 "Photo: Photo special to The Gamecock")
If you're in hot pursuit of some extra cash, extra space in your closet or just the hottest brands of clothing at discount prices, Plato's Closet can offer you all of the above.
Plato's Closet, the largest teen and adult resale chain in America, held its grand opening July 12, 2005. Plato's is located at 1150 Bower Parkway at the Columbia Place shopping center and is owned and operated by Charlotte and Mike Knowles.
Charlotte Knowles describes Columbia's Plato's Closet as "a very upbeat, upscale shop that sells current styles of gently used brand-name teen clothing."
Although Plato's Closet sells used clothing, it is a resale, not consignment, store. Resale and consignment are two words that are often confused.
"Resale means you are paid upfront or on the spot for your clothing. Consignment means you have to wait until your clothing is sold before you can be paid."
For those hesitant about buying used clothing, Knowles emphasizes that all Plato's Closet's merchandise is in good condition.
"We're very selective about what we take. The merchandise must be spot free, freshly laundered, free of fading or tears and be less than two years old."
The appearance and condition of the merchandise isn't the only thing Plato's Closet is selective about. Brand names are important, as Plato's Closet will only sell certain brand-name merchandise.
Knowles said some of the non-brand-name merchandise people bring in is in good condition, but when people shop at Plato's Closet, they want to buy brand-name clothing.
Knowles said because a brand-name piece is in good condition doesn't necessarily mean Plato's Closet will buy it. There are no guarantees.
Knowles said the clothes must be current styles of brand-name clothing, meaning the clothing must be less than two years old. She said people want current styles as well as brand names.
Plato's Closet offers a long list of gently used brand-name merchandise, including Abercrombie and Fitch, Arden B, Banana Republic, Diesel, Hollister, J. Crew, Polo, Tommy Hilfiger and more.
Plato's Closet's prices are incredibly affordable, for although the merchandise is brand name, the price tags are not.
"The prices range from $3 for Old Navy merchandise to $50 for designer jeans."
Knowles talked about the store's hottest sellers.
"Lacoste shirts are big sellers when we have them, as well as anything by Abercrombie or Hollister."
Brands that Plato's Closet buys are another story, however. Knowles said that although some brands might be better sellers, the store sometimes buys more of a different brand. Although the Abercrombie and Fitch brand is a hot seller right now, American Eagle is the most popular brand Plato's Closet buys. Next in line to American Eagle are brands like Express, Hollister and Old Navy.
Although the fall season is fast approaching, you can still bring in spring and summer apparel. Knowles said that although Plato's Closet's racks will soon display fall merchandise, the store will accept clothing appropriate for all seasons.
Plato's Closet is a part of the Winmark Corporation, and each store is individually owned and operated.
Be the first to comment on this article!