Vespucci Ladies Consignment

I’ve only brought my clothing and accessories here to consign and haven’t had a chance to actually browse the inventory. My first time bringing in stuff was a little confusing but eventually I got sorted out. They give you an account number and the intake staff inspect the items and will let you know if they don’t accept something. Once they know what they’re taking they tag it and you leave. For higher end items Jane inspects it in their office and calls you a few days later to let you know how much she will sell it for. These items pay 50% as opposed to 40% for all other items since they fetch a far greater price. Some of the ladies don’t recognize the designer items and as such it’s better to have Jane know you’re dropping them off. They only accept summer items from late winter and winter items at the end of summer. If you’re looking to purge your wardrobe, make sure you bring your stuff here if it is gently used. They don’t accept low end items such as Forever XXI, Suzy Shier, etc. Also you must have all items on a hanger when you drop it off.

I really want to caution people against going to Vespucci’s. Here is how my day played out with them.
When I decided against leaving my stuff with them due to the horrible customer service the one lady wouldn’t let me leave. A different staff asked how they could have handled the transaction better I started to tell them then the original lady interrupted me, and trapped me in the back area. Seriously she had her hands on my stuff and wouldnt move out of my way. As I started to panic I pushed passed. When I called the store manager to give her feed back she excused the behavior and talked over me. SHE THEN GAVE MY PHONE NUMBER TO THE STAFF THAT TRAPPED ME WHAT RIGHT DO YOU GIVE TO GIVE MY PHONE NUMBER OUT. STAY away from this store they do not understand what professionalism means.

I’ve been here a few times and will not be going back. I last went here today, Family Day 2016. I heard two sales associates complaining loudly in the aisle about how they «…hate organizing the racks because customers just ruin it anyway» and wondering «why people would spend Family Day shopping».
I receive sub-​par service, meaning that I typically have to seek out sales associates to help me get a fitting room, they never follow up to ask if they can help with anything, and they’re usually too busy talking to their colleagues than with the clients. Today, for example, I spent about 5 minutes standing by the fitting rooms wanting to try on a few dresses. There were a few sales associates chatting nearby and didn’t pay any attention. Goodbye, I guess…

I absolutely love the product the store has I always always leave with something. The downside… one of the managers there is horrid. She was so pissed off that I found many things to try on. I’m sorry do you not want business? I overheard her say «people are crazy» «tell her to take some items out I don’t want to be putting this shit away all night» as a manager I found her extremely unpleasant and quite honestly a bitch. I felt so uncomfortable I didn’t even want to buy anything or try anything on. I had a lot of my clothes stolen so I was looking for a new wardrobe and she made me feel very unwelcome and like I inconvenienced her. Note: I was trying things on at 620 the store didn’t close until 8, you have plenty of time to put things away and it IS your job. Product, wonderful. People, not so much.

I had heard great things about this place, so I headed on down to check it out. This place is really large for a consignment store, I’d say it’s probably as large as the Value Village in the Northeast (maybe larger.)
The items are well organized by colour and type, the only thing I wish they would do is group by size. All of the sizes are mixed in randomly, so I find myself browsing through really pretty things that aren’t even close to my size, d’oh.
The prices are pretty good and with their sales they are even better. You’ll probably never find high-​end designer stuff for 12.99 like you can sometimes find at thrift stores, but you’ll definitely get a good deal. Their regular brand clothes are all priced nice as well.
I didn’t notice any fakes like East Bay Mom saw, but with this much inventory it’s a possibility. Just remember to check things like labels, fabric quality and stitching/​construction quality and you should be ok.
The staff are helpful and attentive, but aren’t aggressive which is awesome. I will definitely be back.

When moving up here from San Francisco, I was bummed as finding designer goods is hard pressed unless you go to a place like «Holt Renfrew» and spend $$$$. But I found this fabulous consignment store. They carry the nicest high end designers like Jimmy Choo, Chanel, Burberry in all of Calgary. It is expensive for used (my days of finding Jimmy Choo for under $ 50.00 is only at SF so I will have to wait for when I go back) but still ½ of retail. I would caution you that you need to know your designers well as I spotted a few fakes that were priced as the real thing and the sales people really don’t know the difference. They really need to be educated on how to spot fakes (aka go to purse forum, Carol Ives) and get items authenticated. I have picked up great finds like Marc Jacobs, Chanel, and fabulous Chloe. I have started consigning a few things but honestly I make more money selling items myself on Ebay so I reserve my top $$ designer items for that.

Shopping at Vespucci is like hunting for treasures. The ladies behind the counter all know my Mom by name, or by her nickname, «The Purse Lady.» She generally calls ahead or gets her name put on a list if certain brands come in.
As for me; I’ve occasionally found one-​of-​a-​kind party dresses, sweaters and jewelry. It’s made me able to appreciate the quality of a well-​made designer piece without having to sell internal organs on E-​bay. I’ve also gone here a couple of times with a five year-​old in tow, and they’ve got a table with toys and magazines to occupy her time so I may shop in peace.

If you love consignment shopping, this is a goldmine. However, I suggest you ensure you have energy and time, as the store is massive and you could be there awhile. Upon your first visit, you may feel overwhelmed when you walk in the door, because I certainly did. You may consider some items overpriced, but there’s enough selection that you likely will find a good deal. Be warned, the parking lot could be full, so be prepared drive around to find an alternate spot.
Overall, it’s a good time if you enjoy thrift shopping as much as I do.

My first visit to Vespucci was wonderful!
It was a bit overwhelming at first… aisles and aisles of clothes organized by type (tops, jeans, suits, high-​end designer wear) then by colour, then by size. They also carry shoes, sunglasses, purses, jewelry.
We were probably in there for at least 2 hours, a few trips to the fittings rooms, but alas nothing was just right. While searching through the racks, I saw some wonderful items such as a gorgeous Vera Wang dress, Dolce & Gabanna white dress, and a cute pink skirt, a classic Burberry rain coat, and so much more! The shoes… oh my! Fendi, Prada, Marc Jacobs, Manolo Blahnik, and more! Only thing was there was a pair of hot pink Louboutins that looked a little strange to be «New», looked like they may have been re-​soled or rip-​offs.
After hours of going through the store, and going through the high-​end designer wear rack at least 3 times, I found the piece that had to come home with me… a white Burberry cotton jacket, perfect for the spring! Yes, it’s used, a little worn with a few stray threads and a little bit of pilling, but no rips, stains, and all the buttons and zippers are there. Overall, with their 20% off promotion, I paid less than 25% of the original cost! A very comparable price to regular clothing stores, and a worthwhile investment for a piece I’ll probably wear to death.
This is going to be a new regular place for me to visit. Its one where you’ll have to keep an eye out and hopefully get lucky in finding the perfect piece in the right size. (Don’t you dare touch any size 10 shoes until I try them on)
Lucky us, with Burberry now open in Calgary, maybe we’ll benefit through the consignment stores :)

Before my first trip to Vespucci, I’ve never entered a consignment store with the intent to shop for clothing (only accessories and house junk). A few days ago, my mother and I decided that we were fed up with shopping in malls and Winners so I did some online research and discovered Vespucci. In the past, my parents have shopped at Value Village for «farm clothes» but never for nice clothing. We never thought that places like Vespucci existed, actually! We went today expecting to just browse around and not really find much (we figured the rumors were too good to be true). Four hours and six hundred dollars later, we left quite happy and had huge bag of clothing for both of us! Yippee! I am so glad that I will likely not shop at a mall again!
Other points:
— Staff was pleasant and helpful
— No funny «Value Village» smell
— Lighting was good so no eye strain
— Great organization (by color and clothing type)
— Mostly name brand clothing with some designer stuff mixed in
— Fitting rooms were roomy and plenty of space to hang clothing from
— Clothing was all in gently worn or brand new shape
— Location was easy to drive to
We will be shopping at Vespucci again and again.
I am planning on taking some items in for consignment, so I will see how that goes and update here.

Do you like sleek lines, good construction and long lasting fabrics? Do you love designer clothing but don’t have the budget? Well then look no further, Calgary’s best kept secret Vespucci on Elbow Drive gives you 8000 square feet of what you are craving.
I didn’t believe it myself until my mother’s friend told me to go there. Upon entering I couldn’t believe my eyes, first of all the architecture of the building is 1970s and so is the furniture and the interior décor, so it gives it a nice circa feel. The employees are dressed quite chic, like something out of a 1970s Vogue, or more like Jacqueline Kennedy look a likes.
Vespucci has been around for 20 years and carries all designer labels, Prada, Gucci, Coach just to name a few, and it not only carries clothing but also jewellery, shoes, handbags and evening gowns.
The beauty about this store is that is color coded you pick up a blue dress and you look above and there are matching handbags, below matching shoes. It’s shopaholicly dreamy.
Vespucci also exists in Edmonton and will soon have an online antique website that you can shop on out of High River.