Afterwards Home

This was a very interesting experience. When I walked into the store, there was a young lady at the counter who I greeted upon entry and she looked directly at me and didn’t say a thing. She looked at me as if I wasn’t/shouldn’t be there. That was strike 1. Upon walking through the store some, I noticed that there was only 1 other customer (African american woman) who was waiting to speak to someone. The manager she was waiting to speak with saw me and assumed that I was her husband (because according to her, I am tall, big and black) just like the other customer. She proceeded to ask me, did I play a sport at Stanford University. Though I don’t think she meant any harm with her «offensive and ignorant» comment, it showcased a level of unprofessional-​ism that appeared to be the theme of the store. Sad part is, they had some nice pieces.

I have Shopped and enjoyed the pleasant atmosphere I found at Afterwards. I never spend less than an hour each time I visit. There is so much to see and the inventory is in a constant state of flux, I have found it is best not to wait on that favorite pair of pants or shirt because when you return the item may be gone. The interior design side of the store really leaves nothing lacking to the imagination The room vignettes are artfully arranged by David their in house designer, he does a masterful job considering the variety of offerings that are brought in by multiples of individuals. It is rare to find a unique designer store of this caliber at all and it is really best suited in the Menlo Park setting.. I found amazing well known well designed pieces of furniture from notable designers like Donghia, Christian Liage, Eric Brand, and other high end furniture manufactures. Bob said they have one of a kind NEW LY upholstered furniture created exclusively for the store with prices that reflect the typical type of discount reserved for the Interior design trade.
I consider my self a real bargain hunter and have developed a taste for what is offered at Afterwards I have never been let down or disappointed by the staff or the Principals.

My experience has been quite different from the other reviewers. I do agree that there are items there that are overpriced. At the same time, depending upon the length of time an item has been there, you can negotiate. I did see BCBG and Banana Republic items there. I found some lovely cashmere sweaters at good prices, a suede jacket, and an evening gown all at good prices. Of course, timing is everything with consignment stores. I would recommend the shop. As to snootiness, I observed that, at first. I then started to talk to the staff and learn more about them as people and enjoyed them.

Service is the number one thing for me, even if the product isn’t your cup of tea, just the fact that the store noticed and appreciated that you came in is enough to make me buy something.
SO NOT THE CASE here… went into Afterwards Home and their ‘vintage’ shop.
The lady behind the counter didn’t even give my niece and i the time of day. The least she could have done was say hello or smile in our direction. Pretentious and Obnoxious, I would have said a few words had my niece not have been there.
I’ve had better service at ROSS and TJ MAXX, I think I’ll take my money elsewhere.

I have to agree with the other negative reviews — I stopped by and found things to be overpriced for whatever the label was. But for me the telling sign was the staff. One lady was plain obnoxious, not acknowledging me for about 5 minutes.

I really don’t know how this place stays alive. Everything is way too overpriced for the quality and style offered, on both sides of the store. I might stop by again on the offchance I’d find something both hip and affordable, but I definitely wouldn’t go out of my way.

Afterwards Home is actually the companion store to the main Afterwards store (next door) which sells upscale men’s and women’s clothing, shoes, and accessories. But both stores are pretty snooty, in my opinion. Especially the clothing store; don’t try to consign anything there unless it’s a really high-​end label. Meaning: labels like Banana Republic and BCBG (even brand-​new items with tags) aren’t «upscale» enough for them. Honestly, I’m not sure who shops there anymore except for rich retired Atherton ladies-​who-​lunch.

Occasionally you’ll find something good for a fair price, but most of the time this consignment store in downtown Menlo Park is just plain frustrating. They get some premier brands (Hermes, Vuitton, Chanel, etc) but the prices are usually exorbitant and often the styles are «old» as opposed to «vintage». Still, it’s worth checking out every once in a while in case you happen upon a good deal.