Fashion resale company Plato’s Closet just announced the opening of its latest location on Orfus Road. This move not only marks the brand’s further expansion into Toronto but also points to the development of a thrift district in the North York neighbourhood.
Duff Kovacs, the franchise owner behind this venture, emphasizes the importance of offering affordable fashion choices while promoting eco-conscious shopping habits.
“Plato’s Closet fills a distinct niche in the retail market,” Kovacs said.
“We are a part of a unique retail resale business that specializes in the teen and young adult market segment. We don’t try to create new fashion trends, we respond to actual trends in a timely and value-oriented manner.”
And Orfus Road seemed like the perfect location to continue this mission. Long hailed as an outlet store destination in the city, Orfus Road is full of discounts and BOGO sales are a regular occurrence.
Now it’s being increasingly recognized as a hub for second-hand and vintage enthusiasts. In addition to Plato’s Closet, the street is home to a by-the-pound thrift store called Orfus Market — one of only two in the city — and Just Thrift.
“Opening here looked like a good opportunity. Orfus Road has really become a venue for outlet stores, deal shopping, and has become more of a fashion shopping hub,” Kovcas said.
While the store provides shoppers with discounted prices on various fashion items from popular brands, it also operates as a resale retail store where customers can sell gently used clothing and accessories on a walk-in basis, which are evaluated based on condition and brand to offer cash on the spot. According to Kovacs, patrons can bring items to try to sell up until an hour before closing.
“The items we sell gets drawn from the local community and the local neighbourhood and what people are selling to us,” he said.
“What’s really interesting is what we’re getting in the North York and Yorkdale area. We’re getting a lot of very great merchandise, a lot of “wow” product. We’ve seen everything from Old Navy, H&M, Dynamite, Lululemon, Aritzia, Zara, Michael Kors and Kate Spade,” he said.
Plato’s Closet opens on March 21 and the opening week will include giveaways of items from brands that include Coach, TNA and Converse.
The store is located at 39 Orfus Rd. and will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.