CLOTHES AND COLLECTIBLES
A Boutique For The Thrifty Shopper

**Laura fee, clothes & collectibles manager until the end of last month, and assistant will.** *(Jacqui Birchall Photos)*

by Jacqui Birchall
(click images to enlarge)

One of the West End’s Seniors’ Network’s gems is Clothes and Collectables, the thrift boutique in the Denman Place Mall which celebrates its 25th anniversary on November 1.

The popular and innovative manager, Laura Fee, who retired at the end of October, shares that she is looking forward to a happy retirement on Vancouver Island, her childhood place, where she can spend time with her daughter. Laura will be missed.

Laura started as the manager of Clothes and Collectables in January 2016. There had not been a manager for six months, and the store was only open 3.5 days a week.

Laura brought previous retail experience to the position, sharing that the tiny store used to sell little bags of screws, outdated microwave ovens, hammers, and toasters, Items that were frequently returned for not working properly and items that took up space yet made little money. Money needed to be made in a small amount of real estate. Laura adds that “today we don't take anything that plugs in except lamps.”

Laura’s efforts increased Clothes and Collectables income by a considerable amount, a huge boost for the West End Seniors’ Network.

Today, the most popular items are clothing, shoes, bags, hats, scarves, gloves, jewellery, ceramics, drink glasses, collectables and, of course, the wonderful selection of books.

**you can’t miss the inviting exterior of clothes and collectibles, at the south end of denman place mall.**

Mondays and Tuesdays bring much work, sorting through the many donations, rejecting the unsellable and setting up the store with an attractive theme. By opening at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, the store is beautifully organized and themed.

Thursday, Friday and Saturday, the staff start all over again, re-organizing and choosing a theme.

Laura has three wonderful assistants, Gordana, Will and Brenda. There are also a few part-time paid staff on cash and general helpfulness, and 25 volunteers. These staff and volunteers bring several languages, cultures and world experience to the store. Persian, Spanish, and Tagalog are a few of the languages. They are a charming and welcoming group.

**Every corner of clothes & collectibles is a treasure trove of great bargains.**

Many customers frequent the store regularly because it is a source of friendship and community. I visit there often because the vibe is so friendly and family-like. Cheerful and friendly conversation is always available. And the treasures are wonderful too!

Previously, those who donated clothing shared with Laura that they would not include upmarket clothing with their donations, as the prices were too low and did not reflect the value.

Laura created the designer section, which is a boon to fashionistas on a budget! While most of the store’s clothing is priced generally under headings such as shirts, sweaters, jackets, trousers, scarves, ties, etc, the clothing in the designer section is individually priced. This section is a treasure trove for those hoping to look stylish on a budget. Around $15 for a very stylish top.

Clothes not designated as designer are very well priced. A long-sleeved sweater or blouse in excellent condition for $7. A warm hat for $2 or $3, $6 for jeans, and $15 for a deliciously warm jacket in near-new condition.

As a side note, the Canadian Government census showed that the West End is the second poorest neighbourhood in Vancouver, second only to the DTES. This little thrift store is a boon to locals.

**sandfra teto takes over as manager at clothes and collectibles this month.**

Sometimes, very kind folk donate clothing with original price tags in the $2,000 range. Clothes and Collectables has an account with a high-end consignment store, which sells the items for the store.

Shoes, bags and jewellery are equally popular as are works of art, ceramics and other collectables.

How does Laura determine the fake from the real regarding labels and jewellery? There is a very knowledgeable volunteer with high-end retail experience who authenticates the bags, shoes and clothing. A local jeweller authenticates the jewellery.

Unfortunately, unsellable clothing is also donated. Dirty, ripped, worn-out clothing takes a lot of time to sort. Laura, Will, and Brenda sort the unsuitable items into black garbage bags which are picked up by the Diabetes Association, which pays by the pound.

Sorting the many items of unsellable clothing takes a lot of the staff's time. When donating, please ensure the items are clean and in good repair.

Laura also shares that they receive a lot of estate items, vintage cameras, clothing, watches, books and porcelain. These items are valued and priced. Sometimes the items are valuable enough to be sent to auction.

Folks frequently wonder why only eight shoppers are allowed in the store at a time. It is a tiny space, and when more people crowd in, it is impossible to comfortably view all the wonderful items.

Please do not leave donations outside the store when it is closed. It is unlikely the store will receive the items.

A new manager for Clothes and Collectables has been hired. Her name is Sandra Treto. With a deep love for community and creativity, Sandra is excited to step into her new role. She brings experience working with seniors and community programs through her previous nonprofit roles, along with a strong background in marketing, business, and design. Sandra also led an award-winning business, combining creativity and purpose to make a positive impact.

Passionate about connection and inclusivity, she’s thrilled to contribute to the vibrant community that Clothes and Collectibles has built and to continue fostering a welcoming, inspiring space for everyone.

Be sure to come in and welcome Sandra to her new position.

Interested in donating? Check the website noted belowe to see what Clothes and Collectables accepts.

Clothes and Collectibles
110-1030 Denman Street
Denman Place Mall
Hours: Wednesday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and until 4 p.m. on Saturdays.
604-682-0327
email: clothes@wesn.ca
Website