In addition to the thrill of finding a treasure at a resale shop (Brenda’s cousin Natalie found new Burberry coats in a basement thrift shop) when we buy and sell at resale or consignment, we’re also doing good. Bloomberg reported in February of this year that fashion accounts for 10% of global carbon dioxide output – more than international flights and shipping combined! Most new clothing gets incinerated or thrown away within a year. It takes 2,000 gallons of water to make one pair of jeans. Here are a few consignment shops in the greater Boston area, plus a few online shops, so we can help our planet while looking good…
40 South St. (formerly called Gumshoe) – this shop buys and sells clothes, accessories and gifts focused on the 1960s, 70s and 80s. 40 South Street, Jamaica Plain, 617.522.5066 www.fortysouthst.com
Castanet – buys and sells designer clothing and accessories. The Best of Boston winner for consignment in 2018. 175 Newbury St., Boston, 617.536.1919 www.shopcastanet.com
Covet – upscale consignment for clothes and accessories. 391 W Broadway, South Boston, 617.268.1100; and 109 Charles Street, Boston, 617.530.1111 www.covetboston.com
Buffalo Exchange – this family-run national business prides itself on offering great clothes and empowering its employees, especially women. 180 Harvard Street, Allston, 617.779.7901; and 238 Elm Street, Somerville, 617.629.5383 www.buffaloexchange.com
Here are our picks for online consignment/resale shops…
www.therealreal.com – for luxury/designer goods
www.poshmark.com – for clothes, shoes and accessories
www.thredup.com – for clothes, shoes and accessories
Do you have a favorite consignment and/or resale shop? Let us know!
Love consignment but feel like good middle of the road (not too vintage, not too upscale) have dried up in the Boston area. Poshmark has food options but no returns so I’ve ended up with things that don’t fir. Real Real is very pricey. Like Thread Up.
Hi Alexa! Thank you for sharing your experience, all good to know. Let us know if you find shops you’d like to tell us about!
I like Thredup for buying known brands for which I know my size. I’ve learned to pay close attention to their statements of condition and restrict my purchases to items showing little or no wear. I have also sold my own used items there and offset the proceeds against my purchases. I enjoy helping the planet this way!
Hi Kathy! All good to know, thank you for sharing! XO