Plato’s Closet is a popular thrift store chain known for buying and selling gently used, brand name teen and twenty-something clothing and accessories.
But what other Plato’s Closet competitors offer similar deals on affordable fashions? Here are 13 of the top second-hand stores like Plato’s Closet to discover major savings on stylish pre-loved items.
13 Best Stores Similar To Plato’s Closet For Thrifty Finds
1. Beacon’s Closet
Beacon’s Closet is a small chain of nonprofit used clothing stores mainly located in New York City and northern New Jersey. The stores stock avant-garde, vintage, and contemporary fashions for men and women. Shoppers can find unique statement pieces from brands like Gucci, and more at up to 90% off retail prices.
It is among top stores like Plato’s Closet to spot to thrift shop for one-of-a-kind vintage finds. The merchandise is curated by savvy buyers and priced affordably for the second-hand market. Many items are in excellent used condition.
Key Benefits:
- Several convenient metro area locations
- Constant new arrivals of on-trend urban styles
- Bright, boutique-like atmosphere
2. Buffalo Exchange
Buffalo Exchange is a popular national franchise of second-hand clothing stores like Plato’s Closet aimed primarily at young women. However, many stores also carry men’s clothing, shoes, and accessories. The fun stores have a youthful vibe and stock desirable brands and styles. Shoppers can browse casual contemporary apparel, jeans, swimwear, leather jackets, and unique vintage pieces.
It spots trends early, making their stores a go-to for fashionable thrifters. They buy and sell modern garments in good used condition. Prices are affordable compared to mall retailers. You can score quality fashions for a fraction of original cost.
Key Perks:
- Trend-focused merchandise mix
- Vintage and designer items
- Sustainable fashion mission
3. eBay
eBay is the largest online auction and shopping site, making it a top destination for pre-loved fashion at all price points. It offers a massive selection across every category imaginable. Clothing and accessories make up a significant portion of items sold.
eBay is ideal for bargain hunters or those seeking specific vintage, designer and hard-to-find pieces. Inventory is always changing as independent sellers list new items daily. Shoppers can find major discounts on both used and new clothing compared to retail prices.
Key Advantages:
- Huge assortment of fashion items
- Low prices on new and pre-owned
- Rare and vintage finds
4. Tradesy
As a peer-to-peer resale marketplace, Tradesy focuses exclusively on new and pre-owned women’s fashion. Their selection includes over 100 designer brands like Louis Vuitton and more. But they also offer contemporary labels and everyday styles at lower price points.
Tradesy has built a community around buying and selling fashion. The online marketplace offers a more curated experience than general sites. Fashion-lovers browse handbags, shoes, jewelry and clothing in new or gently used condition.
Key Benefits:
- Specializes in women’s fashion
- High-end to contemporary brands
- Carefully inspected items
5. Clothes Mentor
Owned by the same parent company as Plato’s Closet, Clothes Mentor buys and sells quality women’s fashions in excellent condition. They carry brand name apparel, shoes, purses and jewelry that is contemporary, trendy and seasonal.
Their stores provide an organized shopping experience across categories like dresses, sweaters, jeans, coats and more. Regular sales events make their already reasonable prices even more budget-friendly for savvy shoppers.
Why Shop Here:
- Curation of top brands for women
- Modern, boutique environment
- Value pricing and frequent sales
6. ThredUp
As the largest online thrift store, ThredUp offers impressive selection and convenience. Shoppers can browse over 35,000 brands of new and second-hand women’s, children’s and men’s clothing via their website or app.
It carries everything from mall brands to contemporary labels to high-end designers. Their collection ranges from everyday essentials to high fashion with deep discounts compared to retail. The company makes second-hand shopping easy with virtual try-on and free returns.
What Makes Them Popular:
- Huge assortment across brands, styles, sizes
- Super convenient online shopping
- Up to 90% off estimated retail price
7. Swap
Swap.com is a popular online consignment store to buy and sell women’s, men’s, kids, babies & maternity clothing. Shop by category or browse by brand. Expect to find gently used items from mall brands like Gap, Old Navy, and more. Lots of baby gear and kids’ toys are also available.
Swap simplifies reselling unused items lying around your house. Download their app to request free shipping labels. Earn credit to shop for affordable second-hand finds for your whole family! Overall, it’s an all-in-one shop for decluttering, earning and saving.
Key Perks:
- Virtual clothing swap experience
- Great deals on premium brands
- Maternity selection
8. Uptown Cheapskate
Similarly to Plato’s Closet, Uptown Cheapskate buys and sells gently used clothing for teens, college students and 20-somethings on a budget. However, each location is independently owned and operated so selection and prices may vary.
Shoppers can browse categories like jeans, sweaters, dresses, coats, athletic apparel and more popular luxury brands. Hip music and a neon-thrift shop aesthetic give their stores a trendy vibe.
What Makes Them Popular:
- Trendy styles for younger shoppers
- Major brand names at discount prices
- Fun shopping environment
9. Poshmark
Poshmark is an online resale marketplace where users buy and sell new and used fashion. As a highly social shopping experience, the platform connects like-minded shoppers and sellers through shared style interests.
The Poshmark community exchanges everything from designer items to mall brands across women’s, men’s and children’s fashion. Unique features like personalized boutiques and social sharing make shopping more personal. It also authenticates luxury goods over $500.
Key Advantages:
- Strong reseller community
- Features that enhance social shopping
- Authenticates luxury goods
10. Vinted
Vinted is an online thrift store like Plato’s Closet and a community where users buy and sell secondhand fashion. Their focus is providing an easy way for users to buy and sell pre-loved fashion sustainably. Find great deals on clothing, shoes and accessories for women, men and kids
This brand connects over 30 million members trading women’s, men’s, children’s and vintage clothing and accessories. Their app and website make it simple to list items for sale as well as shop brands like Zara, and more at discounted prices.
Key Perks:
- Minimal fees for buyers and sellers
- Strong European user base
- Simple selling and buying process
11. Mercari
As a leading peer-to-peer marketplace, Mercari makes selling unwanted items and buying pre-owned goods convenient and affordable. Anyone can use the Mercari app to list or shop across categories like clothing, shoes, accessories, jewelry, handbags and more.
It is a go-to for casual everyday fashion and accessories with major discounts off typical retail pricing. The shopping experience is similar to browsing social media feeds with offerings constantly updated by sellers. Fast shipping and returns make buying risk-free.
Why Shop Here:
- Huge user base with fresh selection
- List and sell easily from mobile
- Inexpensive shipping, returns
12. Goodwill
With over 3,000 locations, Goodwill is one of the most accessible and affordable thrift stores similar to Plato’s Closet to find clothing bargains. While selection varies at each store, fashion lovers can potentially score major brand names and vintage finds for under $10.
They appeal to thrifty shoppers who enjoy digging through racks and bins to make unexpected discoveries. Clothing, shoes and accessories are loosely organized by size and category. The atmosphere is no frills but the bargain hunting potential is huge.
Key Perks:
- Extremely low prices
- 3,000+ stores across U.S.
- Unexpected finds
13. Depop
Depop is a social shopping app with a community of over 30 million users. The peer-to-peer marketplace focuses on reselling unique, vintage and handmade fashion items. Depop initially targeted Gen Z shoppers reselling items from their closets.
From barely used dresses and shoes to pre-owned streetwear and coveted vintage, it offers one-of-a-kind discoveries. The app experience mimics Instagram or other social platforms. Overall, it appeals to young, fashion-forward shoppers on the hunt for special statement pieces.
Key Benefits:
- Unique and indie selection
- Popular with Gen Z
- Social shopping features
Conclusion
While each thrift and consignment shopping experience is unique. these 13 stores like Plato’s Closet provide excellent options for shopping for secondhand products. All offer major discounts on mall brands, trendy fashions, vintage wares and designer items in new or gently used condition. The ability to score quality apparel at bargain prices makes exploring pre-loved fashion fun and affordable.
Whether you prefer the curation and convenience of online marketplaces like ThredUp and Mercari or the treasure hunt environment, extending the life cycle of clothing helps save money and benefits the planet.
So next time you’re itching to revamp your wardrobe on a budget, skip the mall and explore these Plato’s Closet competitors. Happy hunting!
FAQs About Plato’s Closet
What is Plato’s Closet?
Plato’s Closet is a popular thrift store chain specializing in used clothing and accessories for teens and young adults. They buy, sell and trade current styles and name brands at a fraction of typical retail pricing.
When did Plato’s Closet start?
Plato’s Closet was founded in 1998 and has since grown to over 500 locations across the U.S. The stores are primarily located in suburban strip malls.
What brands does Plato’s Closet carry?
Plato’s Closet carries gently used items from brands popular with teens and 20-somethings including Nike, Victoria’s Secret, American Eagle, Hollister, Calvin Klein, Lucky Brand and more. About 30-50% of inventory is brand name.
Does Plato’s Closet buy clothes?
Yes, Plato’s Closet buys clothing items that are in style, in season, gently used and from their list of desired brands. Customers can sell clothes for cash on the spot or trade for store credit.
How much does Plato’s Closet pay for clothes?
The amount paid depends on brand, style, condition and what is currently in demand. On average, Plato’s Closet pays 10-30% of the original retail price on clothing they accept to resell.
Does Plato’s Closet sell new clothes?
Most items sold at Plato’s Closet are used but some locations may carry a small selection of new surplus merchandise from liquidators. Prices are still discounted compared to traditional retailers.
Is Plato’s Closet worth shopping at?
For savvy shoppers on a budget, Plato’s Closet can be an excellent source of major discounts on current fashion trends and name brands. Those willing to hunt for hidden gems can score big savings.
Does Plato’s Closet offer any discounts or promotions?
Plato’s Closet runs regular sales offering 20-50% off categories like jeans, tops or clearance items. They also have weekly specials like 99 cent T-shirts or jewelry every first and third Tuesday.
How are Plato’s Closet items priced compared to retail?
On average, items sell for about 20-50% of the original retail price. But popular or designer pieces can be 70-90% off retail. Shoppers save significantly buying second-hand versus new.
