Good Market Thrift Store
Good Market Thrift Store is where style and sustainability go hand-in-hand.
The brand's journey started on founder Jolande Amoraal's Instagram account, where she resold personally-sourced thrifted clothing to a local clientele.
Soon to follow came a Good Market Thrift Store online store and Instagram account, followed by the opening of the store in Leslieville.
The brand's core mission is to champion sustainability in fashion through resale and education.
Jolande Amoraal, the brand's founder, is a dedicated environmentalist. She delved into research on the issues of overconsumption and overproduction during the pandemic, providing the inspiration for her venture into a thrift retail business.
Amoraal brings with her a wealth of experience in the fashion industry, which began with a Fashion Business program at Humber College.
Every item available at Good Market Thrift Store, whether online or in-store, is handpicked and curated by Amoraal herself. Her chic, groovy, and minimalist aesthetic shines through the store's inventory.
The inventory exudes a distinct 70s vibe, yet it beautifully integrates various other styles that harmonize with Good Market Thrift Store's signature groovy aesthetic.
You'll discover vintage, modern, and designer items, ensuring there's something to appeal to almost anyone's taste.
The store's designer section, though compact, has a beautiful collection of items. These pieces are typically also listed for sale online and sell quickly.
Notably, once an item is sold, the website updates its listings to reflect these sales. This unique approach allows curious customers to explore the store's past inventory, providing insight into previously carried items that are currently out of stock.
This feature can be especially helpful in deciding whether to make a prompt purchase or wait, based on the historical speed at which items are snapped up.
Some of the clothing items sold at Good Market Thrift Store have been thoughtfully repaired, extending their life and reducing waste. Examples include the transformation of jeans into fashionable cut-off shorts or the addition of patches to mend rips.
Without these efforts, these distinctive one-of-a-kind pieces could have otherwise been destined for landfills.
The store's stock includes masculine and feminine clothing, footwear, and accessories. Beyond clothing, the store also features a carefully curated assortment of home goods.
These items not only breathe new life into distinctive pieces but also provide shoppers with a guilt-free, eco-conscious, and budget-friendly option for indulging in a shopping experience.
And, the beautifully merchandised store makes for an extremely pleasant shopping experience. The store is designed with beautiful white library panel walls, grey hardwood flooring, and is lit with plenty of natural and overhead lighting.
Each item is thoughtfully placed, inviting customers to explore every nook and cranny in a seamless flow, discovering new and captivating items with each circuit.
The store has also introduced a number of in-store events. One such event they've now hosted a number of times is called, 'Live Alterations,' where customers can conveniently drop off their clothing for on-the-spot, affordable alterations. The best part is you can shop while you wait!
Thrift shopping has arguably never been more popular, with younger generations approaching it differently than those before it. What sets Amoraal's business apart is the clear and impactful messaging she ensures is clear throughout the entire store.
Throughout the store, you'll find signs with eye-opening statistics regarding the environmental consequences of overconsumption within the fashion industry. These signs give context to the act of thrift shopping and the mission behind the store you're shopping in.
Good Market Thrift Store offers an enjoyable shopping experience where you can effortlessly discover stylish clothing while contributing to a more sustainable world.
As Jolande Amoraal explains to blogTO, her business occupies a niche between traditional charity shops and vintage boutiques.
"It's to say, ‘Hey, thrifting is accessible for everyone,'" Amoraal says. "You can have a really nice retail experience here and it doesn’t have to be digging for stuff."
Good Market Thrift Store is located at 912 Queen Street East.
Fareen Karim