Quick Stop with Hidden Gems
📍 1458 Dundas St E, Mississauga, ON L4X 1L4, Canada
One of the largest Salvation Army locations in Mississauga, this store is well-placed for a thrift store crawl. It’s known for its wide selection of clothing, books, and home items, with hidden gems waiting for patient shoppers. Prices can vary, but with a careful eye, you can walk away with unique finds. It’s ideal for anyone looking to mix vintage apparel with quirky accessories.
Mission Thrift Store Mississauga – Best for Light Coats & Unique Finds
📍 3130 Dixie Rd, Mississauga, ON L4Y 2A6, Canada
Mission Thrift is praised for being clean, organized, and staffed with friendly people, making it a relaxed place to hunt for winter essentials or vintage home pieces. It’s especially great for furniture (scored an electric heater here for $10!). From all the thrift stores I know, Mission Thrift is the most overlooked, but a definite treasure for anyone looking to add personality to their wardrobe and shop in a non-crowded store.
Want FREE clothes? Check our Dressed for Success Program
Style meets sustainability with Dressed for Success – a program designed by students, for students, where you can find free, lightly worn clothes. Just come to our office and ask our CSRs for support and join us in reducing fashion waste, embracing circular fashion, and making conscious choices one outfit at a time. ♻️
April 22 marks Earth Day, a time when we take action to support our planet and adopt new green practices. Did you know that food can make a large difference to our environment? Check out Kaitlyn’s top 3 tips for eating sustainably while helping protect the planet. 🌍