Out of the Closet thrift store in Chicago? (Marshall: consignment, neighborhoods)

[trailblazer33]

I know there isn't a location in the Chicago area, but is there anything comparable in the city?

[ChiNaan]

You'd have to start by telling us what this is, since we live in an area that doesn't have one.

[ChiNaan]

I googled it. It appears to be an L.A.-area chain of thrift stores benefiting the AIDS Healthcare Foundation. Are you asking whether Chicago has a thrift store benefiting this particular charity?

[trailblazer33]

More that I'm looking for a better-than-average thrift store that's not resale, or consignment.

[ChiNaan]

Originally Posted by trailblazer33

More that I'm looking for a better-than-average thrift store that's not resale, or consignment.

I'd say look for anything called "vintage" rather than "thrift". That seems to be the code for "better selection of good stuff, but more expensive."

[udonsoup]

Originally Posted by ChiNaan

I'd say look for anything called "vintage" rather than "thrift". That seems to be the code for "better selection of good stuff, but more expensive."

Bingo, I used to export the stuff intentionally. All clothes come from the bin, donation/chairty, or stores(overstock/unsold desktock). However some source their clothing from nicer neighborhoods and buy higher grades(no rips or stains). Luxury brands are not uncommon finds if they source from a really high end locale although outdated.

Easy guide:

Good will/charity/thrift: not very well sorted but depends on the location. Some good finds and bad.

Vintage: can vary alot depending on where they source their goods; may be more expensive but they will sort out the crap goodwill won't. Probably more likely to sell some decent overstock or desk stock clothes which AREN'T used(chains like Marshall specialize in this as well).

Some ethnic oriented thrift stores might have secret finds.

Used clothing is sold in big bales...there is grades of quality but it depends on the supplier's source and their ability to sort out the crap(many sell the crap too).

There isn't really a store that will have say 50 pairs of used premium jeans unless their a resale/consignment/ buy:sell shop which have matching prices.

In L.A. there was a store that sold film set clothing and wardrobe after they wrapped up shooting. If there is something like that in Chicago I'd jump at that in a heartbeat since some of it is custom tailored and very unique.

[sfcambridge]

Howard Brown : Locations and Hours

There are a handful of stores in Chicago, and a couple in the burbs.