The Central Okanagan

The place where I realised that one can find good items at thrift shops and hence starting my affinity for reusing. With a larger population that apparently is into consumption, and also more affluent, one can find a good number of quality bargains here.

A home base of ours is Rutland which is almost a thrift shop destination with 4 charity shops and one semi (one of two SPCAs) when there were only 3 just a year or two ago. All within walking distance too.

On Rutland Road south of Highway 33 (at gray) are two shops.  The first is the Salvation Army. Occupying a large space, it has a good selection of all items though not as well-stocked as in the past due to reorganisation.  Prices can be somewhat high unless you happen upon a sale. Free lot and street parking.




Across the street is the new premises of the MCC (which formerly occupied where the Kelowna Mission's newly opened shop is). A large shop, it is well stocked (including furniture) and organised.  Lots of collectibles come in. Free lot parking behind.






North of the highway on Roxby Road is the Kelowna Mission store, newly-opened since the MCC moved.  Very well-organised, it has the usual assortment, including housewares, clothing and furniture at good prices.  30% off sale on Tuesdays. Free lot and street parking.






On Douglas also just north of the highway is the Rutland Hospital Auxiliary which has been operating for many years.  Well-organised, it has the usual assortment of items (just no furniture). Reputedly the best priced place in town. I won't dispute that.  Free street parking.





Just north in the barn formerly housing a sporting goods store is the newer SPCA thrift store.  Rather spacious due to size, it has many items on 3 levels.  A good assortment including collectibles of dubious quality at times. Worth a visit. Free lot and street parking.

Moving towards the main town on Enterprise Way and Cooper is a Habitat for Humanity ReStore housed in part of a huge warehouse.  Though one would expect only home reno items (as we did, until we actually visited), it has in addition sporting goods, furniture, housewares and art among other unexpected items.  Good prices and worth a visit.  Free lot parking.

On the south side of Springfield just west of Spall is the local Bibles for Missions. A larger mid-sized store, it is densely-stocked with a good assortment of everything.  Free lot parking.

On Sutherland Avenue at Birch (SE corner) is the Salvation Army boutique.  Small, it stocks mainly clothing but has a small assortment of housewares. Free lot parking.









Heading west on Sutherland before Gordon and opposite from the mall is the Catholic Knights of Columbus Pro-Life shop.  This shop has a lot of housewares and collectibles.  Good prices. Free lot parking.







Downtown Kelowna has 4 thrift stores.  On Ellis between Queensway and Doyle is the IODE shop. This one is tiny but has a dedicated volunteer all the time with clothes, housewares and collectibles.  Never know what one finds.  Paid street parking which is not easy to find.








Further north, on Gaston between Richter and St Paul is the Kelowna and District SHARE.  A large shop with a good assortment of everything including furniture, clothing, collectibles and housewares, it assists people integrate into the community.  Very good prices.  Free lot and street parking though it can be difficult to park nearby.





On Industrial Way (in what seem to be a small driveway west off and off Ellis) is the Kelowna women's shelter thrift store.  Small, it has clothing, collectibles and housewares.  Good selection, decent prices. Free lot parking.







I haven't been to the First United Church's shop on Bernard and Richter yet due to it being closed in summer.  In the old Tomato King barn on Casorso and Benvoulin opposite from the SPCA is the first SPCA thrift store. I haven't been here since it opened in its current form.  Free lot parking.

Across the lake in West Bank and surrounds are three shops.  The largest is the Salvation Army's shop on Old Okanagan Highway between Butt and Bering.  In a large new building (it was moved from Main Street), it is well organised and has a good assortment of everything.  O.K. prices.   Free lot parking.



On Main Street at Bowen (just off Main) is the local United Church shop hidden in the basement. Usual church thrift items except furniture.  Free lot parking.







Heading back towards Kelowna on Ross Road between Daimler and Bartley (just off the highway) is a Habitat for Humanity ReStore.  This one stocks mainly home reno items and has very limited housewares. Free lot parking.



There's a thrift store at the United Church in Peachland but I have yet to go there on an open day.

Lake Country Food Bank

North of Kelowna in Winfield are two thrift shops.  Just off and east of the highway on Berry is the local Food Bank shop (only one in B.C. that runs a non-food thrift shop).  Limited opening days and hours.  Small, it has a good selection of everything.  Good prices.  Free lot parking.

Winfield United Church

On Woodsdale by the old rail line is the United Church shop.  Coffee seems to be the main topic of conversation among the staff. Small but well-organised, it has the usual selection of items at good prices.  Check out the shed behind for odd items. Free lot parking.