Tips for Shopping in A Bad Economy. As we are in the worst economic times since the Great Depression, many people have to cut back on a lot of excessive spending.  Many resale shops are flourishing more than ever now that the fashion savvy are becoming more conscience of what is in their pockets.  Most shops carry name brands from Abercrombie and Fitch to Marc Jacobs, some of which still have the original sales tags attached.

As consumers, we cannot change the rate of food, gas or our taxes but we can decide how much we spend on high quality clothing.  Chicago has a large resale shop scene and I am going to show you where to go to look like $1 million bucks without maxing out your credit card. Shh, no one has to know!

Now many of the resale shops in Chicago allow you to bring in your new or slightly worn clothing.  If that is not a come up I do not know what is.  You can get anywhere from 10-35% in cash in exchange for your clothes.

Crossroads Trading Co. in Wicker Park (1519 N. Milwaukee Ave.) Here you can find a Marc Jacobs jacket for the unbelievable price of $37.50.  If you are looking to get cash for those items you no longer wear, Crossroads takes clothes that are one to two years old and are in good condition.  The items you bring in must be stylish and current to what everyone is wearing. 
Elliot’s Consignment in Lincoln Park( 2465 N. Lincoln Ave.; 3015 N. Broadway.) Here, a Prada dress retails for $200 and you can find a Banana Republic top for $6.  At Elliot’s Consignment, fi you want to sell your items, they place your clothes on the sales floor for up to two months and if the clothes sell well the store will split the profits with you.  So bring in your clothes that are less than a year old and rack up on cash, although they do not accept items any less than the Banana Republic caliber.

My favorite resale shop by far is Plato’s Closet. (2150 N. Clybourn Ave.).  They buy and sale clothes that are slightly worn and targeted to the young and urban demographic.  Get everything from Aeropostale, Forever 21 and Urban Outfitters. 
If you are not from the Chicago land area, check your local yellow pages for resale shops in your area.

Happy Shopping