Thrifting In Grimsby Ontario

No matter where I am in the world, I will find a secondhand shop. Often I’ll check out what’s available in an area I’m going to and sometimes I might happen upon a shop that wasn’t on my radar. Though time was short, I managed to do some thrifting in Grimsby, Ontario and got to  explore three shops while I was there. I came home with a Vans women’s shirt and a pair of glass candlestick holders, which honestly feels like restraint given what was on offer.

If you find yourself in the Grimsby area and you’re the kind of person who can’t walk past a good op shop, here’s where to go.

Grimsby Thrift Shops

I’ve popped all three locations on a map so you can plan your route before you go.

Grimsby Restore

If you like your thrift stores big, this is your shop. The ReStore is a Habitat for Humanity store, and this shop had a variety of items that differ from most charity type shops. This store had a large amount of  furniture, building materials, and house fittings and when I visited there were a few vintage sewing machines and a range of lighting and fixtures that would be right at home in a renovation project or a styled room.

It’s the kind of shop where you could turn up looking for a bedside table and leave with half a kitchen. Worth a good wander, especially if you’re hunting for larger pieces.

GBF Community Services

GBF is a community-run store and it had a lot going on. Plenty of furniture, a decent clothing section, and the kind of general mix you’d expect from a well-stocked charity shop. It’s not a small space, so give yourself time to have a proper look around.

This is where I found a Vans women’s shirt and the glass candlestick holders. Both came home with me.

 

Related: An inexpensive trip to Grimsby Ontario

 

Mission Thrift Store Beamsville

Mission Thrift is technically in nearby Beamsville rather than Grimsby proper, but it’s worth the short detour. The home decor section was solid, and there was a good collection of desktop lamps if you’re hunting for something for a home office or a bedside table. What really caught my eye was the vintage appliances. There was an electric knife, an electric beater, and an iron styled to look like one of the old heavy cast iron ones that actually did plug in. The beater was harder to date than the others, but it had that slightly retro look that makes you pick it up for a closer look regardless.

If furniture isn’t your priority and you’re more of a homewares and curiosities person, Mission Thrift is probably your best bet of the three.

Where to Fuel Up

All that treasure hunting can require a fuel stop of the food variety and there are a number of places you can stop for coffee and food in Grimsby. However if you have never been to Tim Hortons, a Canadian institution then I suggest its worth visiting at least once.

Tips for Thrifting in Grimsby

• Furniture Shopping Start at the ReStore if furniture is on your list. It’s large and worth moving through slowly, especially the lighting and vintage sewing machine section.
• Vintage & Retro Shopping Check the vintage appliances at Mission Thrift. There were some genuinely interesting pieces when I visited.
• Clothing Variety Don’t skip the clothing at GBF.

 

Video Highlights of Thrifting in Grimsby

includes travel video

 

Final Word of Thrifting In Grimsby

Thrifting in Grimsby is a solid way to spend a few hours, especially if you’re passing through the Niagara region. The mix of a large ReStore, a community charity shop, and a well-stocked mission store means there’s something for every kind of secondhand shopper.

I also managed to see a few other things while in the area including the Painted Ladies, the Niagara Falls and more. If you’ve visited the area I would love to know what were your highlights.

Happy thrifting, Jenny – follow me on Insta or Youtube

(video & images were current at the time of my visit)