Plato's Closet: A Review from a First-Time Shopper

Well, I guess Plato wasn't just a philosopher.. because his closet is pretty rad too.

About a week ago, (*cues rap music*) I visited the widely discussed and debated "Plato's Closet". I use the word "debated" because the reviews for the second-hand clothing store are quite mixed. I read everything on Google from "the girls laughed at me because my clothes weren't the quality they deemed appropriate" to "they won't give you any money, so why bother". Yikes. to put it gently. So, after reading the scary reviews, I decided to try to sell some of my things to them anyway.

First and foremost, let me say that I'm guessing every store of this chain is quite possibly different. I visited the Plato's Closet in Exton, PA, so my review could be the opposite of another shopper's experience. This disclaimer written, here is what I found upon my trip to "Plato's Closet":

There wasn't any laughing, or taunting for that matter. Quite the contrary! I was welcomed and asked if I would be selling anything. I gave them my bag of Betsey Johnson purses and a couple Juicy Couture bracelets, and away they went into a bin. I filled out a little slip on a computer, and got a receipt with my info on it. Basically, they are curious if you have any "designer" goods and have to know your basic info. Above the computer, hanging from the ceiling, is a TV monitor that displays whose clothing/merchandise has been successfully reviewed. Wait limits can be long if it is crowded, however, it only took about 20 minutes for mine to be processed.

While I waited, I got to finally take a look at the store I had been hearing so much about! And boy, was I surprised. Designer labels. Everywhere. Coach, Lily Pulitzer, Marc Jacobs, Vera Wang, etc. I couldn't believe it all! Never again will I buy Vera Bradley for full price--Plato's Closet had bags anywhere from 3$ to 20$. But think about it, these prices compared to the upwards of 100$ that you would normally spend. It truly was delightful! Racks were filled with current trends and TONS of clothes. Most priced at 3$ a piece.

Okay, Em, we all know you're a shopaholic. Oh, me? What did I get? I invested 18$ in a brand new pair of Coach shoes and 3$ on a Victoria's Secret PINK shirt. And I got super-cute sunglasses in the mix too. Totally forgot about those bad-boys.

So, after practically drooling over the shelves and asking my sisters (several times) if they had carts in the store, my clothes were done being reviewed. Here's the sad part, none of my clothes were accepted. Which, I will admit, made me a little distraught at first. But, when I listened to why they couldn't buy them, I totally understood. Juicy Couture really isn't in anymore. Hence, why I was selling my bracelets/necklaces. Plus they told me Juicy is being sold at Kohls--which I'm guessing, takes it out of the luxury category. Truth be told, it is sold at Kohls, and mostly on clearance. Sorry, Juicy, no hard feelings. They told me my Betsey Johnson bags were in great shape but haven't sold well at the store before. This, I get too. Styles change! They weren't exactly the "boho chic" trend that is hip right now. So yeah, I respected their fashionista opinions.

My biggest point about my visit that I wish to stress is how pleasant the workers were. They were super helpful and accommodating. I think maybe some of the negative reviews on the Plato's Closet chain were either at different stores, or from bitter sellers who got squat for their Goodwill items. If Plato's Closet is packed with Gucci, Coach, etc., it is no wonder  they can't accept just any-old-thing. Without quality items, there isn't any quality store. Business is business, after all. Picture them as buyers for a fashion company--which they basically are.

There wasn't any hair-pulling. Crying. Hysterics. Just honest advice on my clothes and help purchasing everything I wanted. An easy, and definitely fun experience! I recommend all to check a store out and stock up on some designer goods. For us broke people with expensive taste, it was heaven on Earth.

Oh, and they called me today (exactly one week later) too. A girl asked me about my shopping experience and if I had any critique for the store. Now that's customer service.

Remember readers, you're never too old to play with "Plato".