Trader K’s

Ok selection of clothes. The clothes are marked high for clothes that aren’t always in season. I think they should definitely do more sales to get the really nice things they buy on the floor. Good prices for name brand purses and kid clothes

This place offers well organized clothes for men, women and children, and the store is broken up into equal thirds for each group. It is clean, easy to navigate and items are marked clearly. There are many open stalls to try on clothes as well. The store is well lit as well, making it easy to look through items. The main issue is that the prices are fairly high for the items and the items themselves are in mixed condition. For example, a men’s size large Rockstar drink promotional shirt was $ 5.95, as well as a very, very beaten up graphic shirt with cracked ink (and not in a cute «vintage» way). Most men’s t-​shirts ran $ 5 – 9. Purses ran roughly in the 20 – 25 $ range, though I did see a couple items around $ 13 – 15. Some of the prices of the items rivaled their new price as well. The coats ran around $ 20 – 30 in the women’s section. Cheap costume jewelry was $ 4−10+, which was also a bit surprising. The staff didn’t greet me or seem too welcoming, which is fine with me though since I like to browse in peace. They had a variety of nice-​looking children’s strollers around the store as well, but I didn’t check into the children’s section since I have none. While stores like this are based on the selection they happen to have at the time, the selection, variety, style and price was not impressive.

I’ve changed my mind. 3 stars for 20-​somethings (or younger), but 1 star for anyone over 30.

Trader k’s would be an okay store if the customer service was better. I work in resale so I know how a customer should be treated. These people unfortunately don’t consider to make a friendship with you even if it’s only for short second.
My first time selling there the other day I signed in and walked around the store until they were finished looking thru my clothes. I didn’t know how the system worked so I just waited until they called me. 20 minutes later I start to get antsy cause I needed to do other errands, and I come to find out they were finished with my clothes (I had only a few articles of clothing. The staff was short and didn’t give me input as to what they were really looking for… no explanation, no nada. Just a cold shoulder of «eh, we don’t want your stuff.» A bit judgmental and a bit sassy.
The clothes are overpriced… for a used clothing store a pair of shoes shouldn’t be 30 dollars when you can get them 45 new.
If you’re looking for a place to sell your clothes go to platos closet. They actually care about their inventory

The staff here always look like they could have something better to do. I walk in from time to time and have purchased and sold some clothes here. I brought in up to date trendy clothes and they gave me $ 40 and most of the items still had tags on them. Trader K’s selection is awful, there is hardly any named brand clothes for females. I would be better buying clothes at Walmart. My suggestion is save your time and go else where

While I’ve been a long time customer of Trader K’s, I’ve found that I don’t frequent the store nearly as often as I used to… and for a couple reasons.
For one, the level of customer service has gone downhill in recent years. They haven’t always been the friendliest anyway, but I’ve been put off by the personal and random conversations between the staff working at the store during my recent visits. If anything, they’ve either been sitting around and looking bored (sometimes just ignoring people trying to pay for items), or seem to be fairly disgruntled when I have to interrupt them so that I can PAY for things. (Really? I’m trying to pay here… provide you revenue, ya know? Is that really putting you out?)
I also remember trying to sell some clothes here a couple years ago — items worn once, newly cleaned, great brand names, etc — and the girl at the register had absolutely no desire to stop talking to another coworker so that she could go through the items I had brought in. She quickly looked through them, though begrudgingly, and offered $ 3 for 1 dress before brushing everything else off.
I don’t know what the deal is, but every time I go into the store now? I see the most generic brands there — like White Stag, Mossimo, or whatever else. Now, don’t get me wrong… do I have some Mossimo in my closet? Sure. I love Target. I don’t come to a place like Trader K’s to buy something from Target though. It’s not like I’m saving good money by buying Mossimo from Trader K’s as opposed to just from Target itself.
So why the 2 stars and not just 1? Because eeeeeeeevery once in a while, I manage to find a gem of a purchase hidden amongst all the other generic clothes or accessories… something I’m willing to buy, regardless of whether or not I have to «interrupt» the girl at the checkout from talking to a colleague about all her relationship drama. Finding a hidden gem is why I’ll even bother going back.
TL;DR Don’t expect customer service and be prepared to do some serious digging in order to find anything nice.

I’ve been shopping at TraderK’s for more than 10 years. I still pop in from time to time, but I find that it’s not really worth my time anymore. The clothes are really generic and I can usually find sales on new items that rival the prices in there. I haven’t seen a truly good find in there for a few years. I did used to find unique clothes there, but not anymore.
I mean, there is no way I will pay 6.00 for a shirt from Gap or Old Navy at TraderK’s when I literally just bought brand new shirts from Gap for around that price, or even less in several cases (I got a few in-​season shirts on their 50% off clearance for between ~4.00 up to 7.50 today in the Gap). Same goes for jeans — they have Gap jeans marked for 16.00? OK, they are just Gap jeans — and the Gap itself puts them on clearance for less than that. Why would I buy used Gap jeans for 16.00? I just bought some today for 6.50 and they are super-​cute and brand new — directly from the Gap’s sale. Their prices on premium denim are higher than you would pay on Ebay.
It just doesn’t make sense for me to go in there and wade through the racks when all I have to do to find better prices is click the mouse a few times.
Oh well — it was fun to shop in TraderK’s for the years that I did.

The other day, I was there to sell and buy particular items in mind.
The store didn’t take a single item from seasonal, brand new, spotless items in my bag — which was not a surprise, but they used to take at least one or two items. I’m a long time customer. Didn’t know the person who looked at my clothes on this day, but still.
Now I am finally starting to realize that bringing clothes there is a huge waste of my time and energy. I won’t do this any more.
They did offer to take my clothes to Salvation Army.
And the other reviewer is correct — they never fold the clothes back for their sellers. It’s kind of frustrating, given how carefully you folded your clothes, trying to make them presentable in hope of selling them successfully.
As for the items I was looking for — a black cardigan — I couldn’t find one that is in decent condition. Everything that would fit me had pills. Hard for me to fathom why they don’t take my garments in much better condition and instead sell these junks.
I used to think Trader K sell quality clothing, but these days I am starting to question that. Feel bad to write this review about a local store, but it is what it is.
Salvation Army on Elmira St. has much better deals, more stuff (you have to comb through items however, as expected of any Salvation Army), and zero attitude.
Across from Salvation Army, on Route 13, there is a new thrifty store called (I think) Thrifty Shopper — I’m noticing this place sells clothes in much better condition than Trader K’s — I found a black cardigan there, looking brand new, and with no pills.
Also I just found out that Plato’s Closet is opening in Ithaca soon — I think Trader K’s is facing tough competitions.
I’d rather go local, but with all the issues … smh … sad, sad, sad

Trader K’s may serve Ithaca just fine, but anywhere else, it would be crushed.
I’ve been frequenting thrift stores and clothes recycle secondhands for over 15 years, and this place was by far the least stylish, most expensive, and rudest.
SELLING STINKS!; if you’re looking to make money off of your good threads, you’d be better off heading to NYC. I made $ 11 on at least 5 articles of clothing; I certainly didn’t see anything for sale for $ 2. Not even for $ 5! So they really are gouging their sellers. And the clothes they don’t take! I’ve never had to re-​fold clothes I’ve taken to sell before. They carelessly shoved them back into my bags, and I assure you, there were no customers waiting to sell — or buy.
If you’ve got the money and you like their style, it’s a great resource. If you’re used to bigger recycle shops like Buffalo Exchange or Plato’s Closet, prepare for heartache.

This is a stop I make every time I’m in Ithaca. Located on the Commons, Trader K’s has a diverse selection of used clothes and accessories for women, children, and men. There’s a devoted section for evening/​formal clothing, but most of the stock is casual – jeans, t-​shirts and knit tops, some woven button-​down shirts. There’s even a limited selection of swimwear.
On most items. the pricing is good – maybe a bit on the high side, but not outrageous. Knit tops I saw I my last visit were mostly in the $ 5-​$ 7 range. .. which is good for a brand name piece (and there are a good number of those) but pretty steep for a used shirt from Target or Old Navy.
The condition of the clothes ranges. Some were in «like new» condition (clearly never worn); others were clean and in good repair, but maybe a little pilled or faded. Certainly still very wearable, but not «new.»
Like all thrift stores, you never know what you’ll find on any given day – but that’s part of the fun. If you’re in the neighborhood, it’s worth a stop.

Very nice selection of clothing for reasonable prices. I think the clothing that are the greatest deal are the dresses. There are some dresses that were flat out cocktail ensembles selling for less than $ 30. You couldn’t even rent that type of dress for less than $ 50.
The pants and shirts are sometimes also very nice, but you have to be very careful checking the pants for holes (especially if they look like they were very nice pants otherwise). The shirts are also many times from stores I wouldn’t even think of shopping the sales racks at.

This is just what a decent used clothing-​store should be: the selection is good, it’s well-​organised, the employees are fun, and the prices are reasonable given the general quality of the stock. I bought my (absolutely stunning) university graduation-​dress here for $ 13. Heck, it cost me more than that to go get it dry-​cleaned.

The racks are so overstuffed that it is impossible to browse. They need to become more selective in their buying, as the store is too cluttered with junior sized polyester club wear type clothes and vinyl purses. Little vintage or good quality natural fiber basics to be found. Kids clothes can be hit or miss, too much licensed character merchandise proportionally though. They do not buy on Sundays or Thursdays.

Since moving to Chicago, I have yet to find a resale clothing company that even comes close to Trader K’s. Most of my wardrobe is from there, and every time I receive compliments on my outfit, I get nostalgic for Trader K’s!
This place has a huge selection of items, a wide variety of styles, great atmosphere, and a charming/​wonderful staff that works hard to keep up with the large amounts of garbage bags filled with clothes, toys, and accessories. The employees there are always helpful and efficient amidst the chaos of busy «buying hours»
If you’re trying to clean out your closet, or if you’re simply trying to find something new to wear out for a weekend, trading in your clothes will allow you to come home a new outfit or two. Some of my favorite wardrobe staples are from TK’s (silk scarves, Birkenstock sandals, summer dresses, and simple cardigans…) Can’t say enough great things about this place… We need you here in the midwest!!!

I’m a big fan of how much stuff Trader K’s has, their prices, and the fact that all the clothing is sorted by size. Also very happy they now sell toys and other kids things. That being said, I’m not a fan of how cramped the store is. It’s very difficult to get through with a stroller or baby in a carseat. Also, not a fan of how they don’t size the shoes. It would take a whole afternoon to find a pair of shoes that fits me, as they have all sizes thrown together in every nook and cranny of the store. I cannot count the number of times I’ve seen a cute pair of shoes and been disappointed to pick them up and discover they are the wrong size.

I agree totally with Mari C’s review (which by the way I felt compelled to stamp as ‘helpful’ as it certainly was) Trader K’s is a lot like a Plato’s Closet — a chain store that carries lots of high end brand name gently worn garments and ‘going out’ shoes and formal ware, not a place for much vintage clothing at all, mostly just a lot of Rue 21, Charlotte Ruse, Forever 21, Ed Hardy, Arden B, Ralph Lauren, Abercrombie and American Eagle stuff to tell ya the truth. However; if that is your sort of thing your in the market for then it’d be superb and a trip for you well spent for sure, just not my scene.

Trader K’s is wonderful. Some great buys for all shapes and sizes. I want to talk though, about their formal wear which is accessible in the basement. You need to ask to go to that area of the store and they will take a form of ID prior to going down there but its well worth it. Formal wear galore from prom and evening dresses to a complete room of wedding dresses. Terrific shoes as well. We spent two hours down there and bought a semi formal dress, an exquisite, entirely beaded evening dress and a pair of shoes (all new) for less than $ 80. And, to beat that – we had tons to choose from. So wheither you are buying for yourself, or for a daughter (like I was) the choices are rich without having to go to every promemporium in the area and without having to rob a bank to look good. Thank goodness for fashion conscious college students to supply Trader K’s with such a wealth of wonderful things.

This is a great used clothing store. You sell clothing that you don’t want to them and they sell if for more. Don’t take too much though they are very picky and a lot of the time you leave with almost everything you go with. Don’t let this stop you from shopping there. They have a lot of high end merchandise due to their pickyness. They also have a mens section upstairs.

this place is alright by me. the selection is broad, if a little hit or miss. not a lot is vintage or even faux vintage so don’t come here thinking you’ll walk out with some priceless nostalgic treasure. i’m not saying it’s impossible, just unlikely.