To the owner / front desk lady: Fix your face and don't eat in front of the customer while you're talking - This is basic etiquette. I had Zara, H&M, Steve Madden, J. Crew, Calvin Klein & even Kylie & Kendall clothing & shoes that I tried to sell. She didn't even take 2 minutes to look through my stuff. On top of that, she couldn't manage to abstain from stuffing her face with food WHILE STILL TALKING to me - rude and gross. She's much older too, you'd think she would know better. Don't waste your time here! Go to Crossroads for better service and better clothing styles. I just got $30 from selling with them today. Thanks for nothing! Also, for this being a consignment store, they sell a lot of new and EXPENSIVE things for kids. Honestly, I'm surprised they survived through the pandemic read more

I have been selling and buying here for about a decade. Tips: -bring in-season items -popular brands and current styles will help pique the buyer's interest -set items down at the end of the registers at the swinging door and leave your name -depending on the queue of people before you, get ready to window shop or take a lap around the block -when they are done they will call your name and tally up offering you 50% of the selling price in store credit or 40% in cash -buying is only weekdays now As a shopper, I have enjoyed spending the store credit and my own money at the shop: -expertly curated selections from infants to 8yos -new books and analog toys -gently used clothing - so cute and affordable -adult items are great too -organized and a little bit for everyone at every price point -also, FREE adorable gift wrap Service lovely and super knowledgeable on what is trending for each age group. They pay attention to the littles that come in and report back to the confused adults who are trying to gift them! I appreciate the insider info. Been a great spot over the years for gifts for the tiny humans in my life! read more

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Lauren's Closet was fun and exciting this year. I thought to give the clothing consignment exchange a "go" yesterday. After sorting through my yoga clothing that has been sitting in my drawers I thought maybe they'd want to sell some. Then after hearing that they're looking for a certain style, I understood: The LuLu's and smaller sizes. I actually have been a loyal customer and have had been frequenting Lauren's Closet for a recent couple of years aside from walking through this store when I was a child and I find cute kiddy stuff like coloring books, stickers, a cute sparkling headband that I love, and a ton of playful looking socks. However, it was mentioned to me that the exchange had been a bit stiff over 30 years ago when I was a child in terms of what they're looking for; and many years later I experienced it first hand yesterday. While I still enjoy browsing, I feel guilty now that inclusiveness is disregarded especially given I'm top heavy and busty. Meanwhile, I value supporting local businesses but based on my experience yesterday offering Gap, Victoria's Secret sport bras, Banana Republic, and a handful of *smaller* sized spandex shorts lightly worn, I understand it's an exclusive premier consignment store or that's what it seems like Lauren's Closet is going for. Value is in the eye's of the beholder. Prices are typically comparable to brand new clothing prices at bargain stores. They know their clientele and I don't fit the cut. There's nothing positive I have to say about the ownership of Lauren's Closet either. Same old attitude that I was warned of when I was a young child. Here I was just trying to give this local shop the benefit of the doubt. Spent hundreds here already. Not anymore. My clothes aren't their "style" so I'll excuse myself from the table. Message received. read more

Lauren's Closet - Regretting all my Lauren's Closet purchases right now - Used, Vintage & Consignment Near Me - Alameda, California

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This place has been in Alameda since I was a kid. I like that they've diversified from just clothes to now selling other unique items (socks/books/puzzles) for great gifts. Easy to sell items for cash or credit as well! read more

It would be nice is she was not giving the impression that she is racist. She is cold and not welcoming. She seems to "tolerate" a people of color but it's not a welcoming place. Sure she'll take your money when you buy (overpriced) items that you can get cheaper but she's not nice. It's best not to go back for us because when you're trying to support local business getting the cold shoulder doesn't show appreciation. If their business isn't important enough to be nice to all people then she will keep getting these reviews. read more

Lauren's Closet has been here for decades, selling gently used clothes, toys for babies, children. I didn't know nothing would fit me, not even close. Some items looked new like handbags, purses, accessories, children books, toys, games, shoes... I looked at the full shelves, peruse a few items which seem to be reasonably priced. During this time, i saw nothing in my range. Didn't require any service. Just directions to the back room. Didn't buy anything. If i needed to buy children's clothes, i know where to look now. Staff was attentive, courteous, busy at the front counter. 3.5 stars read more

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I always find great items for my son at Lauren's closet and the pricing is very reasonable. This past shop there was very low amount of stock in his size range, but maybe there aren't enough consigners in his size. The women's section was also very low on clothing options in my size, and I only run a 6-8. I would love to see clothing that does not run so small! read more

I don't think this place is particularly fair with their consignment collecting. The service was friendly when I was there on Saturday but there is usually an older woman working who is a bit prickly. I have always found something for my kiddos and I've been coming here for several years of fostering. I keep going back because there are not many consignment places. I'm happy the other one moved down the block. I take my clothes to that one. Plenty of good deals especially when you are looking For an event. read more

Lauren's Closet - Sign out front - Used, Vintage & Consignment Near Me - Alameda, California

Everything about the store was very nice, colorful, and the staff was very kind, and attentive.

I love visiting this shop while I am in Alameda. I am always able to find something for a birthday gift or clothes for my kids at very reasonable/dare I say cheaply priced? The clothes are always good quality. The kids items are great, they have lots of usborne books, ooly art supplies and other fun activities. read more

I brought in 4 large bags (tjmaxx reusable size) bags and the young lady working at the front counter greeted me nicely asked me to put my name down. She said there was one person in front me but I didn't think I would be waiting 1.5hrs. My mom used to bring clothes to sell years ago like early 2000's and it has always been known that the owner is very stuck up and not very friendly. But the cashier was super nice (not sure if it's her daughter) so I thought things may have changed. NOPE. When they were done with the clothes they just left it all there didn't even shout out or bother to tell me they were done even though I was just in the other room. I brought everything in neatly and organized. Yes they did take the majority of my daughter's clothes (4-5yrs) and a few baby clothes up to 12 months. When I saw the mountain pile of clothes that they were taking in I thought wow! The cashier then said our profit would be $100 you can take store credit for half $50 or cash $30. It was so disgraceful. Especially since the clothes they sell are not even good quality. They're selling a Walmart dress for kids, stains and all for 14.99 I don't damn think so lady. An old navy long sleeve shirt for 10.99 I could basically wash my floors with that rag that's how bad quality it is. And you want me to spend my miserable cash or store credit. Ain't no way ma'am. I had two kids with me so I didn't want to bother to bring everything back. Then she said whatever we didn't take will be on the side for you. Not only was I nice enough to wash, separate, fold I also organized the clothes before coming in!! And all the buyer did was throw them ON TOP of the bags, not even inside lol she literally just dumped the pile on top of the bags. This place is HORRIBLE and I would not dare to buy or sell here again. So not worth it. Save your time there a store right next door that has secondhand clothes as well and they actually have manners whether you are buying or not. read more

I had read the reviews before going in, and honestly, they weren't very good. Still, I wanted to test the waters myself. I'm not sure if the owner is just a shy person or genuinely a bit stuck up, but when I was leaving, her "bye" felt really forced. Me being the prideful person that I am, I wasn't about to say bye first. They didn't purchase any of my clothing, which was fine, but they did buy three pairs of shoes brand new Nikes, Dunks, Air Forces, and some Converse. From her age, it appeared she preferred older styles, which makes sense since that's pretty much what the store carries more classic looks that seem geared toward an older crowd. I do think having someone younger who's more up-to-date with current fashion trends could really help. On the bright side, the cashier was the sweetest! She looks like a student and was super kind and professional. I honestly hope they keep her there forever, because I don't think the business would run as smoothly without her. The store does have a great selection of children's clothes, so I'd definitely recommend it for that. read more

WHEN: Wed @11am PARKING: Street metered parking both in front and behind the store. I usually try to park on Park AVENUE for free street parking. Selling hours are 10am-4pm. You just bring your items to the cash register. They will take your name down and depending on how busy they are, it can take as short as 10 minutes! I come here to try and sell my clothes (women's shoes and clothings) and it's usually hit or miss since they are particular with what they will buy. I shopped around in the store while I waited and they have a lot of great items for babies, kids, and in the next room, gifts and clothes for women. The items range from gently used to brand new. Prices are pretty reasonable with lots of gift options! While I shopped I do hear a good amount of my items being rung up (tagged to resell). I came to the register once I was informed that I'm done and saw a decent pile on the counter. I was very pleased! I don't know what the guidelines are but it's usually 50% in store credit, or 35% in cash. However I was only offered $21 in store credit or $13 in cash. Which seemed very low for the amount of items they bought, which was: 1 Purse 1 Sun Hat 1 Nike Sandals 1 Shorts 3-4 basic new fitted Shirts I honestly am not bothered since I get how business is hard these days, and perhaps to keep the selling price affordable. I was just hoping for more is all. I'd still come back to try and sell what I can since I am purging anyway! So I'm happy with whatever amount I can get! read more

Attention Dance Moms and Dads: This is the only local shop in Alameda I could find that sells the ballet slippers, leotards, and tights needed for ABA and Tutu school. I started shopping here for kids ballet clothes and tights, because they have high quality Bloch brand shoes and tights along with a good selection of new and used dance clothes. I also bought some super cute baby clothes for a baby shower gift. When I asked if they give gift receipts, the shop owner asked if I'd like free gift wrapping service. I was blown away by how fancy she wrapped it. The only reason I deducted a star is because they need a serious upgrade to their website and online presence. I couldn't even figure out what type of clothes they sold based on their website or social media when I was searching online for a small biz option to buy dance wear. I had to come in person to browse the shops on Park St and discovered the dance section here. read more

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Store has some nice selection, decent price however the lady at the counter was not welcoming at all. She did not greet us, mind you the store was empty, while we were there she didn't even make an effort to acknowledge us. is as she was annoyed we were there. We grabbed two items and a younger lady helped us checked out i would not recommend this place at all. read more

This is the cutest consignment store! I find my thrifting overwhelming because there's so much inventory at places like Goodwill and h don't have the patience to sort through a million racks. The plus side is that Lauren's Closet is also more selective in the inventory they receive and sell, so it feels like I'm browsing through an already curated selection of items. It's much easier to look through a rack of 15 shirts in my size and pick out what I like. I've found really cute toddler girls dresses for $6-10 that would easily sell for $40 full price. As a mom of three kids, it pains me to pay so much for something they outgrow in a year, but Lauren's Closet is a good alternative and more eco friendly to boot! Service was friendly and helpful. I unfortunately live in the peninsula but I'll be back when I'm in the area! read more

We love Lauren's. I always find great WIDE shoes for my two year old here and they're typically only $10! The children's clothes are so reasonably priced. We've gotten great rain boots, velcro sk8 reissue vans, footie pjs, snow boots, rain jackets and so much from here! I see several bad reviews of ppl being upset bc the store isn't buying their donations, but they can only take in so much... they have to be able to sell what they have. Also it's usually a seasonal thing too. I hope people are able to get past not making money off the store and instead appreciating gently used items at a great price for our children that grow so fast and dirty clothes quickly! They also have jelly cat stuffies here which are the cutest most unique toys. This store also offers new items like books, socks, coloring books, toys etc if you're gift shopping. For my son's birthday they offered to put his stuffy and book in a cute bag with tissue paper and curly ribbon(: I also like that they have a women's side of thrifted clothes. read more

Lauren's Closet - Wishing our favorite store in Park street was open 24-7 - Used, Vintage & Consignment Near Me - Alameda, California

I came to Lauren's closet and snagged a couple newborn baby clothes!! In particular I was looking for jumpsuits and coveralls. There aren't many options online so i was happy to find some here!! There were baby gap, kate Quinn, carters and cat&jack. The ones I bought were $4 each! What a steal. They were all in good condition as well. Will definitely come back. This is definitely a curated place. Only wish I saw more options for toddler boys in size 2T, but I'm sure there will be more soon. I'm also surprised to see many commenters talking about the lady at the front. The one who assisted me today seemed quite nice. Thank you to Lauren's closet for providing affordable, cute, cozy baby clothes. It is getting expensive out here. read more

Cute little shop for gently used clothing! Love this place!!! Quite the variety of clothing for kids!!! The women/Junior section was cute. You could spend 2 hours pawing through everything and you're gonna buy at least 2 things!! Recommend this place for a quick shopping trip too!!! Love this clothing shop!!!! read more

What a gem! Run don't walk. I had such a pleasant consignment experience and loved everything they curate in store for babies to kiddos -- super kind staff and really well organized store! read more

Lauren's Closet - Used, Vintage & Consignment Near Me - Alameda, California

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In hindsight, I should have read reviews in advance (much regret that I did not). After recently moving here, my neighbor recommended me "donating" my child's lightly or non used items here. I approached a mature light haired lady behind the counter, and explained that it was my first time attempting to drop off my child's items. Without any other form of acknowledgement she immediately scoffed in my face (not even a "no" or a "yes"). I was surprised and confused because all the folks from Alameda have been so friendly. Poor customer service coupled with a salty attitude is not what I am accustomed to here in Alameda. I took my items next door to Mommy's Trading Post and they were more than welcoming. The nice gal said their Buyer was not available, but they would take items as a donation. I was so excited for the quick and kind customer service because donating was my initial intent. I will not recommend or return to Lauren's Closet because of the poor service from the older gal. Their store is pretentious, judgemental, and overpriced. 0 stars for Laurens Closet 5 stars for Mommy's Trading Post read more

Beware she is selling fake Labubus! If they are not legit, you should tell people. Don't pretend they are real. How does this place stay in business with these shady tactics is beyond me. read more

Amazing store, great selection, wonderful customer service, great owner and staff. I highly recommend this place.

The customer service is great and things are appropriately priced. Every time I go I never leave empty handed the quality of the clothes and shoes are great. Never disappointed with my visit here!! read more

I'm not sure how this place is able to afford rent on park st considering how uninviting the staff is and how they don't have a constant rotation of items around because they don't purchase things when people go in to sell their stuff... Walking in to no greeting or a tired glance over, sets the tone for the rest of your time in the shop :( read more

Love this place! So many great options for kids clothing of all sizes. They have both new and gently used items. My go to for my kids before buying new! Reasonably priced for quality stuff. read more

Super SUPER rude when buying clothes. OK - whatever lady. This place isn't exactly high end! I wouldn't bother. I brought in many pairs of pretty expensive jeans but Judging by her tacky skanky style she probably didn't know the brands I was bringing in. I brought a bunch of boys clothes too in decent shape - good brands. Pretty much EXACTLY what she has there- maybe they just have too many kids clothes... but just say that NICELY. No idea what the criteria is - and I would never know because she was pretty snippy and bitchy and dismissive. I have purchased there a few times and I had a few items in my hand to buy. So STUPID. You missed a sale! And ANY future sales from me. I don't spend my hard earned money where someone would treat me with such disrespect and unfriendliness. WTF Get over yourself. The clothes there are only OK - very very hit or miss most of it overpriced but they are in a great location so they benefit from that ....41 dollars for a pair of lightly worn Ugg's? Come on get real. I will never shop there again and will tell others not too either. Get a freaking clue on customer service!!! read more

Grateful Alameda has businesses like this. Pleasant staff and a more than adequate selection at any given time I've breezed through. Selective on consignments so prepare yourself. Remember it's their job to be choosy and cheap. Be thankful you can actually squeeze a buck out of second hand clothes. Better clothes, in season, is the secret to the seller. read more

Lauren's Closet, located right on Alameda's main shopping avenue, Park Street, is well worth the visit, despite what appears to be a concerted effort to bad-mouth the store. I'm sorry that some people trying to sell clothes left disgruntled, and at least one person couldn't find clothing in their size, but the poor reviews are misleading at best and inflammatory at worst. (Disclaimer: I have absolutely no connection with this retail establishment, other than buying a few gifts here over a couple of years, and I have no fiduciary connection or reason to leave a good review. Just saying.) The store is actually two segments, each with their own entrance, with one side specializing in toys and gift knick-knacks, the other side with gently used kids' clothes, books, and small gifts. What lights my fire is their wonderfully-curated selection of healthy cookbooks, especially the ketogenic and low-carb ones that I've been stuffing into stockings from the first time I walked by their sidewalk display rack. read more

I was really excited to learn about the store, I love Alameda and the Park Street location is convenient. I also love the idea of supporting small businesses, and who doesn't want to turn clothes that your child has outgrown into (of course less clothes, thats consignment) clothes for their current size? I went here once to check it out, and once again to sell some clothes. It's a smaller store, but has a small selection at all sizes, nothing super high-end, mostly Carter's some H&M, North Face, Nike etc. I was able to find a few cute items the first time I shopped. But the review is mostly based on my second experience, when I tried to sell clothes there. I called ahead to ask about when a good time would be and was told 10-4 during the week, so I planned my trip accordingly. I had brought two shopping totes full of clothes, all in good condition with brands including H&M, Levi's, baby gap, Janie & Jack, Old Navy, etc. there were two people ahead of me selling, so they said it would be a little while, so I shopped around. Within a few minutes, they told me they're all done and that they were not going to purchase anything because the styles were older than what they're currently buying for. I was a little surprised that they were able to look at my items that quickly, but when I went to pick up my bags, it was clear that they did not look inside at all. My girlfriend was with me, and said she saw that they didn't bother looking at all and just looked at the top item in each. She was going to buy her son a gift, but was so turned off by what she observed that she put it back. Honestly, I find it very disappointing, and a little disrespectful of my time. If nothing fits with their buying strategy that makes perfect sense, but at least have the courtesy to take a look at the items I packed and brought. read more

Very dishonest store owner here. My wife turned in several high quality clothes over the years and racked up about $31 worth of store credits and meticulously kept the receipt. Today, my wife attempted to cash in the store credits for a purchase but the owner would not honor it. She accused my wife of documenting the store credits by purchasing the receipts from OfficeMax! We have two different receipts, one more recent than the other, and they have the exact same handwriting. The lady is a fraudster, taking people's goods, promising them store credits, and then not honoring them. read more

Lauren's Closet - Used, Vintage & Consignment Near Me - Alameda, California

No cos when I say this is the worst place to sell your things I mean it LOL I called them Friday to ask what items they are looking to buy and they said "winter clothes" so I came in Monday bringing exactly that in a cardboard box and a big bag - Had like under 50(?) items and they said while they take a look at all the clothes I brought, I can walk around and they will call me - 20 mins after no one called me so I went back up and they were done and just reading a book???????!!!!! I had to ask "hi are you done?" for them to look up at me and say "yes, we don't want anything you brought.....thanks tho" - so I'm irritated and ask what they are actually looking for and she says "SKI CLOTHES" now why they couldn't tell me that when I first called on Friday, wasted both our time and now my money on the back parking lot for the meters. Listen to the reviews about the owner being rude cos she definitely was and on top of that super unwelcoming. Literally half the reviews here are about her being rude, dismissive and just being BUNK and they are true lol read more

I buy all of my young elementary daughters' friend birthday gifts here. We're likely here at least 1-2 times a month. I love their selection of Jellycat and other cute stuffies, great books, cute inexpensive jewelry and trinkets, and their used clothing. They also gift wrap beautifully. My kids and I love Lauren's Closet! read more

Kind workers, good deals, we go there all the time and always end up buying good clothes. Appropriate amount of clothing of each type for style. Would recommend. read more

Great store for new & gently used kids clothes. I was surprised at the selection of kids items at this store. The used items were in excellent condition & affordably priced. Defiantly will return for all my child needs. read more

Lauren's Closet - Used, Vintage & Consignment Near Me - Alameda, California

I am an avoid thrift shopper and love to help the environment by selling my clothes to consignment stores that deal in secondhand clothes. As a plus sized woman I was hoping to be able to buy and sell clothes at Lauren's since it was close to my home. I brought in 4 bags of top brand clothing and great condition to sell. After less than a few minutes of them looking at what I brought they told me they didn't want any of it. When I went to grab my stuff I could quickly tell they didn't look past the first bag into what I had brought. They saw the sizes and didn't want it. Looking around the store in the women's section I could tell they didn't carry anything beyond size 10. This is such a missed opportunity for them and the community of women looking to shop there. Disappointed I will not be returning. read more

Great service and nice people. Picked up race bib and was kind and fast service. Can't wait until next years race

The lady working there was very very rude!! If she wanted to reject the new high end clothes that's fine but this condescending discrimination is not called for. It's shocking how she could still even be in business!Unless you want to be treated poorly, don't bother with Lauren's Closet! read more

My wife loves coming here. She usually finds a hidden gem or two in the used section. This place has huge potential, but I agree with most of the other reviews that the owner is just flat out rude and it has the trickle down effect on her employees. We wanted to purchase something that they were all out of besides the one in the window display. She acted as if we asked her to run a marathon or something. I'm willing to spend the extra money down the street at monkey bars. read more

Lauren's Closet - Kids play room - Used, Vintage & Consignment Near Me - Alameda, California

This was actually a gift for my daughter-in-law that lives five hours away. I picked this randomly. I wanted to surprise her. She had been there before and loves it and loved her gift certificate. I will definitely come here again. read more