I went in the other day for the first time and bought a cute sun dress. If I'd had the patience I probably could have found a few more items, so the selection was ok although certainly not dazzling. The woman behind the counter was extremely friendly. The two lacking stars are for the fact that Lauren's is missing a certain "je ne sais quoi" in both the store layout and the selection of clothing. I'll keep going back though, to find those diamonds in the rough... read more

Don't know why this place doesn't get better review. My friend who lives in Alameda builds her wardrobe from this place. I like the mix of different items for the whole family. Everything is neatly laid out. Hard to believe that it's consignment. Great deals, so this will be one of my regular shopping stops in the upcoming year. read more

I'm sold. With two sprouting kids this place is a godsend. How did I not know about Lauren's closet earlier! For a first trip it was a bit on the pricey side, but I did get conned by my #1 to buy her a brand new Elsa dress. Had I known about their consignment process, I would have brought all of my hand-me-downs to spend for credit towards clothes. All their stuff is like new so bring comparable consignment stuff. I am skipping happily off to the kids closet to clean it out. read more

I haven't attempted to sell anything here, nor have I interacted with the staff, so I can't comment on that. I've shopped here a couple of times, though and my impressions are: large selection of baby clothes, very good condition, very reasonable prices. read more

I'm surprised at the bad reviews as well. I LOVE THIS STORE!!! It's my 1st stop for gifts for girlfriends, baby-showers, birthdays, and cheap additions to my wardrobe. The used clothing selection is hit or miss, but changes weekly. The staff is nice, and they do great gift-wrapping for free. They do have a limited selection in my size (12), but 7 out of 10 times I wander in, I buy something, and I'm a picky, frugal shopper. Also, the kid's side is great, I always find awesome deals on stuff for all the little people in my life. When my nieces' come for the weekend, the first thing they ask for is a trip to Lauren's Closet, where they always find some fun trinket in the $3 range. AND I'm pretty sure the owner buys up sample sale Bananna Republic, I always find new BR items in an array of sizes. If you like thrift-stores and don't mind going through the racks, you will love this place too. read more

The owner is SERIOUSLY rude. The rest of the staff members are friendly and helpful, but I'm never going there again because of the owner. The selection, which honestly wasn't that great to begin with, is really not worth having to put up with her. read more

Lauren's is unbelievably picky about buying used children's clothes. Basically, don't bother bringing in anything that looks even a little bit worn. While that's a pain when you're trying to get rid of clothes, it's great when you're a shopper -- lots of Gap and Nordstrom in great condition at very low prices. This is also the only store I've found that carries used children's clothing in sizes 10-14. I've shopped and sold here a number of times without getting the bad attitude some other reviewers report. The employees are sometimes quite young, but not rude in my experience. Hey, it's a consignment store -- you're not going to get boutique treatment. read more

Came in to purchase a gift for my niece and ended up buying myself a Coach bag! The condition of the bag was excellent so I had to splurge, it was affordable so that made the decision easy. They have super cute totes and accessories here. Every time I'm on Park Street I come in and take a peek you never know what they'll have so its always worth a visit! read more

Omg so I'm at like a platos closet type place selling all my big clothes and these ppl are so snobby lol I asked if they no where a homeless shelter is for stuff they don't want and they said no alameda is safe we don't want ppl like that here and I was like well maybe I'll drop it off near a few of the tents in Oakland and she was like yeah go ahead just add more clutter to the streets. And I said I have stuff in there so they won't be cold and she rolled her eyes. There is no parking. They won't help you carry items in. And when they tore the garbage bags that my stuff came in and when I asked if I could have a Garbage bag to put my stuff back in they said no. read more

I'll admit I was a little nervous going in due to some of these reviews, but have to say I had a perfectly fine experience. I brought in two bags' worth of baby clothes, and while they didn't take everything, I was happy with the credit I received. While they were going through my clothes I browsed the kids' section and found the selection to be good, and fairly priced. The little play area was fun for my daughter...she didn't want to leave! The first time I went there were two young women working, and they were super friendly. I purchased something and asked if I could return it. I ended up having to return it, and one of the gals remembered me and it was easy-peasy. The owner was there at the time (at least I assumed she was the owner) and she was nice. I bought a "vintage monkey" for my daughter and checked the price online afterwards, out of curiosity, and the price I paid at Lauren's Closet was five dollars cheaper (for a brand new toy, mind you). I always appreciate good customer service, and found that here. I will definitely come back when I have more clothes to sell. I like the location, as I just drove a few blocks to Goodwill, where I dropped off the clothes they didn't take. read more

I had a perfectly fine experience selling clothes here. The girls were very nice and friendly, and I thought my credit to be fair. I liked the fact that the credit could be used on anything in the store. I've been in here when the owner was there, and while she's not jumping for joy when a customer comes in, she was helpful when I asked her a question. Personally, I prefer when shop owners keep their distance, so this didn't bother me. As far as the selection goes, I thought it was good for a resale shop. The prices may be a little higher for gently used clothing, but you have to figure they need to make some sort of profit (this is America, after all, and California real estate no less) and a few extra bucks here and there makes the world go round. I'll shop here again. read more

I have sold kids clothes a couple of times and have always been happy with the store credit. And I always have no trouble spending it! She does seem to lean towards brands like Gap, etc. But so do I . . . And if you have ever sold clothes before- it is no different than any other place (crossroads, etc.) It is a business transaction not a lunch with friends. Be sure to call before you go to make sure they are buying. The staff is young but friendly enough. Great selection and good pricing. Street parking is kinda a pain if you have a lot of stuff to carry. read more

I don't know WHAT people have a problem with in this place. Newsflash: when you're buying clothing at a used clothing store, it'll be USED. Yes, you have to take some time to look through things to find good quality. If you can't deal with that, don't go to a secondhand clothing store. Dumbass. I got an adorable skirt here about 4 months ago ($6), and then a great green satin dress ($12.50) and some almost-new Steve Madden heels ($8.50) on Thursday. The level of customer service isn't amazing, but it's no worse than anything you find at a mall. I'm willing to put up with a petulant teenager or two to get an adorable, comfortable, cheap pair of shoes. read more

If I could give it -2 stars I would. The owner is so unbelievable, I thought it was some kind of performance. Rude and unprofessional just for starters, and I watched her flat out lie to someone trying to sell some clothing. Please do Alameda a favor and avoid this business until it fails. read more

Awesome store! We come here all the time. Staff are super friendly. Prices are insanely good! Literally just walked out with 5 outfits for less than than $20! read more

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

Wow, am I the only person who hasn't had a terrible experience here? I've been here 6 or 7 times here over the last few months looking for stuff for my son. I've been by myself, with my husband, with friends, different times of day. . NEVER bad service, at all. Maybe I've just been lucky. Yeah, I kinda like this place. I've bought Rudy some good, cheap used shoes here (which he'll probably wear all of 5 times before outgrowing them--which is why new shoes for babies are insane. But I digress). Anyway, I don't really have strong feelings about this place one way or another. Just thought it only fair to give a report of a more positive experience to balance out all the negatives. read more

Wow! I'm glad I didn't experience the owner (reading the reviews). I got some great deals here on name brand toddler clothing - Kenneth Cole, RL. $4 button up shirts. I would definitely go here again hoping that I NEVER experience what many have with the customer service. Prices and brands are better than the used baby clothing store in San Jose. read more

I have lived in Alameda for 10 + years and I have shopped at Lauren's Closet since we moved here. I love this store and have ALWAYS had wonderful experiences here. The staff is very sweet and friendly. And Lisa, the owner is smart, funny and direct person. The clothes I bring in are newly washed and folded so they don't wrinkle. I try not to bring the clothes in in garbage bags. Clothes in garbage bags I take to Goodwill. I also try not be be upset if they don't take items, as some times it's just not what they need. I always call before I go in and ask what they are buying for (like which seasons and what they are not looking for). I've noticed some of the reviews mention treatment of POC. I am an African American women and I have never felt that I was treated poorly in this store (although there are other children's stores on Park that I feel unwelcome in). Just my experience and a long over overdue review. I feel pretty thankful that I get to reduce the amount of new clothes I purchase for me and my kids, I love that my stuff gets recycled and I love that I find things I might never have at a regular new retail only store. Thanks Lauren's Closet for being such an important part of my local economy and community. read more

I have had nothing but positive experiences at Lauren's Closet. I first came as a shopper and love the array of inventory - perfect for buying inexpensive yet quality kid birthday gifts. Then I went back with a friend to consign maternity clothes. My friend had her 4 month old with her and I had my toddler and 5 month old and the owner so kindly suggested that we leave our bins and boxes of clothes for her and her employee to go through while we went to lunch, rather than wait in the store with these 3 little ones who were getting antsy. Big bonus is the play room in the back that has a cut-out entry, not a door, so it's a safe haven for tots who can play solo while you sell your goods and shop. I called a month later to check on my maternity clothes and was pleased to find that I had some cash waiting for me. Both me and my friend went at different times to collect our cash, and I did some more shopping as well. I'll be back for sure. read more

I've been here a few times. Their used clothes are decent with good prices. Brand new things are a bit pricy though. The girls behind the register is very nice but sometimes the owner is a bit meh read more

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

I think after reading such horribly embarrassing reviews, "Lauren" straightened up her attitude and raised the bar on customer service because this place is great and I felt valued and that my business was appreciated while shopping there over the past 2 years I have lived in Alameda. This is a great place to look for "gently" used items as well as all the latest and greatest in gear, toys, diaper bags and clothes! It's a small place and I wouldn't expect to find everything you'll need for your children but it's a great place you shouldn't pass up if walking down Park Street! Her consignment policy when selling your things is great as well: 45% cash and 65% credit to purchase things in the store. read more

As a buyer of gently used maternity and baby clothes, I love Lauren's Closet and appreciate the selection. I also find it very convenient that Lauren and her staff will wrap your purchases if you mention it's a present. However, when I got around to bringing in clothes to sell, I finally understood the reviews about the lack of communication and unfriendly service. I'm sure Lauren has an eye for what will sell, but her vibe as she inspected each garment was cold and unapproachable. Since Passion after Fashion was much friendlier and more efficient when it came to selling maternity wear, I'll just stick to buying cute, budget-friendly baby clothes and kiddie birthday gifts from Lauren's. read more

Went to Lauren's to sell some clothes. They were picky for the shop clientele (so don't get offended if she doesn't buy your stuff) but offered great store credit or fair cash value. I took the store credit because they have awesome new and used kids items. I am taking all my clothes here for resale and returning to shop. Love it! read more

Two stars because I have found some decent stuff there from time to time. I don't need to say much about the owner, it's obvious from all the other reviews. I just ignore her and go about my business. There is a pretty decent selection for girls but rarely anything good for boys. I too am surprised when some of my used clothing items are rejected when they are clearly in better shape than items hanging on the rack. The best thing about the store was when I discovered Karim of Red Poppy Flowers. She was renting a part of the space when she was testing her business awhile back. read more

I read some of the other posts and I agree with comments about the reception from the sales staff - apathetic. But this store is well organized (the side with the children's toys -not the "vintage" side: kind of a mess) and I was able to find general children interests for random birthday parties that I have to attend. Sharks, fire trucks, fairies, mermaids - in a variety of prices - not just toys but books and games too. Sales staff changed when I was spending $$ (SMH). At least they were helpful with gift wrapping and cards free of charge. (Hence the good review). read more

As a local resident, I try to support our local merchants. Unfortunately, after my latest encounter I will not recommend this merchant. I walked into the store with a bag for the buyer to look at. After waiting 23 minutes, the buyer came out, looked at the items and stated she was not interested which was fine with me. What irritated me and why I will not return is that when the buyer "owner" walked out, she said that no one had told her she had customers waiting. I was in the store while two separate employees notified her that a customer was waiting. Thank goodness the second customer came in or I might have been waiting another 20 minutes. So basically the "owner/buyer" does not hesitate to deflect responsibility and thinks it is okay to lie. Sounds like our president. read more

Great store, excellent service! Support local business! I came in today looking for a gift for my 5yo niece and they had exactly what I was looking for! I was greeted as soon as I walked in the door and assisted immediately. They even gift wrapped my present! Love the service and selection. read more

Customer service all time LOW. If you're a POC just keep gas money and go somewhere else ...

Overall Nice, could be Fab with a little work and maybe a few smiles. Just Sayin'. I've been in there a few times. I usually find at least one thing that I like. The last time I was in I scored big in summer dresses. The prices are good and the stuff is always in really good condition. The overall decor of the shop is nice, not like some of the used clothing stores in SF. The staff could be nicer, the owner included. The one time I sold stuff there she seemed kind of annoyed that I brought so much in. Oh well! The sales staff isn't rude but they aren't exactly friendly either. They seem pretty indifferent to people perusing the store. A simple "Hi! How are you doing?" would be nice. It would also be nice if they had one night that they were open after I get home from work or if someone answered the phone to let you know when the buyer would be there. Just some ideas for improvement. Mull it over. read more

Just as I expected, they made me wait 20 minutes and as soon as I went out to check on my car An came back she claimed she went through my bags and saw nothing. 2-3 pairs of shoes I had were child shoes never worn with tags, many of the adult shirts I had in my bag same condition NEVER WORN. My bags hadn't even been moved from the spot I dropped them off at. She rumbled her hand through to make it look as though she had done anything. They are definitely prejudice & I'll make sure not to give my money to this store & to let others know as well. read more

After several visits, I've decided that I don't like this store and don't plan to return. Owner is unfriendly, barely (if at all) looks through your clothes, and is extremely selective and inconsistent about what she buys (I overheard her telling her employee that they don't take certain brands although those very brands were being sold on all the racks!). Couldn't bring myself to buy the thing I came here for after yet another unsatisfying experience. read more

I've never sold to LC, so I don't know about that part. I do know that they have GREAT kids clothes and shoes and GREAT maternity clothes. Not an extensive selection for the maternity clothes, but they make up for the lack of quantity with quality. I am on the larger side of things and still found maternity jeans there. I wore them all through pregnancy and they are still strong. I have no idea about the owner. I shop there a LOT but you know what? I'm going there to get a good deal on clothes, not to be friends with the owner. That's why I don't go to Fashion After Passion - I don't care how friendly the owner is; she simply does not carry very good product. Another thing that is great about LC: the play place for kids. My son loves it. It's great to have a safe spot for kids to play while us parents shop. read more

I've just had a terrible experience at this shop today. As someone else recently commented, I also brought in some clothes that I had carefully selected for consideration (not even a large load of them), and I was treated completely rudely from beginning to end. First of all, they didn't even greet me when I entered the store. Then they ordered me around without even trying to explain what their process was, and basically treated me like either a child or a homeless person. They made me wait, but It took them all of about two seconds flat to reject the clothing I brought in, and some of it was better than what they actually had to offer on the racks. I was surprised that they even took the time to look at the clothes, because they seemed to have decided sight unseen that they weren't going to take them. Maybe because I was dressed to go to the gym and not like a trendy teenager, I don't know. But that's not what bothered me the most. It was the fact that both of the women working there did not seem to care that I existed, felt no need to treat me like an actual human being and offered absolutely no thanks at all for making the effort to bring in the clothes. Yikes. That's some bad customer service. I mean, if you advertise that you want clothes, and you theoretically want people to bring them in, then it's usually good to offer at least a little bit of gratitude when they do. I have shopped there before, and thought it was ok, but after this terrible experience, I will definitely NOT be returning. read more

If I could give this place zero stars I would. I was incredibly disappointed today when I brought in four bags of thoughtfully sifted through outgrown kids clothes, cleaned and folded from my house. I was told I could 'get a cup of coffee and come back in ten minutes.' Upon coming back I saw all my bags on the floor seemingly untouched. The young lady said "we didn't take anything today." When I asked why, the manager who was standing nearby didn't even look at me and said 'not the styles we are looking for.' How the heck would you know if you didn't even look at my stuff? In fact, I had just purchased a pair of shoes for my daughter ten days ago that didn't fit her - and I was bringing them back. You already HAD THEM in your store - and now they 'aren't the style' you want. A bunch of B.S. if you ask me. I am incredibly disappointed because I had shopped there previously and liked their items. They have officially lost my business. read more

The little women over there better watch it. Owner was WAAAY TOO rude! my clothes look waaay better than the crap they had hanging on the hangers in that store... seems racist...?? PRETTY MUCH!! the clothes in there are horrible and their attitudes are horrible,,, i hope they shut down.. good day eveyone! read more

I went in to sell some clothes. Maybe they were to worn or plus size. However, there was no reason to treat me curtly. I was dismissed. They didn't want my clothes or shoes. Then I was dismissed. read more

Lauren's closet got me through two pregnancies ;-) I have also shopped there for both my kids. I love turning in their old clothes and getting new ones for them. I know she doesn't buy a lot but it also means her inventory is nice, clean and organized. Also that she doesn't have a bunch of old crap. LOVE IT read more

Good selection of clothes but definitely overpriced. Discount stores like TJ Maxx or Marshalls has about the same quality of clothes for even cheaper. Or even going to Macy's or Target with a coupon would be cheaper. Why would I pay these kinds of prices for USED clothes? If I go thrift shopping I expect a good deal. 2 stars because they have a lot of selection and the store is clean and organized. read more

I would give it zero stars if i could: I walk in, give this girl behind the counter (could not have been older than 13) some clothes i want to sell and she takes it, puts it under the counter and then just stands there after i told her i wanted to sell them. I ask again, she goes "oh, what? right now?" YES you dumb girl, what am i here for?!? needless to say, after going through the whole thing she decided the clothes werent 'springy' enough, and didnt want any. (there where two juicy jackets and a pair of versace jeans in there, but whatever.) I just dumped the clothes at goodwill, i didnt care. service: shit manager: where was she? selection: shit This place as a whole: shit dont go here, im warning you. read more

I have been shopping here for used children's clothes for years. A great place to spend around $50 and walk out of there with an entire kids wardrobe. The girls that work there are so nice. They don't bug you, but are quick to answer any question completely and kindly. The store is clean and organized and nestled among other adorable shops on Park street. So I'm talking to my sister: "Hey remember when I said we should sell our used baby clothes? Well I did that yesterday and it was horrible. I"ll never go back there again." Her interest peaked, she asked the follow up question so I begin to tell her that right away the owner was curt and abrupt with me, letting me know that she WAS busy and I'd have to wait 20 min. How do I know it was the owner? Simple: no employee would EVER act as rude and unprofessional as she did and not get FIRED. Therefore, I came to the conclusion that the terse blond lady bitching and moaning about the trash she has to sort through all morning, must in fact, be the owner. I went on to tell my sister that as I was "shopping" (because if you take store credit you will get 60% back instead of 40%cash), no matter where I was in the store, I could hear - lets call the owner Patty - Patty making sounds of disgust and dismay, mixed into the crinkle and plop, of clothes being removed from paper bags and banished to a heaping pile of excrement to be burned at a later time. " Uh, god!" and "Nope!" "Nope!" "Nope." "Ugh!" followed me everywhere I tried to go. Mind you,this happened RIGHT AWAY, as in: she didn't even care if I heard. I could see her out of the corner of my eye, and even though she wasn't going through my bag, I knew I was up soon on the chopping block. My thought " Hey, maybe my clothes were better, " as I watched the first girl leaving the store with her rejected items, quickly turned into, "I should ask for my stuff back and get out of here!" when the next two patrons left, also carrying rejected items, but angrily discussing how they too had heard her "talking shit about our stuff right in front of us." They further lamented that she didn't have to take it all, but she really didn't need to be rude about it. "Hold on!! Shut up!!" my sister interjects. "Where is this place? Is it in Alameda?" I confirm and she goes on to tell me that the place in Alameda is famous for having a rude owner who rips you off. My sis goes online and starts reading the Yelp reviews and laughing," Oh my god! she does exactly the same things you were saying to lots of other people!" My response was, "Yeah, but maybe she is just in a bad place right now, like maybe her true love recently died of cancer, or her son's pregnant wife is in jail...again." "Um, well these posts have been the same for at least a year, so she might just always be like that," my sister pointed out. "OK, let me finish, I didn't even get to the end," I say. So now I'm really interested in hearing her go through my bag, which contained more than 20 items, all in excellent condition. I thought I would get about $15. At the least. Judging by Patty's muttering as she went through my bag she must have been thinking" I'm sure this lady"s garbage pail kid 'Crummy Carter's,' enjoyed wearing this as he played around in the dog's water bowl at that trash heap she calls a house, but here at Lauren's Closet we accept only the finest and top name brands of other people's useless, unwanted goods." I knew it was my bag next 'cause I had my eye on her, and second, BECAUSE SHE SAID MY NAME to the girl as soon as she was done. Seriously, she needs to go back to high school and take "Shit Talking 1A" 'cause she's breaking all the cardinal rules of talking shit: Always make sure that the person you are talking about isn't that person standing RIGHT THERE, or anywhere nearby; check your phone to make sure you haven't pocket dialed the person you are about to talk about: and use a CODE NAME if the person is right there, but the shit talking just cant wait! Like if I was gonna go back there with my sister, I'd say, "Patty's at it again." And my sister would know to tune in to the "Patty disses yet another customer, all the while missing the irony of being snooty about cast-offs Show." Five dollars. It was $5 and some change that I was given. That means that each item was estimated to be sold at LESS THAN a dollar. I saw nothing for sale that was priced for less than a dollar, so I must come to the conclusion, that crowding around all her other faults, Patty is also unscrupulous. "You should yelp her," my sister said. And because I literally have nothing better to do, I did. ( And you just know that Monica and Rachel (the shop-girls) are like "Oh snap, another scathing review for Patty! Now we gotta call her something else!") Next time I'll do what I usually do: take my stuff to Thrift Town by Bayfair Mall in return for a $5 off coupon, and NOT get insulted while I"m at it. read more