In a city where studio Condo's sell for $500 000, thrift shopping abounds. My most recent foray into the world of bargain hunting was at My Favourite Thrift Shop at 4th and MacDONALD in Kitsilano which supports BC's Children with Disabilities. At first glance, the shop looks like any other thrift shop with various paperbacks, furniture, and 'one-dollar' racks outside. Inside, however, the shopper is treated to a wide range of items in both terms of variety and price.

The term 'thrift' can be misleading here as vintage/antique pieces of furniture (or say, suits of frickin' armour!) have price tags upwards of $300; I was elated to see a couple of persian-style rugs until I glanced at the price tag. While "My Favourite Thrift Shop" does mix these cool antiques in with other - more reasonably priced - thrift items such as books and kitchen items, it also has your standard collection of thrift wear. They have a decent selection of both men and women's fashion, with jackets and blazer's around the $20 range, and short and long sleeve shirts around the $5 and up range.

After grazing at the sales racks, I soon had a couple of shirts under my arm ready to try on, and this store has great change rooms - as long as you're under 6' tall. Emerging from the change room unsuccessful, I decided to head on my merry way knowing full well that I'd be back to bargain hunt another day. As with most good thrift shops, they require vigilant monitoring to get the best swag, and "My Favourite Thrift Shop" is no different.

My Favourite Thrift Shop
2765 West 4th Ave (4th and MacDONALD)
604-738-1688

Hours of Operation
10AM - 6PM / Mon-Sat
11AM - 5PM / Sun