Best Secondhand Store – Plato’s Closet

Resale store affordable, stylish

Plato%E2%80%99s+Closet+offers+teens+a+chance+to+buy+and+sell+stylish+brand+name+clothing+for+a+fraction+of+the+original+price.+Photo+by+Mary+Brady%2C+The+Free+Press

Plato’s Closet offers teens a chance to buy and sell stylish brand name clothing for a fraction of the original price. Photo by Mary Brady, The Free Press

Location: 3514 Clinton Parkway
Hours: 10 a.m.– 9 p.m. Monday- Saturday, 12– 6 p.m. Sunday
Total votes: 414
Best known for: Buying and selling stylish, gently-used clothing for cash on the spot
Year established in Lawrence: 1998


A teenage girl flips through racks of colorful floral dresses and trendy knitted sweaters. Her excitement is due in part to they are stylish, but mostly because they are affordable. Plato’s Closet is a secondhand shop that sells clothes at low prices and buys gently used clothes for cash.

Manager John Nichols believes the store is known for its variety, style and convenience.

“I’d say our store is best known for our trendy styles,” Nichols said. “When someone brings something in to sell, we pay cash on the spot.”

He also notes the contribution college students make to the store’s merchandise.

“The variety is a huge selection because of the university,” Nichols said.

Free State senior June Brooks likes the variety of brands, along with the atmosphere.

“It’s got some pretty decent brands,” Brooks said. “It’s a nice overall store to go to.”

Lawrence High freshman Stephanie Reed appreciates the affordability and quality of the clothes.

“It’s a great store,” Reed said. “You can get cheaper clothes that are in style.”


2nd Place: ATC – 736 Massachusetts St.

3rd Place: Ditto – 4000 W. Sixth St.

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