I'm not sure what the negative reviews are about. The place is small and yes there are a few items whose usefulness is...questionable. The selection is pretty good though, clothing wise, there are a lot of decent brand name clothes to find. I didn't get any clothes but I did find a rare book that's out of print for five dollars. I bought it quickly and it happily sits on my shelf. Thrift shops are like that, and sure, sometimes the selection doesn't turn out in your favor, but sometimes you'll find something. At least with this one you'll be able to browse pretty quickly. read more

So expensive for resale and the selection isn't great. They wanted $17 for a simple sundress.

This store is overpriced with a very small selection. They had a few sale items like old unpopular sized jeans for $1; however many of the items would not be considered "vintage". They have many items on par with typical Goodwill donations, but for 3 times the price. For example, a $38 Sonoma leather jacket from Kohl's. Regarding service, the clerk clearly did not plan to speak to me. However, I kept eye contact until she was forced to acknowledge me. At which point she said hello and I replied in kind. The next customer who entered received a much more enthusiastic greeting that I did. Towards the back, a male clerk walked by me several times, but also didn't speak. Overall, it's a cute set up, but not worth the time or the consideration of spending money. Especially if they can't be bothered to speak. read more

What a wonderful shop with an even better mission -- supporting Little Friends! This small resale store is filled with quality items at very affordable prices, and they frequently have great sales. It's clear that everything here is thoughtfully organized and chosen with care. A fantastic place both to donate to and to shop from -- I've found find great deals and supported an amazing cause! read more

I love going to this shop! Friendly and helpful staff. You never know what you will find here. Lots of interesting items.

I love this store. I usually drop off my donations in the back then drive around to the front to shop. The ladies that volunteer are very friendly and the merchandise is tastefully displayed. They do have a senior discount day too. I have purchased many vintage dish sets for my granddaughters. The store does not have the "resale store odor". read more

I popped into this resale shop a few times, when it was still located in downtown Naperville. It's been a while since I visited, and after seeing recent, glowing reviews, I decided to check out the new location. It's....bad. I mean, the place is beautifully merchandised and organized. But the prices? Big yikes. I expect wayyyyyyyy better from independent resale shops. When I first walked in, I was a little confused because the first size rack was medium. When you moved back, the sizes got larger...but I had to hunt to find the smaller sizes. It's a small store, so not hard to locate--it just felt like a weird set-up. But once I found my size, I was very disappointed with the offerings. Everything was really expensive for what it was. $8 for a suuuuuuper worn, pilling hollister sweater? $14 for a pair of slightly-faded Gap jeans? This is the pricing I expect of goodwill--not an independently-owned thrift store I'm not paying that much money for *clearly* used items. Of course, many items were in far better condition...with a matching price, to boot. I could buy a lot of the stuff brand new from the store at an end-of-the-season clearance sale, for just a few dollars more. I don't like buying fast-fashion first-hand, but it's more worth it to do that than paying the "second-hand" prices from here Plus the sales weren't well-advertised. The sign had already been pulled in from the sidewalk, which denotes the current sales (it was 230 and they close at 4). The only place the sale was visible was right next to the register, pointing towards the cashier, instead of towards customers. Nobody greeted me when I came in (which is fine, I don't care either way). But the next few people after me were greeted and told what the sales were, which is the only way I knew that even had sale items, before finally seeing the sign. While they certainly have some good brands you could find outside of target or Nordstrom, it definitely screamed "THRIFT GRIFT!!!!!!" Yes, the Naperville clientele are always willing to pay more money. But as someone who goes thrifting for the thrill of the deals, as opposed to thrifting for the uniqueness, this is 100% not worth the drive. It's far away from downtown, located on 59 which has the worst lights/traffic flow ever, and it's expensive. You're not going to find a diamond in the rough here. Unless you show up right when they open on a new "sale tag" day, knowing what deals are dropping, then don't make the trip. This place is fun to peruse all the cute things. But I wouldn't spend money, unless they seriously reconsider their pricing. Might as well call them a consignment store because they don't fall into the thrift/resale category whatsoever. read more

I walked in this store wasn't greeted ok no worries. I stood in front on a lady that was on her phone she was behind the register she never looked up. I wanted to donate some clothing. I begin to look around at some of the items. About 10 minutes went by two more people walked in she greeted them told them about the 1/2 sale of the blue tag clothing. I was like oh I didn't t know this was happening nor was I given the same information . I walked out. read more

Beautiful merchandise. Excellent value. Store is immaculate. And all the $$$ go to Little Friends --- a local non profit organization. I donate her. I buy here. Drop off a treasure and take a few minutes to find something very special. read more

Staff didn't even speak to us when my mother and I entered but seemed very cheerful and friendly to other patrons and spoke to all of them as they entered. The prices weren't very thrifty so I unfortunately didn't find much as I was hoping for. I'd give it another try but, again, if the staff thought that less of me then I'm more than happy to take my money elsewhere. read more

If you like otters, Serendipity has got an impressive (and very unexpected) selection of otter items. i walk in and I'm greeted my the cutest otter figurine ever. I wanted to buy it but at $35, I decided to try and hold off... though it's worth mentioning that it was marked down from $995. With the laugh I got from that alone was worth the trip in. There was also another large, framed otter poster in the back room and a stuffed animal as well... for those interested in acquiring the whole otter inventory here at Serendipity. The clothing selection wasn't huge, as the space doesn't really allow for it, but they had a large selection of antique and collector's dinnerware. The prices seemed pretty steep for most things, but I heard the woman working the store mention that they have someone on staff who researches the items and prices them accordingly. So, perhaps better if you're looking for something collectible for your curio/China cabinet, not so much for your personal closet or modern day living situation. On my visit, I wouldn't say the staff was overly friendly. At one point I was walking down an aisle that the staff member had walked into to hang something up or whatever, and she clearly saw me there, nearing the point at which she was standing, but chose to not acknowledge me in any way, not even move in a bit so I could get by. It felt a lot like she was knowingly (and rather ignorantly) giving me the cold shoulder and not allowing me to pass. Oh.Hell. No. You ain't Gandalf. Imma shove my way through just to prove a point now. read more

See all

Just dropped in on a whim and was pleasantly surprised by the selection of items in a very small place. Bought 2 fur coats that were in excellent condition at a very good price! I will definitely be stopping in on a regular basis! And for such a good cause! read more

Hunting for treasure is always fun! Like many other reviewers, I'm in agreement that this store does not seem to fit the rest of the downtown Naperville area--but I think that's what makes it great. The day that I visited they happened to have a buy one get one free for all clothing (except for blue tags--probably newer items?) Got 2 pretty dresses for my girls for $2.50 total---really can't go wrong with that. Just like with any other resale shop there was definitely a lot of random items that were kitchy and/or old--but with some time a great place to rifle through stuff. I was surprised by how organized the store was and can't wait to return to see what new interesting items they might have. read more

I can't believe people would write bad reviews about a place for such a good cause. I've been here twice and will be back. The prices are not high at all. I bought 7 items today (sweaters, dresses, etc) and spent $31. You can get jeans for $5! It's small and a bit cramped, but who cares!? Visit and buy! Volunteers working and sales go to a good cause. If you are looking for Walmart prices then go to Walmart! Lol And yes, there's a $10 minimum for charge cards...but come on people, they get charged to use this...so think about it. They are in business to make money, so they have to do this!!!! Stop complaining and spend your $10!!!! Or take cash, geez was that so hard? read more

Serendipity is definitely a hit or miss resale shop. It's in downtown Naperville, so they are getting tons of foot traffic and the opportunity to turn over inventory quickly. And the shop itself is very small. That being said, I still left this place with a tunic sweater from the Gap for only $6. It wasn't until I got excited about my purchase that I saw the "MINIMUM CHARGE $10 ON VISA/MASTERCARD" sign at the register. I asked the employee if this was still the case, and she said it was. She asked if I had any cash, and it's worth noting that she was very pleasant with me. I never carry cash on me, I like tracking my purchases on my debit card. My eyes darted around the store, thinking, there wasn't anything else I wanted. I thought about telling her to just charge me the $10 for the sweater (it's really cute...) Then, to my complete surprise, she shoved the sweater in the bag and said, "Here. Take it. It's on me." Hours later I am still blown away by this extremely kind act. Part of me felt very poor at that moment, but more than anything I was so appreciative and moved that people, retailers especially, DO NICE THINGS! I have a small bag of new jewelry (I used to be a home party consultant on the side), and at my next opportunity, I'm donating it to Serendipity. They also sell jewelry, shoes, and the back room was full of random housewares and Beanie Babies. And there was a huge rack of dresses for homecoming or prom that were in pristine condition. Five stars for the incredibly kind treatment I received today. read more

Watch the little old ladies behind the counter, there is one with a big attitude and constantly yells at children. Some of the prices are ridiculous in here, but I find the best athletic tops here, and you can not beat 25 cent toys to entertain kids. Lots of crafting things too, no furniture - they won't take it. read more

Serendipity is an adorable ALL VOLUNTEER run charity thrift store benefiting Little Friends. It's a Naperville treasure and so are the people who volunteer and the people it helps. You can find awesome deals on designer items, rare vintage pieces, prom or wedding dresses, business attire, and fun costumes or holiday garb. They accept almost all donations except furniture due to the space issues. Donate behind the shop in the alley under the stairs off of Washington or Main. read more

See all

THIS PLACE ROCKS~~ OK so it maybe small, but it has a little bit of everything. I found my childhood scooter there and immediately bought for my daughter. I found a couple of Disney VHS I picked up for a $1 a piece. Not to much on the clothes and still run by volunteers. Definitely worth the visit. Oh and I forgot to mention all proceeds to the Autistic school-- Little Friends for Autism. For more information see www.littlefriendsinc.org/serendipity read more

Definitely the best thrift store of the area and surrounding areas! I don't always find something there when I go but that's just how thrifting works it's going to be a hit or miss depending on what's been brought in and what's been scooped up. When I do make a find there it is always within a reasonable price range for good quality items. Also, people complaining about the $10 minimum for using cards need to realize that card processing for merchants carries a fee. Therefore when you go to small places that aren't corporate chains like goodwill and Salvation Army you're going to expect something of that sort. read more

There is always new and different merchandise in this clean, little, well run resale store that benefits Little Friends. This store needs donations, which I make, it also needs customers which I am. Every trip to downtown Naperville, we make a stop in this store if its open, there is always something your kids can buy here for a couple of dollars and sometimes something you may not have thought of for yourself. My elderly Mother picked off a "like new" Columbia windbreaker when she visited since she needed one that day. It hangs in my closet waiting for her next visit. This is one of the few remaining stores in Naperville that wasn't up-scaled or homogenized over the last few years. Train store gone, florist gone, gas grill and chimney repair gone, lamp sales and repair gone, movie theater gone, bowling alley gone, grocery store gone, independent pharmacy gone, antique furniture gone, Vet gone, bakery gone etc etc etc......................... read more

Just like any resale shop, it's hit or miss. Sometimes you'll get some great finds, like a retro silverware sorter that fit perfectly in my kitchen drawer, or my George Foreman grill. Other times, it's just not what you're looking for. But it's good prices for a great cause! (And the woman behind the counter doesn't yell at children if they're behaving). read more

A cramped resale shop on Jefferson with a random assortment of stuff. My friend found a pair of shoes for $5 but almost didn't make the purchase because of their "$10 and over on the charge card" policy -- even the woman at the counter comisserated and said that she knows from her kids that lots of people these days don't carry cash! I happened to have $5 though so the deal was done, but they really need to get with the times and change that... read more

I love this place! I went here yesterday and the woman working was so sweet. She accidentally dropped one of the earrings I was going to purchase and couldn't find it- it was being sold for $2- and gave me $2 off of my purchase because of it! It was so so sweet of her and she was so apologetic. The store was probably the coolest resale shop I've ever been in- some of the prices were just a tad high, but the quality of the items and their rarity made up for it! I got a really cool necklace by Guess for $12, cool vintage/artsy earrings, and 3 cool velvet jackets that were in cool colors and in great condition. There were super cool and unique dresses you wouldn't be able to find anywhere else. I am in love with this store and will definitely be back!! read more

This is an amazing business! A true gem, most other small thrift stores have closed in the suburbs, and I miss the charm of a good thrift store. This does it for me! I believe the prices are pretty affordable. A few items are overpriced, yes, but you can't expect volunteers to know everything about every product that comes in, and they also need to keep the doors open somehow! They also work with Little Friends, a valuable and necessary organization that helps autistic people find independence when many people turn them away. I am willing to pay a little extra on some items knowing that the proceeds benefit such a worthy cause, I don't appreciate those who complain about the prices when they are benefitting a charity. If you aren't there to contribute to the cause, don't complain! I have found some true gems, like old board games and books I grew up with that I wished I'd kept. I've also found an abundance of crafting supplies and many unique kitchen items. The clothing selection is small, but downtown Naperville is limited on space and I understand why they can't dedicate more space to it. This is a wonderful place with kind and generous volunteers (they always strike up conversation and always remember my North Central College student discount [10% off!]) that I hope will be able to stay open forever, as it is a place I often think of and adore. read more

This place is highly overpriced selling a bunch of miscellaneous junk that literally nobody in the history of humanity has every needed or wanted. Went in to see a customer and the lady behind the counter argue about the price of something. I spoiled a bunch of counterfeit goods that there's no way the staff couldn't have noticed. P A S S. read more

They are sweet and it is for a good cause. It made me go home and look through my closet and hidden aways for things others may use. Please others do the same. read more

This store is run largely by volunteers and the profits benefit handicap people. The stuff they sell is is pretty good shape. They have clothing and household goods, but not enough room for furniture. read more

For my 300th review (yay!), I've decided to write about one small, somewhat inviting, but out of place shop in downtown Naperville. This is a good thing. Amidst the fancy restaurants, gellato shop, jewelry stores and clothing boutiques is Serendipity Resale. Definitely a place to check out once in a great while. Not a frequent venture, for sure. The selection is mostly clothes from the 1980's, ceramic baby shower gifts and some house ware items. There is a back section that was full of old puzzles and toys. It reminded me of the toys that weren't called back after casting "Toy Story 3". Sad. But alas, Serendipity does benefit Little Friends, so it's worth shopping here if you find something nifty. read more

I love thrift shopping. Serendipity is a favorite of my Mother in Law and so we went to have a look. It is fantastic!!! The store is well organized and items are well displayed. Not to mention the fact that the items are great! This store must be a local favorite for donations - they have fantastic stuff at good prices. I bought a magnificent formal dress and Charlotte bought a set of dishes with plates for 18!!! Not to mention some amazing vintage cookbooks. read more

Cute family owned shop, while visiting they had buy one get one free all womens wear. Not the biggest selection but had a quality pieces in the bunch! read more

Every time I go here I find something. Staff is always friendly and kind. I always get great items for myself, my wife and my 16 year old son. A great store in downtown Naperville. read more