Rescue

Why did this close? Is it because Boston cannot accept variety of tastes. Can someone recommend a good second hand store. Please no second time around.

The gentleman behind the counter wasn’t the friendliest, but it was fine. I even made a dumb little joke, just to see if he would smile. He didn’t.
They have some nice clothes, and I got a stylish sweater for a good price. I’d recommend checking out this shop.

The owner of the business, Paul M., keeps sending me crazy messages– he’s clearly butthurt over my review of his business. Grow a thicker skin, son.
This is what he had to say:
«listen, your clothes sucked. you’re more than welcome to come take them back and give me back my money. i find it extremely frustrating that you come to my store, take my money and then talk shit about me on the internet. you should have had the courage to tell me to my face you didn’t like the deal i was offering you but you’re a goddamn coward. i hope you enjoy your awful life taking shit about people on the internet. you obviously don’t know how to function in the real world.»
Let’s put aside the fact that you’re clearly deranged… Next time I am back in Boston, Paul M., I will pay your store a visit and personally give you a piece of my thoughts.
Update (5÷6÷2013): Paul M. keeps sending me aggressive and threatening messages and updates to his comment despite no further response from me after I posted this review update. All from a negative (but fair) initial review making no personal attacks, simply pointing out my negative experience dealing with the business. Paul M., I have flagged your comment and your profile. I highly recommend, in a non-​snarky way, that you leave the Unilocaling to your business partner. You’re only damaging your business’s reputation.

Never again.
One pair of unworn Converse sneaks
One Balenciaga scarf
Two Marc Jacobs blazers
One LuLu Lemon tank
One Vince tank
One Diane Von Furstenberg skirt.
The payout? Fifty clams.
Total B.S. I took the money because for some weird reason I felt pressured and I needed cash but by the time I got back to my car the frustration — and regret — hit.
They also had previously offered me 60 bucks for a Gucci purse, which I refused and sold on eBay myself within a week for over 200 bucks.
Do not consign here. Sell the clothes on eBay yourself or go to Second Time Around. These people are thieves; not to mention they are wayyy too cool for school (according to them).

I’m going to be fair. Mixed experiences here. Some of the staff have been wonderful to me and others have been… well, not so nice. Granted, they do have a pretty cool selection of stuff since they have some great connections for buying up stock that hasn’t been sold from local boutiques like Bodega. They do a lot of eBay work too. Store is a bit crowded, but it’s fairly organized for this type of store.

Small store, one employee who leaves you alone. Their selection of gently used items seemed to veer in a dark, hip direction when I checked it out in November. I didn’t find much I liked, but it’s probably a good spot to browse regularly. I haven’t tried to sell anything here.

Went in here for the second time the other day, the first being a week prior. They have some nice pieces but nothing jumped out at me. A couple of things interested me but not enough to drop some dough on them. I could just go to Diesel and pay the extra $ 25 for the sweater and get some decent service.
I’m astounded at how either «cool» the staff think they are or how «tired» they must be from talking to their friends and surfing the net the entire times I was in the store. I also loved the girl hogging the only section of mens pants I fit into (I wear 28″ mens waist pants) although this is none of the store’s fault.
What is the store’s fault, however, is the absolutely horrendous «sales-​reps.» (I’m not sure what to call them since they don’t try to make any sales and they are definitely not customer service people. The other reviews are 100% correct in what they say about the staff: not 1 word of acknowledgment in either of my visits.
Oh well, at least there are other stores with similar selections and better service around Boston. They will get my money instead. Before Rescue moved I enjoyed it. Too bad. I don’t anymore. I wish someone would just put it down.

Ugh, what a waste of time. Note, there are 2 RESCUE’s on Newbury Street. I went to both and wasn’t impressed. And I do agree, one of the sales girls, wasn’t quite welcoming.

Stopped in for a purse,
Staff girl was a sour puss.
Kills you to smile, eh?
–Haiku review

So, not my favorite spot on this street for vintage and resale items, but it was really nicely laid out and the spot is open and nicely lighted. The staff (at both locations) didn’t speak and were not particularly friendly… but I liked the way the store was organized (by color for this one) and their selection of dresses. I wish the kate spade dress that was adorable wasn’t only 3″ long… I’m a bit tall for that.
In any case, a pretty good spot in the area.

Decent clothes at a decent price, in a store run by grumpy hipsters.
Rescue started in Allston, and quickly moved to two stores on Newbury Street. Allston is hipster central in Boston, and Newbury is more upscale. As such, the more Rescue expands into downtown Boston, the higher the prices go. I don’t shop only for the fashion of wearing vintage clothing. I used to like Rescue a lot because I could get brand name, cheap clothes there. I could get GAP button downs for $ 10, and JoS A Bank sweaters for $ 15. Now, with the prices increasing, I can go to Lord and Taylor during a sale and get new clothes for the same price as Rescue offers their used items for, and sometimes even cheaper.
Essentially, Rescue is now aiming their brand at hipsters with excess cash. That’s fine if you’re that kind of person, but if you shop at used/​vintage stores in order to save money, Rescue is starting to price you out. Which is too bad, at least for people in my position.
Also, it’s worth mentioning that the staff will not do anything to help you when you’re there. Some people might enjoy being left alone, and some might find the service lacking. Personally, I don’t mind being left to myself, but I did get a little annoyed the last time I visited when the I walked past the owner, asked how he was doing and didn’t get a response. If your aunt from Ohio visits over the holidays and asks you what a «hipster» is, instead of trying to describe them simply take her to this store and show her the employees and let their attitudes tell the whole story.

This is a great little consignment shop gem. It specializes in high-​end items, so the prices are certainly higher than Second Time Around, but they are still way less than the original. I’ve gotten a couple of really great deals on dresses there and make sure to stop in from time to time to check out the new stock.
And for those guys looking for a good discount — this shop has a large section dedicated just to you. I’ve never seen so many men thrifting as I see in here.

High quality selection of used designer clothes, Its really well organized… but good luck getting much in the way of service. I also wasn’t impressed by the prices.
There’s something about walking into a niche local shop, and having a friendly staff greet you and make you feel good about shopping local. Maybe a side ways glance… I’m really not happy about being ignored in your place of business.

An incredible selection of designer labels! I couldn’t believe it. From Prada to Milly’s dresses, I found amazing styles. There were also a good selection of high end shoes inside the counter near the register.
This was the first time I walked into a store and didn’t have to sift «unnecessarily» through all the junk, i.e., yucky, out-​of-​date clothes. Even their «non-​designer» section was filled with really trendy items from French Connection and Free People.
When I told the owner, who was very nice and not pretentious, that her store was SO much better than most of the shops in L.A., she said, «What about Wasteland?» to which I replied, «there aren’t this many good, trendy designer labels. Plus the Wasteland I liked closed down.»
They have stuff online, although it’s not a ton of stuff. I walked out with a pair of Joe’s skinny jeans, a BCBG Runway dress, Vince dress and vintage shirt.
I could’ve bought more, but I was on a time limit so I had to skidaddle out as quickly as possible, but I had a great time browsing around the store. People of Boston, you guys are lucky to have such a great store! Oh yeah, they had a ton of guy’s stuff there as well.

COOL CLOTHING = 3 STARS
SNOTTY STAFF = –1 STAR
Try Rescue when treasure hunting for something unique, BUT…
take a deep breath before you pass through the dark, dreary door,
as the cold, snarky staff is suffocating in stand-​offish swagger.
Rescue features dark, edgy, trendy used /​consignment clothing. Almost everything they sell is BLACK, WHITE, SILVER or GOLD. It’s a small, dimly lit store, but you might find some unique pieces. I entered with an open mind and eager eyes, hoping to find a treasure. Then, I purchased a silver, satin skirt and a black patent leather belt, as the STAFF SLAMMED THEIR COMPETITION «SECOND TIME AROUND» TO ANOTHER NEW CUSTOMER while I checked out. I tentatively signed up for their MAILING LIST hoping to sell some clothes.
That being said, I really would like to give Rescue 3 stars, but the undeniably HORRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE I received on my 2ND VISIT completely prevents me from doing so. They EMAILED ME 3 TIMES, stating they were now SEEKING CLOTHING CONSIGNMENTS. I went back to SELL SOME CLOTHING, now having a very good idea of what clothing they sold. I WENT ONLINE FIRST, to see exactly what designer brands they accepted. (NOTE: They *claim* to accept ONLY DESIGNER CLOTHES. Their stock is MORE TRENDY VINTAGE, THAN DESIGNER.) I even EMAILED THEM TO CONFIRM WHAT CLOTHING THEY WANTED, per the instructions on their website. They only responded with an exact copy of the designer labels on their website, so I don’t know why they request you email them.
I go in with MY BAG OF CLOTHES for consignment, and BROUGHT FRIEND who’d never been there before. My bag was full of dozens of black, white, silver and gold clothing, almost exclusively FROM THE DESIGNER LABELS ON THEIR LIST. The same girl and guy from my 1^st visit were working, but NEITHER SPOKE TO ME NOW, except the girl to say, «this will only take me 5 minutes,» in a tired, bored voice. We shopped around, and my friend bought a bracelet. She’d barely fluffed through a handful of my pieces and put them bag in the bag claiming, «WE’RE NOT GOING TO BE ABLE TO TAKE *ANY* OF *THIS.*» «THIS» was *exactly* what their website claimed they wanted: FALL CLOTHING, DARK COLORS, HIGH END DESIGNER LABELS! Upon leaving, I looked at my friend and shrugged my shoulders, asking, is it me? He replied instantly, «NO…SHE WAS A BITCH.»
I still *might* consider shopping there, if the two people that work there were even a *little* bit friendly, but THEIR BAD ATTITUDE IS SUFFOCATING. I’m sure they *think* they’re DROWNING IN HIPNESS. To me, rude is cool… it’s just plain rude. I am in marketing, and totally get the vibe they are trying to put off… but, the only thing they «put off» is US.
Upon reading all the bad reviews before mine, I see I AM NOT ALONE. ALL THE BAD Unilocal REVIEWS ARE BECAUSE OF THE SNOTTY STAFF. Here’s an excerpt: «The staff does not acknowledge your presence, let alone look you in the eye. I’ve complimented them on the store and their selection and barely get a response. As a repeat customer, the staff and lack of customer service has made my experience uncomfortable every time I shop at Rescue.»

My biggest fear about going into the dressing room here is that the store will have moved by the time I come out. You see, it’s relocated several times already in its short history. Elusiveness aside, Rescue has one of the better men’s selections when it comes to vintage clothing in the Boston area. At most stores I fail to find anything I want to buy, but here there’s always plenty of things I’d love to have. Old t-​shirts, polos, westerns and more — everything a dork like me could need to pass for a hipster.
The prices are reasonable — not a deal but not grossly overpriced either. Sure, you might find vintage stuff cheaper at Goodwill, but you could also visit 4 stores and not find one item worthy of Rescue’s racks. Last time I was in, they had an impressive selection of original hair band tshirts — Skid Row, Iron Maiden, Whitesnake — they had ‘em all, though prices for these ranged from $ 40-​$ 100.
Staff — not terribly friendly or outgoing, but not rude either. Par for the course.

I hit the fashion jackpot today at Rescue and I still can’t believe I had never set foot in this store before. After 15 minutes of browsing racks stuffed with amazing designer labels like Nanette Lepore, La Rok, Milly, Theory, Leifsdottir, etc., I was running to the dressing with a dozen beauties and reluctant to discard any of them. My one quibble is that the dressing room is directly in front of the cash register/​checkout area and the curtains don’t exactly provide «full coverage» of the dressing area… kind of awkward, so just be careful in there.
But seriously, dressing room challenges aside, I had no idea there was such a sartorial treasure trove of gently worn secondhand finds here at Rescue! I can really only vouch directly for the women’s selection, but the men’s looked good as well. It’s my new favorite store on Newbury St. and gives Second Time Around a real run for it’s money. They do the whole buy/​sell/​trade thing, but it’s not consignment since they pay upfront to take your gently worn castoffs.
The prices are pretty fair given the quality of the threads, and if you are purchasing an armload of stuff, you might even have some luck negotiating a bit… just sayin ;)
Oh, and every purchase of $ 100+ nets you a free Rescue tote, as well. Sweet.

Two words: April 77. I found the fantastic gray pair during my first visit.
Ever since moving to Boston, Rescue has come to my rescue more than once. When I first landed in late September, when the weather was on the cusp of wintry chill, I had no coats, wool sweaters, or boots. In fact, I had no idea how harsh – and LONG – winter was going to be. Personally, I never really cared for the ubiquitous North Face gear, so one thing I learned quickly, as an alternative to parkas, was layering. Layering made it possible to wear that fantastic button down shirt (Corpus) or cardigan (APC) that I had found at Rescue in the dead of winter, «rescuing» me from possibly having to forsake style for warmth. This also economically filled my empty closet with winter-​but-​spring-​friendly clothes, again «rescuing» me and my broke, student-​loan-​debt ass.
Rescue even came to an impromptu rescue. On one cold night I underestimated the ocean breeze and made my way to the store before heading to dinner. Lucky me, I found a sweater that was not only warm but stylish underneath my coat.
Though limited in choices at times (after all, it is a consignment store), this store never disappoints. The upside is that there will always be something new and different and unique each time I visit (minus the occasional AA and H&M crap). In fact, to make an East coast-​West coast comparison, Rescue reminds me of Wasteland on Melrose in Los Angeles because of its brands/​designers that I adore at reasonable/​marked-​down prices. Of course, Rescue is tiny in comparison to the modish consignment juggernaut Wasteland, but that the fact that I rarely leave empty-​handed attests to Rescue’s fastidious yet sophisticated eye for highly coveted clothes.
Kudos. You are my hero, even if you are a «hipster garbage dumpster.»

I give one star very rarely but here is one for Rescue on Newbury Street.
I LOVE vintage/​used/​reconstructed clothing store so happened in here on a trip into Boston pretty stoked.
I walked in with boyfriend. We were the only people in the store. Lone cashier ignored us the ENTIRE time we were there. Did not even look up from whatever she was doing at the register. It’s a pretty small store. She obviously knew we were there. I gave her multiple chances to look up and say hello… Nothing. We felt wicked uncomfortable.
T shirts were a joke-​$ 22 for a t shirt that I could have bought for $ 10 in 6^th grade all in the yearning to be ironic? Yeah, no. Won’t be going back.
Note: After I reviewed Rescue, I received a genuine apology from the owner and retract my statement «Yeah, no. Won’t be going back.» and will add a star. Ill give them another try when in the area because I truly appreciated the owner reaching out.

Small store.
Friendly prices (for some things).
Not my kind of store. But, it might be for you.