When it comes to fashion, everyone wants to look their best. But not everyone can afford to buy the latest designer trends.
This is where consignment stores come in…
Consignment shops are a great way to buy high-quality, pre-owned clothing and accessories at a fraction of the original price.
But with so many out there, it can be hard to know where to start.
So, I decided to take a look at the ‘best consignment stores near me’ so you can update your wardrobe without breaking the bank.
The 10 Best Consignment Stores Near Me
The following 10 top consignment stores are very likely to be near you since they have many branches dotted throughout the US. So, when you read about one you like the sound of, simply pop the name into your Google Maps app or online to see how close a branch is to your location.
Also, many of them have an online presence, so you won’t even have to leave your house to browse them and buy your bargains!
Let’s get started with…
Buffalo Exchange
Buffalo Exchange is a popular consignment chain with locations across the United States. They specialize in contemporary clothing and accessories and are known for their trendy and eclectic offerings. Their stores are well organized and easy to navigate, making it easy to find what you’re looking for.
They also buy clothing and accessories from public walk-ins, so if you’re looking to sell some items, this is a great place to do it.
Crossroads Trading
This is another chain with locations dotted throughout the United States. They offer a wide range of clothing and accessories for men and women, including designer items. Their stores are organized by category and size, again making it easy to find what you’re looking for.
Crossroads Trading also has a mobile app that allows you to check out stores near you and view the current wait time. You can also remotely join the queue, which is a convenient option if you’re short on time.
Plato’s Closet
Plato’s specializes in clothing for teens and young adults. They offer a wide selection of trendy clothing and accessories at very affordable prices. Their stores are well organized and easy to navigate, and they also buy clothing and accessories from the public.
If you’re a teen or young adult looking to update your wardrobe on a budget, Plato’s Closet is a great option.
Beacon’s Closet
With a similar name, Beacon’s Closet is located in Brooklyn, New York. But no matter where you are in the US, they also have a robust online store that often offers free shipping!
They specialize in vintage and designer clothing and accessories and are known for their high-quality consignment offerings. Their floor is impressively organized and full of gems. So, if you’re looking for unique, high-quality items, Beacon’s Closet is a must-visit.
The RealReal
In contrast, this is more of an in-person consignment store that specializes in luxury fashion items. They offer a wide selection of high-end clothing, accessories, and home decor from designers like Chanel, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton. All of their items are authenticated by a team of experts, so you can be sure you’re getting the real deal.
However, RealReal also has a strong online presence. Plus, they offer free shipping on most orders, which is a great perk.
ThredUP
If you’re looking for a larger selection of affordable clothing and accessories, ThredUP is a brilliant option. ThredUP partners with a number of traditional malls, outlet centers, and main street shopping districts across the US. Each of these locations has a huge selection of items at affordable prices.
Also, with a strong online presence, ThredUP has a website that is simple to navigate. They sometimes offer free shipping on orders and have a generous return policy, so you can shop with confidence.
Wasteland
Wasteland is a popular chain of consignment stores located in California. They specialize in vintage and designer clothing and accessories, and they are known for their cool, edgy vibe. They have a wide selection of items, including vintage Levi’s, designer handbags, and statement jewelry.
If you’re looking for unique, one-of-a-kind items, Wasteland is definitely worth a visit.
Clothes Mentor
This is another nationwide chain that specializes in women’s clothing and all related trimmings. They offer a wide range of items, from casual to formal wear, and their stores are suitably organized and simple to navigate.
They also offer a personal shopper service, where a stylist can help you put together outfits and find items that work for your personal style.
Second Time Around
Of all the best consignment stores near me, this is one of my favorites. Although Second Time Around is located primarily on the East Coast of the United States, it’s still worth mentioning in case you happen to be in that area. They specialize in high-end designer clothing and accessories and offer a carefully curated selection of items.
They are renowned for their stylish and sophisticated atmosphere, and their staff is knowledgeable about fashion and trends.
I wish they were everywhere…
But, if you’re looking for either regular or luxury items at a fraction of the original price, and you live in Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, or Washington, DC, Second Time Around is well worth checking out.
Uptown Cheapskate
Conversely, Uptown Cheapskate is located throughout the US. They specialize in trendy and contemporary clothing and accessories for both men and women.
Uptown Cheapskate also offers a unique selling program, where you can send in your gently used clothing and receive payment via cash or store credit. So, if you’re looking for affordable and stylish clothing and are also wanting to make some extra cash by selling your gently used items, Uptown Cheapskate is your place.
Online-Only Consignment Options You Might Want To Check Out
Poshmark
An online marketplace, Poshmark allows you to buy and sell new and used clothing, shoes, accessories, and more. It’s a great place for people who want to sell things from their closets and for people who want to find a good deal.
Poshmark has a wide range of items, from high-end designer brands to more affordable options. They also have a section for sustainable and eco-friendly clothing. The platform is easy to navigate and has a smart search function that makes it easy to find what you’re looking for.
Vestiaire Collective
This online store specializes in luxury designer clothing, shoes, and accessories. They authenticate all items they sell, ensuring that you are purchasing real, high-quality goods.
Vestiaire Collective has a wide variety of online sellers offering brands such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Christian Louboutin. They offer a user-friendly website and a great return policy. Making shopping with them a painless experience.
Swap.com
Offering clothing, shoes, and accessories for men, women, and children. Swap.com has a wide range of brands, from high-end designer items to more affordable ones.
They are known for their affordable prices and great deals. They offer a 30-day return policy and free shipping on larger orders, making shopping with them a great value.
eBay
Another online marketplace that allows you to buy and sell new and used items, including clothing, shoes, accessories, and much much more. It’s an excellent platform if you are looking to sell items from your closet or are a shopper looking for a bargain.
eBay has a particularly wide range of items, from high-end designer brands to more affordable options. They also offer a search function that makes it easy to find exactly what you’re looking for, and they have a great return policy for buyers.
Rebag
Rebag specializes in luxury designer handbags, shoes, and jewelry. They also authenticate all items they sell, ensuring that you are always purchasing only authentic goods.
They have a wide variety of brands, such as Chanel, Hermes, and Gucci. With a user-friendly website and a great return policy, shopping with them is a fun experience.
Luxury Garage Sale
Another online depository specializing in luxury designer clothing and bags. All items they sell are authenticated.
Brands like Chanel, Christian Louboutin, and Balmain are just a few that may be found at Luxury Garage Sale. They have a nicely designed website and a generous return policy, so buying from them is also a breeze.
The Second Edit
Our final contender on the list has a lovely variety of brands, such as Alexander McQueen, Celine, and Valentino. They authenticate all these items, so you can trust you’re only purchasing originals.
Tips for Shopping at a Consignment Store Near You
Know What You’re Looking For
Consignment stores often have a huge variety of items, so it can be helpful to know what you’re looking for before you go. Whether it’s a specific type of clothing or a particular brand, having an idea of what you want can help you focus your search and save you time.
Know Your Budget
While shopping at this type of store can be more affordable than buying new, it’s still important to have a budget in mind before you start shopping. Determine how much you can realistically spend and stick to that amount.
Check the Quality
One of the biggest advantages of shopping at a consignment store is that you can often find high-quality items for a fraction of their original cost. However, it’s important to double-check the quality of the items you’re considering before making a purchase.
How?
Look for signs of wear and tear, such as stains, holes, or fading. Make sure zippers and buttons are intact and functioning properly. Also, check for any other possible damage that might affect the item’s usefulness or appearance in good lighting.
Inspect the Labels
When shopping for clothing, check the labels for information about the fabric and care instructions. Some fabrics may require special care, and it’s important to know how much time maintaining your item is going to take before you buy it. Also, check the size and measurements carefully, as sizing can vary greatly between brands and styles.
Which is why you should actually always…
Try It On or Test It Out
Whether buying clothing or shoes, it’s always a good idea to try them on and move about in the items a little before making a purchase. Some consignment stores have a no-return policy, so you want to be sure the item fits well and looks good on you. Also, ensure they are functional and meet the needs you came in with.
But having said that…
Be Open-minded
Sometimes, shopping at a consignment store can be a bit of a treasure hunt. So be open-minded and willing to explore different styles and brands. You never know what hidden gems you might find!
Ask Questions
Never be afraid to ask questions about an item before you buy it. The people who work at these places usually know a lot about the things they sell and can tell you useful information about the item’s history, quality, and condition.
Know the Store’s Schedule
Consignment depositories often receive new items on a regular basis, so it’s helpful to know when they restock. Again, you can ask the store staff when they typically receive new inventory or check their social media pages for updates.
Be Prepared to Haggle
While not all of these places allow haggling, some may be open to negotiating the price of an item. So, if you’re interested in an item but feel it’s overpriced, don’t be afraid to ask if the store can lower the price.
Check for Sales and Discounts
Ask the staff if they have any upcoming sales or promotions, as consignment stores often have regular sales or offer discounts on certain items they’re struggling to sell. Also, set yourself up to get notifications from the store’s website or social media pages so you can be one of the first to know about it!
Bring Cash
Some stores may only take cash or have a minimum purchase amount for credit or debit card transactions. So, to avoid any issues at checkout, rather bring cash with you.
Dress Comfortably
Shopping in this way can require some physical effort, as you may need to sort through racks of clothing or move shoes and bags around to see other items. Therefore, dress comfortably and wear shoes that are easy to walk in.
Bring a Friend
This kind of shopping can be more fun with a friend. They can help you search for items and provide a second opinion on whether an item looks good on you. Plus, more hands are also better at digging out those hidden gems in bigger stores!
Sell Your Unwanted Items
After you’ve made your purchases, consider selling any unwanted items you have to the store at the same time. This helps keep the cycle of reuse and sustainability going and can help you earn extra store credit or a discount on future purchases.
Be Patient
Finding what you want can require some patience and perseverance, as you may need to search through many items to find what you’re looking for. So, take your time, enjoy the hunt, and don’t get discouraged if you don’t find anything right away or on that day.
Consider Alterations
If you find an item you love, but it doesn’t fit quite right, consider whether it can be simply altered to fit you better. Many consignment stores offer alteration services or can recommend a tailor in the area.
Check Online First
As you can see above, some consignment stores have online shops or listings that you can browse before you visit the physical shop. This can give you an idea of what they have in stock and help you decide whether it’s worth a full trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do consignment stores determine the prices of their items?
They typically price their items at a percentage of the original retail price, usually around 30% to 50%. However, the exact pricing may vary depending on the store’s policies and the item’s condition, brand, and rarity.
Do consignment stores only accept high-end designer items?
No, they accept a wide range of items, from everyday clothing to designer and vintage pieces. But, of course, it’s important to check with the individual store to see what items they accept and their condition requirements.
Can I negotiate the price of an item at a consignment store?
It depends on the store’s policies. Some allow negotiating on the price of an item, while others have a strict no-negotiation policy. So, it’s best to ask the staff about their policies before attempting to negotiate.
What happens if an item I bought from a consignment store doesn’t fit or I change my mind?
Once again, all of these places have different return policies, so always check the store’s policy before making a purchase. Some let you return or exchange items within a certain amount of time, while others have a strict “no returns” policy.
How often do consignment stores restock their inventory?
The frequency of restocking varies from store to store. Some restock their inventory daily, while others restock weekly or biweekly. Again, it’s best to ask the staff about their restocking schedule if you’re looking for something specific.
Can I sell my items at a consignment store?
Yes, many stores accept items from private individuals who want to sell their gently used clothing and accessories. However, they may have specific guidelines for accepting items, such as seasonality, brand, and condition. So, check with the individual store before bringing in a lot of items to sell.
What happens to unsold items at a consignment store?
Depending on the store’s rules, items that don’t sell can be sent back to the consignor or given to a charity. Some may also offer the option to mark down the price of the item to help it sell. If you are a consignor, it’s best to check with the depository of your choice’s staff about their specific policies for unsold items.
Can I consign items that are not clothing or accessories?
Many accept non-clothing items such as home decor, furniture, and books. However, do check with the store manager about their policies on non-clothing items before bringing heavier items in to consign.
Are consignment stores a good place to find luxury handbags?
Yes, these are one of the best places to find luxury handbags! From top designers too, such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci. It’s actually one of the reasons people shop there, as they often have a wide selection of pre-owned bags in excellent condition at a fraction of the retail price.
How do consignment stores authenticate designer items?
Many consignment stores have a professional process for authenticating designer items to ensure that they are not counterfeit. This may include checking the item’s serial number, examining the materials and stitching, and consulting with experts in the field.
Can I consign items if I live out of state?
This depends on the store’s policies. Some accept items from out-of-state consignors, while others may only accept items from local consignors. Once again, it’s best to check with the store in advance.
Are consignment stores sustainable and eco-friendly?
Yes, consignment stores are considered sustainable and eco-friendly since they promote the reuse and recycling of clothing and accessories, which can have a remarkably high carbon footprint for production. Plus, by buying and selling secondhand items, they help reduce the amount of clothing waste that ends up in landfills.
Can I find one-of-a-kind vintage pieces at consignment stores?
Yes, this is an excellent place to find highly unique vintage pieces that you won’t find anywhere else. These places often have a curated selection of vintage clothing and accessories that are in excellent condition.
Do consignment stores have fitting rooms?
Most have fitting rooms where you can try on clothing before making a purchase. However, the number and size of fitting rooms may vary by store, so it’s best to avoid peak hours, if possible.
Do consignment stores have sales or promotions?
Yes, and many offer sales or promotions on a regular basis to help move inventory and attract customers. The key is to join any social media pages connected to your favorite consignment locations. Customers may Tweet about a sale they just discovered, and the stores, themselves, may send you promotional offers first if you’ve liked their pages.
Why shop at a consignment store near you?
As mentioned, in addition to saving money, consignment shopping is also a great way to reduce waste and promote sustainability. By purchasing pre-owned items, you’re helping to keep these items out of landfills and reducing the demand for new products to be produced. Plus, it can be a seriously fun day out digging around for highly fashionable hidden bargains!
Nothing like the thrill of finding that treasured item!
Now that we’ve covered the topic of the best consignment stores near me…
Do You Love a Bargain?
We do too! And we’re happy to share our insider info on great bargains available in 2023.
Wanna know about other places Where Can I Buy Name Brand Clothes for Cheap? And don’t forget that most stores have highly reduced clearance sales when they are restocking. So, find out exactly When Does IKEA Restock and When Does TJ Maxx Restock? Simply search for your favorite US stores on our site!
But we’re not done yet…
Did you know that if an item is reduced after you purchase it, you’re entitled to request a partial refund at some places? Read about the Amazon Price Drop Refund, the Target Price Adjustment Policy, and Walmart’s Hidden Clearance. Then check out our in-depth guide to How To Buy Amazon Returns, Used Amazon Vans for Sale, and How to Buy Unclaimed Mail!
Ok, back to today’s best bargain buys discussion…
Final Thoughts
In summary, consignment stores are a great alternative to traditional retail stores. With the wide range of options available, you can find something to suit both your budget and style. So, why not give shopping in them a try and see what treasures you can find?
Additionally, by shopping at these places, you are contributing to sustainable fashion by giving clothing a second life. So, whether you’re looking for designer items or trendy pieces, be sure to check out the best consignment stores near you for a guilt-free shopping experience.
Happy bargain hunting!
