Walking into a women’s consignment store feels a little like stepping into heaven — at least that’s what regular consignment shoppers would tell you. Don’t expect angelic hymns or golden gates but do expect a highbrow experience, where every corner of the shop contains so much value.
People often associate second-hand clothing with old, low-quality items. Dara Eckel and Dawn-Marie Jack, owners of The RAK, prefer the term ‘pre-loved’. From research and selection to cleaning and presentation, every item on their racks has gone through a rigorous process. So, aside from finding a carefully curated garment, you will leave with something that is one of a kind.
Echel and Jack had originally set down roots on Whyte Avenue in 2023 before relocating to Sherwood Park last year. Their newest digs are in a shared space with the Makers Keep in South Common. Settled in a quaint nook in the back, it is stocked with an abundance of quality items to choose from, and for any kind of budget.
A nice little detail: they have a Y2K section. And it is so easy to get carried away and grab every hanger in that aisle (talking from experience).
“People appreciate the hunt and we love watching the look on people’s faces when they find the item,” says Jack. Sometimes you will go in with no idea what you are looking for but based on how personalized the selection is, you will come out with something that screams your style. Their advice: “Come in with an open mind and have fun.”
“This experience is more personal than your regular trip to a retail store,” says Eckel. “This is not about what you should wear but about what you want to wear.” And helping people unlock that mindset is something that Jack and Eckel pride themselves in. After all, they are stylists. So don’t hesitate to pull back the fitting-room curtain to show off the fit and ask for a personalized consultation.
That people-first approach extends beyond the fitting room. Whether you are a buyer looking for a high end garment or a seller looking for someone to trust to retail your valuable purse, The RAK prioritizes its people. The company also integrates philanthropy into its business model. Even its name reflects that philosophy: Random Acts of Kindness. One of its main initiatives is taking unsold garments, bagging and selling them as blind items, and donating the profits to local causes.
Many are familiar with the saying “one man’s trash is another’s treasure” and there is no better way to describe the consignment scene.
The RAK
South Edmonton Common | 9707 19 Ave NW, Edmonton
2693 Broadmoor Blvd #100, Sherwood Park
shoptherak.ca
The RAK is not the only place where you will find consignment treasure. These other local stores are worth paying a visit to:
Blogger Armoire describes itself as a space that mirrors a chic New York or Milan fashion blogger’s walk-in closet. You can feel it as soon as you walk in, it is a high-end and avant-garde designer resale experience. This is where you will find those premier designer labels you have been dying to get your hands on — think Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Hermes.
Blogger Armoire
Wîhkwêntôwin | 12328 104 Ave NW, Edmonton | bloggerarmoire.com
Wrinkled focuses more on modern, everyday, trendy fashion. Its racks frequently feature a variety of carefully selected garments from popular brands like Aritzia, Lululemon, Oak + Fort and Anthropologie. You will also find a new-with-tags section and a selection of local goods scattered around the space.
Wrinkled
Strathcona | 10330 Whyte Ave NW, Edmonton | wrinkled.ca
Chic Circular Fashion’s focus is high end women’s fashion, with a hint of everyday contemporary, so you can expect to find authentic brands in every corner. It holds a large shoe and bag collection, from Jimmy Choo and Prada to Chanel and Hermes, which are also featured in its instagram.
Chic Circular Fashion
Westmount | 12529 102 Ave NW, Edmonton | @Chic Circular Fashion
