Best Consignment Stores Near Me and Online

In today’s sustainability-conscious world, consignment shopping has evolved from a budget-friendly alternative to a sophisticated retail experience that benefits shoppers, sellers, and the environment alike. Consignment stores offer a win-win scenario: sellers can monetize unwanted items while buyers discover unique pieces at significant discounts. This comprehensive guide explores the 15 best consignment stores across the United States, ranging from national chains to online platforms that have revolutionized the resale market.

1. The RealReal

The RealReal has fundamentally transformed luxury consignment through its rigorous authentication process and premium shopping experience. Specializing in high-end designer goods, this platform has built its reputation on trust and verification, employing expert authenticators who examine each item before it’s listed.

Consignors benefit from The RealReal’s tiered commission structure, with rates becoming more favorable for higher-value items and loyal sellers. The company offers multiple consignment options, including home pickup services in select cities, drop-off locations, and mail-in service, making it convenient regardless of location.

With both brick-and-mortar locations in major cities and a robust online platform, The RealReal connects sellers with a nationwide audience of luxury shoppers willing to pay premium prices for authenticated designer pieces. Their data-driven pricing strategy helps items sell quickly while maximizing returns for consignors.

2. Buffalo Exchange

Founded in 1974, Buffalo Exchange pioneered the modern consignment store concept with its focus on contemporary and vintage clothing that appeals to trend-conscious shoppers. With over 40 locations across the country, this chain has cultivated a loyal following among younger demographics looking for unique style options.

What distinguishes Buffalo Exchange is its buy-outright policy—rather than waiting for items to sell, sellers receive payment immediately, either in cash (typically 25% of the anticipated selling price) or store credit (50% of the selling price). This model provides instant gratification for sellers while allowing the store to curate its selection carefully.

The brand’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond merely recycling clothing; they maintain numerous environmental initiatives and community programs that resonate with eco-conscious consumers. Their careful curation process ensures stores maintain a fresh, on-trend inventory that keeps shoppers returning regularly.

3. Crossroads Trading

With a focus on contemporary fashion at accessible price points, Crossroads Trading has expanded to over 40 stores nationwide since its founding in 1991. The company specializes in current styles and trends, typically accepting items less than two years old that still reflect ongoing fashion movements.

Like Buffalo Exchange, Crossroads offers sellers the option of immediate payment (either 30% of the anticipated resale value in cash or 50% in store credit) or consignment with a higher percentage return. This flexibility appeals to different seller priorities and helps maintain a dynamic inventory.

Crossroads’ streamlined selling process—allowing walk-ins without appointments—makes it particularly convenient for casual sellers looking to clear closet space without commitment. Their seasonal buying approach helps sellers understand when certain items have the best chance of being accepted.

4. Plato’s Closet

Targeting teen and young adult shoppers, Plato’s Closet has built a nationwide network of franchises specializing in mall brands and contemporary casual wear at aggressive price points. Their focus on current styles that appeal to 12-24 year-olds creates a niche that distinguishes them from more broadly targeted consignment stores.

Sellers appreciate Plato’s straightforward buying process—items are assessed on the spot, with immediate cash offers for accepted pieces. While the payment amounts tend to be modest, the convenience factor is substantial, making it ideal for clearing out growing teens’ wardrobes or college students’ seasonal purges.

The brand maintains strict acceptance criteria focused on current youth-oriented brands, styles less than 18 months old, and excellent condition. This targeted approach ensures their inventory remains relevant to their specific demographic while maintaining price points typically 70% below original retail.

5. Vestiaire Collective

This global platform has elevated international consignment to new heights by connecting sellers and buyers across continents. Specializing in designer and premium brands, Vestiaire Collective distinguishes itself through its community aspects—allowing buyers and sellers to interact, negotiate, and build relationships.

The platform’s unique pre-verification process involves sellers uploading detailed photos and descriptions that are reviewed by Vestiaire’s team before listings go live. After purchase, items are sent to Vestiaire for physical authentication before forwarding to buyers, creating a secure transaction environment.

Vestiaire’s international reach often means better matches for niche luxury items that might have limited local appeal but significant value to global collectors. Their commission structure is tiered based on sale price, incentivizing higher-value consignments while still accommodating accessible luxury items.

6. ThredUP

As the world’s largest online thrift and consignment platform, ThredUP has revolutionized the process through its “Clean Out Kit” model. Sellers request a prepaid bag, fill it with items, and send it to ThredUP, where professionals photograph, list, and sell the accepted items. This hands-off approach appeals to sellers prioritizing convenience over maximizing returns.

ThredUP’s sophisticated distribution centers process millions of items yearly using proprietary technology to assess, price, and list merchandise efficiently. Their rigorous quality standards mean acceptance rates are relatively low, but this ensures buyers consistently find good-condition items.

The platform offers either upfront payment for immediately accepted items or consignment for higher-value pieces, with a sliding commission scale based on the selling price. Their searchable database with extensive filtering options helps buyers precisely target their preferred styles, sizes, and brands.

7. Fashionphile

Specializing exclusively in luxury handbags, accessories, and jewelry, Fashionphile has established itself as the premier destination for high-end accessories consignment. Their focus on ultra-luxury brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Hermès allows them to develop category-specific expertise that general consignment stores can’t match.

Sellers benefit from Fashionphile’s direct purchase option, where they offer immediate payment based on authenticated assessment, typically at 50-70% of the expected resale value. For those seeking potentially higher returns, they also offer traditional consignment arrangements with competitive commission rates.

Their meticulous authentication process, detailed condition grading system, and comprehensive photography create transparency that builds buyer confidence. With physical studios in select cities and an online submission process, they’ve made luxury consignment accessible regardless of location.

8. Luxury Garage Sale

Combining high-touch personal service with multiple selling channels, Luxury Garage Sale offers a concierge approach to consignment. Their white-glove service includes in-home pickup in select markets, careful authentication, professional photography, and listing across multiple platforms including their own website, retail stores, and partner sites.

What distinguishes Luxury Garage Sale is their commitment to marketing consigned items, employing stylists and merchandisers who create editorial content featuring available pieces. This approach helps items sell faster and often at higher price points than more passive consignment models.

With physical boutiques in major cities and a robust online presence, they connect consignors with both local and national buyers. Their transparent commission structure and regular seller updates maintain strong consignor relationships and encourage repeat business.

9. Style Encore

Focusing on professional women’s clothing and accessories, Style Encore serves a distinct niche within the consignment market. Their emphasis on work-appropriate attire, designer bags, and quality basics has resonated with career women looking to refresh their professional wardrobes affordably.

Like its sister brand Plato’s Closet, Style Encore offers immediate payment for accepted items rather than true consignment. This buy-outright approach appeals to sellers valuing convenience and immediate compensation over potentially higher consignment returns.

Style Encore stores typically maintain higher condition standards than some competitors, focusing on like-new items that meet professional setting expectations. This selective approach means lower acceptance rates but a more consistent shopping experience for buyers seeking office-appropriate attire.

10. Once Wed

Specializing in wedding dress consignment, Once Wed has created a niche marketplace connecting brides selling their gently-used wedding gowns with engaged women seeking designer dresses at substantial discounts. Their focus on this specific category allows for specialized service and targeted marketing.

Sellers list their own items with guidance from Once Wed, set their prices, and communicate directly with potential buyers. The platform charges a flat listing fee rather than commission, allowing sellers to retain more profit, particularly on higher-value designer gowns.

By focusing exclusively on bridal wear, Once Wed attracts serious buyers specifically searching for wedding dresses, leading to more qualified inquiries and often faster sales than general consignment platforms. Their advice-rich content also helps both buyers and sellers navigate this emotional purchase category effectively.

11. Kidizen

Dedicated entirely to children’s clothing, toys, and accessories, Kidizen has built a community-focused platform that recognizes the unique aspects of kids’ consignment. The rapid growth cycles of children make this category particularly active, with items often in excellent condition despite being outgrown quickly.

Kidizen’s social features distinguish it from mere transaction platforms—sellers create profiles, develop followings, and build relationships with repeat customers. Their seller tools simplify listing creation while their shipping integration streamlines the fulfillment process.

The commission structure rewards higher-volume sellers with lower rates, while their “KIDIZEN CLEAN” program identifies items from brands prioritizing sustainable and non-toxic manufacturing processes, adding value for eco-conscious parents.

12. Rebag

Focusing exclusively on luxury handbags and accessories, Rebag offers both traditional consignment and immediate purchase options. Their proprietary “Clair” technology provides instant price quotes based on brand, model, condition, and current market demand—bringing unprecedented transparency to luxury resale.

Sellers can receive payment within 1-2 business days of item verification, making Rebag one of the fastest paths to liquidity for luxury accessories. Their physical stores in luxury shopping districts complement their online platform, providing authentication services and immediate purchase options.

Rebag’s seasonal reports on brand value retention have become industry benchmarks, helping consumers understand which luxury brands and models maintain value best—valuable information for both buyers and potential consignors.

13. Material World

Pioneering the subscription box model in consignment, Material World combines traditional consignment services with curated styling. Sellers send in items, receive upfront payment for accepted pieces, and then Material World authenticates, photographs, and incorporates these items into personalized style boxes for subscribers.

This innovative approach creates a consistent demand flow that helps items sell more quickly than platforms relying on browser discovery. Their focus on contemporary designer brands at accessible price points fills a market gap between mass-market resale and ultra-luxury consignment.

For sellers, the process offers simplicity and immediate compensation without the wait times associated with traditional consignment. For buyers, it provides a personalized shopping experience with pre-vetted quality assurance.

14. Poshmark

Combining social media features with an e-commerce platform, Poshmark has built a community-driven marketplace where sellers act as curators and influencers. The platform’s “Posh Parties”—virtual shopping events around specific themes or brands—create engagement and visibility opportunities for sellers.

Poshmark’s social approach encourages interaction between buyers and sellers, allowing for questions, offers, and negotiations that build relationships beyond single transactions. Sellers manage their own listings, shipping, and customer service, allowing complete control over their boutique presentation.

The platform charges a flat 20% commission on sales over $15 (and a flat $2.95 for items under $15), providing pricing clarity for sellers. Their integrated shipping system simplifies the fulfillment process, making it accessible even to casual sellers.

15. What Goes Around Comes Around

For vintage luxury and collector’s pieces, What Goes Around Comes Around represents the pinnacle of curated consignment. Specializing in rare and archival pieces from premium designers, they’ve established themselves as the destination for investment-worthy vintage fashion.

Their rigorous authentication process and condition requirements are among the industry’s most stringent, resulting in a highly selective inventory but premium pricing for accepted items. With flagship stores in luxury shopping districts and a robust online presence, they connect consignors with serious collectors worldwide.

What Goes Around Comes Around offers both purchase and consignment options, with their expertise particularly valuable for rare or unusual pieces that require specialized knowledge to price appropriately. Their reputation among celebrities and fashion insiders creates a halo effect that benefits consignors of exceptional pieces.

How To Find Local Consignment Shops Near You

While national chains and online platforms offer convenience and reach, local consignment shops often provide personalized service and community connections that enhance the consignment experience. Here are effective strategies for finding quality local consignment options:

1. Use specialized search engines like ConsignmentShops.com or TheConsignmentApp that maintain directories of verified consignment businesses categorized by location and specialty.
2. Google Maps search with specific terms like “designer consignment,” “furniture consignment,” or “children’s consignment” plus your location will reveal nearby options with reviews and operating hours.
3. Social media community groups often discuss local favorites—search your neighborhood Facebook groups or Nextdoor for recommendations from experienced consignors.
4. Visit upscale shopping districts where consignment shops frequently establish locations to attract quality consignors and fashion-conscious buyers.
5. Ask for referrals at local boutiques, as shop owners often know complementary businesses that might accept items outside their own buying criteria.

When evaluating local shops, visit in person to assess the store’s cleanliness, organization, and inventory quality before consigning. The caliber of displayed merchandise usually indicates the standards they maintain and the clientele they attract—both crucial factors in successful consignment experiences.

What are the best consignment stores for clothes?

The ideal consignment store for clothing varies based on the specific category and quality level of your items:

• For designer and luxury clothing: The RealReal, Vestiaire Collective, and Luxury Garage Sale offer authentication services and access to customers willing to pay premium prices for verified designer pieces.
• For contemporary and mall brands: Buffalo Exchange, Crossroads Trading, and ThredUP provide efficient selling processes and attract customers seeking accessible price points on recognizable brands.
• For professional attire: Style Encore specializes in work-appropriate clothing, understanding the specific requirements of office wear and attracting career-focused shoppers.
• For vintage and unique pieces: Etsy’s vintage section, What Goes Around Comes Around, and local specialty vintage consignment stores typically have the expertise to properly value and market distinctive items.
• For plus-size clothing: Specialized consignment platforms like Curve Conscious or local shops that explicitly welcome extended sizes can provide better visibility than general stores where plus sizes might get overlooked.

When consigning clothing, consider the alignment between your items’ brands, conditions, and styles with the store’s target market. Review their seller guidelines before bringing items, as many stores have seasonal buying strategies and specific condition requirements that affect acceptance rates.

What should I know before selling to a consignment shop?

Successful consignment requires preparation and realistic expectations. Consider these essential points before consigning:

1. Understand the payment model: Traditional consignment pays you only when items sell (typically 40-60% of the selling price), while buy-outright stores like Buffalo Exchange offer immediate payment at lower rates (typically 25-35% of expected retail). Choose based on your priority for quick cash versus maximizing returns.
2. Know the contract terms: Clarify the consignment period (typically 60-90 days), price reduction schedules (many shops automatically discount items after 30 days), and what happens to unsold items (return to you or donated).
3. Prepare your items properly: Most shops require freshly laundered, wrinkle-free clothing with functioning closures and no visible wear. Minor investments in cleaning or repairs often significantly increase acceptance rates and valuations.
4. Time your consignment strategically: Bring seasonal items 1-2 months before their prime wearing season (winter coats in October, swimwear in April) when stores actively stock relevant merchandise.
5. Research brand acceptance policies: Most consignment stores have specific brand lists they accept, usually focusing on recent seasons (1-3 years old) unless the item is vintage or collectible.
6. Bring proper identification: Most legitimate consignment operations require government ID and contact information for security and payment purposes.

Remember that consignment stores typically accept only 40-60% of offered items, even from careful consignors. This selectivity helps maintain their inventory standards and ensures faster sales for accepted pieces.

How can I maximize earnings from consignment sales?

Optimizing your consignment returns requires strategic approaches to both item selection and store relationships:

1. Choose the right platform for each item: Match items to their ideal marketplace—luxury pieces to authenticated platforms, contemporary brands to trend-focused stores, and unique items to specialty consignment shops where knowledgeable staff can properly value them.
2. Maintain item provenance: Original boxes, dust bags, authenticity cards, and receipts can significantly increase value, particularly for luxury accessories and collectibles where authenticity concerns affect pricing.
3. Build relationships with specific buyers: At local consignment shops, getting to know buyers who handle your category can lead to preferential treatment, including calls when they need specific items and occasionally higher commission rates for reliable consignors.
4. Consider consignment timing carefully: Avoid the post-holiday rush (January-February) when stores receive high volumes of inventory, making them more selective. Early fall and early spring typically offer better acceptance rates.
5. Request price reconsideration for special items: If you have market knowledge suggesting an item has unique value (limited edition, collectible status, recent spike in popularity), communicate this information to the consignment manager with supporting evidence.
6. Monitor sales and adjust strategies: Most online platforms provide analytics on which items sell quickly and at what prices. Use this data to refine future consignment selections.
7. Negotiate higher rates for valuable collections: When consigning multiple high-value items simultaneously, some stores will offer enhanced commission rates or reduced fees to secure your business.
8. Consider tax implications: Significant consignment income may be taxable; keeping careful records of original purchase prices and consignment returns helps properly account for potential tax liabilities or deductions.

For maximum returns, many experienced consignors use multiple platforms simultaneously—immediately-paying stores for common items, traditional consignment for higher-value pieces, and specialized marketplaces for unique or collectible items.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between consignment and thrift stores?

Consignment stores sell items on behalf of individual owners who receive a percentage of the sale price when items sell. Inventory is carefully curated, with stores accepting only items meeting their quality and style standards. Prices typically range from 30-70% of original retail.

Thrift stores generally operate on a donation model, with items given to the store becoming their property. Proceeds often support charitable causes, and inventory quality varies widely. Prices are typically much lower than consignment, often 10-25% of original retail values.

How long does it take for consigned items to sell?

The typical consignment period ranges from 60-90 days, with most saleable items selling within the first 30 days. Premium items priced at the higher end of the market may take longer to find the right buyer. Seasonal items often sell quickly during their relevant season but may sit longer if consigned off-season.

Can I negotiate consignment terms?

Terms are generally standardized for occasional consignors, but high-volume or high-value consignors often have negotiating leverage. Aspects potentially open to negotiation include commission percentages, consignment duration, and markdown schedules. Building a relationship with a store through regular consignment often leads to more flexible terms over time.

What happens if my item doesn’t sell?

Policies vary by store: some automatically donate unsold items after the consignment period (typically getting tax deductions for themselves), while others return items to consignors. Many stores offer a window of time (often 7-14 days) after the consignment period for pickup before items are donated or become store property. Clarify this policy before consigning.

Are designer items always accepted for consignment?

Not automatically. Even luxury consignment platforms reject designer items that show significant wear, are from non-current seasons (unless vintage or collectible), have authentication concerns, or are from brands currently flooding the market. Contemporary “fast fashion” versions of designer styles typically face higher rejection rates than authentic luxury pieces.

How do online consignment platforms protect against fraud?

Reputable online consignment businesses employ multi-layered authentication processes that may include: physical examination by trained authenticators, UV light testing for specific material properties, comparison against authenticated reference items, serial number verification with manufacturers when possible, and increasingly, AI-assisted authentication technologies that identify inconsistencies in construction details.

Conclusion

The consignment marketplace continues to evolve with technological innovations and changing consumer preferences. Whether prioritizing convenience, maximum returns, specialized expertise, or community engagement, today’s consignors have unprecedented options for monetizing unwanted items while contributing to the circular economy. These fifteen standout consignment businesses represent different approaches to the resale model, each offering distinct advantages for specific categories and seller priorities.

By understanding the consignment landscape, preparing items appropriately, and strategically matching items to the right marketplaces, sellers can maximize returns while giving their unwanted possessions second lives with appreciative new owners—a win for personal finances, sustainability efforts, and circular economy principles.