What's new at It's Worth Repeating
It's Worth Repeating has been a haven for Durham thrifters for decades — and now it has a new owner
The 'upscale resale' shop started in Whitby in 1994 and has now been in Courtice for years
Clarington This Week
Monday, July 25, 2022
Long before thrifting was a trendy buzzword, Durham residents were scoring second-hand finds at It’s Worth Repeating.
When Cindy Somerville opened the Whitby location in 1994, it was a draw for moms looking to save money on clothes for their growing kids.
Today, the “upscale resale” store is located in Courtice at 2727 Courtice Rd. and many customers are still savvy moms — but you’ll also see groups of high school students browsing the racks along with seniors and everyone in between.
Thrifting has exploded in popularity in recent years. It's economical, ethical, environmentally friendly and increasingly seen as fashion forward. On Tik Tok, GTA thrifters are amassing huge fan bases as they show off their finds.
“Being in this business now for 29 years, I’ve seen it change so much,” Somerville says. "Now shopping vintage and thrifting is really popular for young people."
After almost three decades as the face of the It's Worth Repeating, Somerville recently made the decision to retire as owner (she'll still work there part-time) and store employee Meaghan Anthony-Harkness has taken over the business.
“I fell in love with it right away,” Anthony-Harkness says, describing her experience working at the store. “I loved being here and when I wasn’t here I wanted to be here.”
The two women say the things that make the store special, won’t change — like a sense of community.
“We’ve always prided ourselves on being a community business where we know a good percentage of the customers by name,” Somerville says.
Over the years, It’s Worth Repeating has supported local organizations like Bethesda House and Hearth Place Cancer Support Centre and donated clothing wherever it was needed in the community, from people who lost their possessions in house fires to newcomers arriving in Canada.
The store works on a consignment model and carries clothing for men, women and children as well as accessories.
Brands like Lululemon and Roots are very popular — recent social media posts have highlighted everything from brand new men’s Under Armour shorts to Guess purses.
School uniforms are also a big seller at this time of year. It’s Worth Repeating carries McCarthy uniforms for several local high schools, typically at half the price of what families would pay to buy new.
"There's something here for everyone," Anthony-Harkness says.