Karen’s Kloset

This place if for rich people wannabes. They are too particular in what they accept, because apparently there is only one «style» people are looking for. What they do have is outrageously expensive for what they think it’s worth. I’d rather shop at Goodwill… and I despise Goodwill, but this place is a joke.

I have been a shopper and also consignor at Karen’s for probably about 10 years now. I’d give a full 5 stars if only reviewing for the consigning experience, so I’ll start there:
Consignment Experience:
I generally do pretty well selling items here. While the payoff is not immediate, you get a lot more money than selling things at places like Platos Closet, which offer comically low amounts for gently worn clothes, then turn around and sell them for nearly full price. However, it takes a bit of work, so I think it’s really only worth it to bring in 30 items at a time (this is the max you can bring in without an appointment). I now live in Chicago but still have family in the area and continue to bring my clothes here because I trust the business. They have never screwed me over payment and I feel they are honest with what is sold versus not sold and then donated. Here are my tips for bringing in items:
–First and foremost, items must be on hangers when you bring them in! They won’t go through your stuff if it’s not hung up.
–Like I mentioned, you need an appointment if you have over 30 items (shoes, accessories, etc included!). Don’t be a jerk — it takes them a while to go through and many people bring things in on weekends, so stick to the rules.
–Make sure items are CLEAN and WRINKLE FREE. I usually inspect and steam anything I’m bringing in. This takes time, so it’s another reason I wait to go until I have a lot of stuff piled up. They will NOT take wrinkled clothes.
–If you bring shoes, make sure they are clean on the outside AND the inside. I have had shoes turned away for dark marks on the insoles. If you clean them out they will still take gently used shoes.
–Only bring in items that are in season. They start to take winter stuff in like October, and spring stuff maybe in March. Call before to be sure before you lug anything in.
–They will take some older styled things, but usually only if they are designer. I wouldn’t really bother with vintage or something more than 2 – 3 years old unless designer.
–They usually take career wear (blazers, skirts, pants, oxfords, etc) any time of year, but I have had some trouble selling career dresses in the winter (even though they go with tights).
–In the past couple of years my experience has been they do not take destroyed denim or anything other than skinny fit jeans. Double check before you take denim in.
–Sometimes, if one associate does not take your items, you can bring it in when another is working and they may take it. My mom swears by this but I don’t care to waste my time! Chances are, if they pass the first time, no one will buy it anyway.
–If you want your items back at the end of the consigning period, make sure to let them know, otherwise they will get donated.
For the shopping experience, I’d give Karen’s 3 stars (hence the 4 star average). While I do think you can find some good deals, especially when they have sidewalk sales, a lot of the items I find here are marked too high for a second hand shop. If I can go to a ‘mall store’ and get the item brand new for only $ 5 – 10 more, chances are I’m going to do that. Also, while they have gotten better about organization in the past couple of years with the expansion, it really is hard to find the good stuff with the way the store is laid out. You have to sort through a lot of ‘why would they even take this’ to find anything worth trying on. I’ve found a couple of good deals here items, but normally I just shop around to busy myself while they look at the clothes I bring in.

I have been shopping here for about a year, and wish I had found it sooner. The quality of the merchandise is higher than other thrift stores… I regularly get designer label clothing for 10−20% of the original price. You do have to be willing to drop in frequently, because the good stuff may get snapped up by another shopper before you ever see it! Bought some $ 200 shoes yesterday for $ 35 – in very good used condition. Most of the salespeople are nice and helpful, although there was one woman who seemed a little aloof. Karen’s Kloset has definitely been a boon to my budget and it is usually my first stop when I am shopping for clothes.

This is my favorite place to thrift shop. They have an amazing selection and I always walk out of their with at least 3+ items. The clothes are in very good condition, they have a huge shoe and accessories selection, and they have a a collection of amazing designer stuff from stores that are only up in the big cities. While I think some things could be priced a little bit lower, there are some really good deals in here.
My only complaint is that the employees are not very friendly or helpful.

I have been both a consignor and a shopper over the years and while it is great that space has increased, it’s surprising that racks are still crammed full of things. It makes shopping difficult and I only occasionally find useful items. The store is organized well, but racks are too full. That contributes to the less than upscale feel. As a consignor I’m frequently annoyed at the less than friendly staff. While it’s great to have a place to re-​sell quality items, it’s frustrating to be treated like the staff are doing me a favor by accepting my items. I think they have to remember that without consignors they have no inventory!
Some suggestions:
From a shopper perspective:
Have sufficient staffing so that there is straightening up and service available in various parts of the store, especially the shoe area, and to provide customers access to display items that are overhead or in windows. Staff should be welcoming, fun and willing to help. Shopping is supposed to be fun, not full of frustration and unnecessary wait time.
From a consignor perspective:
Consider friendlier treatment of consignors. Frequently staff act burdened by the fact that they have to review items you bring in. And they are not particularly polite about returning «no thank you’s». Remember that without consignors there is no inventory! Be sure that even if pricier items are displayed in inconvenient places, that staff are readily available and willing/​offer to get items down for shoppers. Merchandise won’t sell if customers can’t see and touch it.
It’s a nice store, and I think minor improvements would make it a much more pleasant shopping experience.

Karen’s Closet is okay if you have a lot of time to waste. I spend over an hour looking through every piece of clothing that was my size. However, I have to agree with previous posters that the clothes are very out dated, and some are very overpriced.
I will say the BEST part was getting a pair of Buckles $ 120 pants for $ 20 and they lady working the desk was VERY helpful. She continuously came over to take all my selections to a fitting room (no limit on the fitting room).

I personally have never found anything from Karen’s Kloset. The few times I was in there, I have never seen any of the nicer brands which they used to advertise on their commercials. I also felt the clothes were not current styles, and a bit worn for the prices they were charging.

This place is one of Champaign’s biggest treasures! I found it my last year in school and had wished I had found it years ago. You have to be ready to look well for something you want, but I have walked out with tons of things I absolutely love and cannot believe I’ve gotten them for the price they were! I’ve gotten stuff from there with The Loft, J. Crew and Banana Republic labels. Love love love this place. The girls who work there are also helpful and very sweet.
My latest find was a brand new pair of Loft dark wash jeans with the original tag still attached down $ 60 for $ 18! Come On!

Completely overpriced garage sale items. I have been here a couple of times and it’s ridiculous. Maybe I am too picky but the prices they are asking for their merchandise is extreme. Also, I believe most of the stuff is outdated and worn, I have given this place a few chances to impress but every time I go here I always walk out shaking my head. Maybe it’s just not my thing.

I’ve only been in as a shopper and am usually able to find a few pieces that work for me. There’s a lot of stuff to dig through, but you can find some gems if you take the time.
I’m about to try my hand as a seller and will update if needed. However, having just called in, I do know that to sell, they ask the following:
1. You can bring in 30 items or less to sell without an appointment. More than that and they ask that you set up a time to meet with a staffer.
2. Bring items in freshly laundered and ironed (if needed).
3. Bring items in on hangers. They will swap hangers out if you need yours back.
4. They want items that are classically stylish or are of-​the-​moment (1 – 2 years old).
5. They will place your pieces on the floor for a 60 day period. They may mark the price down towards the end of the time to try to move the item. Unsold items can either be picked up or they will donate to charity.
6. You get ½ the sale price.
7. They do accept maternity clothing and men’s clothing, although they’re pretty picky since they have limited rack space for those.