Value Village: “Museum of Everyday Stuff” or “Treasure Hunters Heaven”

One of the first things I do when in Victoria, British Columbia is visit the downtown Value Village (VV). It is the perfect place to experience  the “thrill of the hunt,” be it a new coffee mug,  a painting by an unknown artist or a tacky vacation souvenir. 

This particular visit I spotted two potential paintings for my “no name” art collection the first day we arrived. However, my “thrifty” nature said wait until Tuesday to buy them. I was lucky - one was still there when I got there early and snapped it up.  

Love this latest addition to my “no name” art collection. I was attracted by the synergy of the abstract expressionism, colour field and indigenous elements. Even the 20 inch diameter format interested me as it reminds me of some of the portraits of Chris Cran.

Victoria’s Downtown Value Village

Last fall, I chose an Airbnb condo because it was just a five minute walk to VV and I wanted to be able to visit the “Museum of Everyday Stuff” often. (I went seven times during my two-week visit, including both Tuesdays, i.e. Senior’s Day, so I could be 30% discount.) 

For me, visiting VV is a bit like visiting a museum, with the Victoria store being the best. It is the big box of thrift stores – The Walmart or The Costco!  

Though the shelves of shoes aren’t quite the Bata Shoe Museum, there is usually a few vintage finds as well as modern one. (I have gotten some great deals on golf shoes there over the years).

The housewares area is chockablock full of stuff that in a strange way reminded me of some of the display cases I saw at the Victoria Albert Museum in London UK in 2019.  

The huge wall of art reminds me of photos I’ve seen of the 15th century Paris Salon Shows with its floor to ceiling art. If you are looking for a good deal on art, this is the place go. I have never been disappointed.  Yes, you have to rummage through a lot of kitschy/tacky art, but I have always returned from Victoria with at least one new piece.

And, the bookshelves are full of popular novels, as well as some classics and fun finds.  Collectors love rummaging through the records, jewelry and toys.

Indeed, it is full of “everyday stuff.” 

Victoria Albert Museum vintage china collection

Value Village china collection

Christmas artifacts

Everyday useless stuff

Kitchen Artifacts

Victoria Albert Museum crystal collection

Close-up of VAM crystal

Victoria Albert Museum figurines cabinet

People Watching

VV is also like a museum in that you find people of all ages and backgrounds wandering around looking at the artifacts aka stuff. But unlike a museum, here you can touch it!  There are the red, yellow or blue-haired giggling teenage girls rummaging through the clothes looking for a vintage piece to wear to the next party.  I love how they talk about their personal lives as if nobody can hear what they are saying.  Often I hear more than I need to know.

There is almost always at least one immaculately dressed woman in her 70s or 80s, all dressed up looking like she has just come from church.  This contrasts with the young couple, with her in her ripped jeans giving him fashion advice on what he should be wearing

As a toy collector, I always wander over to the toy section where I commonly find kids and the toys are scattered all over the floor  (they just make themselves at home).  

And, I can always tell who are the pickers and collectors as they are on their cell phones blocking the aisles checking the value of items before they buy.  

Just like in a museum, often I will strike up a conversation with someone or someone will strike up one with me. On this past trip, it was another senior who told me his story of buying an artwork by a well-known British Columbia artist for $25 at this VV (Like a true senior, I can’t remember the name now, but I did recognize it then) that he later sold at auction for several thousand dollars.  He started with “this is the spot where I found my best deal!” Ten minutes later I had to say “sorry I have to meet-up with my wife now.” 

Yes people do hide things.  I often find designer pieces of women’s clothing hidden in the men’s golf shirts for safe keeping.  FYI:  I spend a lot of time in the golf shirt section, I haven’t bought a new golf shirt in 20 years.  

Travel Tip

If you are into “treasure hunting” downtown Victoria is the place with nine thrift stores within walking distance. (See Map).  If you are into antiques, I highly recommend Super Chance Consignment, a well curated store with good prices (even thrifters like).   

Last Word

Whenever I wander a Value Village store, I am always reminded of the obsessive consumerism of our throwaway modern world.  For years, every time I wandered by the shelves of coffee mugs I would think “the world doesn’t need another coffee mug.” Today, I say the same thing about water bottles. I wonder, “is water the new coffee?”  

Happy hunting….

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