I believe the owner of this shop is the rudest person I have ever met. I was a consigner & customer at her shop. I asked to remove one item from sale. She yelled at me, pointed her finger at me, & when I tried to talk, she told me to be quiet & listen. I am not a kid. I was 74 at the time. I had never been treated like this before or since. read more

With much sadness, I have to update my 5 star 2017 review to 1 star. Within the past year, The Second Act changed owners. While the pricing and quality of items being sold is still great, the new owner is very unprofessional and makes the experience of shopping at this store unenjoyable. I understand purchasing and running a new business can be stressful, but there is no excuse to be rude to customers. Upon entering the store, I was barked at by the owner to "shut the door" without a "please", "thank you", or even a "good morning". As I shopped, I felt as if I was in the way and upon checkout, I felt the same. There were no smiles or pleasantries exchanged. It is interesting because I notice the new owner is trying to make her presence on social media known, and talks about supporting those who need help and raising money for various charities. Anita, please work on your people skills and having genuine care for others that is actually demonstrated in your business practices. Perhaps watching an episode of "Daniel Tiger" on kindness could go far for you. Unfortunately, I will be rethinking shopping here not due to the quality of items, but due to poor ownership. read more

Good luck getting any money for items you take in for consignment. The new owner and staff is rude and very unpleasant. The previous owner was always so wonderful and fair I always received a fair price for my items. I only consign almost new quality brand clothing and handbags. She is not an honest business woman. Never again will I visit her store or take my items there to sell, had better luck posting on Facebook and other name brand sites, se wont last long with these business practices. read more

The owner is an unkind person who did nothing but ooze contempt at me from the minute we entered the store for no apparent reason. As someone who advertises her business as being "woman owned" I would expect her to take more responsibility for supporting and valuing other women and her female patrons. Or at the very least, be neutral. Incidentally that day I was trying to get myself out of my house and be with friends as a way to cope with the loss of my best friend who was killed along with her whole family on the way home from her wedding a week ago. My best friend was a beloved member of this community and one of our favorite things to do together was go thrifting. Our friends, many of whom are avid thrifters themselves, are fiercely protective of each other and will be deeply disgusted by the way I was treated by the owner of the second act under these circumstances. It is bad business to look down on someone in your store not just because you never know who they are connected to in the community, but because the way you treat people in your store can have a bigger impact on your customers than you might think. That kind of reputation as a business owner is hard to undo. I know I will never shop there again and it will not be something I forget anytime soon. Whenever the second act is mentioned from now on, this will be the experience that pops up for me. I see that the owner is actively checking and responding to her yelp reviews and I just want to say that if and when you reply to this, I hope that it's only to apologize and that you have the sense to not try and dismiss my experience with some flimsy explanation of what you would like people to think really happened like in your other posts because I know you know how you treated me and it should weigh on you. read more

Total crooks. Did not reimburse me for my items and also were extremely rude and unprofessional. I do not recommend this business as it is. The old owners were always kind and professional and honest. It's too bad to see one of the best businesses in IC go to pot. read more

It is a wonderful place to find simple, basics and clothing treasure. The prices are extremely reasonable, staff is very helpful, and merchandise is arranged in a way that is easy to find. read more

Only great if you like encountering old ladies with sticks up their asses. I'm a very patient and easy going person and stopped in on a trip to the area and the woman behind the counter is as rude as can be. Give her some Midol. Would not recommend this place. read more

Hands-down the best clothing consignment store in the area. They have lots and lots of gently used, high-quality women's clothes, shoes, and accessories, a small room of men's clothes and shoes, a few racks of children's clothes, and a large room of plus-sized women's clothes....not to mention rack after rack of vintage clothing and costumes. I've been shopping here for 10+ years! I've scored clothes here that would have been $200 new for $15-30, including a gorgeous pair of lace-up leather boots. You'll find all the best brands here, including unique brands you've never even heard of. The staff is friendly and will help you find whatever you're looking for or put an outfit together. If you're ever shopping at the Riverside Hy-Vee, it is definitely worth swinging by Second Act (tucked on a nearby side street) to see what new stuff they have. Also, at the end of each season, they have really awesome sales. This place is a jewel. I almost don't want to post this review because I want the store all to myself! But seriously, you should go. read more

Overall, it's a good business and a fun place to shop at. In my opinion, they do over charge like crazy for some items and it's annoying when you find something cute and then it has a rental only ticket on it. read more

The ladies are some b**tches, they didn't let me try on a dress because they thought it was too small on me, ever since I walked in they followed me, n just started being completely rude for no reason. The girl at the counter was being such a b*tch bruh. read more

This place has an awful reputation for refusing to sell to anyone who might eventually resell what they buy. I do not support this business.

Full of amazing gems! I've been looking for affordable vintage jewelry and they had a huge selection. Can't believe I never went here in college! read more

Shopping is good here, no to consigning. About 4 years ago I took several BIG black bags full of my deceased mother's high quality petite size clothing. I went back to see if any of the clothes were on the racks...nope! There was whispering of the gals when they saw me and I am certain they sold these clean and named brand clothes on ebay! How do I know? I checked back several months later and I was paid 25.65 on my account. I have not been back and will not be back. Consignor be aware. You are giving them clothes to sell and not receiving any money for them. I now take to the Crowded Closest because if I have to give them away, it might well be to a non-profit store, not someone who is not giving you any money for them. read more

I shopped and sold clothes here for about 5 years. I often found good garments and accessories that became favorites. The prices are higher than thrift stores, but selection and brands are superior. The location is hidden, so it isn't picked over. They have an incredible costume selection. I can't say enough good things about this establishment! It will take time to get paid if you are sell your stuff here. Plan ahead as they change seasonally. Don't forget to follow up-- there could be money waiting for you next year. read more

I both shop and consign here - it's my absolute favorite "go to" store when I need something. Never disappoints...I've found some major gems here. The prices are pretty low, and they have great sales too. Staff is helpful and friendly, and there are always new items. There's really something for everyone. Great variety of styles and sizes. Can't say enough good things about this place! read more

Second Act is my favorite place to get gently used clothing, shoes, bags, and jewelry. They have a great selection of plus sized clothing and they don't accept clothes with holes or stains so unlike Goodwill (which is awesome - but different) you don't ever get home to discover that what you thought was a find is actually a dud. The people that work there are very helpful. It can be cramped, but that just means more chances to find a gorgeous sweater or cute skirt. They have a lot of career stuff and even designer. My mom found a gorgeous dress for a wedding there. I've found a few pair of Dansko's there and several lovely winter scarves. Lately it seems like they have a lot more men's clothes and again, several swanky brands. I tell everyone I know about Second Act. I really can't afford these brands new, and they last so much longer that what you find at Target or Old Navy. read more

I can't say enough great things about this place. Melissa and here staff are awesome people. I find great items here all the time. I've also consigned some things and made a nice chunk of change. read more

I have found many vintage/secondhand gems here! The Second Act is an Iowa City institution and for good reason.

Nearly a month ago my husband, daughter and I happened to go to this store on a huge sale day. We bought a lot. 2 garbage bags full. We have 5 children. We paid the exact asking price. Yesterday 9/13/19 my husband and I entered the store. I had 2 items in my hand. After entering one of the back rooms an employee told us that before we continued shopping we needed to check something out. She lead us to the counter. On the counter was a sign that stated "If you are a reseller you are not welcome to purchase here". I was speechless. She had zero idea who I was buying for. I get that any business has the right to refuse service to someone. What I wonder tho is this....how would the consigners feel if they knew this was going on. They take their items there to SELL. Is this a case of fraud? As I'm assuming that if items are left there for maybe 90 days?...that they are "donated" to the owner This place is literally packed. Ceiling to the floors. Many nice things stuffed in dusty boxes and stored under the racks due to lack of room. SHAME on then for assuming about a PAYING customer. read more

...the only place in the area where, with some luck, you can find some actual retro or vintage style clothing. love the store even if it is quite small and crammed. friendly stuff too is a plus. read more

This is the third time I've been in to find either over priced used clothing, rude workers, or them "closing early".

I was asked to leave the store today due to the fact that we re-sell some of the items that we buy on Ebay. This discrimination cannot be overlooked. We pay the same price for these items that any other customer pays, we also shop for our children, and for ourselves. In addition we also have loved shopping there and have been extremely positive and polite to the owner and her family while shopping there over the past 18 months. It is unfortunate that I felt like I was a victim of this discrimination. We have spent thousands of dollars over the this period of time in this establishment. This consignment store re-sells items for others and profits from this practice, we do the same, not to mention that we have helped them rotate inventory and helped their customers profit while doing so. I was ashamed today when asked to leave, even after trying to reason with the owner. I would advise anyone that enjoys shopping with "The Second Act" to reconsider after being treated the way that I was today. I will be filing with the BBB and perhaps an attorney due to this error in judgement. So sorry that this had to happen. read more