The luxury resale market is thriving in Calgary—at least if early results from Mine & Yours’ pop-up at Holt Renfrew are any indication. The Vancouver-based company launched the short-term space in April and, according to founder Courtney Watkins, sales have already surpassed expectations for the entire two-and-a-half-month run.
“We pretty much hit the full sales projections for the entire pop-up in just the first month,” Watkins said in an interview. “It’s been incredible. Holt’s staff told us they’re happy to have us here because we’re bringing traffic and energy into the store.”
The pop-up, located on the second floor of Holt Renfrew at Calgary’s CORE Shopping Centre, is scheduled to run through June 15. But given the response, Watkins says she’s asked about a possible extension. So far, no decision has been made.
Luxury Resale Resonates in Calgary
Mine & Yours’ concept—authentic, high-end resale fashion presented in a chic, boutique setting—is not entirely new, but it is still relatively novel within a department store environment in Canada. Holt Renfrew’s partnership with Mine & Yours marks the first time the resale brand has set up shop in Alberta. The reception, said Watkins, has been overwhelming.
“We already had a strong online customer base in Calgary. Those clients were thrilled to be able to shop us in person,” said Watkins. “But beyond that, I think Holt’s may have underestimated their own clientele’s appetite for resale.”
That appetite seems to include not just shopping, but also selling. The partnership includes a trade-in program where clients can sell their designer goods in exchange for Holt Renfrew store credit—an offering Watkins says has been especially popular.
“There’s been a great mix,” she noted. “Some customers are selling to us, others are shopping. And a lot are doing both—trading in items and using that credit to shop the Holt store. It’s been a win-win.”
Beyond Luxury: Contemporary Designers Shine
While luxury handbags remain a draw—especially via the store’s signature “bag wall”—Watkins said that ready-to-wear pieces from contemporary designers like Ulla Johnson and Isabel Marant have also seen strong sell-through.
“There’s definitely a market here for mid-tier contemporary designers,” she said. “We’ve priced some of those dresses in the $250–$300 range, which is accessible for people looking for designer fashion without the full-price commitment. And they’re not finding these styles anywhere else in the city.”
With just 500 square feet of space, inventory is tightly curated. But that hasn’t slowed shoppers.
“Our clients are very fashion-savvy and excited about the hunt. We’ve designed the space to feel boutique and elevated, even though it’s compact,” said Watkins.
A Strategic Sustainability Partnership
Holt Renfrew’s decision to host Mine & Yours was not driven by revenue projections, but rather by values. According to Watkins, the department store saw the pop-up as part of its commitment to sustainability and the circular economy.
“Holt Renfrew didn’t bring us in because they thought they’d make a big commission,” said Watkins. “This was about aligning with one of their pillars—sustainability. They wanted to offer clients a meaningful resale experience that encourages reuse and reduces fashion waste.”
That positioning appears to be resonating with shoppers. In addition to the store credit program, clients can simply sell items for cash or shop the curated selection of second-hand goods, which includes many rare and one-of-a-kind pieces.
“We’re showing people that resale doesn’t have to feel second-hand,” Watkins added. “It can be beautiful, fashion-forward, and aspirational.”
Looking Ahead: Calgary and Beyond
The success of the Calgary pop-up has spurred interest in establishing a more permanent presence in the city. While no lease has been signed, Watkins confirmed she is actively exploring opportunities.
“We would love to have a retail footprint in Calgary long-term—either with Holt Renfrew or elsewhere,” she said. “There’s clearly demand here. And we’ve laid the groundwork with this pop-up.”
Meanwhile, Mine & Yours is preparing to expand further in Toronto, with a second location expected to be announced soon. The brand currently operates a store in the Yorkville area, one of the country’s most prestigious luxury shopping districts.
“We’re finalizing details on a new Toronto space,” Watkins said. “We’re excited to grow our presence there. It’s an important market for us.”
Building a National Resale Brand
Founded in 2013, Mine & Yours has grown from a small boutique in Vancouver into one of Canada’s leading resale retailers. With three existing locations and a growing e-commerce platform, the brand is positioning itself as a national player in the luxury circular economy.
By blending high-end fashion with flexible selling options and curated shopping experiences, the company is helping to redefine what resale can look like in Canada.
“Our goal has always been to make resale feel as polished and elevated as shopping new,” said Watkins. “And to make sustainability something that feels exciting—not like a compromise.”
