I buy and sell vintage jewelry and small collectibles, and I know many others who resell clothing. A criticism we sometimes hear is that we’re “stealing from the poor” when we shop at thrift stores and resell our finds. That idea sounds slightly plausible, but it really misses how the thrift system actually works.
Thrift Stores Have an Oversupply
Most major thrift organizations receive far more donations than they can sell. Items are rotated quickly and, if they don’t sell, they are:
Sent to outlet stores or clearance bins
Baled and sold by the pound, often to overseas markets
Sometimes discarded
Donated to other charities
Resellers often “rescue” pieces that might otherwise end up in a landfill, giving them a new home and a new life.
Thrift Stores Serve Multiple Missions
Many thrifts are mission-driven businesses. Revenue from sales helps fund things like job training, housing support, addiction recovery, or other community services. Whether an item is bought by someone in need, a middle-income shopper, or a reseller, the store benefits the same.
In fact, regular buyers like resellers provide consistent income that helps keep those doors open.
Accessibility Isn’t Only About Price
Price is only one barrier for people living in poverty. Transportation, sizing, health, mobility, and what’s actually on the racks and shelves all matter too. Many people in the lowest income brackets rely more on:
Free clothing closets
Church or community giveaways
Vouchers or outreach programs
Friends and family
Typical thrift stores are just one piece of a wider support network, not the only option.
Resellers Don’t Set Thrift Prices
There’s also a myth that resellers are the reason thrift prices are going up. In reality, stores set their own prices based on things like:
Rising rent and operating costs
Wages and staffing
Corporate pricing and branding strategies
The overall popularity of thrifting
If something is marked $5, it’s because the store chose that price. A reseller is not obligated to leave it behind “just in case” someone else might want it.
Part of a Healthy Circular Economy
Resellers of clothing, jewelry, and collectibles are part of a circular economy that:
Promotes reuse over fast fashion and disposable decor
Helps people find specific sizes, styles, and eras online and locally
Keeps unique or higher-quality items in circulation for longer
There is an overabundance of stuff in our world. Thoughtful reselling isn’t taking from the poor; it’s helping reduce waste, support charities, and connect beautiful, well-made pieces with the people who will truly appreciate them.
What are your thoughts on the subject? I would love to hear it.
I have been visiting all of the thrift shops in Winnipeg and Canadian Goodwill Industries (The Goodwill Store) and I have been doing some research on each location. I also learned through my research that Canadian Goodwill has been voted “Best in the Second Hand Clothing & Consignment in Winnipeg by Community Votes Winnipeg in 2023 and 2024”! I wonder if they will keep their title for 2025? Goodwill thrift stores in Winnipeg have ongoing window “auctions” and this is a unique aspect of what they do. They all also famous for weekly coloured tag specials. I decided to do reviews by location so that you, the shopper, can check out for yourself what you think of the Canadian Goodwill thrift stores.
There are five locations in Winnipeg. I will list them in order of highest Google reviews ratings as of August 31, 2025. I will start at tied for first with the Portage Avenue and McPhillips Avenue locations.
Goodwill on Portage Avenue (West Winnipeg)
The 3431 Portage Avenue Goodwill has a Google rating of 4.5 stars (from 62 reviews) (as of August 31/25) and is often described as one of Winnipeg’s more reliable thrift options. Shoppers appreciate the coloured tag sales, 50% off discounts, and $0.50 or $1 days, which make prices especially attractive. Reviews highlight the store as clean and well-organized, with friendly staff who create a welcoming environment. While some note that pricing can be a bit inconsistent, most agree that the Portage Goodwill is a solid stop for thrifters looking for deals on clothing, housewares, and unique finds.
Goodwill on McPhillips (North Winnipeg)
The Canadian Goodwill store at 17-2136 McPhillips consistently earns praise from shoppers, with a 4.5-star rating on Google (based on 62 reviews) (as of August 31/25). Reviewers highlight it as one of the last remaining decent thrift stores in Winnipeg, known for affordable pricing and rotating sales, such as coloured tag discounts, 50% off promotions, and special $0.50 or $1 days.
Customers often comment on the friendly and helpful staff, with several noting how welcoming the team is and how clean the store feels. Bargain hunters especially appreciate the senior and student discount days, making thrifting even more budget-friendly.
While some reviewers mention that selection can be limited at times and donations are always needed to keep the racks full, many see this Goodwill as a hidden gem for finding affordable clothing, housewares, and unique treasures. Compared to other thrift chains, locals note that McPhillips Goodwill has stayed true to reasonable thrift pricing rather than creeping toward retail-level costs.
Feedback on Yelp echoes these sentiments: shoppers say prices can be “hit or miss,” but the sale days make it worthwhile. Overall, the McPhillips Goodwill stands out as a community-focused thrift store where great deals, helpful service, and charitable giving come together.
Goodwill on Pembina Highway (South Winnipeg)
Reviews for the Canadian Goodwill at 1540 Pembina Hwy highlight its reputation as one of Winnipeg’s most affordable thrift shops. Shoppers frequently comment on the “super cheap” pricing and the ever-changing variety of donations, while donors appreciate the staff’s friendliness and willingness to help unload items. Customers also value that their contributions support local programs, with some noting they prefer giving here over large chain thrift stores. A few reviews mention the store’s smaller, somewhat cramped layout and occasional mixed customer service experiences, but overall, the Pembina location maintains a strong Google Reviews rating of about 4.2 out of 5 (as of August 31/25). With its combination of low prices, community impact, and helpful staff, it stands out as a trusted spot for both thrifting and donating in Winnipeg.
Goodwill on Princess (Downtown Winnipeg)
The Canadian Goodwill Industries location at 70 Princess Street in Winnipeg holds a Google rating of 4.1 stars (based on 260 reviews) (as of August 31/25). Shoppers praise its affordability, neat layout, and eclectic inventory—spanning clothing, furniture, books, electronics, housewares, and even seasonal finds. Its compact, well-organized space makes quick browsing effective, with most clothing under $10 and attractive retro or vintage pieces, particularly upstairs. Staff are often described as polite and helpful, and many appreciate its role as a longstanding charitable fixture in Winnipeg’s Exchange District. On the flip side, weekday-only hours (closing at 5 PM) make visits difficult for many working shoppers, and limited downtown parking can be a challenge.
Goodwill on St. Anne’s (Winnipeg East)
The Canadian Goodwill Industries location at 317 St. Anne’s Road in Winnipeg has a 3.5-star Google rating (108 reviews) (as of August 31/25), with opinions divided between glowing praise and pointed criticism. Regulars highlight friendly staff, community spirit, and the thrill of finding unique treasures—including anime merchandise that excites collectors. Many donors and shoppers describe positive, helpful experiences. However, others report frustration with donation drop-off rules, occasional rudeness, and a hazardous parking lot. Overall, this location offers plenty of hidden gems and a loyal customer base, though experiences can vary widely.
If you have any experience with the Canadian Goodwill shops in Winnipeg, please add your comments below. I would love to hear from you.
For more information on Canadian Goodwill, check out https://canadiangoodwill.ca. They also have a presence on Facebook.
Angela G. Gentile, BSW, MSW 