Look for the bare necessities The simple bare necessities…read moreForget about your worries and your strife I mean the bare necessities That's why a bear can rest at ease With just the bare necessities of life I couldn't resist. Who doesn't love a good sing-along? First off, do not mistake this place with the Bear Necessities in RPCC/RPU that is often also called "Bear Nasties": two totally different places. Bear Necessities has almost everything that you need. When you're stranded in the desolate Ithaca, you must rely on places like these and be resourceful. They have similar merchandise to The Cornell Store but at more reasonable prices. I actually find that their Cornell apparel is more stylish than the ones offered at The Cornell Store. Although it is a pretty small place, it is more convenient (if you live in Collegetown, it is right next to Collegetown Bagels) and also has longer hours than going to The Cornell Store. It is often run by a father and his young son and an additional employee, but they're nice and helpful. Whether you're looking to strut your Cornell pride or get the ever popular "Ithaca is Gorges" (and its variations like "Ithaca is Gangsta" or "Hotelies are Gorges" etc.) in every color of the rainbow, this is your answer. They have a number of Cornell branded souvenirs and office supplies. Although it is a small establishment, they have a wide selection. They also buy back books at the end of the semester and offer cash in case Kraftees or The Cornell Store do not give you good prices. You're already giving an arm, leg, and your firstborn child to pay for your Cornell tuition. Use your ivy league education, and save some money at Bear Necessities. It is a more affordable option to get your Cornell attire, and no one will be able to tell that you didn't pay a fortune to get that Cornell hoodie.

Cheaply made but expensive clothing that feels like it's already 5 years old when you buy it new…read more You could get better quality clothing in a roadside flea shop in Africa. They refused to accept a return within the time allowed by claiming that I had washed the clothing. I didn't expect much better than this store, whose only purpose is to price gouge Collegetown residents, but this is ridiculous.

There are tons of options here for kids and baby gifts...Really cute stuff too…read more I personally think you should be really personable when in a little shop like this. I walked in carrying my son and we were looking around...he is a baby and all...Not even a hello from the woman working there...I got more greetings while walking around town that day then in this shop

My grandma's favorite store. No it's not cheap but there are too many cheap places in this area and…read moreit's hard to find places that sell nicer brands like they do here, so I truly appreciate that.

The sales associate was rude and seemed very dry unhappy. We tried to make small talk while we…read moreshopped around. The prices are really steep and it's tough to find any items under $100. I almost bought a very expensive patagonia jacket and decide to sleep on it. As I walked out of the store the owner accused me of stealing a hat. There was a dozen cameras all over this tiny store and she was staring us down while we shopped. Can't begin to understand why she thought to accuse me of stealing. Needless to say, I won't be buying the dang jacket!

People leaving 1 star reviews obviously don't understand the concept of this store. They are mad…read morethey were only offered $30 for a bag of like new clothing, then also angry that gently used/like new clothes were priced the way they were. This is a used clothing store. Not Tjmaxx or Walmart. They can't pay you a ton of money for your stuff because they need to turn around and sell it for a reduced rate. They also have to pay rent and pay for employees. If this bothers you, sell on Facebook marketplace or don't sell at all. You are paying for the convenience of someone else doing the work for you when you drop off clothing here. That being said, this store is exactly what it should be. Gently used children's items at a fraction of the cost. They have nice brands here, not cheap Walmart clothing. All the people complaining simply do not understand the concept. The store is clean and everything is organized. Instead of paying $39.95 for a warm baby Gap vest you can snag one here for $8. Sometimes their items still have the tag on so they are pretty much brand new. This is a great place to get quality children's items at a fraction of the cost. Obviously inventory changes all the time and they stock appropriate clothing based on the seasons. If this annoys you, go to Walmart. Bye, Felicia!

I am writing to make a complaint about my experience at Once Upon a Child in Syracuse on October 3,…read more2026. I came into the store with a tote and another partially full tote containing girls' clothing in sizes 2T-3T. The clothing was freshly cleaned and brought in specifically to be considered for purchase. There was also a significant amount of name-brand clothing in the totes, including clothing that still had the original tags attached. The items were in good condition, and I was not bringing in a tote of damaged or heavily worn clothing. I understand that the store was busy, and I waited for over an hour while the employees went through the items. I had no issue waiting and understood that they were busy. While I was waiting, I happened to look toward the counter and saw one employee going through one of my totes. Another employee began going through my other tote. I watched as this employee took individual pieces of clothing out, smelled them, and then visibly put her nose in the air as though the clothing had a strong or unpleasant odor. She then proceeded to take the clothing around to the other employees and have each of them smell it as well. As I was watching this happen, I noticed that the clothes were then placed back into my tote. The other employee who had been going through my first tote also put everything back without continuing to go through the items. Shortly afterward, I received the text message notifying me that my items were ready. When I went to the counter, I was told in front of other customers that they could not purchase any of my clothing because it supposedly smelled like "storage." I explained that the clothing had been freshly cleaned. The employee then went around asking the other employees what was wrong with the clothing. Each employee proceeded to smell the items, put their noses in the air, and look at me in a way that made me feel extremely uncomfortable and embarrassed. This was all happening at the counter in front of other customers. What I found particularly unprofessional was the way the situation was handled. If there was genuinely an issue with the smell of the clothing, I would have completely understood being told privately and respectfully that the store could not accept the items. Instead, I felt like the employees were making a spectacle out of the situation and making me feel embarrassed in front of everyone. I was also told that the store does not wash clothing before putting it on the sales floor and that they did not want my clothing "tainting" the other clothing. I found that comment especially inappropriate and insulting. There is a major difference between professionally explaining that items do not meet the store's buying standards and making a customer feel as though their clothing is contaminated. I was with my cousin at the time, and because I was genuinely concerned that perhaps I was unaware of an odor, I asked her to smell the clothing herself. She did not smell what the employees were describing. I understand that Once Upon a Child has the right to decline clothing that does not meet its standards, and I am not upset simply because my clothing was not purchased. My concern is with the manner in which the situation was handled. I had brought in freshly cleaned clothing, including name-brand pieces and items that still had tags attached, and I expected the items to at least be evaluated professionally and respectfully. I should not have been made to feel humiliated in front of other customers while multiple employees smelled my clothing and reacted to it. If there was an issue with the clothing, I would have appreciated being told discreetly and respectfully rather than being made to feel embarrassed in front of the store. I am asking that this experience be addressed with the employees involved and that management review how situations like this are handled in the future. Customers should be treated with basic courtesy and professionalism, even when their items are being declined.

This place is horrible! We were told we were receiving a certain amount for items totally over…read more200$. When my husband got there, she only offered us a lowsy 80$ ARE U KIDDING ME?! Horrible place of business.

A great store that offers top dollar for used children's clothes. We took in a large quantity of…read moreclothes and toys and the owner of the store took the time to look through every piece, explaining to us if there was a reason that she didn't want a particular item. While waiting, we browsed the store. It's clear that she chooses only the best. The store is well-organized and clean. We were treated very fairly and will definitely go back!

DO NOT SELL YOUR USED BABY GEAR HERE. Extremely deceptive and dishonest. I dropped off a Momma Roo…read morewhich is a top of the line baby swing. They lied, repeatedly, when they told me the retail cost. This company bases their buy prices off of lowest retail price. Being in a financial bind, I accepted the offer even though I had doubts. They quoted a much lower price than what I expected. When I did check the price, I realized they made a mistake (perhaps) and went back into the store to discuss the issue. Upon entering the store, I explained it might be a mistake and was told there was nothing to be done. One of the girls kept insisting the price was for $170 for the swing. That price is for a refurbished swing. There is a lower price point swing by the same manufacturer that sells for $160. Refurbished swings that are the same model as mine sell for $170 while brand new swings sell for $220. They offered to return the swing back to me but I refused as I'm in a financial bind at the moment. They didn't care enough to do proper diligence when purchasing my items. That means they won't treat you right either. When I called them out on it, they went above and beyond to embarrass me and make it seem like I was in the wrong. It was humiliating. At one point, one of the clerks said there was staining on the web belt (it's not gross just minor) and stated she wouldn't sell it for more than $80. They even went as far as to show pricing (for a refurbished swing) at $170. I tried to point out that it was refurbished but the girl wouldn't even go to the online store page so I could show her. So not only did they take advantage of me, they tried to save face in front of their customers by making me look like I was a deranged woman. Do not sell your baby gear here. It was a terrible experience.

Ive never had a good experience there but this last one was the worst. I drive 45 minutes to get to…read moreany location but this time we headed towards vestal and thought we should go there. I had a lot of toys and as soon as I walked in the girls were all rude. Immediately ran over and said buying was over at 4. My issue is their Facebook still says buying monday through Saturday is until 6. Had they changed the times on their Facebook I wouldnt have wasted my time Or I would have planned to go earlier. After I showed them their mistake with my phone they just looked at me like I was crazy and wouldnt help me. maybe train your employees on what customer service is and also update your online hours on all social platforms! Will definitely be taking my service to the Syracuse one, better customer service and wayyyy bigger and cleaner!

Kids grow so fast that this seems like a great idea. They buy and sell kids clothes and great…read moreprices. Toys and books too. Highly recommend for the deals or to get rid of old clothes you can't use and can't cherish. Clean and nice for a thrift store with a wide selection of well organized clothes. Carters cat and Jack and more brands, not just generic. Only came away with 4 books for 10 bucks today but we do plan on coming back. Always remember it's reduce REUSE recycle in that order, this is way better for the earth than just tossing a can in the recycling. But you should also do that... just do both.

Staff is excellent. I have never been disappointed over the years I've been going to Carters in…read moreVestal. I always feel welcome and can count on friendly service. Thank you so much! Marion

Susan an employee that works here is so wonderful! She is so polite and kind and went above and…read morebeyond for my daughter! It was her 6th birthday and she gave her a little treat and was so kind to us while shopping! Excellent customer service!

My daughter and I made sure to stop here after reading the reviews. We picked up 4 purses; a top;…read moreand flower earrings. I'm most excited about the practically new "Travelon" RFID cross-body bag I got for $15. A really great deal. Our cashier was a lovely young woman in a yellow dress. We had a nice conversation. She was helpful, informative, and kind. What a great experience coming to this thrift shop. Will return when back to Ithaca.

Very pleasant used clothing store. They only have women's clothes, no children's or men's…read more Prices aren't dirt cheap but reasonable. Clothes are all in excellent condition. The shop is in a Victorian house, so layout is a little unusual - tops in one room, skirts in another. You should totally check it out if you haven't been.