The Clothes Mentor

(I wrote this review on the Plato’s Closet page, however I felt it should go here as well)
If how a company treats their employees is very important to you, I would think twice before doing business with Plato’s Closet or any of the Clothes Mentor locations in WNY (as they are owned by the same family).
I know several people who have worked at this place and all of them have said that the conduct of the store is extremely concerning. To begin, the environment at both of these locations is extremely unprofessional. Specifically, the manager, Cassie Higgins (who has since moved on) and the owner, Dana Zuber, were extremely inattentive to their employees’ needs and promoted a disrespectful work environment. Too many to list were fired and many more have quit. In addition, many of the employees were fired over the phone, another thing that I find to be extremely unprofessional. The high turnover at both of these locations is something that I think speaks for itself.
Between stories of threatening their employees if they choose going to their classes (that they had all semester) over working a shift that wasn’t in their availability to begin with, to the owner having her friends come in and spy on them, reporting every little thing that was done wrong back to Dana so she can scold them like children, to Dana’s daughter practically getting away with murder, this is NOT a place I would suggest shopping at if ethics determine where you do your business.

Love. Never leave without finding something perfect. The staff are super nice and helpful, and you can’t beat the prices for the stores they carry.

I’ve been coming here for years and almost never leave empty handed. Excellent place to find work/​business clothes. They do have a small sport clothes section too. Prices are fair. The brands are all mature and clothing quality is great, not ratty like at some second hand shops. Also great is that they sell petite and plus sizes, which is very unique (unfortunately) for a second hand shop. No men’s clothing. Only downside is that they rarely have a good sale going on and any sale rack they do have is not stocked with good items. Still, I would HIGHLY recommend shopping here. Why spend all that money at TJMAX X across the street when you could find equally great and fashionable items here for wayyy less money?

I am not at all impressed with what they have for sale in the store. I brought in items from Talbots, Izod, Ralph Lauren, Coldwater Creek that were in much better condition & several of my items still had price tags on them. Beautiful & classic & the items were returned to me. Why wouldn’t they take a white denim Talbots skirt that was in the catalog this Spring, or an Izod denim jacket, or Ralph Lauren jeans? I had a vintage swing coat with ¾ sleeves w/​genuine mink cuffs & a mink collar. The college kids would snag that right up, yet it was rejected. I don’t get it & there is no consistency in the items that they accept for sale. These little girls working there r not at all knowledgeable. I dare anyone to compare what’s in the store to what I brought in. Where’s the owner!!!

Thank you for finding my earring! I appreciate the fantastic staff. I love the store and how amazing everyone that works there is.

After multiple visits at different times of the year, Clothes Mentor has proven to be consistently inconsistent. Their offerings are aimed at everyone from 20-​somethings to those who should have retired in 1999, so there usually is a little sifting involved. Sometimes, I’ll walk away with armloads of designer brands at a great price, but sometimes I have to really dig just to find an Express cami.
Service is passable — nothing above and beyond what you’d normally experience at a generic clothing retailer. They’re usually pretty quick about getting customers into fitting rooms and are diligent in asking to hold large purchases behind the counter to facilitate an easier shopping experience.
Overall, Clothes Mentor is a always a safe bet when looking for new business cas pieces, but don’t rely on it solely if you’re in need of a specific item.

The selection is fair, but it borders on matronly for my taste. There is nothing too sexy, trashy or classy here. I was surprised to see some of the prices: $ 8 for some ugly, beat sweatshirt that is tasteless, no shirt under 10 – 12 $, pretty lame jeans for $ 22… You’d be better off at a decent goodwill or Salvation Army. I walked out with a couple shirts and a pair if jeans, but for the price, I wouldn’t return. Could have paid the same off the clearance rack at Marshall’s– $ 38!

Watch out. They mix in knock offs and don’t tell you. Not all the jeans are authentic. You can get better things at other consignment store. They would be closed down for selling counterfeit merchandise if they were not a used clothing store

Clothes Mentor sells gently used clothing in current styles, aimed at those of us who are not teenagers. Their focus is on better brands and designer clothing (you’ll find Coach bags, Michael Kors, Ann Taylor, etc.), so the prices are a little higher than other thrift stores – but the quality is far superior, too. The handbag selection is usually pretty terrific, and they carry sizes from 0 to 3x, so there’s something for everyone. I almost never leave here empty-​handed!
You can also sell you used clothing, but it must be in great condition, brand name and current. They don’t give you much per garment. .. but if it’s something you aren’t wearing, that’s better than nothing (and easier than selling on eBay).

I’ve been going to Plato’s Closet and never knew this place existed! Every time I brought clothing to Plato’s Closet that was more suited for someone in their twenties, they returned it to me, rejected, basically implying that these items just weren’t cool enough. Until one day, someone working there says «this is more suited for Clothes Mentor, they’re six doors down». QUE?
Clothes Mentor is Plato’s Closet’s older sister. They buy and sell at higher prices, because they target the young professional — middle aged population and take more expensive brands. I think they advertise that you receive 30−50% of what they sell at, but it’s really just 30% unless you selling designer stuff (I’m guessing like Coach and above status?). During my quick walk through the other day, I noticed some really nice Vera Bradley backpacks, a Michael Kors dress rack, a couple Coach bags, all very good condition.
So glad to know that there’s another place I can bring my clothing to sell!

Love this place should have More variety of men’s clothes But other than that I always walk out with at least one thing

I am happy to have this store in town and I got several nice clothes here.
HOWEVER, the BAGS and shoes are non-​returnable without exception. At the very first time of me buying a bag there, the handle came off after being used for two times. I had no other choice but to find a repairing place (eventually a shoe repair shop helped, and of course the repair cost~)
After this experience I don’t think I will bother to check the bags area anymore unless they someday change the policy. There is too many details in a bag requiring checking through before making a purchase without protection.

I’m not sure why my first review was taken down. Was I mean? I was simply telling the truth. I guess it’s okay here if you want to buy junky clothes. If you want a lot of not-​that-​nice stuff that you can totally find at Target and Eddie Bauer, this is your shop!
However, my experience in trying to consign some of my things was a major letdown. I brought in a bunch of really beautiful Kate Spade, Ann Taylor, Loft, J. Jill and Talbots items and was offered $ 77 for everything. One of the pairs of KS shoes (unworn) cost $ 195 by themselves. I didn’t expect to make THAT kind of $$, but it was an insult to be offered the amount I was for about 30 items.
Like I said in my last review, I’d rather give my stuff away.
While I was waiting for the girls in fake UGGS and ripped/​faded black leggings to paw through my things, I browsed for about 30 minutes and found literally one item that I’d consider purchasing. ONE ITEM.
Is Buffalo not ready for a nice consignment shop? What I saw in the Clothes Mentor was crap. Next time, I’ll take my stuff to Boston or NYC for consignment.

The matronly older relative of Plato’s Closet (located down the way in the same plaza).
Prices are slightly higher than Plato’s, but goods are slightly better. A good place to take your nicer grownup clothes, designer name shoes and bags, etc.
They don’t require appointments, either, so it’s easy just to grab a handful of clothes if you’re headed out shopping and see if you can trade some old stuff for new!