A new shop in Gimli is helping turn closets full of unworn clothing into fresh finds for someone else.
A new consignment store, Favourite 2nd Fashion, has opened in Gimli at 96 Fourth Ave. The shop aims to provide affordable fashion options while supporting sustainable shopping in the local community
Favorite 2nd Fashion, located at 96C Third Ave behind the laundromat (enter through the side door), offers a wide selection of secondhand youth, women’s and men’s clothing and accessories. Open Thursday through Sunday, the store aims to make secondhand shopping accessible for every style and budget.
Local residents Leslie Leis and Svala Þrastardóttir opened the shop on Feb. 6, inspired by a shared desire to give their own clothing a second life — without the hassle of online marketplaces or garage sales.
“I had these beautiful clothes that I worked hard to purchase, and I was frustrated with other selling options not being as efficient. I felt in my heart there had to be a better way of giving them a second life,” Leis said.
“Leslie and I began talking about how we wanted to find a way to repurpose our clothing, and voilà — this came about,” Þrastardóttir added.
The store will celebrate its official grand opening on Friday, April 17 from 3 to 5 p.m., featuring coffee, cake and a few surprises for visitors.
The business operates on a model commonly found in Iceland, where Þrastardóttir lived before moving to Canada in 2012. Favorite 2nd Fashion currently features 22 vendor booths, allowing individuals to rent space and sell their own clothing and accessories.
Unlike traditional consignment stores, where sellers typically receive a portion of each sale, this model returns most of the profit directly to the vendor, with the store taking a smaller percentage.
“We are very community-minded, and that’s why we are here,” Leis said. “We live and breathe in Gimli — it’s been invaluable how the community has embraced us.”
The owners bring complementary experience to the business. Þrastardóttir offers strong community connections, while Leis, a former esthetics business owner, contributes operational and logistical expertise.
Vendors rent booths in four-week cycles, with the option to extend. They select and price their own items, while the store assists with promotion and inventory tracking. Items must be clean and in good condition, with offerings ranging from casual wear and outerwear to shoes, accessories and formal attire.
For the owners, the concept goes beyond retail — it’s about sustainability and community.
“Seeing the fashion go around is so nice to see,” Þrastardóttir said. “We are very thankful the community has taken us in with open arms.”
Due to strong interest, there is currently a wait-list for vendor booths. Those interested can contact the store to be added and will be notified when space becomes available.
Looking ahead, Leis and Þrastardóttir hope to continue building a welcoming space for secondhand shopping in Gimli.
“If the community is happy, we are happy,” Þrastardóttir said.
Favorite 2nd Fashion is open Thursdays and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Hours are subject to change. For more information, call or text 204-442-0396, email Favorite2ndFashion@gmail.com, message the store on Facebook or visit during operating hours.
