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

Retrospect is not in any respect thrifty. Most of their selection is geared toward young South Street shoppers who are 'thrifting' it on their parents dime. The only thing you can really get a deal on, apparently, is records which are all the same price and you can find some pretty good stuff. I bought a black lace boustier there, which wasn't too pricey, but their jeans are crazy high. They usually have a sufficient number of cowboy boots to shod the wild wild west. The plus side is that the clothes are 'filtered,' that is you don't have to wade through a mass of purple sweatshirts with embroirdered flowers or clothes your grandmother wouldn't even be caught dead in to find some real fashion. read more

The running joke with this place is that I always call it "That 70's Store". In reality it's more like that awkward 70's/80's transition period. Zeppelin had just released "Fool in the Rain"; Stephen King just finished Firestarter; Star Wars movies were still good. So in reality this place is more like an episode of Freaks and Geeks. If you have an odd fascination with that era (like I do), you'll like it here. What this place does well is larger items like furniture and arcade games. They're also good for men's suits, ugly sweaters, books, and sometimes records and cassettes. (I can't testify on women's items, though they seem to have a better selection, particularly shoes) I'm often disappointed in their old, ironic t-shirts though. Perhaps I just hit the jackpot that one time with the yellow Selectrocution shirt and have been trying in vain to capture lightning in a bottle twice. The prices can be iffy depending on the item. On the plus they are much more organized than AIDS Thrift and the space is more open. I may not always spring for something here, but it is always worth a browse. read more

I get the Retrospect thing. I know it's not necessarily a thrift store - it's a business that does the work of seeking out the best thrift store finds for you. Thus the price gouging. I'll admit it - sometimes I don't feel like spending two hours just to find the perfect new vintage dress. Lately I've been pretty nonplussed by their selection, though I imagine things have a quick turnaround there on South Street. The shoe selection is honestly what keeps me coming back - I've found some wonderful boots there. They also have some beautiful vintage furniture - and for some of the gigantic couches they've put on sale, the prices aren't too bad. Retrospect isn't a necessity, but for the few times a month I'm down on South Street, curiosity will still continue to draw me in. read more

This is a pretty large secondhand store on South Street, next to Repo Records. They have really good stuff in the windows all the time, and they have a very large selection of jackets. They have an entire rack of fur jackets (which my friend would not let me buy!) So if you are in the area, and want a fur jacket, go here! The jeans section is pretty good, and I saw some brand names like Lucky. Things are a little higher-priced here than Goodwill or the Salvation Army, but you won't have to dig through piles of clothes to find something cute. So you're paying for the time the staff of Retrospect has saved you by pre-sorting. I bought two fall jackets that would be appropriate for work (after some serious dry cleaning and slight stitching) for about $18 apiece. read more

I've bought so many dresses from Retrospect since my original review. I had just moved back here and was still stuck in my dirty Miami Beach hippie phase and hadn't yet found my back-in-the-northeast no-longer-a-beach-bum style. In fact, the first vintage dress I ever bought--a pink gingham house dress from the 60s--was at Retrospect. If you could see my closet now, much of which is from this very store, you would understand just how much that dress changed my life. I shop here a lot. Not just for dresses. Last week, I scored three Pyrex Amish Butterprint bowls in almost perfect condition. Also, everyone who works here is very friendly to me. Highly recommend! read more

I stumbled into Retrospect one day while on South Street and I will be definitely coming back. This place is full of fun and funky vintage clothes, accessories and household items. I love it! Everything is organized, a rarity in thrift shops. The only thing is that everything is priced a little high for my liking. Even so, this place is still great. From their wall of vintage cowboy books to the Pac-Man Video Game Machine in the back Their two tables full of old-school handbags were also very cool, though some obviously needed to be cleaned and didn't seem fit to be sold for such high prices because of stains, etc; If you are a fellow lover of vintage items, you have to visit Retrospect! read more

I've been going to Retrospect for years and years and years, probably the better part of my life. They've gone through a few iterations, and the current version is pretty awesome. Their prices haven't been the best in the past few years, but lately I've been seeing a pretty big focus on furniture and vintage-esque glasses, appliances, etc. I don't usually have success with their clothing section as it's gotten pricey, but again if you are need for a specific costume piece with a vintage feel, retrospect might just have what you need- but then again- Philly Aids thrift also may have it and for cheaper- so definitely give them a look also since they're so close to each other. But since I've been going to Retrospect for years and years and years, I still have to say, they're still doing what they've been doing for years well, and I give them props for that (and for not closing like 50% of south street). Kudos to them and I hope they keep up the good work. read more

Ok ok, so for all the hating I do on this store sometimes I do find some sweet shit there. For that I'll give it a 2. It's a fun store to walk around and browse a little bit if you happen to be on South St. don't expect any awesome finds- for they are few and far between. I did get some sweet nikes there recently that were brand new for like $15, but again, that's not thaaaat cheap. Go elsewhere if you're really looking to thrift shop! read more

Some of their men's clothing (okay most of it) is outdated. Not the stylish kind either. Okay, that's the end of everything bad I have to say about this place. It is stellar in every other way. Every thrift run I am on includes this place, and I stop in every time I end up on South st. The staff is awesome, they even laugh at my terribly lame jokes. Buy stuff here. read more

If you have some time you need to check this place out! It is an experience, not just a store to stop in and quickly leave. There is a lot to look at. I went in for just one thing in mind, a vintage silver purse, and I left with two items and neither were on my list. haha I scored a colorful leather handbag by Carlos Falchi (a well known designer) for $28. That's a steal! Most of their items are reasonably priced to my surprise. I checked out the clothes and there are some beautiful vintage dresses. Awesome place to browse for gifts too! Father's Day is around the corner so check it out for something one-of-a-kind to give. The best part - it's owned by Good Will so if you spurge on yourself you should not feel too guilty because it is helping the community. read more

This is a pretty neat store. I love the concept of it and how it feels like you are taking a step back in time once you enter the doors. Thus far I found gray sperrys, really cool chambray and dooney and bourke crossover bag. It is worth the visit. PROS: -always has new stock -clean - nice and helpful staff CONS: - for consignment, its unusually overpriced TIPS: - look for the $5 rack. Sometimes you can find super cool things there. (This is where I found my light denim chambray - walk around and look at different things, you will find treasure among the horrible 80s sweatshirts and old team tshirts read more

At this vintage-clothing spot, you'll never have to dig through bins at a thrift store again. Good thing? For me, yes, cause I'm a tad bit lazy. The fact that it's done for me is highly appealing. The prices definitely reflect that the "weeding out" is already done for you, and at just $10-$30, I don't think that's too high a price to pay for a piece that you can be almost certain that no one else will have. They have a pretty big selection for both men & women. For the ladies, I'm talking great jackets & coats, dresses, tops, jeans, and purses. They never seem to have a big selection of shoes but they do have some. For the guys, they have cool jeans and tees, button-up shirts and retro jackets & coats. A huge pro is that the store stays neat. A messy store is the worst! They sell many other items besides clothing and accessories such as furniture, records, and home accessories. I browsed through some of these things and the prices seemed fair. I can't really give a full review of the other items they sell seeing as how I go there strictly for the clothes! It all depends on your style because everything isn't for everybody. If you have a more eclectic sense of style, or are looking to jazz up your wardrobe, then I'd highly recommend you check it out. read more

Once upon a time about 8 or 9 years ago, I used to come down to South Street on weekly basis. This is the golden era when places like the Phila-Deli and Zipperhead still exsisted and there was only ONE crappy jewelry store, instead of 5 on every block. Sure enough my love of used clothing would always bring me to Retrospect and sure enough I would find great stuff at affordable prices Sigh. What happened? I understand that vintage is en vogue right now and that rent isn't cheap, but tell me how this justifies the prices that are charged, many times for not a vintage piece but something from the Gap or Banana Republic. Some reviewers state that the inflated prices are due to the careful selection of clothing, unlike other thrift stores in the area that you really have to dig to find something good. But isn't that the joy of thrifting? Searching and searching for that one piece and FINDING IT. And if you crave a real example of careful selection, look somewhere like Astro Vintage or Etsy. It kills me to give you a bad review, it really does, but give us back what you used to be. read more

Heh, When I first moved to Philadelphia I had this false notion that wearing saddle shoes was cool. I found this hideous pair of bright blue saddle shoes here and paraded them around with white pants, like their was no tomorrow. I don't know what I was thinking. Anyway, my days of saddle shoes and silly chartreuse pants are over. Alas, I am not in Guacamole as much as I used to be. However, the store is pretty good. The prices can be a bit high for someones old stuff, but you don't really go in if you're looking for a bargain. Large selection too. read more

i come here to browse the t-shirts and shoes. i havent seen a tshirt for less than $12 so that disappoints me a bit, but maybe that's a bargain to you. i haven't ever bought the shoes, but they usually have a few different pairs of cowboy boots that would really add to an outfit. check it out for yourself, you dont have anything to lose :) read more

Giving this place one Star based on the experience I had today with Matthew H. I was extremely excited to find a few plus size pieces onsite. Finding plus size vintage can be beyond difficult. Went up to the cash register and paid for my items took MY SUN GLASSES off and put them in my bag with the items I just paid for and he reached into the bag and asked are these ours? I said no, and reached for my bag and he dugged back in my bag and said are you sure these aren't ours we have the same one. Being a black woman black person period is exhausting you are being followed or accused of stealing. I told him no, why would I need to steal sunglasses from a thrift store. He then apologized and said they had some "theirvery" earlier that day. I left almost in tears because I was so embarrassed like I had stolen something and shaking when these were actual whole sale "made is China " cheap sunglasses that I purchased from my part time job in Baltimore. Retrospective please take this as a opportunity to to train your staff or Matthew so to say that every black person isn't stealing. Btw this is all while my bff who is white was able to walk out the store with another jacket from another store and Matthew said nothing to her. Please make this a learning opportunity! The store is dope, black money spends the same and being the only black person in the store at that time I was beyond embarrassed! read more

My first real foray into vintage clothing was at Retrospect. It was actually way back when I was in HS and in Philly for a school trip. I remember shopping on South Street and buying this kick ass hat at Retrospect and thinking I was the coolest cat ever. When I returned years later I found the selection to be very good and diverse. The prices are slightly higher than other consignment shops on South Street but not that they break the budget by any means. When I first went I didn't really know what I was doing but I knew the selection was amazing and I was finding some great pieces....I just didn't know my style yet. Now that I do know my style I pine for this store. I can only imagine the goodies that await me inside..... read more

I had a great time looking through the racks of Retrospect and found the best 80s one piece bathing suit. Priced at $15, it was on sale for $11, what luck! They have lots of different types of items, all of them interesting. This is not a take-all Goodwill type place. They definitely curate their items and take pleasure in it. I had a really nice chat with the staff while I was checking out (bonus: they accept credit cards). The shop felt open and well maintained, not dusty or dark. read more

For a vintage store in the city, Retrospect's prices are on the lower end. For a vintage store in general, pretty pricey. I can easily find lots of the pieces that Retrospect sells for half the price outside of the city. So, I guess it depends on how accessible "outside of the city" is to you. That being said, Retrospect does have a great collection of stuff. Their new space is a lot smaller, but more streamlined. Their shoe collection is wonderful, they have lots of insane shirts and dresses for any occasion. I particularly love their color coordinated displays. They used to have more furniture, but not so much any more. Also, they have a good amount of sunglasses, but I think on that front, they can do better. I didn't think anything they had was very unique or worth a second look in regards to eye wear. The staff is generally pretty helpful and friendly, too. read more

Overall it's full of truly "retro" clothing. Bell bottoms and mom jeans galore. I don't know if this place is priced as well as some other thrift stores, but there are one or two items that you may find worth the hunt. The area is definitely worth going to if you're in Philadelphia, full of fun little stores with one of a kind items. read more

Retrospect is one of my favorite resources for vintage furniture, clothing and accessories in the city. Their prices are always the lowest in town and everything in their shop is really carefully curated (like shopping in a thrift shop with only stuff I like!) This Christmas I scored several pieces of glassware that match a set I already had as well as a gorgeous vintage hand-painted sled that was the envy of many friends and family at our holiday party! Then when i told them the price tag--a mere $16--they just about fell over!! Credit Cards are accepted. They offer exchanges within 7 days. Metered Street Parking (which is the only downside). read more

I don't usually shop at consignment shops, but the other day I walked in to check out Retrospect. I cruised through the clothes selection, mainly because I think I'm past the age of wearing some kids old Little League jersey and moved towards the back where the "home design(?)" section is. They have couches and chairs from the 70's and several that had me looking around for Kelso, Hyde and Fes. Retrospect is alright. If you are looking to fill your basement with old couches with crazy patterns shop here. (Most couches were between 100-150) read more

Okay, I'll agree with other reviews about Retrospect (usually) being overpriced. Most of the plaid/checked shirts are $3 elsewhere, and $12-$15 here. So I usually pass on most of them. BUT every time I come, I find something I feel like I can't leave on the rack because I don't want it to belong to someone else. ... like my peach colored lacoste sweater, complete with the old little 'lizard' design. ... a hideous sweater that resembles what a kindergarten teacher might wear. ... pastel colored checked shirt. wrangler. from the 80s. I'm mostly in love with the men's clothing here. The women's section has some awesome pieces but usually too pricey and not enough functionality. Retrospect does take the "work" out of thrifting, but sometimes I don't feel like working. And they had a set of amazing, gorgeous chairs for CHEAP that I wish I could have brought back with me to Brooklyn. The furniture here is usually pretty kickass. (and, about the staff. everyone I've dealt with has been really nice. Perhaps I'm comparing them to the Brooklyn/NYC thrifty kids I deal with all the time.) read more

I was able to get a blazer and a nice shirt for under $40. It's a cool place with a lot of old stuff and a curated vibe.

This is one of those times where I feel like I really don't have anything to say about Retrospect that hasn't been said before... so I'll keep it short and sweet. The Good: -Neat, amply-spaced, color coordinated collection of clothing, accessories and housewares organized by color -Friendly staff that greets patrons and compliments your selections -Fair prices, bought a set of 6 boyscout mugs for $12, a dress for $16 and a men's button up for $14 The Bad: -Housewares and Jewelry selections are too small The Ugly: - Fuzzy dolman sweater with flower and gold bead applique. Keep it cute, not ironic, that's what's working for you, Retrospect. In summary, Retrospect's 3 star average rating is unfair. I feel like many reviewers are overlooking what type of profit it takes to really sustain a business. You can't provide a carefully curated, color coordinated, on-trend selection with out selling merch at a somewhat substantial mark-up to cost. read more

My absolute favorite vintage shop in philadelphia. I shop here at least once a week and almost never leave without buying at least one thing. Everything is fairly priced, in good condition, and always the exact type of vintage clothing/wares i'm looking for. I also love the books! The best thing about it is even though I come in so often there are new clothes coming in all the time so it's not like i'm always looking through the same clothes. 10/10 would recommend, but I don't want to tell too many people about my favorite spot! read more

I adore this place. Every time I'm in Philly, I wish that I had drove so that could I bring home the well-priced adorable vintage furniture pieces and housewares. Compared to NYC, things are really reasonable in cost, and I love thrift shops that are sifted through so that I don't have to spend all day looking for a shirt I might like. Plus, the guys that work there are pretty stud-ly. Win win win. read more

I've been coming to this store since I moved to the city, and I've always had a great experience here. Today was especially amazing. It's a cold day and a little mouse came in to get warm, and the staff was having a tough time getting him out safely! I have hamsters at home, so I offered to help. Me and the staff worked together and we got the mouse out safe and into the wild where he can live a happy life! The girls working today went above and beyond in thanking me, and the way they generously showed their appreciation solidified my loyalty to this store! I will be coming back time and again whenever I want something new to wear, and I think whoever is reading this should do the same. Best thrifting in the city, you better believe it!! read more

The holier-than-thou- entitlement attitude that reaps through this place from its employees...It's sometimes hard to look past when there are a plethora of second hand, vintage options out there. If I'm ever looking for something in particular or something *new* to add to my wardrobe or collection I stop in. I came in on an afternoon and wasn't greeted. Fine. Asked for a fitting room and was spoken to like an idiot from the guy behind the register, who insisted the fitting room was already open. It wasn't-- I think it was hard for him to apologize. Walked out-no good bye from the two chicks who also worked there that cared more of their conversation. Walked back in, after changing my mind on a piece- Not a 'hi again' or even a smile from the two..Walked back out. That's some business centric! Especially when you have sale signs out-Your employees should interact with your customers and NOT just themselves. Yeah, I'll buy a $15 shirt or soap dispenser else where.. The clothes have just gotten languid. Tacky vests. It seemed most 'dresses' were just polyester nighties and night gowns (but not in a cute way). Decrepit shoes (would it be so hard to clean them up ?). I would have walked out with some pieces, but, they.just.weren't.worth.it. read more

4.5 stars I loved loved loved this place. I was just visiting my brother in Philly so I made a trip to South Street before heading home and was so happy to find this place. I got lots of fall sweaters and some awesome plaid shirts. One was ralph lauren and the other was a pendelton wool hunting shirt that I got out of the men's section. They had a whole rack of wool plaid shirts, most of which would even fit larger guys. My brother is over 6 feet and athletic so I made sure to tell him this because I'm sure he has trouble finding things in vintage/thrift stores. I also go a great leather belt for $5 which I love. They have a great collection of shoes and boots. I wanted so many of them but like many places the shoes (esp. loafers which I am DYING to get before fall) are all 7 1/2 and I'm a 8 1/2. I don't give it 5 stars because the stuff is a little expensive and they had a disappointing jewelry collection. I loooove vintage jewelry. I will definitley be back next time I'm in Philly. read more

Love this shop will be back soon A little tip though come with a good amount of money because your gonna want EVERYTHING. read more

Whenever I come back to Philly (cough*probably too frequently*cough*why did I move*cough) I always swing through Retrospect!! Love the clothes, love the housewares, love the staff. This place is hands down the best vintage store in the city. read more

Decent selection of vintage clothing and antiques. Not a huge men's section but a respectable amount of quality apparel for the men of a certain nostalgic aesthetic. Great jackets and coats. Prices aren't bad either...neither is the lovely staff. read more

My wife and I love this store. She bought a sequin jacket for our wedding here! Great place to find deals on Frye boots.

Most of the clothes here have extremely abnormal fits to them, which kind of makes sense because most of the stuff that they sell is meant to fit into a prepackaged "look" of what is in right now. So it would seem that retrospect is like what Urban outfitters wants to be, but without any regard to fit. 20$ for shirts that are like 10 years old and musty is just as cool as the people who work there. read more

My top purchases from Retroect: a vintage dining room table with 5 chairs for around $80. A very cool "How to beat Nintendo Games" book for $5...actually those 2 items are my ONLY purchases from Retrospect, but both great finds respectfully. I visit Retrospect every time I go to South st (about twice a month) I love the rear section with all the cool vintage books, cups, furniture and best of all: an ANCIENT arcade game called War Birds (which would look really cool in my arcade room). They also have Frogger. I don't bother looking at the clothes, but maybe I'll take a look next visit. I'm on board with most of the other reviewers: the staff is bad. The girls are alright, but the guys who work there are snotty and uninterested in the customer's questions and conversation. And that is why this place gets 3.5/5 from me. A solid thrift/vintage store nonetheless read more

Absolutely love this place! The selection is huge, the prices are great, and everybody that works there is super friendly- I always make a point to stop in when I'm visiting Philly. I know a lot of people think it's overpriced, but most of what they stock is really amazing quality and "true" vintage... not your typical Goodwill trash bins. Any time I shop for vintage goods in NY, similar items are usually double the price. Last time I was there, I got these INCREDIBLE vintage Frye boots in perfect condition for $72. For those of you that don't know how expensive new Frye boots are, feel free to look it up- I almost fell over when I saw that price tag! After browsing for WAY too long, I checked out and BS-ed with the girls at the register for a while. Such a cool and welcoming place with an amazing selection of vintage goods! read more

I am giving 1 star because there is no -stars. My daughter and I are just walking 4th street admiring the vintage shops. While looking around this store I found some round sunglasses (worth about $5.00 at the swap meet brand new) priced in this store at $15.00 used, but I liked them so I I purchased them. When I asked for a bag (with a handle/same as those Starbucks bags) he said no he doesn't give them out. There were 4 rows of them so I ask "are they for sales?" He said "No no, they are for more expensive items" in a very rude condescending tone. I thought he was kidding so I laugh and said "really" and he replied "ya, really". I'll never step foot in that store again. He needs to take that big stick out if his mouth, literally. #humilitybuddy read more

ew. you big ol' faux version of a thrift store! you're too expensive!! your staff are stuck-up!! you never have anything i want!! okay...except you have some decent housewares occasionally. for that you get 2 stars, and my healthy disdain. read more