About Us
Qualitown sells a wide variety of second-hand clothing items in all sizes, from kids to adults, and also stocks household items, kitchenware, fun toys, games and more. The store has an innovative business model based on the philosophy of reuse, reduce, recycle!
Ladies clothes
We have extensive selections of ladies clothing in all styles, brand names, and colors. Come check out our shoe collections, boots, and handbags of all different brand names and styles. Also check out our jewelry, tiaras and much more! Stop by today.
Children Items
We have all kinds of children’s clothing for both boys and girls, available in many sizes and styles. We also have a huge toy collection, shoes and knick-knacks that will make any kid happy. Shopping at Qualitown saves you money.
Male Items
We carry a wide selection of men’s clothing, including cotton pants, jeans, t-shirt, cotton shirt, ties, boxers, men’s shoes and much more. We’ve made shopping easy and fun for guys and we have change rooms for your privacy.
Our Story
Caroline Ese Bleaney, the ambitious and socially-conscious founder of Qualitown, embarked on her entrepreneurial journey in her hometown of Cumberland, where she had previously worked as a nurse for the Vancouver Island Health Authority. It was during her time as a nurse, observing the changing needs of the community, that Caroline recognized a critical imbalance in the local economy and the growing demand for more sustainable, accessible solutions. Born in Nigeria but now a proud Canadian citizen, this determined mother of two has made it her life’s mission to drive positive transformation through innovative ideas. Qualitown was first conceived in 2011, though it would not officially launch until 2015, as Caroline carefully laid the groundwork for her vision.
The genesis of Qualitown can be traced back to Caroline’s time living in Port Hardy, where she first became enamored with the world of online auctions and secondhand shopping. While pregnant with her first child, Caroline discovered the joy and cost-savings of scouring eBay for gently-used children’s clothing – a hobby that would eventually inspire the core purpose of her future business. As her kids outgrew those thrifted finds, Caroline started reselling the items, recognizing both the financial and environmental benefits of the resale market. This early experience solidified Caroline’s passion for the circular economy and her belief in the power of reuse and recycling to strengthen local communities.
With this foundational insight, Caroline set her sights on transforming the often-stigmatized thrift industry. She forged a partnership with a large recycling company in Montreal, which provided her the inventory to launch her own eBay-based online resale operation, even while nine months pregnant with her second child. Though the early days were challenging, Caroline’s unwavering entrepreneurial spirit and drive to make a difference kept her motivated. After completing her degree as a Registered Care Aide, Caroline relocated to Vancouver, honing her business acumen through hands-on work experience. Finally, in 2015, she was able to establish the first Qualitown location in Cumberland, later expanding to Campbell River.
At the heart of Qualitown’s mission is Caroline’s vision to reshape societal perceptions of thrift stores, positioning them as essential, community-driven resources. Beyond just facilitating the resale of donated goods, Qualitown is designed to provide temporary shelter and support services for those in need within each of its local communities. This holistic approach, powered by the generosity of community donations, embodies Caroline’s belief that by working together, we can create a more equitable, sustainable future for all.
Our Unique Start Up
Qualitown Store was founded and established on April 4, 2015 in the small city of Cumberland, located within the picturesque Comox Valley region of British Columbia. With a population of only around 3,000 residents, Cumberland may seem like an unlikely location to launch a successful business venture. However, the founder of Qualitown, who was working as a nurse at the time, saw an opportunity to revolutionize the local thrift shopping experience in this close-knit community. Driven by her vision to modernize the traditionally frumpy and disorganized thrift store model, she opened a humble little shop in downtown Cumberland. Despite its modest beginnings with just two full-time employees, Qualitown quickly gained a loyal following among savvy shoppers seeking quality secondhand goods at affordable prices. Even as the owner continues her nursing career, she dedicates time outside of her shifts to diligently sorting through donations, meticulously pricing each item, and ensuring the store’s shelves are well-stocked with an ever-changing selection of gently used clothing, shoes, housewares, and other hidden treasures. This hands-on, personalized approach has helped Qualitown stand out in the crowded thrift store landscape, establishing it as a beloved community hub that offers much more than just run-of-the-mill secondhand finds. As the business has grown over the years, the owner has remained committed to maintaining Qualitown’s small-town charm and providing Cumberland residents with a shopping experience that is both convenient and unique.
Our Store
The vision at Qualitown is to redefine the longstanding stigma surrounding thrift stores and transform the secondhand shopping experience into something modern, convenient, and appealing for all members of the community. Rather than simply accepting donations and reselling them in a haphazard manner, Qualitown is on a mission to elevate the used goods business through a meticulous curation process. Every item that graces the store’s pristine, well-organized shelves has been carefully selected and refreshed to meet the high standards of today’s discerning shoppers. Gone are the days of rummaging through cluttered aisles and sorting through unsightly castoffs – at Qualitown, customers can expect a shopping environment that is clean, inviting, and aligned with current trends and sensibilities. This refined approach is a far cry from the outdated perception of thrift stores as dingy, undesirable repositories for society’s leftovers. Qualitown is ushering in a revolution in the secondhand retail landscape, redefining what it means to shop smart, save money, and support sustainable consumption habits. Through this innovative business model, the store aims to inspire a new generation of savvy, eco-conscious consumers who appreciate the value and style that can be found in pre-loved treasures. By continuously elevating the thrifting experience, Qualitown is poised to forever change the public’s relationship with the secondhand market.
Our Campbell River Location
Over the years, Qualitown Store has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from a modest 860-square-foot location in Cumberland with just two dedicated employees to an expansive 8,600-square-foot operation boasting a team of 12 full-time workers. This impressive growth is a testament to the unwavering hard work, steadfast consistency, and inspiring vision that have been the driving forces behind Qualitown’s success.
Beginning humbly in their original Cumberland storefront, the Qualitown team quickly distinguished themselves through their exceptional customer service, high-quality products, and relentless commitment to meeting the needs of their community. This dedication did not go unnoticed, as the people of Campbell River enthusiastically embraced the Qualitown brand when the company expanded to open a new location there on March 5th, 2016. The grand opening was a resounding success, with the community rallying behind the Qualitown team and providing the support and patronage necessary for the store to thrive in its new home.
In the years since, Qualitown has continued to build upon this strong foundation, steadily growing its staff and expanding its overall business operations. Through a combination of strategic planning, innovative thinking, and a steadfast commitment to customer satisfaction, the Qualitown team has managed to navigate the challenges of the ever-evolving retail landscape, emerging as a shining example of entrepreneurial success. Today, the store stands as a vibrant hub of activity, bustling with the energy of its dedicated employees and the loyal customers who have come to rely on Qualitown’s exceptional products and services.
April 4th, 2015
Cumberland Grand Opening
On a crisp spring day in 2015, the charming town of Cumberland welcomed the grand opening of Qualitown, a new local business that quickly became a beloved fixture in the community. Situated along the bustling Dunsmuir Avenue in downtown Cumberland, the 800-square-foot store made an immediate impression, drawing eager shoppers not just from the nearby neighborhoods of Courtenay and Comox, but from across the region. The enthusiastic turnout for Qualitown’s launch was a testament to the pent-up demand for a unique, community-oriented retail experience in this picturesque Vancouver Island village. From the outset, Qualitown positioned itself as a hub of thrift, offering an appealing assortment of gently used goods and hidden treasures at wallet-friendly prices. Despite its compact footprint, the store managed to sustain a small but dedicated team of two full-time employees, who worked tirelessly to keep the doors open seven days a week. In the years that followed, Qualitown would continue to thrive, becoming deeply woven into the fabric of Cumberland life as residents embraced the store’s friendly atmosphere, commitment to sustainability, and celebration of the town’s rich history and culture. The store’s success in those early years was a heartening testament to the power of a community rallying behind a locally-owned small business, transforming a simple retail venture into a cherished institution.
March 4th, 2016
Campbell River Grand Opening
The grand opening of Qualitown Thrift Store’s new location in Campbell River on March 4th, 2016 marked an exciting new chapter for the business. After operating out of a much smaller 800 square foot space in Cumberland, Qualitown had found a much more suitable home in Campbell River – a sprawling 8,600 square foot facility that allowed the store to dramatically expand its offerings and explore new merchandise and ideas that were part of the founder’s original vision. The move to the larger space in Campbell River, a city with a population of 30,000 as of 2016, also positioned Qualitown as the biggest thrift store in the area at the time. The community greeted the new store with great enthusiasm, with shoppers flocking to the grand opening and eagerly embracing the opportunity to support a local business and shop secondhand. Qualitown’s presence in Campbell River has continued to grow over the years, and the store has become an integral part of the community, contributing to society in meaningful ways through its innovative homeless outreach program and other charitable initiatives. With deep roots now planted in Campbell River, Qualitown is poised for further expansion, with plans to bring its unique thrift store experience to the broader region of British Columbia. The grand opening in 2016 was just the beginning of Qualitown’s journey, as the store continues to evolve and find new ways to serve the needs of the local community.
Qualitown is a unique and innovative secondhand store that offers a wide array of pre-owned goods for people of all ages and needs. From gently used clothing for kids, teens, and adults, to an assortment of household items, kitchenware, toys, and games, this store is a treasure trove of hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. Driven by the philosophy of “reuse, reduce, recycle,” Qualitown is on a mission to prevent millions of tons of used products from ending up in landfills every year, instead giving them new life and purpose. But this store is about so much more than just reselling secondhand items – it’s an integral part of the local community, supporting important causes and programs that make a real difference in people’s lives. Qualitown proudly partners with homeless outreach initiatives and other non-profit charities, ensuring that donated goods stay within the community and get into the hands of those who need them most, whether it’s providing temporary clothing, blankets, or other essential household items to low-income families new to the area. The store has built a vibrant, dependable team of employees who are passionate about their work and giving back, creating a true win-win scenario for both the business and the community it serves. With big dreams and an unwavering commitment to a brighter, more sustainable future, Qualitown is quickly becoming the go-to destination for savvy shoppers, eco-conscious consumers, and anyone looking to support their local community in an impactful way.
Our Team
Get the training, experience, and knowledge to help enhance your career. You’ll be trained and guide through our step by step process, to build your knowledge on a wide variation on every department of our store. If you have a question, contact us or you may apply for any position that suits
The Founder Of Qualitown
Caroline Ese Bleaney
Qualitown Golden Staff
