I have been a shopper and also consignor at Karen's for probably about 10 years now. I'd give a…read morefull 5 stars if only reviewing for the consigning experience, so I'll start there: Consignment Experience: I generally do pretty well selling items here. While the payoff is not immediate, you get a lot more money than selling things at places like Platos Closet, which offer comically low amounts for gently worn clothes, then turn around and sell them for nearly full price. However, it takes a bit of work, so I think it's really only worth it to bring in 30 items at a time (this is the max you can bring in without an appointment). I now live in Chicago but still have family in the area and continue to bring my clothes here because I trust the business. They have never screwed me over payment and I feel they are honest with what is sold versus not sold and then donated. Here are my tips for bringing in items: -First and foremost, items must be on hangers when you bring them in! They won't go through your stuff if it's not hung up. -Like I mentioned, you need an appointment if you have over 30 items (shoes, accessories, etc included!). Don't be a jerk - it takes them a while to go through and many people bring things in on weekends, so stick to the rules. -Make sure items are CLEAN and WRINKLE FREE. I usually inspect and steam anything I'm bringing in. This takes time, so it's another reason I wait to go until I have a lot of stuff piled up. They will NOT take wrinkled clothes. -If you bring shoes, make sure they are clean on the outside AND the inside. I have had shoes turned away for dark marks on the insoles. If you clean them out they will still take gently used shoes. -Only bring in items that are in season. They start to take winter stuff in like October, and spring stuff maybe in March. Call before to be sure before you lug anything in. -They will take some older styled things, but usually only if they are designer. I wouldn't really bother with vintage or something more than 2-3 years old unless designer. -They usually take career wear (blazers, skirts, pants, oxfords, etc) any time of year, but I have had some trouble selling career dresses in the winter (even though they go with tights). -In the past couple of years my experience has been they do not take destroyed denim or anything other than skinny fit jeans. Double check before you take denim in. -Sometimes, if one associate does not take your items, you can bring it in when another is working and they may take it. My mom swears by this but I don't care to waste my time! Chances are, if they pass the first time, no one will buy it anyway. -If you want your items back at the end of the consigning period, make sure to let them know, otherwise they will get donated. For the shopping experience, I'd give Karen's 3 stars (hence the 4 star average). While I do think you can find some good deals, especially when they have sidewalk sales, a lot of the items I find here are marked too high for a second hand shop. If I can go to a 'mall store' and get the item brand new for only $5-10 more, chances are I'm going to do that. Also, while they have gotten better about organization in the past couple of years with the expansion, it really is hard to find the good stuff with the way the store is laid out. You have to sort through a lot of 'why would they even take this' to find anything worth trying on. I've found a couple of good deals here items, but normally I just shop around to busy myself while they look at the clothes I bring in.

Lots of selection and different sizes and styles. The workers were kind. I found a few higher end…read morebrands for decent price. Some things can be overpriced though!

This is a legit grocery store/Thrift shop. I even was able to pick up bananas and garlic here too…read more I saw good onions, and bread and bakery items too. Great use of a large space and super friendly and helpful workers too! I was told it's Senior day on Tuesday, and they have a whole calendar of specials throughout the month. A nice female associate was the one who professionally interacted with me to tell me more about this place. If I still lived around, I'd shop here for food and clothes. And make my donations here too. So odd, I asked some folks entering here for a place to get garlic and all they suggested was a Meyer a nearby, but no way was I going to a Meijer for garlic. Glad I found it here. Maybe advertising at the register to the folks who shop here about the offering besides clothes would be a good idea. Unique thrift stores have in store "did you know?" announcements letting shoppers know about upcoming sales.

This place had some really amazing thrift finds! My fiancé and I found several pieces of clothing…read morein excellent condition that fit like a charm. He finds it difficult to locate pants that work for him, but he purchased 2 pairs of Izod pants for less than $5 each! I got some shirts and even nabbed some doughnuts on the way out. Our total was only $31! Despite the religious music playing the whole time we were there, the store was a really great place to go for cheap finds that keep more money in your pocket, but provides you with quality items!

Amazing value, superb selection, excellent staff. The owner is a fantastic woodworker who clearly…read moreloves the craft and the artform. Selection unlike anything else for a hundred miles or more, and tools for all levels of woodwork. Good prices for good wood, selection for the contractor to the artisan.

The helpless with an antique stifle table that split in a flood. Wonderful work. Price very…read morereasonable.

This place is really cute! Chock full of collectibles and used furniture. Some repurposed and…read moreupcycled decor--Crafts, candles , gifts-you name it!! I Got a great deal on a McCoy flower pot - I i collect shades if green and blue. Everything is clean and well displayed. A friendly young woman was behind the counter . This will be on my regular collectible shopping route!

I'm disappointed to see how many bulk, sub-par art materials that Hobby Lobby merchandisers in…read moretheir assortments. (Chinese 130lb watercolor paper? Seriously? FYI for non-watercolors t's out there - there Re standards... 90lb, 120lb, 140lb, 300lb etc.) They run regular sales of 30-40% off, but that just makes their pricing right on average with where it should be to complete with real art supply stores like Dick Blick. Be careful at checkout, too. Even though the price is marked at X, the checker may ring you up at X + 10% because "that's what the computer charged." Here's an example of pricing: individual student quality (Staedtler) watercolor pencil marked at $1.79, I was charged $1.99. I later was at Art Coop and they carried PRO quality watercolor pencils (Derwent) for $1.60 ea. I've visited Hobby Lobby for the last time. I won't be back.

I feel a little too much like my own mother spending an hour in a store like this; a store that…read moresells "fashion bandanas," fake flowers, foam stencils, and any number of other items that could easily be called "chotckes." However! Why did I spend an hour there? First I needed a frame. They had a bunch in the right size (Target had zero in the right size.) Then I needed some markers, brushes, and paints to reclaim the tiny drop of creativity I had in my life before I went to MIT. I was SHOCKED at how good the selection was, and how cheap. Then I thought maybe I would start making a scrapbook! This store made me want to start making a scrapbook! I barely made it out without a scrapbook! AH! Still doesn't meet muster for stationery (no premium papers or notebooks), but I'll be back. I know I'll be back. **Shudder**

Ed spent 2 hours with me to help me get the best mattress for my needs! I woke up with no back pain…read morefor the first time in years! I highly recommend Illini Mattress!

I had a great experience with the team from ordering to delivery…read more They made me feel like family and that's why I keep going back.

The owner was so nice and friendly, and she had so many interesting books and crystals.read more

I honestly had a great experience. There's so many genuine crystals here that I chose from. The…read moreowner is very helpful and will help you find anything that you need.

So many thanks to Zeba of Everyday Quilting! I purchased a Janome QMP 20…read morelong arm sewing machine with a lot of excitement but little hands on experience. I am thrilled with the capabilities of the machine and would recommend anyone looking for a longarm to try the Janome before buying another brand. I cannot express my gratitude for the service I have received since the purchase. So many phone calls back and forth, since I live close to two hours away from Urbana, to talk me off the cliff and advise me how to correct my operator error (testing tension, threading the machine and the ever so important winding and oiling the bobbin). If you want support after a purchase, find your way to Everyday Quilting! Many thanks, Zeba

Last week I posted a review that I was very disappointed in my experience at Everyday Quilting…read moreCompany. I would like to add to my review. The owner contacted me to follow up on that negative experience. She was, rightfully, concerned and assured me that this was not their usual attitude in dealing with their customers and would try to make sure that this does not happen again. I find it unusual and also commendable that an owner takes the time to address something like this. I look forward to giving my business in the future.