Take-Back Program
We tested out our Take-Back program in February 2020 and feel that we are ready to bring it back on a continuing basis (for the time being)!
As part of our commitment to zero waste, we created this program to care for our garments at the end of their (first) lifecycle by reselling them at a discount or repurposing them. Profits from the sale of these items go to local charities. Did you know that less than a quarter of clothing donated to thrift stores is actually resold? The rest is sent overseas, incinerated or sent to the landfill. 100% of the clothing in our Take Back Program is either refurbished for resale or (if not salvageable) is sold as rag-bags for sale in our store.
Our hope for this program is to divert garments from the landfill and extend their use, bringing us closer to a circular model of clothing production.
How can you participate? Bring your used Smoking Lily clothing to our Victoria Store or mail it back to us. You will receive a $5 credit for each piece.
Please read through these common questions before bringing your items in:
What will you accept?
We will accept clean Smoking Lily branded clothing items in wearable condition only. For example: t-shirts, blouses, dresses, skirts, jumpsuits, jackets, sweatshirts, pants, cardigans…
Small stains or items in worn condition are okay! Items with large holes or tears are not accepted at this time.
What won’t you accept?
We do not take back: Accessories, Scarves, Bags, Homewares, Underwear, Pillows, Wallets, Belts, Napkins, Placemats, Sleep Masks, Tea Towels.
Items must be washed and clean, WITHOUT smoke, pet hair or fragrance. NO Febreeze or perfume (including scented laundry detergent and dryer sheets).
How do I receive the credit?
If you bring your items to the store (1713 Government Street), you will be issued a credit that you can use in-store as soon as we have had a chance to look over your items.
If you are mailing your items back to us at the studio, you will be issued an online credit in the form of an online gift card upon receipt of your items.
Where do I mail my items to?
You can mail your items back to us at:
Smoking Lily, 1217 Wharf Street, Victoria BC V8W1T9.
Please note that we cannot credit or reimburse you for shipping costs, nor are we responsible for items lost in the mail. If this is a concern for you, please insure your package and include tracking. As shipping costs are high at the moment, you may find that a Canada Post Flat-Rate Box is the most economical option if you are in central / Eastern Canada.
If you are mailing your items back to us, please include a slip of paper with your first and last name and email address inside the box!
Why only $5 per item? I can get more if I bring my Smoking Lily to a consignment store!
If you’d prefer to support your local thrift store directly or consign your items with another shop or company, by all means please do so! We are working to be a more sustainable company, and are hoping to offer another alternative to you.
Is there a maximum amount of clothing that I can bring back?
Nope! No Minimum or maximum amount.
Will you only accept recent Smoking Lily items?
Items can be old or new!
Where can I buy these refurbished / repurposed items?
Currently these items are only sold in-store (not online).