For years, thrifting in Vancouver has thrived online, with platforms like Depop, Instagram sales, and local Facebook groups becoming the go-to for vintage seekers. But in 2025, a new chapter is unfolding: a wave of thrift entrepreneurs are reclaiming physical storefronts, betting big on the irreplaceable magic of in-person shopping.
Despite high rents, shifting consumer habits, and the lure of digital convenience, shop owners like Nicole McConnell of Woven, Abi Arabi of Knockout Thrift, and Sarah Marschall of The Find are building communities around clothes you can see, touch, and try on. Their stories capture both the grit and joy of Vancouver’s evolving resale scene.
Woven: Rebuilding After the Fire
For Nicole McConnell, reopening her beloved shop Woven after a devastating fire wasn’t a matter of if—it was how.
“No. I never wanted to sell online—I actually hate it,” she admits. “Clothes need to be tried on, touched, loved—or hated. People need to see themselves in the mirror and feel it. That’s what Woven’s always been about.”
When the fire forced her to pause, Nicole briefly questioned her future, but she knew one thing for certain: Woven would never exist solely behind a screen.
“Everything changes when you have a real space. The way people walk in, the way they try stuff on, the way they open up. It’s not just shopping—it’s personal,” she says.
Her current pop-up location at Assembly—generously offered by developers Fabric Living and Hudson Projects—isn’t permanent, but it’s giving her the chance to reconnect with her community and rebuild. “It’s hard. Rent’s high, people are tired, everything’s expensive. But even with all that—people still show up. They care. They want something real.”
For Nicole, the future is clear: “It’s permanent for me. I’m not trying to scale Woven into some big slick thing. I want it to stay personal. Alive. Human.”
Knockout Thrift: From eBay Teen to Strathcona Fixture
Abi Arabi, founder of Knockout Thrift, started selling secondhand online at just 14 years old. After years on eBay and Depop, plus a whirlwind of Vancouver markets, she finally opened her own brick-and-mortar in Strathcona—and hasn’t looked back.
“I started online in grade 9… online selling was my life for the first 15 years of my business!” Abi says. But after setting up booths at local markets, the feedback was undeniable: people wanted a permanent place to shop her curation.
“Every market I did, I’d have 15–20 people ask if I had a physical location. Once I started hearing that consistently, I knew it was time,” she says.
Her new space on Hastings Street feels like a missing puzzle piece in the neighbourhood. “There’s nothing like this around this stretch of Hastings. I feel like I’m filling some sort of vintage void,” she explains.
For Abi, the shop is more than retail—it’s a hub. “Now that I’m more stationary, I’m excited to put on clothing swaps, vintage/art markets, and mending workshops. I’ve had such beautiful creative friendships blossom from Knockout, and this space will let me expand that.”
And while challenges may come, she’s too busy soaking up the joy: “Having a brick-and-mortar is definitely something I see being a permanent fixture in my business. I’m already dreaming about a second location.”
The Find: Luxury Resale Comes to West Van
Sarah Marschall of The Find began her business online and by appointment only, specializing in pre-loved designer pieces. But when the opportunity arose to open a storefront in West Vancouver, she knew it was the right time.
“When clients are purchasing pre-loved designer pieces, they want to see, feel, and try them on—there’s a level of trust and connection that can’t be replicated online,” Sarah explains.
Her new location has already been met with excitement. “We’ve had such a warm welcome from nearby business owners and locals—it’s been so encouraging.”
For Sarah, the store isn’t just about sales. “The space itself reflects the vibe of the brand. It’s warm, welcoming, and designed to be a place where people feel good hanging out—even if they’re just browsing. It’s more than just a store; it’s about community, conversation, and discovery.”
And she sees brick-and-mortar as central to The Find’s future. “While we started out primarily online and by appointment, having a physical space has already added so much value—not just in terms of sales, but in building real connections with our clients and creating a more immersive brand experience.”
Why Physical Still Matters
Together, these voices make a compelling case for thrifting’s physical revival in Vancouver. Yes, online resale is thriving, but the city’s thrift entrepreneurs are doubling down on spaces where stories, textures, and conversations come alive.
As Nicole puts it: “As long as I can keep the lights on and people keep walking through the door, I’m in. This is how I want to do it.” —Noa Nichol
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