I've been coming here off and on since it opened. Pro's: *Store layout/decor has gotten better over the years. Racks are less crowded, organization is better, and you're no longer squashed in as you're browsing. *The prices are good for New York City. *They're open until 8 on a Sunday, unusual for a thrift store. Con's: *Went to sell clothes. They took nothing. The girl kept emphasizing how they only bought "high-end designers" which was strange considering the racks are filled with H&M & Forever 21. It's like they want to be Tokio 7 (i.e. designer consignment) but can't accept themselves for what they are - a neighborhood resale shop. *Fitting rooms are so tiny you can't get a good idea of what you look like in the clothes. You can see every pore on your face but you can't step back to take in the big picture because if you did you'd be standing outside them, i.e. flashing everybody. read more

I found one button up shirt here that was actually semi cute. As for everything else: if I want weird clothes that look this ugly I'll raid my 90 year old grandmother's closet for free. Understand I mix a lot of retro fashion with my day to day clothing. But if you like hideous, worn down clothes this is the place for you. The only items I genuinely liked was their jewelry. read more

Because I don't feel the need to be condescended to by some 21-year-old part-timer in a beret and leg warmers, I will never set foot in this store again. Go to Buffalo Exchange instead. read more

I'm disappointed to hear that there are tons of H & M rejects floating around in here considering that the store buyers summarily rejected my much better branded clothes and shoes and my neighbor's Versace skirt. One of my pairs of shoes was deemed too conservative, yet the pumps I saw for sale in the store that day were far more so. Allure across 5th Ave. is a much better quality vintage store, and the Salvation Army on Flatbush is more authentic. read more

Every worker in here was EXTREMELY rude and pretentious. The workers will BARELY speak to you. They said they were accepting spring clothes so I brought in Free People tops in perfect condition. They barely looked at them and said they weren't taking any. If you want to get treated horrible by a bunch of female hipster weirdos you should totally check this place out! read more

Of course I never liked this place as one of the hardcore localites who saw how this store's declined over the course of time. I am not saying they were ever great: they were just another used clothes store that was trying to rip you off in the name of vintage. But not as much as they are by now. When vitage is combined with hipsterdom, you can make a filthy rich business out of heaps of filthy clothes. It has been so deplorable when it comes to this store's pricing and buying policy that I would rather go to other used stores even if their performance is also poor. Yet it still slightly makes me feel better if I know that I am not contributing to their store's wrong cause--how to rip off people just by selling trash clothes as highly priced as they could. You really are a sucker if you end up paying as they demand. I am too proud and discernible to fall into their prey. When I need some place to sell some worthier items than just to put out in the next garbage collection day, however, I would occasionally drop by. Still I have to say that I am flabbergasted to see all the 'hipster' staff --ha, ha, do you think you are cool? You are just another clueless fashion disaster just too used to unsanitary clothes due to your faith in hispterdom--and those poor new comers. I bet those--staff and trusting customers, who form the community of believers-- just moved in from Mid West who never saw anyting beyond clothes in Kmart. read more

This is a high quality used clothing shop with reasonable prices and a great stock that changes quickly. Right now they have tons of great coats and really cool scarves. The party dress rack always has something funky on it. The place gets packed out on the week-end and while Beacon's will purchase your used clothing, call ahead to find out their exact policies and make sure your bringing up-to-date or supremely vintage items with you, or they will simply not be interested. For example, don't bother trying to sell your five-year-old Banana Republic twin set. read more

So, I have sold to this establishment a few times. Sometimes it's a hit others a miss. Even with their employee's attitudes, the morbid smell of the store, and honestly weird choice in selection I always try to give them another try; but my last experience with them will be just that... the last. I brought in a tub FULL of neatly folded clothes. The girl behind the counter told me that it would be ready in less than 15 mins. So I left, ate, and returned to find out they didn't want anything. Ok, cool... it was one of the "miss" days....but when I looked into the tub the stuff was still neatly folded the way I sent it. It was as if they didn't even look through it!. Ok... well they say they donate the clothes at the end of everyday right? So I'll leave it with them. But when I asked the employee what organizations pick up the unwanted clothes she didn't even know! Which just leads me to think: what do they do with the unwanted clothing? Tag it when the customers are gone? In any case it doesn't matter. The selection is nothing to rave over and the employees seem to not care or even want to be there. So thank you but no thank you... I'll pass. And as a suggestion if you have the means to take your clothes back that they don't want... DO IT and just donate it to a reputable organization of your choice. =) read more

I love shopping Beacon's Closet for the great deals and exposure to new designers! I have been introduced to some cool new favorite designers from shopping at Beacon's Closet. From jewelry like servanne gaxotte, to handbags, shoes and clothing. I look forward to finding new designers to love through beacons! read more

I love this place. I got a new kate spade clutch here for $35. New Rock and Republic Jeans for $20.... my favorite ring, lots of vintage dresses and sweaters... this place is seriously awesome. You have to go often because the regulars come by regularly (ie nearly every single day) and snatch up the best stuff quickly. I have also sold a lot of stuff to this place and find that they buy a wide array of styles. If you are really tiny- don't bother trying to sell your pants because they never buy from my size 2 friend. I like this Beacons location better than Manhattan where the prices are higher and Williamsburg, where I feel overwhelmed. ps they no longer give out plastic bags in an attempt at conserving the earth's resources, so bring your own reusable tote bag read more

We have two types of clothing on the racks at Beacon's: The old and the ugly: Floral polyester dresses and shoes from the '50s that would be too small for Barbie The new and the ugly: still-tagged Forever 21 garb that was purchased the week before (F21 doesn't give cash refunds, so if you want money for that hideous tulle skirt you regret buying, you have to sell it here) I go to BC to sell designer stuff I know I'll get more than $3 for (on one trip I scored $120). I'd only purchase the jewelry in the front of the place - used, musty-smelling clothing grosses me out and don't even get me started on used footwear. The staff was fine, I guess. They answered my questions begrudgingly. But I wasn't shocked -- you can tell just by looking at them they aren't there to be all cheery and chipper. SMILE, girls. It's not that bad! Overall, this place serves the purpose. I go in with bags of stuff I don't want and come out with money to go out drinking! read more

The worst stuff in the whole world. You pretty looking girls, you forgot to smile and socialize with the customers? Or is this the new hipster thingy that it makes you cool? They might have some good stuff in the store, but all of these girls are def. Have bad attitude. Smile dear people, smile! read more

The new location in North Slope is great - bigger space and closer to mah house. Win win! I try not to set foot in this place on the weekends if I can help it. It's a total mob scene - be prepared to dodge people left and right, in addition to long waits to try on/sell clothes. Weekdays are much more humane - you can leisurely peruse without losing your mind. There are some really great finds amidst the racks of questionables, it's just a matter of patience. Don't forget to check out their accessories by the door - they often have cute, cheap bracelets, necklaces, and other trinkets for sale. Also you should mentally prepare yourself for rejection if you're thinking of selling clothes here. You may think you dress well and have somewhat hip and cool clothes. You don't. Beacon's Closet is notoriously ruthless. I've come in with two bags brimming with clothes, only to have them accept 1 item. It's totally fine if you're looking to clean out your closet (they will donate goods they don't end up taking), but I wouldn't bring in clothes in the hopes of making money...unless you happen to have a collection of giant 80's primary color blocked glitter hipster sweaters because they looooves that stuff. read more

Every time I come here I have to question why I ever buy anything new. Going to H&M or Zara seems like a waste compared to the amazing stuff I find at this Beacons closet. I always find a ton of great, quality clothes and shoes in my size for less than $20. The staff are friendly and chatty with me, which I like. I found a pair of fry boots here! I'm in love. I've also brought in several ikea bags worth of old stuff of mine and although I've felt self conscious bringing them in, everyone is welcoming and treats me well. I also like that they donate what they don't take so I don't have to lug it back home. read more

I read a bunch of the vitriolic reviews and was actually curious to check it out. I'm from out of town, so was not looking to sell anything. I'd agree with the reviewers who say that it's kind of a hodgepodge of styles: some pretty shabby/offbeat vintage stuff mixed with a range of contemporary labels, with a few higher-end things mixed in. There was no organization of sizes, colors, or anything else that I could discern--tank tops, sweaters, blouses all mixed together on the same racks. Even Goodwill is more organized! I also saw several items that were damaged, dirty, or showed quite a lot of wear. I did see some pretty nice items (tried on a pair of Michael Kors pants), so I don't think it's impossible to find some good buys. Pricing is higher than Goodwill or Salvation Army, but they do have to make a profit! As far as the customer service, I only interacted with the person watching the fitting rooms, and she was perfectly nice. All in all, if you have the patience to comb through a lot of stuff, you might find something good. If you want a carefully curated and presented shopping experience, look elsewhere. read more

Normally the word "used" doesn't have a positive association in my personal lexicon. But when it comes to clothing and jewelry, I'll happily wax hypocritical for a day of much needed retail therapy. I've come here a few times and I've always walked out happily with pieces of clothing that are both 1) practical for business and 2) classic for a night out. I don't normally buy designer items because I can be cheap and in the bandwagon with Naomi Klein, but for prices marked down to almost 10%, I'll again wax hypocritical. My Citizen of Humanity jeans were a favorite purchase, as they're still in tact and look great after 3 years; purchased for $25 with a retail price of over $175. Last week I walked out with DVF, Marc Jacobs, and Laundry tops totaling about $45. I've never had a bad customer service experience here, it just is what it is. I'll definitely come back :) read more

After seeing how huge the Williamsberg Beacon's was, I have to say I was a bit dissapointed with their smaller location. I haven't been able to find anything at the new location which contains a ridiculous amount of rejected clothes from H&M, Forever 21 and the 80's. The majority of the sweaters I've seen have been Cosby sweaters for women, to put it nicely. I have a feeling it just gets picked over quickly and random browsers, like myself, don't stand a chance. The Park Slope Beacon's Closet have a smaller selection for men, but it seems to be much better than what they have for women. My boyfriend managed to find a pair of Diesel jeans there that retailed for around $200 originally on the urban outfitters website. Maybe every once in a while you'll get lucky with this place, but your best bet is really just going to the larger location. read more

Whenever I need some cash I come to Beacon's closet to sell. You have the option of either selling for cash or store credit. If you sell for store credit you get more value for your items, if you sell for cash you get less. The last time I came in I brought in 700 dollars worth of clothes and got $125, that will give you an example of what to expect, and I had some high end designer items. But they are inconsistent with what they buy and don't buy. You can wait while they go through the clothes but I always drop it off and come back at the end of the day. All the clothes they don't pick you can have them donate it for you to charity. I forgot the name of the one they use but it's legit. Every time I have been there they have always been friendly to me so no qualms about that... It always tends to be busy so Idk if there is a good time to go... They do have some good finds but like any thrift store it's the luck of the draw and you do have to dig through to find it..... Do I wish they would give more money for clothes, of course. But it's a thrift store so it's not shocking or surprising... in other words I'll keep going back when I clean the closets out! read more

I'm biased. I grew up in Park Slope and fondly remember the days when Beacons Closet was THE place to for oversized grandma dresses, cute jewelry and steals on designer items. It was a small store, a few blocks away from the current location, meaning you could dig through every rack if you wanted to find that perfect glittery floral shirt. It was never super crowded, and certainly not a destination. Not so much anymore. Every time I go, Beacon's Closet is mobbed and it's grown so much it's hard to feel like you're seeing everything for sale. As they've grown, I've found the quality of items as decreased. Aside from the odd Marc by Marc Jacobs or Cynthia Steffe dress, it's a lot of no name labels and high polyester counts. I've gotten some great stuff from Beacon's over the years, but recently it's been more misses than hits. read more

It's a Sunday tradition for me to stop by after brunch and check out the countless racks of someone's else "don not want" pile and making them my treasures. Can't go wrong with buying last year's Marc Jacob's printed sweater WITH the tag still on for $17.95--It's always a Win-Win for me at Beacon's. The lines to try stuff on are long on Saturdays and Sundays between 12-2p, but well worth the wait when you have a Celine leather skirt in tip-top shape...too bad my hips "grew" and I couldn't get it to zip, but.... Other great finds are originals that local student designers sell to Beacon's. I got this off the shoulder wool sweater that was label-less (and could tell would be expensive), when I asked the shop girl, she said it was made by a local student designer that usually brings in a lot of her designs--So I did my part and got it and LOVE it! Haven't sold anything yet (have a bad habit of hoarding clothes for my "future children") but I hear that it isn't the best place. I say, as long as other people think it is, you can't go wrong in buying their stuff. read more

I found a few nice tops at this location, and its relatively organized. What I did not appreciate was the manager or owner constantly checking on my boyfriend while he was looking at some of the items at checkout. I was making a purchase while we were commenting on a few little cute items, and she immediately ran over to "organize" some jewelry right next to him. You were obvious, and it was not appreciated. I will not go back, I rather go to L Train Vintage anyway. read more

I agree with the others that you never know what the buyers will take. Last time, I watched them take some crappy Forever 21 stuff (that I had removed the tags to make look better -- a strategy that apparently worked) and then pass up a few pairs of literally brand new designer shoes i had barely worn. huh??? that sales assistant got feisty when i told her i wanted my remaining clothes back when i said i could sell the nice stuff on etsy. which makes me think they do sell the stuff they say they'll donate -- otherwise i don't know why she'd get so bent out of shape about it... anyway, they have great stud earrings here and i've talked to some nice sales assistants too. (i'm sure they rotate, but the ladies who sift through the clothes always seem a little harsher than those at the register -- or, maybe that's just my experience?) i give two stars. i don't live near here anymore and cant imagine going out of my way to shop here tho. read more

I am not exactly sure I would classify this place as a "beacon" for fashionistas. While it has the same melee as your typical thrift store- the fierce struggle of finding that perfect piece amongst a hipster battlefield- i felt very unmotivated. perhaps it was seeing the Urban Outfitter casualties lining the racks (some marked more than the original price!), or maybe it was the lack of ease perusing the merch-- Once something piqued my interest, as I went to examine it, an "excuse me, can I get by," ruined my train of thought-- or better yet, a nice healthy shove was enough to make me go postal. They did, however, have some better finds, i.e a Peter Som skirt marked at $15.95 which their saving grace.. but they really need to do a better job of weeding out the newer Urban and H&M stuff-- unless they are willing to sell that stuff at a more discounted price. beacon, you are not off my radar just yet-- just make sure your light gets too dim.. read more

What a little treasure! My friend Susanne likes coming here so when I was visiting her last weekend she said we had to go - and I am glad she did! She says she gets some great designer brands here at very little cost. I picked up 3 clothing items - a cute blue and white vintage sun dress, a Fred Perry sweater vest, and a BCBG Max Azria top. Each was around $13 - very reasonable. I also got a new ring with a gold leaf design and a gold Paris charm necklace. They had this beautiful Nicole Miller dress for only $14, but I couldn't fit into it =( The staff was very friendly and everything was clean and organized - which is a tremendous effort on their part since they seem to have hundreds if not thousands of customers coming in on Saturday trying on different clothes. I like it that they aim to move inventory fast so that things remain cheap. This is by far the cheapest consignment shop I have ever been to - way cheapr than the Boston ones. They also have other fun little items like sun glasses, earrings, necklaces, uniquely designed pads of papers, etc. My blue and white dress had a stain which I didn't realize until I got back to Boston which was a bummer, but otherwise the other items seem to be ok. read more

Based on the recent reviews, I wasn't really expecting much from this place. I was pleasantly surprised with the amount of cute stuff at decent prices that I was able to find here, and I'm even surprising myself by giving it a five star rating! I was on the hunt for a dress and I found three, in my size, that looked amazing. They were all under twenty bucks and in near new condition. My favorite dress was coming a little undone at the zipper and one of the shop girls (who I think was trying to be friendly, but her personality was a little off) chatted with me about different options available for fixing the zip. Now, this wasn't like one of the higher end boutiques where they would work with a tailor to help fix your clothes, but advice is much more on my level. There were several purses in the bag section which I really wanted, and writing about them now is making me want to go back and see if the little red one is still there! I saw a wide variety of sizes and styles. If the shop girls were just a little more social this place would be a lot more fun! Oh, and if they could lose the eerie funeral music, that would be a help too! read more

I went to New York City in hopes of buying lots and lots of cheap clothes. (cheap as in inexpensive/sale prices) not quality... I heard about Beacon's Closet from a good friend of mine who suggested it be the place where I would spend ALL of my money. When I got there I was greeted by a big/ organized space, with lots of selection. I don't think I could spend more then 3 hours in a thrift store but their colour coordinating system helped to keep my mind focused while searching for treasure. TOP 3 BEST BUYS: -1970's Vintage Jean Zip-up Jumpsuit (fits like a glove) 18$ - Silk Magenta/ Flower Embroidered Betsey Johnson Heels Size 7.5 (Rarely do we find common shoe sizes in thrift stores) 18$ - 1950's Little Black Dress (Bell Sleeved) 6$ read more

Bigger is better at the new location. I love the "Closet" though it can't compare to the warehouse in W'burg, the slope store does has a certain charm. Missing is the mirror and bench where we could try on shoes, oh well. Also gone is the little hook next to the cash register, they would hang the good designer sh..t on. Found today a Kangol beige newscap made in the U.K. price attached was fifty six pounds across the pond, but right on 5th ave. in Brooklyn for $9.95, a bloody good deal. read more

I accompanied my friend to this particular Beacon's Closet about a week ago. She used to have a vintage store in Philly and has since been getting rid of her inventory bit by bit. We took a trip up to Brooklyn because she got a tip that BC is where it's at for sellers. When we arrived, we were scolded by a particularly nasty buyer for bringing more bags of clothes than the policy allows. She also made sure we were aware that they only accept "vintage items and super modern trendy things," expecting us to walk away, dejected (my friend thinks she made a big deal out of this because, in sizing us up, we were wearing neither). While they sifted through the items we brought in, I shopped, and shopped, and shopped. I wasn't planning on buying anything, but ended up surprisingly impressed with the selection, and left with a ring, a pair of shoes, and a dress, all for under $45. In the end, after realizing that we had actually brought in a ton of awesome stuff, the buyers' attitudes drifted away, and they were suddenly friendly and curious about my friend's collection. Too little too late, I thought, but I suppose it did earn them an extra star. read more

Decent selection with a variety of brands. Cool accessories . Very busy location . Staff is professional and friendly. Found a cute top for 8$ . I would recommended this place to my friebds . I like the little donation box for animal shelter in the front. It shows a bit another side of thirft stores. Also the place looked clean and organized. A huge plus. read more

Beacon's Closet - Entrance - Used, Vintage & Consignment Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

This place is horrible. It smells like an old closet, the used clothing is overpriced (I saw nine west shoes in there tonight, worn out and beat up being sold for $14.00) and the ladies who work there are "too cool for school". Avoid this place at all costs, I am sure you could do better at goodwiill. read more

As with most secondhand stores, shopping at Beacon's Closet can be hit-or-miss. I've gone and not found anything, and other times had great finds. I bought a silk Betsey Johnson dress here for $18.00! It's pretty well-organized for a secondhand store. The staff is pretty discriminating about what they will accept, but if they don't want your stuff, and you don't want it back, they'll give it to the Salvation Army for you - so your stuff doesn't have to keep sitting in your probably-too-small apartment. The staff taste tends towards really edgy vintage stuff. Like a flowered polyester dress from the sixties, to be worn ironically. If you are enough of a hipster to pull this kind of thing off, then you'll have lots of fun at Beacon's. However, there are other finds as well, if you possess the time and patience to look. read more

I like the bigger location. I like the accessories. I like the way it always smells the same (even in the new location) 'cause they're always burning nag champa incense or some reasonable facsimile. I like the very friendly bearded cashier who seems as though he's been working there forever.* However: I don't like that the way they pick what clothes to evaluate/buy is totally and completely arbitrary. (Just depends on who's working the counter that day..) I suggest taking your clothes to Bklyn Yard's swap meet instead and walking away with a whole new wardrobe. * Perhaps he is Beacon himself. read more

Wow, these people working here really think they are "too cool for school". I was interested in the all of the different clothes, but the people were just so obnoxious that I couldn't take it. Then, if the attitude wasn't enough the shop itself was horrible. The racks were so close together that there were lines of people waiting for you to move. I felt like I was dancing the do-se-do. If you are lucking enough to find something among this chaos you couldn't tell anything about the item because it was so dark in the store, a serious problem when trying to buy second-hand items. read more

I love shopping and selling in this store. They always have a great selection of clothes and jewelry! The clothes are very organized by size and season. Also, a nice selection of mens clothes that my adult son likes too! He has found some great sweaters and flannels for a really great price! I am a regular customer here and love to see the new items they have from time to time. I highly recommend this store! read more

A real mix - the store has a nice vibe with friendly staff and a large selection of items, however, not the crazy cheapness some may expect from thrifting. To give an idea, these were my purchases- an Urban Outfitter's tee - $6, a Reformation skirt - $16 and a Tommy Hilfiger bag - $17. Obviously all reasonable discounts for such good quality items but not dirt cheap. Solid experience though, lots of trending and designer items. read more

I generally have not had luck at this location in the past... there usually isn't a great selection, the store is very small (at least when compared to the Billyburg location), and it's usually pretty crowded. But I got lucky today- scored a vintage Coblentz leather bag for $12 and a Cole Haan purse for $16. This has restored some of my faith in Beacon's Closet! read more

Expected Buffalo Exchange and was very pleasantly surprised. Lots of high end brands, really high quality clothes - silks and cottons, some vintage finds, and fun new accessories and jewelry, all reallllly reasonably priced. There was a sleeved silk dress lined in cotton with a cool print that looked brand new for $30, which was about the most expensive thing I saw. I picked up a vintage knee length silk skirt for $13. Only complaints are that the line for fitting rooms snakes through middle of the store, but there was an employee helping to manage it, and the fitting room itself is pretty cramped. read more

I haven't been to other consignment shops in NYC but this is a very large shop. I normally don't even like consignment shops because nothing ever fits me (I'm too short for any jeans, etc.) Their shoes are placed on top of circular clothing racks throughout the store. Some cute shoes like Steve Madden. A decent jacket/outerwear rack which was the size of two long coffee tables. Prices for clothes seemed reasonable (between $10 and $20) but for that amount I'd rather go to Forever 21 or H&M. I liked how they had some great stockings and leggings selection and also jewelry that wasn't consignment. Overall, decent clothing selection......if you dress like a hipster (read: I probably won't be buying anything here anytime soon...) read more

Rlly cute clothes but won't ever go back... felt very judged by all of the employees. They seemed to stare a little too much was not welcoming or friendly. :( read more

So far I haven't been to the Williamsburg location so I'm basing all opinions regarding Beacon's Closet on this store (and its former Park Slope location, but I like the new one better.) Like others have said, Beacon's Closet is hit or miss. After hearing about how selective they supposedly are, I'm sometimes shocked at the clothes they're willing to accept. Just because something is old and worn doesn't mean it's stylish. And after seeing the stuff my gram was throwing out after going through her closet, most of the stuff looked like it should be at Beacon's. That said, I've found some cool stuff at Beacon's, my favorite item being these lace-up leather loafers I bought for $16. The boots tend to look really worn so I've stayed away from them. Often they have a nice selection of heels but never are the one's I'd wear in my size (not an uncommon size either, 8 1/2). I've also bought jeans for $12-$15. So yeah, Beacon's Closet has some really great buys, but they're usually between some really awful ones. read more