Avalon is my go-to consignment shop in the city. I am typically able to find cute skirts and dresses that are unique and at a great price. I used to frequent the boutique in Mt. Lebanon, and I truly miss that store. It was a bigger space and was organized in a very assessable way and I purchased numerous outfits here. I wish I could give Avalon in Squirrel Hill more than three stars, but the layout and space just aren't up to par. I usually only buy skirts and dresses because they are on the lower rack. Most shirts are on the upper rack, and since I am short it becomes a trial to continually strain my neck looking at the top rack and requesting help to get down everything I want to see. The space is also very tight, and the aisles easily become crowded. Since I do continue to find cute and unique things here I will always go back, but I hope they consider changing the layout or moving to a larger space soon! read more

I'll start by saying that I'm a professional thrifter; probably about 70-80% of my clothes are used. I've also been to many thrift and consignment shops in different parts of the country. This place, in my opinion, is overpriced and a bit pretentious. To be fair, I don't place much value on designer names or brands. If it's my style, fits me well, and appears to be good quality, then I'll buy it. That being said, I just don't understand why some of these prices are so high. The staff is hit and miss. I've met more friendly employees here than not. I might differ from other reviews in this opinion because I typically tend to be very friendly, so generally people are friendly in return. The $1 sale (I think it might be an annual thing) is a great deal, but the store gets super packed. Crowd maneuvering and patience is definitely required. read more

Avalon Exchange consistently has a good selection of used clothing. it's a bit more expensive than goodwill or the salvation army, but you're stuck looking for needles in the hay stack so to speak-- they've done that work for you. they also buy clothes on the spot. and while they're picky about what they take, it's still a pretty easy way to make $20 (or you can take store credit instead of cash, which will give you a better return). overall, it's definitely worth checking out. read more

Avalon Exchange started off several years ago as a vintage clothing shop (which I'm more into) but kind of evolved into an exchange/buy/sell/trade sort of thing. You'll find a lot more contemporary clothing here that you could just as easily find at Target, Macy's, Sak's, etc. It can be a bit hit-or-miss but every so often you'll find a good vintage piece. You have to realy dig through this store and you have to have a nose for bargains. That said, I came here today on my day off. I was just meandering up and down Forbes Avenue on my own. But I did find something in here. See, I'd just taken over as supervisor at work and I did need a new blazer 'cos there are days when I've got to dress up a little. Well I found this bee-yoo-tee-full Burberry blazer in my size and at a really great price! How often does that happen? read more

I think I've finally had enough of buying and selling here. The clothes are okay but not worth having to deal with the unnecessarily rude staff. A couple of them are super nice but the blonde girl especially is unbelievably rude and condescending for literally no reason. I don't typically write reviews and I'm a "quiet" customer who doesn't complain but I was still met with a snobby attitude as if I was inconveniencing her with my presence. If you don't feel like dealing with high school mean girls who are now irrelevant and bitter about it, go to clothes minded. The owner is so nice and genuinely wants to run a positive business. read more

Yes they are "picky" if you are selling. But really it just depends on how full their racks are, the season, what is selling (Cool jewerly, shoes are hot items). If you are buying, you can't beat their deals on great stuff. Designer, Anthropologie brands, JCrew, Banana Republic...cool stuff. Definitely worth stopping and browsing! PS Don't act rude or impolite if they don't buy your stuff...too many times I've seen would-be-sellers throw fits and get attitudes. Geesh, act out and you look like a jerk. Instead smile (even if you are irked)and ask what they are buying at the moment. They will appreciate it and maybe go home and raid your closets for the "hot" item of the moment. read more

Avalon sells relatively high quality vintage clothes for reasonable prices. You're likely to find anything from paste-on mustaches and cheap aviators to brooks brothers' polos in good condition. The prices are higher than you might expect from a vintage store, but are about the same as what you'd pay on Ebay (even less for popular designers). I've found the staff to be helpful. If you're looking to sell something, I would try Ebay first. Avalon buyers don't pay market price and are extremely picky. read more

The staff was incredibly rude. They didn't even greet me when I walked in. In the 15 mins I was in the store, they made fun of my name, made fun of someone for wearing a blazer to an interview (which makes no sense), and made me wait around for no reason. I was watching them and they finished writing up my ticket 10 minutes before they called me over. Then they gave me $20 for 2 really expensive winter coats. I wish I never walked in this place! People that think they are better than others is really unacceptable. I wish I read the reviews before going here. read more

Idk what changed since moving to the new location.. the selection use to be better at the old location but I find the lighting it is to dark in the new location and you can't see the clothing good. I had a few pieces I took to the front of the store by a window and a few clothing items had stains and deodorant stains on them. I think they need better lighting in this store. The lighting is to dim. read more

I walked in here expecting to find another vintage store with marked-up merchandise. But I was pleasantly surprised to see a variety of cute things at very fair prices. I think this store has a lot of potential - like any vintage/ consignment shop, sometimes you leave with nothing, other times you leave with a lot! They also have apparel for men. According to their website, they will buy clothes for 30% of the retail price in cash. It's a nice option in addition to donating your stuff. Overall, I think it's a cute store... reasonable prices. Definitely worth dropping in from time to time. read more

Avalon is a "buy, sell, trade" store for used and vintage clothing, shoes, accessories. It's mostly used contemporary clothing although there are some vintage things. You can purchase items, sell your things (and they'll pay you in cash 30% of retail value), or trade in your things for store credit (45% of retail value) to use right away or later (I believe store credit expires in a year). I drop in a couple times a month or more, sometimes with a specific item(s) in mind that I'm looking for, and other times just to browse. Usually I'm successful (meaning that I purchase something :p) and on good days I manage to get quite a good deal by trading in something(s) first and then using the store credit right away. (Yesterday I traded in a pair of funky colorful flats and bought a green light jacket and black pointed flats... paid $11 something.) There are clothes in the back of the store that are half price (red tag) and sometime in the summer (I wanna say mid July? for the Squirrel Hill Sidewalk Sale), they have a $1 "Dollar Days" sale. If you are thinking about selling or trading in your stuff, the best info/advice I can give is that they usually take name brand and unique/funky things... in great condition... and in season (fall/winter items now). read more

Avalon used to be on my weekly rotation of thrift stores in Pittsburgh, until they jacked the prices up big time. I still really like their selection, and if you are not used to shopping at thrift stores, then it is a great introductory store, but it's not like a Goodwill or a Salvation Army. The selection is better, since they are choosey with the items they buy, but the prices are still outrageous for used clothing. I would understand if it were a higher end consignment place like severl shops on Ellsworth or out in Regent Square, but they still have a lot of items from the Gap, Forever 21, and other mall stores. Jewelry here is great, but don't except thrift store prices - a nice necklace generally runs about $12 - $20. They also have an awesome shoe section, and prices there are actually reasonable. Good store for college freshmen looking to expand her warddrobe, pick up a few interesting accessories, or if you are used to shopping at malls and want to change it up, but if you are a thrift store junkie - avoid. As far as selling your items goes, don't expect to cash in big time. It is a good alternative to giving them to the Goodwill if you want to make a few extra clams, and I mean literally a few. I don't really blame them for the way they pick items, if you want a quality selection, you have to be choosey. But I have not really noticed an increase in quality since the move to Squirrel HIll and have noticed a huge increase in price. read more

I'm not sure what I was expecting, but I was expecting something other than what it was. I guess this is Pittsburgh's equivalent to the Buffalo Exchange? They had awesome options for Halloween. Like tons and tons of clothing for Halloween costumes. They also had a great selection of jackets. But, it was just sooo crowded on the day I went. And also the prices were a bit meh for second-hand. Like a scarf--$12. A scarf that can probably be bought from a street vendor for $5. I was able to find a lovely lace dress, a boyfriend cardigan, and sheath dress, though. And the damage was around $50. So, not bad. read more

I just visited this store the other day and I'm in love! Super inviting store and conveniently located on Forbes in Squirrel Hill. This store has bags, jewelry, shoes, women's clothing and men's clothes! It's organized by styles and sizes. The employees were very helpful and didn't hang on us, which I really appreciated. I tried on a pair of high waisted Levi's and had to buy them. They were only $16.50! The prices here are insane! My friend got a pair of high waisted shorts for $10! The fitting rooms were very spacious and clean. This was a great store and I can't wait to come back! read more

I've since moved back home from living in Pittsburgh for 4 years, but I miss shopping at Avalon. I've been a fan since the "Oakland store" days (and, for the record, I LIKED the Oakland store much more for location purposes.) On the downside, the Squirrel Hill location could use more space, and the prices could definitely be lower, but I would honestly spend at least an hour in there browsing the selections. I always walked out with a full bag of stuff. The staff always seemed to have a good time, either goofing around or playing around with the clothes/accessories, most of the times that I was in the store. Of course there were some staff members that I encountered who were too hip to be friendly/social and wished they were bffs with Terry Richardson, but I don't let those people get to me. ;) I'm also a fan of the store mannequins in the front window. Now, if you're thinking about making profit off of your hand-me-downs FROM Avalon (or for any store, like Plato's, for example), don't have high expectations unless your items are very much in season and style (brand AND condition are important as well). From my own experiences with selling clothes that I was "sick of wearing," I rarely came out over $30-40 and got back 90% of the clothes I wanted to get rid of. There are other options out there to sell your clothes. read more

Extremely rude and snobby staff. This is the second time I've had this same experience at this store. I am a vintage buyer/seller and it's unfortunate that this store has such poor customer service. I will not be buying or selling there anymore and I'm going to spread the word about it being it was the second time I was treated so rudely. I would give no stars if possible. read more

Literally the biggest assholes of all time. Like I am trying to be reasonable and sell clothes and the people who work here are just so mean for absolutely no reason. Didn't even want to look at their clothing anymore because the employees were such jerks. Wish I could give less than a star. read more

Staff is super unfriendly and whomever the young man is with long hair that works there, cut me off while walking and almost made me fall and dropped my glasses at check out and didn't say anything. Will not be returning. read more

I was considering taking clothing to them, and I would browse and possibly buy something, but I don't deal with rude staff/employees as reported in previous reviews. There's no excuse for that kind of behavior. Obviously, they don't care about their clientele. I'll go elsewhere. I didn't want to give the store any stars, but Yelp made me do it. read more

I've been visiting this store frequently for the past three years and I'm sorry to say I've become disappointed with the progress it's made. This store has potential to provide unique quality pieces but in my opinion it's failed to do so. I would recommend checking out this store if you are looking for a Halloween costume. However I think their social media presence has been a great audition on Instagram. But honestly I rarely find pieces that are worth buying. read more

I don't now if I would call this a VINTAGE store. It's more of a consignment shop geared toward juniors. The clothing isn't really reflective of different decades, as most vintage stores are. It's more just racks and racks of worn clothing that has recently gone out of style. That is not to say that I don't like the place. You can find some really unique pieces if you search. Still, I have to say that the prices are a bit steep for what you are getting. For example, a shirt from Forever 21 might cost you, say, $10-15 just because it is a popular brand name. I am a student, so that seems a lot of money to me! Another critique I have of the place is that everything is so gosh-darn small. I mean, I suppose this is because it's mainly junior sizes, but I aren't there plus-size juniors out there too? This isn't really a problem; I'm just saying that if you're smaller, you'll probably have an easier time finding stuff. Nevertheless, in the midst of the Squirrel Hill business district, Avalon provides provides some much-needed diversity in terms of clothing/apparel shops. read more

I have been shopping at Avalon Exchange for years and I agree it does take some time to dig. But I have found some amazing things in my visits. But lets get the facts straight since some of our fellow Yelp users dont know what they are talking about. Your right Becky, the Avalon is NOT a vintage store, it is resale. Oh and "consignment shop geared toward juniors"? You are out of the loop. Their clothing is not on consignment and actually, they don't take "juniors" or childrens. I was actually in there tonight and bought two "forever 21" shirts. They were both $7.50. So I don't know where you pulled $10-$15 from. WAKE UP! Avalon is the best thing to happen to Squirrel Hill. read more

I took clothes to sell here. The staff at the front desk were rude and unprofessional. They told me they ended up taking one item from the things I brought, but when I got home and went through the clothes (which they had just shoved back in the bag), I realized they'd taken a blue BR shirt, and a blue and white pair of BR shorts. So, their staff wasn't great and they stole from me, but how the hell are you supposed to walk into a consignment store and claim someone took something from you that you haven't worn in years and don't have any proof that it belonged to you in the first place? Never going here again. read more

Nice place. I went to sell and they bought a few items. They have vintage clothes and new clothes to buy. Good items, really cute stuff. Some prices are fair others a bit too high for used clothes. Try it out yourself. I do recommend it. read more

I'm all for thrift stores but there's nothing thrifty about the prices at Avalon. I guess if you're in high school you'd want to look cool browsing through their stuff and you can also find the occasional college Hipster (captigal H needed) but that's about where the love stops. read more

Such a rude and snobby staff. My items were taken from me and put away while I was trying to sort through what I wanted. Instead of making themselves a better store with people who give quality customer service, they wasted time and energy having a past Yelp review of mine removed. Reminded me of that hilarious episode of South Park. Goodwill has a better selection as well as employees. read more

ok, can I give no stars? Given this is the ONLY place in and around the universities to sell clothing, I was stubborn and went back a couple of times to try to sell clothing. All I got were snooty employees eyeing my clothing, and chucking what they don't want into a dusty, dirty corner. Gross. Also, what the do have to sell has gotten worse and worse. Now its down to a few racks of grody sweaters, forever21 jeans (which they are charging essentially the same price as you get in the actual store) and one or two designer dresses for $130. right. yea. Oh, and the owner? Ever speak to him? I've never been called "sweetie" or "Honey" or "Little miss" so many times in my life by one person in 10mins. Oh, and the snickering, the smug look... Yea, forget it. I'd rather donate all my clothes to Goodwill than have them go through it again. Not worth it at all. read more

This place has even bought some of my stuff but I still just hate it. Granted, it's the only convenient place in Pittsburgh I can really sell my vintage stuff but I just hate the people in there. They are rude rude rude. They do have some decent stuff on the racks but I've never bought anything in there. I'd rather just take their money and leave. read more

I been to the one in Mount a Lebo as well. Both places have very snotty sales people. I have sold things and made some money. I have bought a few nice items... But I won't go back. I don't like the vibes. read more

I just went in to sell some of my clothing and a few pairs of heels. I was offered $3 and some change for a pair of heels with very little wear. In the meantime, while waiting, I found that most of the items were way over priced for what they were, most of the men's wear looked like it just came from goodwill. $8 for a worn out camo t-shirt that looked like it was originally purchased from Walmart. The pricing seems to be randomly chosen by the staff, and the "look" they're looking for for the store seems to be overpriced busted, hipster clothing. I'd suggest this place only if you wanna be scammed. read more

It's a pretty decent store--there is one open in the St. Louis Delmar Loop area too so I like shopping at both locations when I am in either PA or MO. Pretty convenient. As for the store itself, the selection is so-so. A lot of it is not really "vintage" so if you're looking for vintage clothing, ladies, please go to Ellsworth Ave and go into either Eons (THE BEST) or Hey Betty. Avalon Exchange is more of an upscale version of Goodwill or The Salvation Army but with more hipsters and less poor people. I am dead serious! Also the STL location is like 5 times bigger for some reason, maybe to due the location....so if you are ever in STL and looking for a bigger version of the PGH store, go to the Loop. But that aside, they have decent stuff but as another reviewer mentioned, it's more contemporary clothing like stuff you could just as easily find at Target or something. HOWEVER on occasion you will hit a goldmine and find one of those "miraculous finds"...for instance, I found a yellow cutsew there that looked like something from either Angelic Pretty or Baby, the Stars Shine Bright (Japanese lolita brands) and I about died! It said "Tokyo Fashion Co." on the label, and I suspect a Chinese student at Pitt or CMU probably thrifted it there. Talk about a sweet find. It's a darkish yellow with a white yoke and cute little bows and pearls sew onto the collar. Def a 5 star find. But sometimes I will go in there and walk out with nothing. It really just depends on the visit. :) I have also sold back some of my clothing here but they don't give you very much for your items. For instance, my roommate gave me a pair of unwanted Polo Ralph Lauren shoes that probably cost her over $100. I wore them just two or three times and they were essentially in like-new condition. Avalon only gave me like $10 for them and they have the price tag marked like $40 or something like that. whut. read more

So they don't ALWAYS take your clothes... they're kind of picky and don't really have the BEST taste in fashion. I've found some real gems here and I can't say I hate the place. If you're low on cash, drop off some shoes, glasses, jewelry, and clothes. You can make a quick buck. read more

avalon is worth a walk through every few months, but their mens section is pretty sad. i typically find that half the stuff is pretty bad, and the rest is too expensive for what it is. don't get me wrong, i've bought some cool stuff here, and also traded clothes in a few times - avalon is good, not great. overall i preferred the older oakland location - they had more merchandise, seemed to be more up on the trends, and the employees were way more friendly (which i guess means they acknowledged you). read more

In college, I loved looking through the racks here with friends on a rainy day. It was like our own movie montage dress-up moment. It's fun to browse, but beware that the clerks a bit snotty. Buying is another story. The quality of the clothing has gone done over the years and it's more difficult to find high-end brands. For the lower-end stuff, you can do better with the Macy's sale racks or at Goodwill. The prices here are high all around in fact--you can do way better on the 70s/80s items at any nearly vintage shop in New York or on eBay or Etsy. read more

I've been shopping and selling items at the Cleveland Avalon Exchange for the past few years, so I thought I'd pop in here and check it out while in Pittsburgh. Unfortunately, this one is pretty disappointing. The store is a lot smaller than the one in Cleveland, which is understandable since the cost of renting a store front is probably more pricy than in Cleveland! The reason why I'm disappointed is that the selection of clothes is very subpar. Most of the items here look extremely worn and non-trendy. They have many retro/80s inspired items, so I recommend checking this place out if you're preparing for a costume party or something! read more

Avalon Exchange is a fun used clothing shop. Vintage and other ecletic pieces, but there were very many new items as well with tags still on (bisou bisou anyone?) Prices were great - only $8-15 per piece. Used items were in great shape. Two thumbs up! read more

Anytime I'm reviewing clothing stores I have to throw out there I'm a guy so I am purely reviewing the dudes section. I'm not a cross dresser, sorry. The men's section was pretty big. Maybe 2 rows that go 20-30 feet. This place had a good mix. Good assortment of t shirts, shoes, jackets, and long sleeve button downs. The prices were fair..around $7 for t shirts, jeans were around $18, and shoes were on average $20. I would say a fair assessment would be most of the stuff is 40% of what it would be new. They do tend to carry more teen fashion but not all. Some of my finds? Some Levi's 510 jeans, Merc rugby shirt, and some Blackcat Jordan V's. read more

I've always considered myself to be pretty hip--I'm 22 and I read Gawker, for God's sake!--but I'm not sure I'm hip enough for Avalon. It's my neighborhood consignment store and supplied a majority of my wardrobe in high school, but unless one of my friends is working there I always feel like I get weird looks from the clerks. But maybe I'm just painfully self-conscious about my own coolness level. They are definitely aiming for an ironic 70s-80s aesthetic, so seller beware unless your mom went to Studio 54 a lot in 1979 and wants to give all her stuff away--they do pick and choose donated clothes depending on the theme. It's pricey for consignment but is smaller and less daunting so you don't have to face sorting through racks and racks of clothing like you would at Goodwill, for example. They also always have a big shoe selection in a women's size 10, which is useful. This is a good place for beginning thrifters or those overly concerned with a "vintage" look, but I might stick with Goodwill or Red White and Blue. read more

I almost always find a tshirt or two here. This place is very comparable to Buffalo Exchange or Crossroads that you'd find in other major cities, but slightly cheaper than those stores. One of my favorite thrift stores in the burgh. read more

Avalon is pretty much hit or miss and in my opinion it's the type of store you have to put a lot of time in between your visits to have a really good shopping experience. I was really into it about a year ago and wanted to go all the time but then I realized that, like H&M, the stuff is kind of the same unless you go two months later... but there are definitely hidden gems in Avalon you just have to take the time to browse. I wouldn't say it's as good as a Buffalo Exchange though... there seems to be more crap at Avalon that they put in which I can't see people ever buying and I think Buffalo is better at filtering out the unwanted goods, at the least the ones I've been to. However, for the Pittsburgh area Avalon is one of a kind and the only (good) thing like it. read more