On a recent visit to one of my favorite boutiques in Lakeview, I discovered that the shop owner was throwing in the towel. I immediately thought, ah, the recession — another one bites the dust. “Jill” informed me that dealing with selling high-end clothing during a recession was not as bad as having to compete with all of the resale shops in the area. Jill is right. If you plan to have a high-end store in East Lakeview, you had better bring it because the thrift stores have a strong presence in this trendy neighborhood.
Another thing I noticed on my shopping expedition was how different thrift stores are beginning to look these days. Sure, you can find gently used items at great prices, but many thrift stores have added new clothes to the list of offerings, possibly in an effort to attract shoppers of all kinds. Smart huh? Anyway, Lakeview has many. many resale shops, thrift stores, consignment stores, or whatever you want to call them, but only a handful seem to the biggest crowds, even on weekdays. These include Clothes Optional on Clark, Buffalo Exchange on Broadway, and Crossroads on Clark.
Clothes Optional on Clark
Clothes Optional on Clark Street is actually a traditional thrift store, meaning, the store only sells used stuff. And by stuff, I mean clothes, shoes, knickknacks, furniture, bags, buttons, accessories, sunglasses, belts, and a hodgepodge of nostalgia in the basement. A little birdie told me that the owner picks up all of the stores great vintage inventory from flea markets, garage sales, estate sales, and from people that come in looking for a trade. Trades take place on Wednesdays only. Prices at Clothes Optional range from $3 up to $30 depending on the piece, of course.
Address and Phone: 2918 N. Clark Street, 773-296-6630
Hours: Monday 12-8 p.m., Tues-Sat 11 a.m.-8 p.m., and Sunday 12 p.m.-6 p.m.
Buffalo Exchange on Broadway
Buffalo Exchange clothing is “bought, sold, and traded locally.” So, that puffy skirt in the window just might be something your neighbor decided to trade in for something better. Yes, customers can bring in their gently used clothes (must be trendy, of course) and trade them for something they might like better. Buffalo Exchange also offers cash on the spot, but the store credit will usually be a bit more. Buffalo Exchange has designer clothing and other types of clothing for all price points. You can score a tee less than $10 or a pair of designer jeans for under $20.
Address and Phone: 2875 N. Broadway Avenue, 773-549-1999
Hours: Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-7 p.m., and Sunday 12 p.m.-7 p.m.
Crossroads on Clark
Crossroads is all about designer clothing. You can find Tory Burch, Coach, Gucci, J Crew, Prada, Miss Sixty, Marc Jacobs, Betsey Johnson, Salvatore Ferragamo, 7 For All Mankind, Michael Kors, Citizens for Humanity, Diesel, and more for up to 75 percent less than you would pay anywhere else. Yes, the clothes are gently used, but most are in excellent condition. Crossroads is very particular about the types of clothing it accepts and the condition it’s in. Some articles have only been worn once or twice. Fortunately, Crossroads will pay a pretty penny for high quality items in cash or with a store credit.
Once on display, prices for clothes can range from $10 for a tee shirt or blouse up to $35 or more for jeans, slacks, and skirts. Prices for designer coats, dresses, and purses vary greatly and may range from $30 up to $100 or more. This is still far less than you would pay for a brand new designer item.
Although Crossroads sells mostly used clothing, the store has a small section of new clothes at the front of the store. The section usually consists of blouses, shirts, jackets, dresses, pants, socks, tights, sunglasses, and costume jewelry. Used clothing includes shoes, belts, purses, hats, skirts, jeans, slacks, jackets, coats, dresses, sweaters, bags, leggings, and shorts. Crossroads sells clothing for both men and women.
Address and Phone: 2711 N. Clark Street, 773-296-1000
Hours: Mon-Thurs 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-8 p.m., and Sunday 12 p.m.-7 p.m.
