Fashion Stores
Common Sort (Parkdale)
Common Sort, a two-and-a-half year Leslieville staple, welcomed a West-end sister to the family this month. The second-hand clothing shop expanded to a second location in Parkdale just two weeks ago. Near-new gingham men's shirts, designer denim, flawless silk scarves and vintage leather pencil skirts neatly line the walls of the massive space.
But Common Sort isn't a vintage shop. "We keep getting called vintage", laments owner Nicole Babin. Nicole and I sit in the new location on a vintage couch overlooking a wall of shoes, many of which are also vintage. I can see how people can make the mistake. But on closer inspection, a large percentage of the up-for-grabs goods are just great barely-used items with high-end labels.
I spot white Escada jeans for $50 and near-mint Miu Miu suede peep-toe pumps at a steal. An immaculate emerald Liz Claiborne shift dress ($28) has my name all over it. Nicole insists, however, that she's not overly caught up on labels. The criteria? She has to love it, and of course the items need to be in excellent condition (I don't spot a single sweater with pills). "We'll even take H&M," she adds. The racks are neatly stocked with wearable styles and fabrics (not the usual over-abundance of polyester), and even a few "fun" pieces. A Creamsicle-orange jumpsuit has the makings of a really bitchin' Halloween costume.
Clothes and accessories are gleaned the usual way, by combing thrift stores for great finds. Nicole earmarks Mondays (her only day off) for this task. Common Sort operates a fairly unique Buy-Sell-Trade business, too. Customers can sell clothing to the store for straight-up cash on the spot or store credit. Approximately 40% of the Leslieville stock is derived from this channel, but the concept hasn't quite caught on in Parkdale yet.
The space is huge, by Queen Street retail standards, approximately four times the size of the first location. With so much more space to work with, Nicole envisions greater possibilities for the store. She and her staff brainstorm event ideas, from art installations to clothing swap parties. "We have the space to carry more basics, too," she says, referring to ample racks of tees and simple sweaters.
While I don't mind a good scavenge, many feel overwhelmed by the tediousness of thrift shopping. So for my friends who don't share my love for the thrill of the hunt? Common Sort has done the dirty work, eliminating the junk and even sorting pieces by size and colour. The clothes are also steamed. A girl after my own heart, Nicole obviously believes that presentation is paramount in retail success.
Writing by Dayna Winter. Photos by Dennis Marciniak.
Discussion
13 Comments
Sort By Oldest First / Newest First
Subscribe
will be checking it out though... i love vintage shopping in the 'ghetto' parts of town.
baba boo ie!
Bed bugs have made their appearance in new clothing retail locations such as Abercrombie and Nike. It isn't only a second-hand clothing issue.
'COMMON SORT' is a brilliant name; love the sparse interiors
Keep it that way! Less is more... It does not exclude which is key to bringing in a new community- inspired enterprise.
Trying for a Canadian 'Buffalo Exchange'(US chain of stores that buy and sell used clothing). Unfortunately, there just doesn't seem to be enough 'trendy youngsters' or mid-aged folk looking for that certain vintage bag to wear with their Club Monaco black and white outfit- not in T.O (yet)
Can't say it was worth attempting to sell my near new brand name clothing and a couple vintage items; Refused most, offered VERY little cash. They encourage trade as it is obviously more beneficial to them.
Until they are able to buy less conservatively; they will not acquire the traffic needed to keep the word of mouth going about this merchandising concept that will hopefully take off.
I will continue to visit this store and hope they start selling some sports wear (like vintage track jackets).
Good Luck Common Ground!
(good luck to 'Common Ground' as well)
Staff are a bit arrogant.
Try and dismount from your high horse. If you have not noticed, Toronto is still in the middle of a recession.
In 1970, the middle class composed approx. 76% of the Toronto population, now the middle class makes up about 24%. We had only a few "ghetto" areas and now we have very many. People like you should walk in well used shoes. There is obviously no empathy in your small minded and uninformed opinion. What comes around, goes around. So, in time, this could happen to you financially.