Let me start by saying what I wish I knew years ago. THIS IS A GOODWILL STORE! Retrospect is owned by Goodwill. They pull all the vintage items out of their donations and send them here to be up-charged to high heaven even though they acquired all the items for free! Ever wonder why you can't find affordable nice vintage pieces while at Goodwill anymore? It is because they were all sent here! They used to hide the fact that they were a Goodwill store super well, but recently I noticed that their POS system had the Goodwill logo, and when I asked the staff member about it she confirmed exactly what I'm saying. There are many other vintage stores that are curated and sourced all over the city. Support those small businesses who invest in their craft over Goodwill, a large corp that gets all its inventory for free. read more

I have been shopping at this place for the better part of a decade if not longer, and it was never that great but it is really gone to crap. Keep in mind this is nothing more than Goodwill. Literally it's a Goodwill store that they send their potentially more valuable items out too. Everything is always overpriced and I've certainly gotten used to that. I've also had numerous incidents like buying a record that was in the window display and being told. I had to pick it up a month later only to come back to get it and be told they had sold it to someone else, but they refused to give my money back and I had to accept store credit. But I went in today and they literally have a security guard working in the front door and like, I'm done. It's just a wholly unnecessary situation and it makes me feel uncomfortable. We especially don't need a white guy in a security uniform in a city that is more than half black and brown people , it's a freaking Goodwill for fuck's sake. Security guard at Goodwill. No thanks, I'm done. read more

Great place for all vintage stuffs. They have a lot of shoes modern and older. Some even new and never worn! The place gets their stuff from good will donations as well as other sources. Curated, neatly displayed, lots of things to look at. Paintings, household items such as vase, cups and more. Anything you see hanging there is pretty much for sale. Prices are overall above average. Kinda wish they're a little cheaper but the good thing is if things are there for more than 2 months it's 50 percent off. They have specials on Monday too read more

Beautiful items and very cool retro finds. The staff was very friendly and recommended a delicious place for dinner.

So much great vintage stuff!!! The store just keeps going and going! Friendly staff too!

Very good selection of items, has shoes, clothes, furniture, and other knick knacks and trickets. Very well curated and the employees are kind and helpful. For some reason the receipt says goodwill on it? Lol read more

Retrospect - Fitting room photo and some stock - Used, Vintage & Consignment Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Retrospect has been around a long time, and it's honestly a faithfully good vintage store. You could probably go thrifting and find some of the things you would find here, but I think they do a good job of curating specific vintage items and keeping them semi-affordable. I did feel like this is a particularly tourist-y spot these days, despite there being some other terrific and more unique vintage spots that are off South Street. With it being somewhat of a small store, it did feel like tight quarters. That said, the person working that day greeted me on arrival and was kind to patrons who entered. I can't take that for granted given that at some nearby stores the employees don't even say hello. read more

I stopped by Retrospect Vintage with a very specific mission: find an outfit that would work for a virtual murder mystery party character, Ms. Teal, for $25 or less. Since there is truly no time like the last minute, I stopped in on a Tuesday at 7:45 (15 minutes before they close - I AM SO SORRY) in the hopes that I would find something for my Thursday evening event. When I walked in, I was so pleased to find a section of dresses towards the front organized by color! They had something in every shade of blue imaginable, including TEAL. I was in luck and had a solid 3 options that would work from the inventory on the rack. I found an incredible dress with shoulder pads that I knew would bring my character to life. While heading up to the counter, I noticed their display of sunglasses and couldn't help but accessorize. I manage to stay within my budget, coming in at $25 exactly. The staff was very kind as I checked out, not at all mad for my incredibly tight time of entry. I did peruse the rest of the store and noticed a great selection of Philly sports jerseys, shoes, hats, jackets, and so much more. Retrospect truly has something for everyone! read more

Very interesting place where you can find some nice little things for a cheap price! I was very lucky to find a vintage tea cup for $4 to match with the rest of my tea set from Royal Albert! There are also old typer and vintage clothing items if you are into them! Will come back to test my luck again! read more

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Not going to write an essay here but Retrospect is one of my favorite vintage shops! This place is an actual vintage shop which means you wont be buying junk from 2000 but actual stuff that I would say is definitely pre-1990. Everything here is neat and even color coordinated! They sell clothing for both men and women and have a nice selection of boots and shoes. Not only are the clothes unique and one of a kind but they also have fun housewares, furniture, and nick-nacs you wont find anywhere. Prices are decent too! read more

Retrospect - Awesome vintage find! - Used, Vintage & Consignment Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

PHILADELPHIA YOU DON'T KNOW HOW GOOD YOU HAVE IT. I vintage hunt frequently and this is one of the best vintage spots I've ever shopped in. Loves: + The women's clothing section is organized thoughtfully by color. If you walked in and needed a red dress, BOOM. Its honestly quite amazing that it isn't just a hot mess of random stuff clumped together. + Diversity of sizes. Not everything here is just a size small. + From head-to-toe, you could assemble an entire outfit here. Dress, shoes and accessories. This is a perfect place to visit with a friend, set a budget, and see what happens with an outfit for a night out. + The inventory wasn't just crappy secondhand items. They really had wearable art of unique items, excellent condition furs and leathers, and perfect sequins (as a sequin lover, sometimes sequin pieces will have missing gaps, but everything was perfect here). + Quirky items, like a bookcase full of vintage polaroids and cameras. + They have a spacious dressing room to try things on. I'm the photo queen and I regret not taking more photos here. I guess I was just smitten with all the treasures and too busy to snap. I bought a fabulous 80's dress with sequin polka dots for $15. It's one-of-a-kind fun. I'll absolutely be back the next time I'm in Philadelphia! read more

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I'm sad to give Retrospect a 4 star - but they've changed and moved since I was there last. The old space was waaaay larger, yes maybe a little less organized but also larger selection - and had a MUCH larger housewares selection. I am one of those vintage book weirdos that loves to just sit on the floor and browse awesomeness. Piles of old craft books, piles childrens books, piles of cook books - kitsch heaven. And what seemed like endless boot options, darling dresses, fairly priced vintage tees. I fondly remember a charming pair of dishes with felt faces I let get away.. (see photo!) Don't get me wrong, they still have wonderful affordable treasures at Retrospect - and some books. But the quantity has gone down significantly, and with a place like a thrift store less options can mean a shorter and sometimes a disappointing trip to the store. This last time I was on the fence about a $4 vintage illustrated BBQ instruction cookbook, and a $12 black worn in leather belt with a snap for buckles. Shoulda got both If you are still thinking about it 4 days later. Price got in the way this time. read more

Retrospect - Used, Vintage & Consignment Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Bought some great camo pants from here for $14! Cool place with a great atmosphere. Almost purchased this bug eyed beauty but put her back at the last minute. Will be coming back! read more

Retrospect - Used, Vintage & Consignment Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I make it a point to come to this place whenever I'm in Philly. I don't go in looking to get something specific, yet I always come out with what I need. It's a bit of a hit or miss for me, clothing-wise, but when they hit they hit. I love that they sell books and vinyls here. I found a massive Beethoven book, a painting, a copy of Dante's Inferno with etchings and a Cashmere overcoat here on my visits here over time. Great spot on a great block. read more

Finally revisited this shop after being in LA the past three years. Starting to look a lot like my grandmother's house on acid since I last visited. Is it me or has the amount of stuff/kitsch/tchotchkes somehow mutated and reproduced at an alarming rate? I mean, way to go trying to switch things up, but I was convinced I was going to trip and die at any point on many numerous paint by number paintings and cat shaped trinkets. They just can't seem to get enough of that crap there. Prices have jumped here. Staff is rude when they actually decide to acknowledge your presence.Asked a girl a question and she looked at me like I just kicked a puppy. I am glad they finally have a decent selection of women's hats. I was going to buy a few but then realized I'd have to have contact with one of the replicant sales girls so I decided to go to AIDS Thrift instead. I did find their unrelated sister store in LA (Meowdy). Another place where too small shoes, tripping over things and overpriced cat knick knacks is king. read more

Test the knew update review option on something that I've been meaning to change? Don't mind if I do. The last time I reviewed here I was a little too excited by the fact that I scored a necktie with skulls on it and a pair of boyscout cargo pants that actually fit me (they hardly do anymore. le sigh!) for a pretty awesome thrift price. But reading about better thrift spots on here, and having friends teach me how to become a better Thrifter (Thanks Julianne!) have made me see the light about here. While you will come across some overwhelming finds if your diligent enough (read: a skull print necktie and a pair of boyscout pants that might actually fit you!) and of the stuff can be overpriced crap. And while they do a good job of bringing in vintage retro, a lot of it can be of the variety that you would rather not remember. But the possible treasures make it worth a visit every now and then. and They do bring in some good furniture, and some humorous knick knacks like bad VHS movies and old kitchen glasses. read more

It's like a clean Salvation Army. I kind of get scared coming in here, because now some of the "vintage" things I see I've worn in high school! I saw a pair of pants that I used to borrow from my mother in here! I almost bought the pair, but I digress. A good selection of everything, the first time I came here I walked out with a great dress that I get compliments on all the time...and it was on the SALE rack!!! I like that not only do they have clothing, they have accessories and home stuff too, so it's like something for everyone for things you don't need! read more

Great store! Lots of things to find with a big selection of both clothing and home goods.

This is the consignment shop from people who usually don't do consignment shopping. The real thrifty Philadelphians go elsewhere for better deals and a more unique selection. However, this is a good place to browse and you will definitely leave with one good thing. There is a pretty big selection (men's too) in an organized environment and it is never too packed. read more

Retrospect - Used, Vintage & Consignment Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I adore Retrospect! My friend took me to Retrospect a few years ago for the first time and since then I am a big fun of their finely curated selection of treasures. They have from vintage ceramics to furniture to shoes to clothing. I always look into their fur coats, women's tops and dress, and shoes. They always have really nice shoes for both men and women. The people who work at retrospects are always friendly and welcoming and makes me feel good when visiting, and I think it is very important reason why I love retrospect. read more

A dreamy vintage shop. They have so many genuine vintage pieces, and their houseware section is wonderful as well. It's not super cheap thrift shop prices, but the quality and cleanliness make up for it. Great shoe and sunglasses section too. read more

This is such a cute little shop! My friend and I popped in yesterday to beat the ridiculous heat during a Philly trip, and if we hadn't taken PATCO in, I definitely would've purchased some glasses. Prices didn't seem to be too bad. I even saw a $5 clothing rack. One day, when I drive into the city, I'll definitely be back to peruse for longer! read more

What a lovely little shop! Always something new and shiny to buy and enjoy. Lately the store has more furniture and house goods( such a delight ). Thanks for all the great stuff I found over the last year! read more

Retrospect - Scored this vintage scale a while back! - Used, Vintage & Consignment Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Love, love, Love Retrospect!!! It's my favorite vintage store in Philadelphia. Stopped in yesterday and purchased the cutest hat! Staff is always friendly. I always leave with a cute outfit. A little disappointed that they raised the prices on their sunglassez. They are now $16 :( read more

Retrospect - Used, Vintage & Consignment Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

In the time it takes to rummage through the racks and piles and heaps of clothing, shoes, furniture, artifacts, records, and accessories, you might be better off checking out Philly AIDS Thrift around the corner...where their supply of second-hand is cheaper and oftentimes, better. In fact, their stuff is as close as you can get to free. Back when I used to believe in love and relationships, I'd make a weekly trip to Retrospect. It had nothing to do with my relationship, but it was just during a time in my life when things had meaning and I was a sappy romantic. Now, I'm much like their clothes: worn, torn, used, and abused. I give them four stars though, because even though I grumble while paying for a tattered ten dollar t-shirt, I love the feeling of worn cotton. Much like I love puppies and pickles. I'll be paying them a visit to see if they can help with my Halloween costume. Tis the season! (ps. I'm not actually worn, torn, abused, etc. It was just me exaggerating, guuuuys. sheesh. Thanks for the concern though :) read more

I found this pamphlet lying outside this store and after reading it I immediately made it self-combust. But unfortunately I was able to retain the information. Read at your own risk... HOW TO WORK AT "RETROSPECT"? 1. YOU MAN... a. HEIGHT AND WEIGHT AND STUFF Um... first off you have to be somewhere between six foot to only about six inches after that. Any taller or shorter please just go home and listen to Kate Bush. If you are proper height, you should weigh anywhere between 90 to 118 pounds. Any fatter you shouldn't be able to fit through the entrance and same goes for customers. FYI. Our clothes go from X9 Small to 1/4 Medium. And if you weigh any less you should be in a hospital man. That's just gross and anorexic shit! b. ATTIRE Everyday wear tight black or dark blue jeans. If they are any other color you can only do it once in a while. When you are in a brave cool mood and say something along the lines of "Like I don't want to be like the rest of you today man". Also glasses work, wavy hair that is unkept but you should still make sure it was styled to look that way. If you actually woke up with your hair like that, that is so not cool man. Oh and last PLAID SHIRTS PLEASE. That goes for customers too. NO PLAID SHIRTS. NO SERVICE! Hats arn't required but headbands say "That looks like a guy I'd ask to come to the "CSS" concert with". c. ATTITUDE Please just stare into space but look meaningful but not too deeply. You want to look important but also like deep but not. Never really smile. Even if the customer says something funny. That shows that you care and we at Retrospect only care about looking good. Talk to customers that start a conversation with "Hey...", "Uh...", "Mixtapes...", "Triangles", "Beep boop...", and "Snacks...". If they should say anything without these words in it? Accept the fact they were cool when John Mellencamp was John Cougar.... EEEWW! Bonus points for those who don't know whom either of these people are. d. SERVICE If a customer asks for assistance point to a random end of store and yell "Someone over there knows man!" If they're a woman, please still say man because it sounds cool I guess. Besides woman is too many ssyllables. 2. OUR MISSION STATEMENT To serve everyone with equal uninterest by selling stuff that people before "Oasis" wore at a price that probably wasn't how much it was then plus equal to the price of a new item at H&M and remind ourselves not to wear what the customer has just bought. PLEASE SIGN ON THE LINE BELOW IF YOU WANT BUT IF YOU DON'T THAT MEANS YOU HAVE ALREADY PASSED THE TEST AND ARE NOW EMPLOYED! CONGRATULATIONS! AND WELCOME TO RETROSPECT! DID YOU JUST SMILE? YOU'RE FIRED... ...MAN!!!! read more

Excited to go to the store after Covid, missing friendly store person... it was expensive and unpleasant. The manager or a owner was rude, others are just working as a job, there was no fun vintage vibe. It was not the experience we had nit expected. Boring. Don't recommend the place. read more

More often than not if the ole gal's on the sauce she'll brag about having visited 47 outta our 50 states. "And I'm not talking about dipping a toe! I'm talking bout seeeeing places, doin things!" Oooh self, how you embarrass me... I haven't visited Maine, Hawaii, and Alaska...yet. So why buy souvenir t-shirts repping places where I've never set foot? I'll tell you why, and the answer ain't "irony." On a thin, soft lilac colored Alaska shirt was printed a couple of puffins under a rainbow. I needed it. I also needed a gray Maine tee with a moose in a hammock with a message reading, "Maine, life in the slow lane." I know that they were overpriced ($13, $11) but...come on! I needed. Sometimes I get stuck in a look like it's my uniform. Retrospect was there for me through my 80's 3/4 sleeved baseball tee phase. Kauai 88 is a favorite from a past Retrospect shopping sojurn. Retrospect was there for me during the space-dyed 70's sweater obsession years. Let me not act as if these fixations are finito. I just have a handle on em...sort of. Retrospect has also been known to have a hearty supply of eclectic home decor and kitchenware too. Oooh children, I've seen so many deviled egg plates and cross-stitched cryin clowns... The new Retrospect location is smaller in a good way. The space is brighter and seems to be more organized. Steep prices for thrift store threads is still an issue, but I'd still say it's worth a whirl if you're in the neighborhood, you may find something that you cannot live without. Put on your peruse shoes. read more

I can't believe these people are complaining! I snagged a pristine pair of classic kitten pumps for $14.00, and a timeless 70's floral printed mini dress (paired with a belt it is BOMB) for $12.00. These are good prices. Retrospect boasts an intense selection of vintage/second hand clothing, and anyone that takes issue with the prices has got to get their butts to NYC. You will find that most large vintage spots rob you blind - and somehow manage to do so with terrible selection. Not only does Retrospect carry some great threads, they've got awesome vintage furniture and housewares. Flowery Pyrex, velvety furry chairs, bric-a-brac, and flatware galore. I was seriously in heaven. I'm considering taking a trip every other weekend. It seems that Retrospect is exactly where I need to go to refresh my wardrobe. Words uttered from my boyfriends mouth upon entering: "It's like I'm in your closet!" That's a good thing, people. read more

Retrospect is the "vintage" arm of Goodwill Industries, who use all the revenue generated from donated goods to create work training programs for people trying to better their job prospects and lives. That reason alone justifies the slightly higher prices you will find here, as opposed to rummaging places like Thrift for AIDS where finding a gem is more of a needle/haystack proposition. Other reviewers have noted that furniture, housewares, arcade games and books are the strongest departments; clothing is most definitely hit-or-miss for the price, but certainly worth a look when strolling down South St. I picked up a natural-colored, small leather purse with a long strap here a few years ago and I use it ALL the time. The thin strap was worn through so I reinforced it with some button-hole twist thread, and bingo, compliments galore. If you enjoy the treasure-hunt aspect of thrifting and understand that your dollars are going to help people, Retrospect is definitely worth a look. If you only want to pay fifty cents per item, walk on. read more

no way. I don't like for several reasons. Part of what i love about thrift stores (besides the catered-to-my-salary-prices) is the process. You have to work for your finds, and thusly, you feel a sense of accomplishment and connection to those goodies you find in a pile of crap. Retrospect not only takes that away, it also charges you for it. Hugely inflated prices for stuff that I could buy for half (if not less) the price around the corner at aids thrift, or up in my area at second mile. Retrospect, i give you two stars (not just one) only because you are a thrift store, and i believe in re-using goods, rather than throwing them out. Maybe you once meant well, but greed has gotten in the way of what i hope was once your larger dream of helping to save the earth one vintage print shirt at a time. read more

I got a cute shirt here about 3 years ago at the old location and some great jewelry recently here, and whenever I'm vintage shopping around South Street, I always stop in. The only reason I've given Retrospect two stars, or any stars, is because their selection is pretty good, and I've found some steals, especially in jewelry. I noticed that a lot of people from New York rated Retrospect, and I can't say I'm surprised. No Philadelphian will stand for this kind of service outside of Pat's or Geno's. Every time you walk in, there's either four employees or one employee and her identical looking friends sitting at the front of the store. But they're only at the front to catch shoplifters or for the light I guess, because God forbid they're actually there to greet you, the paying customer! Sometimes when I walk in I try my hardest to kill them with kindness. I will intentionally try to make small talk with them, especially if I'm the only customer in the place and there's nowhere to run. It's always topical store-related conversation like "Why the move?" or "Get anything good in lately?". But, I might as well be asking the employees what their social security numbers are or the last time they got tested for STI's. Whenever I purchase anything, I always make sure to smile at the cashier and thank them. Then when I leave I make sure to say goodbye, sometimes even wish them a nice day. In the world of Retrospect, this is also a mistake. Honestly, the staff is so much nicer at the vintage place around the corner where they make you hand over your bags and put them behind the counter upon entry. The staff is nicer anywhere really. I will never understand why a small business in America's worst recession since the Great Depression chooses to operate this way. If I had a cool job at a cool vintage store on a cool street in a cool city I would try to keep my job and maybe make sure my place of employment doesn't close down because it's scared away all the customers. But maybe if we all keep on staying hello, one day they'll say hi back, or at least acknowledge our presence, being the gross, lowly customers we are. read more

Plus- Everything you touch is gonna be GOLD. Minus- You're gonna pay a mint for it. Dear Amazing Tangerine Suede Vintage Boots, Mama's gonna get a job soon so, you can come home and live on her feet...where you belong. M. read more

Dear Retrospect, Who needs ya?! Not I. I've got my Circle Thift! My Sal Val! My Goodwill! Retrospect is for the "lazy thrifter" who would rather go into a store to find hip and trendy crap that was hand-picked by Goodwill employees and overpriced out the wa-zoo! No thanx, Retrospect. I'm partial to digging through racks and piles of crap until I find that same $2 owl picture that you were trying to charge $20 for. read more

I was told I would absolutely LOVE this place based on my style and shopping habits. Boy were my friends wrong. I walked in feeling really good with racks and racks of what looked to be great vintage clothes. Aside from it being overpriced, as previously mentioned, the selection is a bunch of junk. It's QUALITY not QUANTITY people. I didn't find one thing in this whole place I wanted to take a closer look at, and I volunteer at Philly AIDS Thrift, so you know I'm real good at finding junk. I'm sure people find good stuff here, but this place did not win me over enough to get me to want to ever come back. read more

I am beginning to find some cool knick knaks and other brick-a-brack at Retrospect. I'm still not thrilled at the prices for some stuff, especially since you still can find things a lot cheaper at PAT if you are willing to spend the time in the hot and humid air, but there have been things worth spending money on. I will admit that the Old City vintage shops are real whammys on the wallet compared to what you find here and the furniture selection is a real steal considering their near flawless conditions. I'll have to keep giving them a chance. read more

Retrospect is fantastic. I have to really be in the mood to go through all the racks, but when I do, it's great. They basically pre-shop for you, and so things are a tad pricier than the average thrift-store, but it's worth it. I actually think this is a better place for guys - whenever I go with guy friends, they always manage to find great button down shirts or blazers for next to nothing (probably because most guy clothing never goes out of style). I've found fun t-shirts here over the years. If you're looking for designer labels, they have slim pickings, but there's a rack right near the cash register where they segregate them out. read more

I really don't get the lack of love for this place. Ok, maybe it's not crazy cheap, but I hardly think their prices are out of line. I think that you'll enjoy this store much more if you don't think of it as a thrift store. It's somewhere between thrift and vintage. Thiftage? Yes, thiftage. Plus, it's spacious, has a huge selection, and is eminently shoppable. I'm sorry, but I'm willing to pay a couple bucks extra for a store that gives me a pleasant shopping experience. Not to mention the friggin fact that usually at least one item that I find has the magical 50% off cutout, making it all the more reasonable. And who is complaining about the staff? They're always nice to me, even though I act like a slow person every time I get to the cute boy at the register! Come here. Marvel at the color organization. Get sexified. Ignore the haters. PS They're totally losing the fifth star for being part of Goodwill. Eff that noise. read more

I've never made a purchase that I've regretted from here. Whether you're style is 70's, 80's or 90's you'll be able to find something you like. I'm really into crop tops and knickknacks, this is my store. It's been a while since I've walked out of here empty handed. Prices are pretty moderate, I'd say that most pieces range from $12-14, not too shabby. The knickknacks are pretty cute, between kitschy pictures of the last supper to over-sized wooden spoons (i stopped myself from buying them!) you'll always find something to make your home a tad bit better even if you weren't expecting to! Follow them on instagram (@retrospectvintage) to see what new items will be in the store that day as well as for surprise sales! read more

Eh. Retrospect is really hit or miss. More miss than hit, if only because so much stuff there is overpriced for not being in great condition. There have been times I've found some fantastic stuff there, like sweet old Puma sneakers, jellies, a ridiculously warm pink wool sweater, Mavi jeans for $14, like-new Chucks, and a swingy high-waisted skirt, but that's the full list of things I've gotten there, and I've probably been there 50 times in the last 5 years. Not a great visit to purchase ratio, right? The salespeople are friendly-ish...they don't usually help at all, and they're really aloof and hipstery, but they make okay conversation when you get to the counter. Oh, yeah, and I saw Olivia Thirlby from Juno there once. read more