The best consignment shops NYC has to offer

Started in Tucson, Arizona, in the early ‘70s, this cheery chain has five locations in the city where you can buy, trade or donate those one-time favorite outfits you don’t have room for anymore. And don’t sweat it if what you’re looking to trade isn’t made by top designers: The shop pays for everyday basics, vintage gear and one-of-a-kind pieces. Bonus points for their annual Earth Day sale and Coats for Cubs drive, where real furs are collected and donated to make bedding for orphaned and injured wildlife.

This UES family-owned shop has been in the haute couture–recycling business since 1954 and is the place to go if you want to score Dior, Prada and Jean Paul Gautier threads for 70 to 90 percent off retail price. While you shouldn’t schlep your bags of less-than-luxe stuff here expecting a trade (they only buy first-tier, authenticated designer labels that are in great condition), come here if you want to treat yourself to something luxurious without breaking the bank.

This minichain has four locations in the city and offers clothes, handbags, shoes and accessories from strictly high-end labels (Alexander McQueen, Helmut Lang), at 30 to 50 percent off. Inventory is changed up daily and shoppers can even find current runway pieces or limited-edition items from designers, thanks to founder Ina Bernatein’s considerable connections in the fashion industry. Sellers can make an appointment (Monday–Saturday) to hawk their items, or fill out an online form before mailing their clothes. Consignors earn just under half of the selling price, and items are discounted further for every month they stay on the rack.

This female-founded company has three Brooklyn locations (Greenpoint, Park Slope and Bushwick) and one in Manhattan—and an online shopping option for the lazy fashionista in you—where you can find wares like Gucci shoes, Alexander Wang skirts and French Connection dresses. While you can grab pricey duds like these for a fraction of the cost, don’t be disappointed if you have to pay instead of trade: Buyers tend to have discerning taste. The upside: Clothing left for donation goes to one of several charities, like Stop AAPI Hate and Emerge New York.

Behind this storefront along a trendy stretch of Atlantic Avenue, you’ll find a carefully curated selection of designer and vintage goods for women: Brands like Stella McCartney, Celine, Alaia and Isabel Marant are regulars on the racks, and the designs on offer lean edgy, modern and bright. Consignment is by appointment only, and sellers receive 40 percent of the final sale price of each item, which must meet the shop's condition standards ("clean, damage-free, and include visible marking of a brand or label," FYI). 

This East Village standby is owned by Tokyo-born Makoto Watanabe, and stocks a quirky mix of out-there statement pieces and items from big-name brands suitable for everyday wear. Many dresses (think Lanvin, Comme Des Garçons and the luxe like) fall under the $200 mark, while you can find a pair of Gucci boots or Celine loafers priced below $350. Consigners get 50 percent of the selling price, with unsold pieces slashed by 20 percent after one month on the rack and an additional 50 percent after two months.

While looking through the racks here can be the most rewarding treasure hunt ever, the best part about Crossroads is the no-waiting-required policy: Drop your clothes off Monday-Thursday and pick up your money (with a 30% consignment rate) the next day. (You can also get a 50% trade credit, in lieu of the cash.) But be selective about what you’re trying to sell: They value trendy items in great condition, not vintage pieces that you’re looking to get a good price for.

With 24 stores in 11 states from Maine to Illinois, Second Time Around is a power player in the consignment business. Fitting with its Upper East Side location, the selection skews toward either preppy or timeless pieces, from high-end suits to designer handbags from polished fashion houses like Chanel, Prada and Hermes. Book an appointment to sell your in-season designer wares and receive 40 percent of the final selling price. The longer an item goes unsold during the 90-day consignment time frame, the more its price is slashed (by 20, then 30 and finally 50 percent). FYI: All Second Time Around outlets have individual Instagram pages, which are updated frequently to highlight new stock.

You’ll find Calvin Klein denim overalls, Ralph Lauren crewbecks, vintage Madonna and Metallica concert tees, and a wide selection of sports team sweatshirts, jackets and tanks (go Yankees!) at L-Train’s three city locations, which carry ’70 to ’90s style fashions for as little as five bucks. They also have a great selection of neon, pineapple and pink-flamingo printed Hawaiian shirts—perfect for that upcoming summer BBQ where you want to want to look good but still have a few bucks left to show up with a six-pack in hand.

The men’s and women’s threads and accessories range from edgier brands (Margiela, Rick Owens) to Madison Avenue labels (Gucci, Burberry). We lusted after salmon-pink Fendi cowboy boots ($299), a double-wrap vintage Chanel pearl necklace ($899) and a fashionably distressed Saint Laurent denim jacket ($299). Make an appointment for Tuesday-Saturday if you want to bring in clothes for consignment; proceeds are split 50/50 if your item is sold.