Plato’s Closet offers “brand name, but gently used” clothing for a small fee. (Photo courtesy of platoscloset.com)
In these tough economic times, it’s hard to be well put together and fashionable. From clothing to accessories, everything is overpriced and there seems to be no way out of paying forty bucks for a wallet.
A great way to get a lot for less is going over the consignment and thrift shops in the area and dredge up some good deals.
First stop is Plato’s Closet, located on Sproul Road in Springfield. Plato’s closet is a consignment chain that originated in Columbus, Ohio, and is now become a national franchise.
The stores are individually owned and operated, and each buy and sell “brand name, gently used” clothing for small fees.
The Springfield store is mostly geared towards teenage girls, but the staff kindly refers the more mature shoppers to the Paoli location, right off Route 30 by the train station.
Now this place is a goldmine of cheap designer brands aiming towards young women in their early 20’s, with brands like Free People and Express selling for less than $20.
The next pick is Dandy Deals, located on King Street in Malvern, Pa., which is just a short 15-20 minutes away from the Main Campus.
The store mainly sells housewares and furniture, but has a great section in the back where one can buy used clothes for two dollars and up.
This place also has plenty of cheap accessories.
“It took us a while to learn how to price things,” said Melissa Kandratavich, who opened the store with her twin sister Lynn less than a year ago.
The store has thrived in the little town of Malvern and has a loyal customer base.
The store is in the ground level of an old house, with each room featuring different items.
The back room is full of clothes while the former living room houses kitchenware and furniture.
“We even have a little Christmas room,” Melissa said. “We have to have a variety of things, and keep people coming back.”
Bella Boutique and Consignment in Exton is a great pick for the high-end clothing shopper. With Coach and Vera Bradley bags, designer shoes, and a large selection of denim, this store is a must for any fancy lady on a budget.
Since Bella has been under new ownership in 2005, they have been an award winning shop that has “boutique-like setting” so you won’t feel like you’re thrift shopping.
This shop may be a little stretch from Delaware County, but it is well worth the gas.
Each of these thrift shops has something for every shape and size. It is important to spend hard earned money at these places to keep them in business, dishing out the goods for less.
