‘Evolve’ with Caledon and pick up on thrifting culture

Written By ALYSSA PARKHILL

Evolve Clothing and Lifestyle wasn't always known by that name. 

Caledon Community Services changed the brand in 2017, to bring a new, refreshing movement to Caledon.

“Evolve Clothing and Evolve Lifestyle stores are both deeply rooted in Caledon's past. When Caledon Community Services opened Chez Thrift in the bottom of a Barber Shop in 1982 its sole purpose was to raise funds to better serve the residents of Caledon. The opening of the ReUstore followed in 1998 never wavering from the original mandate,” explains Catherine Adair, Manager of Retail Operations. 

Today Evolve Clothing and Evolve Lifestyle has two stores located here in Bolton. Evolve Clothing retails brand name clothing, accessories, home décor and furniture and little Knick knacks. But, Evolve Clothing doesn't work like a regular clothing store. “Thrifting” is a new way to environmentally shop for name brands and designer clothing, for half the price.

“The stores were brought to life with the idea that they could help raise funds needed to assist with operating the various programs CCS provides residents, while also bolstering the Town of Caledon's green standing by diverting thousands of tons from landfill each year,” says Adair. 

She added, “We have definitely seen an increase in thrift savvy youth coming through the doors at both locations including from many areas outside of Caledon.  Thrift is definitely becoming ‘on trend.” 

All proceeds from Evolve Clothing goes right back into community services and programs. 

“Serving Caledon since 1971 – the stores net proceeds help ensure we can continue to respond to the needs as they grow and change over time.  We help residents in the areas of Health and Wellness, Jobs and Training, Life and Community,” explains Adair. “These include senior programs that help them live independently, fresh nutritious food, care coordination and support, language training welcoming newcomers to Caledon, programs that bridge the difficulties youth can experience in the job market and getting established in meaningful careers and so much more.”

But, it doesn't stop there. 

Old trends have become the new trends. Meaning, vintage aesthetic and style have made a comeback in the newest and latest trends. More people are beginning to shop used, as opposed to shopping at new stores and spending more. Especially when it comes to vintage and simplistic collectible items. Evolve Lifestyle is where those who enjoy collecting, or simply want unique vintage items can be found.

Evolve Lifestyle sells a variety of different items such as vinyl records, furniture such as dresses, chairs and lamps, serving sets and tea cups and different kinds of art. 

Both stores accept all clothing, accessories, shoes and different kinds of linens that are gently used and able to be resold, but they do still accept items that are considered not resalable as it still diverts from landfill. There are guidelines that do come into play when accepting household items such as furniture, but they present detailed information on the proper criteria to meet when donating, on their website. 

Evolve Clothing and Evolve Lifestyle strive to give members of the community an exciting and fresh way of shopping used, and are constantly engaging with the community. 

“We are always looking at ways to engage community champions and influencers and make shopping at Evolve fun.  You can see by the design of the space, both interior and exterior, it's a fun place to shop,” says Adair. “We are constantly looking at new strategies to engage potential donors and shoppers as they are vital to our success and we strive to keep abreast of the trends in thrift to ensure we are always providing a top-notch experience to our shoppers.”