“Style that gives back”: Campus Thrift Shop opens in the CAW
Student shoppers wait in line outside the newly opened Campus Thrift Shop on Sept. 28, 2026.
| Photo: Arran Christie / LANCE
The Campus Thrift Shop celebrated its grand opening on Sept. 28th, greeting a long line of student shoppers teeming with excitement.
“I saw it [the thrift store] on a story post, and I was like, wow! … There’s clothing on campus,” said Cameron Reed, a third-year political science student waiting in line on opening day.
Located in the basement of the CAW Student Centre, the thrift store generated interest across campus communities through social media announcements and a pop-up booth at the Involvement Fair.
After peeking through the privacy film for months, hoping to get a glimpse of the fun and fashion waiting inside, students were anxious to enter.
“I love doing a little thrifting … It’s just so fun, like a treasure hunt,” said Lisa Mastroianni, a second-year environmental science student.
In addition to their thrift hauls, customers received a promotional one dollar tea from Sugar and Dice.
Sandra Riccio-Muglia, Director of Events and Programming for the UWSA and manager of the thrift store, explained that the shop was curated by students for students.
“Everything here is [from a] garage sale or flea market — nothing is brand new,” she said.
“I think you can see that there’s been a lot of love put into the space, with student experience in mind, down to playing the Labyrinth game or using the typewriter to write messages.”
The small space was something for Riccio-Muglia and her team to consider when designing the layout of the store, and their creativity shone through. Multi-coloured clothes filled the racks, bags and belts dangled from the walls, and accessories accented the shelves.
“I think it’s really inclusive of different styles, colours, and sizes…there’s something for everyone,” said Nicole Leon, a first-year nursing student.
Students also shared their appreciation for the store’s atmosphere and other amenities that set it apart from chain stores.
“I like the decorations … everything in here is vintage,” said Nikki Ouellette. “Having change rooms is nice too!”
First-year English literature student Hailee Danelon and first-year social work student Ana Silvaggi show off their thrift hauls on Sept. 28, 2026.
| Photo: Arran Christie / LANCE
The Campus Thrift Shop has since opened registration for its student consignor program, which will permit students to stock, set prices for, and sell their own secondhand clothing inventory.
Students can visit the thrift store between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Fridays.