Luxury resale retailer Mine & Yours has returned to Calgary for a second pop-up at Holt Renfrew, building on the success of its initial activation and signalling growing demand for pre-owned designer fashion in the market.
The six-month pop-up, which opened this month, features a curated assortment of pre-loved luxury handbags, apparel, and accessories, with pricing reaching up to 70% below original retail. The activation follows a strong debut last year and reflects a deepening partnership between the two companies as resale continues to gain traction within the broader luxury retail landscape.
Calgary Emerges as a Strong Market for Luxury Resale
Courtney Watkins, Founder of Mine & Yours, said the company was encouraged by the response from Calgary consumers during its first pop-up, noting that the market exceeded expectations in both demand and product quality.
“We’re very excited to be back in Calgary,” she said. “When we left, a lot of customers were disappointed, which told us there was clearly an appetite for what we’re doing.”
Watkins added that Calgary shoppers demonstrated a strong interest in designer fashion, particularly apparel, which differed from initial assumptions that handbags would dominate sales.
“I was surprised by how fashion-forward the Calgary customer is,” she said. “There’s a real appreciation for designer clothing and higher price point pieces.”
The current pop-up is located in the former Dolce & Gabbana space on the second floor of Holt Renfrew, offering a darker, more contemporary retail environment than the brand’s typically bright and minimalist stores.
Partnership with Holt Renfrew Continues to Evolve
The return to Calgary highlights an ongoing collaboration between Mine & Yours and Holt Renfrew, one that reflects shifting consumer behaviour and the increasing integration of resale within traditional luxury retail environments.
As part of the Calgary activation, Mine & Yours is offering customers multiple payout options when selling items, including cash, store credit, and Holt Renfrew credit. The latter creates a circular shopping dynamic, where customers can sell luxury goods through Mine & Yours and reinvest directly into new purchases at Holt Renfrew.
“There’s a lot of crossover between our customer bases,” Watkins said. “Many of our sellers are already Holt Renfrew shoppers, so this creates a seamless experience between resale and primary retail.”
The companies are also exploring opportunities to expand the partnership further, including potential promotions and additional locations.
Pop-Ups as a Growth Strategy
Mine & Yours has increasingly used pop-ups as a way to test new markets, build brand awareness, and acquire customers. The Calgary location represents a key step in evaluating the potential for a permanent presence in the city.
“Our goal is to stay in Calgary long term,” Watkins said. “Ideally with Holt Renfrew, but we are definitely looking at establishing a more permanent footprint.”
Beyond Calgary, the company is also considering future pop-ups in Montreal and additional activations in Toronto, as it continues to expand its national reach.
Resale Gains Ground in Luxury Retail
The continued partnership between Mine & Yours and Holt Renfrew reflects broader changes in the retail landscape, where resale is increasingly positioned alongside traditional luxury offerings.
“What was once considered alternative is becoming essential,” Watkins said. “Resale is no longer a secondary option. For many customers, it’s becoming a first choice.”
