Sometimes you just need a day out to yourself. Or maybe you’re taking a girls’ day and it starts with shopping. The mall is too expensive for a university budget, but you don’t know where else to go. This should help. No matter what you’re looking for, whether it be vintage clothing, furniture, or antiques, this list touches on my favourite places in the Waterloo area that I’ve shopped so far and loved!
Thrift on Kent
A bit of a drive from uptown, Thrift on Kent is located in Kitchener at 50 Kent Ave. This store is HUGE. Forget Value Village or Talize, this store has everything and more. Everything in this store is well priced. The furniture is in such great condition that if I were worried about furnishing an apartment, I would check here first. There’re all kinds of books, gadgets, hockey equipment, shoes and more. If you think I’m wrong, go check!
Luster and Oak
Located at 2 King St S, Luster and Oak is one that breaks my heart to give away to everyone. But here it is. This is where I’ve gotten the best pair of jeans of my entire life for only $50. Every single time I walk in there, I have to force myself to remember I’m on a budget and can’t buy everything. It’s definitely more of a vintage store, with all kinds of old university wear, sweater vests, Y2K clothes, cowboy boots and more. The location is such a cute spot and has a cute dressing room to try things on.
Lost Vessel
Located at 6 Princess St W Lost Vessel has an interesting layout to navigate, (when you enter go up the elevator and you’ll understand) but it’s so worth it. It’s got more men’s clothing than women’s, but for a girl that loves some good vintage baggy shirts, this place is it for me. It’s not too far from uptown, and the sitting area has really cute decorations and couches with tons of clothes to look through.
Vintage Meets Hype
Located at 208 Sunview St, Waterloo, open Wednesday to Sunday 12:00-7:00 p.m. Vintage Meets Hype is more of a mix of people that like expensive shoes, streetwear and vintage clothes. Vintage Meets Hype has a ton of cool clothes and shoes with a very cool layout at the new location. It’s a bit further than uptown, but if you have time to kill, you’ll want to check it out.
Market Road Antiques
Located at 845 Weber St N this store has fewer clothes and is more for antique lovers. If you’re looking for something to decorate the apartment/house with or want to get a gift for your parents or grandparents, this store offers you that opportunity. Sometimes just going to check out some antiques is relaxing and that is precisely why I’ve travelled to Market Road Antiques before.
Sometimes shopping means getting your fix from used clothing or staring at things you wish you could afford. I get it, no judgment. That’s exactly why these stores are listed for you to check out. And if you do go to any of these locations, let the people checking you out know that this article sent you there!