I'm not going to lie: trying to sell your clothes can be a major pain--but after a while you get an idea of which of your cast-offs they'll accept. Last time I went there, I brought in a big bag of clothes, predicting that they would take this not-so-attractive (yet vintage) leopard-print dress and this hideous (yet VERY vintage!) suit... and I was right. I've never had a particular problem with the staff, but then I usually just keep to myself while I'm shopping, and don't ask for help. It DOES get crowded, but it's worth it. I recently found this terrific bright turquoise leather car coat for only $30, and it's become a spring staple in my wardrobe--along with most of the other things I have found there! read more

The hipsters who work there (both stores) have serious issues. They are real bummers to be around, like a bunch of rude, insecure teenagers. The atmosphere is totally negative, oozing with bad vibes. It is like the staff are all following the same bad "hipster" script. It's so bad that this place is actually becoming a cliche. When it comes to selling your stuff, they (very wrongly) think they are the Fashion Queens. Their taste (as evidenced by the merchandise for sale there) is derivative, juvenile, and cheap. I brought in a $200 designer ultra-mod dress in excellent condition, and when they didn't take it I pointed out that it was Theory. The hipster chick buyer sighed dramatically and said "never heard of it." Come on people, these are the BUYERS, you'd think they'd know something about contemporary FASHION. All they know about is dressing exactly alike . . . The atmosphere is totally negative, and the music is boring two-chord garbage. I doubt anybody that works there actually likes the music, they just act like they do because somebody (Pitchfork?) told them it was "cool." Seriously folks, don't bother. Go to Odd Twin or even the Salvation Army, which is about the same in terms of quality, minus the attitude. read more

The staff was really rude the last couple times I was in there. The one time I tried to sell stuff that was barely worn, the woman at the counter was incredibly put off by my presence. If you don't want to buy it, fine, but no need to be a Brooklyn stereotype about it. Even as a buyer, their prices aren't great. You're better off donating your clothes to a place that needs them and getting a tax receipt than trying to sell them here. read more

I do not shop at vintage but figured I would give it a try. I have stopped by before, never perused the racks, because it is always so crowded and filled with obnoxious wanna-be vintage shoppers. I stopped by today with 3 bags of clothes half of which were contemporary and half vintage or not current. I was told that I had an 1.5 hour wait and that if I came back after 9pm, my clothes would be automatically donated to charity. I wasn't sure why those were the only 2 pieces of info I was given, maybe because the wanna-be hipster chick thought I fit the type of someone who may be "late" or never come back? Whatever the deal, I came back as directed to find out that none of my items were selected. After reading some other reviews that quoted them lacking men's wear, I was surprised to see they didn't want my brooks brothers shirts, the trousers or jeans that I brought in. I also had 3 pairs of shoes and other women's blouses, skirts etc. If I hadn't traveled far on the bus, wasted 2 hours of my day and then to come back and learn that it was completed for nothing, I would have taken my clothes back and donated it to a church myself. However, I trusted them and left it for church and women's shelter pick-up. Get a little more down to earth and maybe your reviews will reflect it. Overcrowded, Over-rated, Over-it....Super lame hipster manager who stared at me like I was an idiot when I asked her the name of the organizations they donated the uncollected clothes to, of which no one in the store could tell me, which makes me think they may not donate at all. read more

I lived around the corner for a year, and I never really took to it here. I think I've had better luck in Goodwill and Salvation Army. They require more digging but they have more interesting and cheaper clothes. I wouldn't bother trying to sell here because even if you have more popular brands, they're very selective. read more

My father always taught me that "you get what you pay for"... I'm not a hipster, but do collect amazing pieces and take really good care of them and then, when I am done with them, I like to share them with the (budgeted) world. I do like this store because it's closer to me than Billyburg however five important factors will forever keep me away: 1. They are not actually affiliated with Beacons in the 'Burg, so the store credit card I have tons of money on from selling there is no good in the Slope. Boo. 2. Customers talking loud on their cell phones are left to - literally - their devices. It really ruins the entire experience, like being on a bus with someone on the phone next to you. The last time I was there not one, not two but three separate half-a-convos took over the music playing. I suggest they crank the volume and drown those bitches out like the 'Burg does. I may come up with a strategy to combat this (if anyone wants to join me in trying this out, message me and let's go have some fun!) 3. As if the trashy, declasse patrons aren't loud and obnoxious enough, the employees engage in loud and inappropriate conversations across the store to one another, complaining about their personal business and cursing up a storm. Not classy. I could use a job if this is all it takes to have one there. 4. Don't drop anything on the floor lest you want it covered in hair and dust. Hey Slope Beacon's, have you ever heard of a Swiffer? Gross. 5. Nine times out of ten, and no matter what in-season awesome garb I bring them, they don't buy a single thing. It's the lottery, totally dependent on WHO you get at the counter and most, if not all, of the girls are rather condescending and clearly have no taste or else their stock would be 1,000,000 times better. I guess if these contributing factors don't bother you when shopping for last season's Forever 21 and shoes that fall apart after wearing them once, have a great time! I suggest heading to the REAL Beacon's in Williamsburg. It's bigger, better, and even though you may have to do a bit of digging you will leave happy. read more

i consistently have a bad experience here. the other night i was shopping and went to grab a dress off the rack, only to have an employee snatch it, show it off to her friends, then throw it behind the counter. i asked to know what the brand was and she goes "aw did you really want it?" as other employees stood around giggling and staring. everyone who works here is on some weird power trip. you sell used clothes babe. i live in the neighborhood and am a bit of a clothes hoarder, so i constantly try to cycle out my wardrobe. i've sold to them a bunch and they either take everything or nothing, and sometimes it's the weirdest things they choose over others. also everyone who works here takes all the good stuff, so be prepared to sift through racks of ripped polyester nighties from the 80's and dingy armpit blouses from zara. however, if you have the patience to really dig, you can find some cool stuff, but beware the weekends when it's packed to the gills with people. everyone is exceptionally rude and if you attempt to be friendly you're met with dead eyes. it's like they cloned the same person and placed them in every location because it's a consistent trope and i've been shopping with them since about '09. they also will follow you around, start moving things around on the rack while you're looking, and god forbid you misplace something because low and behold someone will be there, immediately, to snatch it and put it elsewhere. i shop here because i like the thrill of the clothing hunt, but the employees reallllllllly suck and management seems nonexistent or like they don't care. i mean, you were parodied in broad city, so i can't be the only one who noticed. read more

Okay, yes these girls working here are for the most part seemingly pretentious hipster/anti-hipster fashion(I hate the word)istas. But, if you're coming to judge the workers, you're coming for the wrong reason. I mean, it's Brooklyn. So, I took a bag of my vintage clothing here for re-sale after browsing the racks a few weeks before. (and finding an AMAZING vintage dress for under $20.) So, I knew what merch. they were carrying, WHICH IS KEY TO SELLING YOUR STUFF HERE! They aren't going to buy just anything you want to unload. They have a system, a very good system that keeps the stock fantastic and current. It's literally based on what items are selling inside at the moment. I left with a $16 pair of jeans and an $80 store credit. I love it here. read more

Terrible. I went to sell clothes, and they accepted basically nothing. My stuff was in good condition, still in style, and designer brands. The buyers are idiots. read more

I honestly give up trying to sell my things to this store. I kick myself every time!! Seriously unless its from the 80's and full on polyester they probably won't take it. I browsed through some of the clothing which was ripped, stained or missing buttons...seriously. They didn't take my practically brand new clothes. Where are my clothes being donated too? They never say the place, just say they are going to a shelter. I do wander if the girls behind the counter rummage through the donated things, take what they want & supposably donate these items to those who are in need. Next time I'm saving the $5 getting back & forth, my sanity & donating to the local church to those who will appreciate the items. Plus I know they are actually getting them!!! I'm done with this place!!! read more

This place is such a bummer. I brought a ton of nice, brand name and barely worn clothes here and they didn't accept one item. Such a waste of time. I ended up donating them in the end. Don't waste your time here. Go to Housing Works down the street so you can at least get a tax refund. read more

Honestly my favorite thrift shop in manhattan. I always find something in here. I highly recommend!!!

Yes - you can absolutely find some gems here for super cheap. Yes - some of their clothes / shoes look like they've never been worn. My confusion with this store stems from their buying policy. I went in the other day with a bag full of Fall clothes (what they're currently buying). I'm always SO confused by what they take vs what they don't -- two cheap as hell Forever 21 dresses, and not the never worn Ralph Lauren dress? Pants from Uniqlo, but not a skirt from J Crew? An H & M shirt over an Anthropolgie top? I never know. I do like that they'll donate the leftovers though. read more

With each time I visit this location, I am more and more disappointed. Not only are the clothes on the racks nothing to write home about, I can't understand their buying process whatsoever, I bought in a bag of hardly worn designer shoes that are in-season (BCBG, Vera Wang, etc). They didn't accept a single pair, which...whatever. But then I see things like fugly shoes by Steve Madden on the rack. HOW? What's worse is the pretentious, rude attitudes of the Chloe Sevigny wannabe's known as Beacon's Closet employees. No matter what day/time I've come I've always been met with the rude, impolite attitudes. Perhaps this places thinks they're hotter than they are. Will NEVER return. This wretched establishment doesn't deserve my clothes or my money. read more

they had a very men selection and some tho he were overpriced. they could be more picky w their selection cause most things are out of date.

Am confused by all the reviews here saying "why no men's selection?". Maybe they used to have no men's clothes but as of Feb 08 they did indeed. My husband and I wandered past on a fickle-weather day, popped in on impulse to see if a decent jacket could be found for him, and almost immediately came up with a killer chocolate brown wide-wale corduroy jacket (with as a bonus in the breast pocket a triangular business card from a restaurant that closed almost 10 years ago). He walked out warmer and cuter. Win! read more

i stopped in today and got an american apparel thermal shirt (with the tag still on) and a built by wendy button up for a grand total of $30. yes. i will be back. read more

Dishonest. They steal money from sellers. Told me they weren't taking anything I brought in to sell, but when I came home I realized I was missing an item. Called them and their response was, "Oops, yeah you're right. We owe you money. Sorry." But this is not the only time this has happened, as when I was waiting for them to look through my items, a man came in complaining of the exact same thing! They told him "We are human, we make mistakes." Reading the reviews on here, it has happened at least a couple other times! No excuses for this. Find an honest place to sell your clothes instead. read more

Ok, so NYC is a tough town for vintage shopping. I've never seen so many picked over pieces of overpriced crapola in all my life. Yet I always find something cool at Beacon's closet. read more

If you're in the market for reasonably priced resale and/or vintage, Beacon's is a solid bet. I'm partial to the Park Slope location, as it's pared-down selection makes for a more palatable shopping experience in comparison with its massive Williamsburg counterpart. I've netted some stellar scores here in the past few years (MARC by Marc Jacobs tops; Joie outerwear; Theory linen pants, etc.) - that being said, you gotta dig for the gold. There's no rhyme or reason to what makes the racks, and Beacon's' penchant for heinous hipster garb is to blame. Originality trumps quality here, i.e. a worn-out old concert tee's more likely to be bought by the staff than a new basic tee or whatevs. Oh, and a word on the staff - don't be intimidated by the cooler-than-thou air. Being judgey and bitter is so last season - they just haven't gotten the memo yet. ;) read more

I only have attempted to see here and briefly perused the store while I waited for them to go through my clothes. Most of the stuff I brought with me were classic, high quality items such as black skinny jeans size 27 (I think I wore them once). They informed me that ALL of my clothing was not in style and wouldn't sell. This became very apparent when walking through the store when all of the clothes on the rack were cheap, polyester items that are incredibly loud and only suited for the extreme hipster thrifter. You would probably have better luck selling your crazy aunt's closet then you do your own. read more

I've been coming here for almost 10 years, and in that time the average price range has gone from $8-10, to $15-24. That's really not thrift store pricing anymore considering most of the items are either not designer or in great condition. I rarely buy anything here anymore because I cannot justify it. Sometimes you'll get lucky and make a few bucks from resale. Go on a weekday when it's slow. They're less picky. When they reject your items (I brought a freshly drycleaned polka dot silk wrap dress from Banana Republic, Frye platform sandals, and a cotton vintage 1960s mini floral dress for example recentlyand only the floral mini was taken) during the buying process you'll get a stock answer of your stuff wasn't "on trend or in great condition." Meanwhile, you'll find sweaters with holes and shoes falling apart like I did today. So, total nonsense. The real reason is they just can't take everything, it's a madhouse and they're snooty. Fine, but be consistent with your dumb rules. If you're looking for a real thrift store with real bargains in the city check out the L Train Vintage in the Gowanus nearby. Huge selection of men's and women's. The average price is$8-10 for shirts, pants, dresses, even most shoes. There's no selling. They buy in bulk wholesale so the prices are consistently low. * Note, I'm not an employee of LTrain Vintage and not paid to say any of this. This is my honest review. read more

hmmm, heard about this spot for thrifters, but was disappointed by the selection and left empty handed. maybe i have to venture to the billyburg location to get the goods. there are a few choice marc by marc jacobs items and urban outfitters pieces. not enough vintage vintage things thought they have a few decent wool/tweed skirts. read more

Small, crowded, and the quality of the selection varies. But I did score a nice Brooklyn Industries vintage-looking suit jacket for $20. Prices on average is pretty reasonable, just have to be patient and watch out for the moms and their strollers blocking up every aisle in the store. read more

A really good selection, and the 5th Ave location is very organized as far as vintage stores go, even on a bustling weekend. Hit this up at less popular times, though--the store is tiny, and lines for fitting rooms are long. The prices aren't total bargains, but they're less than the $95 frayed-edge duct-taped t-shirts you can buy in El Slope and usually better made. Hipsters hocking their wardrobes to meet rent at the end of the month == more awesome cheap clothes for you and me! read more

I love beacons. I've gotten so many awesome designer items at great prices. Most of these items were in season or only last season and in excellent condition. You can shop online too which is great. They used to offer free shipping. But now they only offer it if you purchase over 50bux. :( I have yet to visit the other locations. Next time! read more

Beacon's closet is a wonderful concept, especially in these economic times! To be able to sell your clothes you have bench and get a little money for them is great. Also they will donate what they don't want to charity, so you don't have the shelp to the Salvation Army. But...... The staff in this store are so rude!! Attitude bouncing off the walls. I especially have to mention the little red head that works there, who thought she was God's gift to used clothing!! The last time I've seen that much attitude was at a drag show. I thought she was going to start snapping her fingers at me and I just said Hi... It's USED CLOTHING ladies... take a chill pill!!! read more

totally hit or miss, but it's worth it as everything, whether it's worth $5 or $75 is priced $15 or so. my low/mediocre grade is for the absolutely abdominal customer service at this place. The staff is so consistently rude and really makes me not want to shop there any more. long story short, approach with caution. read more

Their website states that they accept clothes up until 30 minutes before close. After I carried 50 pounds of clothes to the store, the owner herself tells me that they will not even consider my bundle as they are too busy. She even admitted that it was usually too busy on weekends to accept clothes most of the day. She even treated me like the bad guy after I suggested that they change the website. I believe this store, since I spoke to the owner, is only after the 'easy' money made on your collection clothes. I'm sure that they hope you drop your bundle after carrying it so far, because guess what - they would then receive free inventory. Don't let them take advantage of your closet. My advice: sell them on ebay or donate them and declare a write off. read more

Having sold and shopped in stores like this in Berlin, I was very happy to discover beacon's. The concept is great. Having the possibility to change your wardrobe very frequently, saving money and not having to throw things away, is the way to go in our so wasteful economy. I didn't expect to make a big deal by bringing in a suitcase of clothes and understand, that most of my stuff didn't meet their expectations (I donated about 20 of 24 pieces), but why do the people who work there have to be so unfriendly? I felt an attitude I would expect from an über expensive fashion store: arrogant and inhospitable. Is it really necessary to be like that? Are there so many unworthy customers who are bad for the business, so they just have to be kept out of the store? What part of the concept do I not understand? read more

Where do I begin!? The story of me, Natalie Jacob shopping at Beacons is a long one filled with so much joy. I first learned about Beacons when they opened a location in Park Slope on Union st. I was a Freshmen in high school at the time and thought hey this seems like a cool spot. This was 10+ years ago and I have been going there on a weekly basis ever since. Beacons has not only become an intrinsic part of my fashion development (I'm a designer so great style for me is pretty key) but my musical development too. I heard Bob Dylan for the first time there and thought hey this dude seems like someone I should check out. But back to Beacons- best vintage bang for your buck. Best jewelry and accessories, and most of all, great labels. Love love love!!!!!! Yay Beacons Closet! read more

Super nice people working here! I am also happy to say that I had a positive selling experience here, walking in with low expectations of course (selling is always hit or miss) but they took around 10 items! I still have some nice silk dresses in my bag but among what they bought was a mix of boutique sweater dresses, a fun black dress, a flannel shirt and a beaded jazz dress from Club Monaco. I am just glad some of my pieces will go somewhere to be treated gently, hopefully to someone sharing good taste in clothes! :) Thanks Beacon! read more

After cleaning out my closets, I went in the store this morning to drop off clothing and can not believe how snooty the girls in the back were to me. It's rather amusing that a bunch of woman who are minium wage "buyers" at what is essentially a thrift store have the audacity to treat customers this way. Ladies, you didn't realize who you were talking to..good luck with that. Oh, and the place stinks like incense. The whole experience seemed like a joke. read more

First of all the theme in this location is 90's grunge NOT 80's. There is nothing 80's about this place. From the horrible attitudes of the associates to how they dress it is 90's grunge. I brought in two bags of clothing. One bag of worn clothes. One bag of unworn clothes. They took one look at me and told me that it would take them 15 minutes to write up the bag of clothes. I knew this was impossible but who knows maybe there are ten people in the back. So they gave me the bag back stating that the styles do not sell for them and the conditions were too bad. I started looking through the clothes I noticed right away the second bag was exactly how I had folded it when I gave it them. The contents several guess dresses, Steven madden shoes, and other named brand items still with tags. I mean I get it, you cater to the crowd that dresses like it's Halloween all the time, but Brooklyn is a diverse place. You mean to tell me that not one thing fit their grunge rock theme? I will be sure to discourage the people I know from shopping there. read more

I always leave here happy. They carry an excellent selection of clothes and accessories. I've never tried to sell my clothes but know that my experience buying has always been pleasant. read more

Ok, I'm starting to change my tune about this beacon's closet. Went in today and found a silver silk blouse by Vince, and a beautiful magenta pink zipper dress by Benson. It seems like the selection is more balanced than it used to be, with less vintage and more recently made clothing. im into it. read more

The most unfriendly smelly place I've ever walked into. The women working there don't make eye contact and couldn't care less to help. The clothing smell of old moldy sandalwood and the selection is old dingy and crappy materials. Want cheap pleathers, smelly polyester and wrinkled shit, here's the perfect spot! Or if your into seedy, dirty and kinky fishnets and lots of piercings, here's the place for you too. Yuck read more

Living off the fumes of the once mighty Beacon's on Bedford, this version has an anemic music selection (why bother), no men's selection (men do shop, you know), zero atmosphere and impossibly unsympathetic feng shui. I understand why the staff never smiles: I wouldn't either surrounded by such vapid clientle. Think of it this way: you've got a front-row seat to their clamoring about, rubbing against each other's loin spaces, all in the ritual of the 'hipster used-clothing feeding frenzy.' (Insider tip: that $15 used American Apparel Tee is only 3 bucks more and brand new just up the street). And instead of banning beverages (yet another way to keep your customers annoyed), maybe you should ban that wide selection of 'Desparately Seeking Susan'-era Madonna nylons you've had hanging up front for 3 years. This place is strictly for tourists. read more

This location is definitely inferior to the original Williamsburg location. It is far smaller, and feels much more picked over. There are still some good finds to be had - I have had the most luck with things like jeans or extremely silly costumey items, which seem to be in less demand than dresses/sweaters/shoes/etc. But there are some way better vintage/thrift stores in this neighborhood, albeit a little pricier. I wouldn't come out of my way to come to this location, though the Williamsburg one is usually worth the trip. read more

Dear Beacon's Closet Employees, I know it can be fun to judge people and make nasty faces, but next time, try to be a little more discreet about it. I understand that you may not like my clothes. I understand that they may not be from the coolest indie/hipster endorsed brands. I even understand that some of them may be gently worn. But is it crazy to go through your racks, see beat-up, dated, off brand (forever 21?!) and even smelly clothing and think that maybe, just maybe, mine would be acceptable?! I think not. And really, you are by all means allowed to reject my clothing. I even expect it with most items. However, I would appreciate it if next time you didn't look at me like a complete monster for subjecting you to my wardrobe. I am sure you have accidentally touched things dirtier and uglier than my worn jeans. I didn't violate you in any way, so the lecture about clothing quality was truly unnecessary. A simple "we couldn't take anything, sorry" would have been just fine. read more