Trendy thrift stores

 by Valerie Gueco
 published on Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Chelsea Kent / STATE PRESS MAGAZINE

Spring is a time where new wardrobe additions are essential, and so is extra money.

For those without extra cash, there are several trendy clothing exchanges close to ASU. A college student can buy great clothing at bargain prices while also making a profit.

ASU sociology alumna Adriane Goetz says each clothing exchange is unique. "Buffalo Exchange was the original and known for having unique one-of-kind items," she says. "They have the most vintage as well."

Goetz is a former employee of Buffalo Exchange and is also a fan of Sunset Clothing Exchange's boutique-like atmosphere. "It's kind of run by hip kids, for hip kids," she says.

Christine Robertson, the owner of Plato's Closet, says the store aims toward a specific demographic. "We are the only store in the Valley that caters specifically to teens and young adults," she says.

SPM spoke to employees and managers of Buffalo Exchange, Sunset Clothing Exchange, Plato's Closet and Name Brand Exchange to get tips on making the most of a buying and selling experience.

Buffalo Exchange
227 W. University Drive, Tempe

How to make the most cash from your clothes: Wash clothing before trying to sell it. The nicer the clothing looks upon presentation, the higher the chance it will be bought. Prices depend on the retail price as well as the current style.

Best time to sell: Weekends are the busiest times. To avoid long lines, try going in Monday to Wednesday after 5 p.m.

Best time to buy: The best selection of clothing depends on when the good sellers decide to show up.

Sunset Clothing Exchange
601 W. University Drive, Tempe

How to make the most cash from your clothes: Any high-end label in good condition is accepted. A sales associate from Sunset says the most sought-after brands are BCBG, Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors and Chloe.

Best time to sell: Sunset takes merchandise throughout the year. They are very specific about what items they take, so make sure it's in great condition and has a designer label.

Best time to buy: New items are put out every day. Sunset Clothing Exchange is extremely selective about their merchandise, so it's easy to find higher quality for great prices. In addition, the store carries clothing by local designers and paintings and photographs by local artists.

Plato's Closet
1964 N. Alma School Road, Chandler

How to make the most cash from your clothes: Plato's Closet caters specifically to the high school and college-age crowd. They want current, up-to-date styles from Abercrombie, American Eagle, Forever 21, Hollister and Seven For All Mankind jeans.

Best time to sell: There is no specific time. But, if the item is older than a year, try donating it to Goodwill.

Best time to buy: Anytime; new merchandise is put out.

Name Brand Exchange
1116 S. Dobson Road, Mesa

How to make the most cash from your clothes: Name Brand Exchange buys new, gently used college-age and teenage items. Care of clothing is essential. It helps if the item still has tags on it.

Best time to sell: The counter is open all day, up to an hour before closing time.

Best time to buy: "New" merchandise is put out twice a week. Clothing is constantly going in to and out of the store.

— valerie.gueco@asu.edu