Saskatoon’s only MCC Thrift store moves to new location

March 8, 2023

Saskatoon’s Village Green Thrift Shop held a grand opening celebration at its new location in Saskatoon on Feb. 11. The all-in-one location, situated on 33rd Street, takes the place of the separate thrift shop, and a furniture store in the city’s Riversdale neighbourhood. Both of the original buildings are now for sale.

“We had simply outgrown those spaces”, said Martin Irving, thrift manager for Mennonite Central Committee Saskatchewan. “We did our best to make it work within those spaces for the last decade, but the time had come for a change.”

The new building is nearly double that of the previous locations, with more than 640 square metres between the thrift and furniture storefront areas. The extra space allows for a more open style of retail display, said Irving: “Thrifting has really changed in recent years. It’s not the ‘Grandma style’ of thrifting, where everything is crammed into a tiny space. Thrifting has really become trendy; it’s upcycling, recycling and sustainable. Shoppers want a different experience than in the past.”

Total sales from the grand opening event were $11,000. The Village Green Thrift Shop employs 11 staff members and has more than 50 active volunteers, and are always looking for more.

—By Emily Summach

Photo: 

Shop assistant Aleli and volunteer Irene are ready to assist customers at the grand opening of the Village Green Thrift Shop. (Photo courtesy of Gabby Altarugio)

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