Making Old Clothes Like New

Have you ever bought a new outfit and found that months later it’s still hanging in your closet – with the tags on it? For whatever reason, the shirt or pants will never see the light of day, but it’s too late to return them. How can you recoup some of your cash? A local retailer has a solution.

Here’s the tip of the day:

Plato’s Closet at 3626 Walton Way Extension offers cash for your trade-ins. The franchise specializes in brand name, teen clothes and sells clothes for males and females in middle school to college.

The store accepts female clothing sizes 0 to 16 and XS to XL. For males, Plato’s Closet accepts sizes 28 to 38, said Amanda Lillard, a store manager.

The store’s merchandise includes mall brands such as Gap, Abercrombie & Fitch, Express, Hollister and American Eagle. The store requests gently-used items with no stains, fading or holes. Plato’s Closet gives cash or a check that same day, Ms. Lillard said.

The clothes must have been sold in a retail store within the last year, she added.

Plato’s Closet is also a great place to find a bargain. Merchandise is 30 percent off the retail price. This past weekend, many items were listed as 50 percent off.

Plato’s Closet has 800 franchise locations, including stores in Columbia, S.C., Athens and Atlanta.

Want some value out of your old clothes? Here are some other ideas:

Consignment shops also offer cash or in-store credit for trade-ins. For instance, local stores such as Kid to Kid or My Kids Closet specialize in infant and children’s clothing. You can find consignment stores in the Yellow Pages listed under “Consignment Services.”

Or, if you make a clothing donation to organizations such as Goodwill or The Salvation Army, you will receive a donation receipt. This document can be used to claim the donation on your taxes.

Where do you get cash or in-store credit for your old clothes? Write in to The Pinch to let me know.