Encore

As usual, it’s always a delight to visit Encore. Plenty of Designer handbags and shoes to choose from at a fraction of the price of a brand new one! And, oh, did I mention the awesome collection of clothes?! Ladies (and gents) save your money and buy quality, beautiful designer items from Encore! Thank you Faridè for your fantastic fashion sense and your warm welcome

I walked into Encore to check out some of their items for my Mother-​in-​law as she had requested me to do. I was very hesitant to walk in at first but as soon as I walked in I was greeted by a sales person who happened to be the owner. She could feel I was a fish out of water. She kindly welcomed me and offered me chocolate. Not any cheap old chocolate, this was really good. Salted caramel dark chocolate. My anxiety of being in a women’s consignment clothing store rapidly vanished as she helped me find what my Mother-​in-​law had asked for. I hope that I am no longer send on these types of missions but if I am, I know exactly where to go. Thank you Encore for making my visit less stressful than I thought.

At Encore, it’s «Buyer Beware!»
I’m ambivalent about giving Encore this low rating. I stumbled upon Encore in the 1990s when I lived in the area. I like the owner Faride (well … I used to at least) and I support locally owned businesses.
Today I found myself in Burlingame with some time to spare — and was delighted to see that Encore was still in business. I went in and looked around. I tried on three or four items and none of which were show-​stoppers. (That’s par for the course with consignment clothing, and certainly not an indictment against Encore.) Faride and her employee showered me with a lot of attention to me by complimenting how nicely the clothes I was trying on looked on me when they were average looking at best. What’s changed about Encore is the pressure that Faride forces upon customers to purchase something. I don’t remember this sales pressure from previous visits. It became clear that I was not going to get out there without buying something. My parking meter was close to expiring and I needed to move on to other items on my to-​do list. I should have thanked them both and departed.
However, I chose to purchase a Missoni sweater, which had a price tag of $ 95. And I wish I hadn’t! Why? Because when I arrived home I noticed that my sweater was a Missoni FOR TARGET. I paid $ 103.00 for a sweater I could have purchased for $ 30!
Granted — I should have been more vigilant. I’ll own that. However, the upshot is this: I was ripped off ROYALLY.
I advise Encore shoppers to take their time and refute the pressure to purchase. Overall, Encore has nice clothing but it’s definitely overpriced — and not always consistent with the quality Faride claims she sells. I ended up feeling completely CHEATED — so I will not return to Encore. Ever.

Do NOT try to take anything and put it on consignment. I had been in there before when the owner was there. She was nice, and yes she does tend to stress the «high end designer» spiel. Okay, whatever. So, cleaned out my closet and decided to take some things in. Went in on a Sunday afternoon. The owner wasn’t there, but an employee, (Russian?gal) was. Said again and again and again, «we only take high-​end designer.» Fine, I heard you the first 3 times.
According to this clerk– L.K. Bennett wedges – not high end. MCM brand new speedy Boston bag – not high end. MCM brand new pink shopper – not high end. Lauren evening dresses – not high end. Brand new DVF wrap dress with tags – not high end. Then, the pièce de résistance, a Kate Spade «All Aboard clutch»…the clerk can’t figure out how to get the clutch open, and tugs so hard she breaks off a piece of the latch. Then, has the audacity to look at me like it was my fault — doesn’t say «I’m sorry», or anything to indicate that she felt any kind of remorse for just damaging my clutch. And, of course, the Kate Spade – not high end. I suppose I should be grateful to her for grabbing a bag of glues, (this happen often, folks?) from under the counter and glue the piece back on. Oh, yeah her other reason for not accepting some of the items, was it was too «summery». Really? Where do you think your «high end» customers go in the fall and winter? They follow the sun, dummy! Um, «resort wear» mean anything to you?
Needless to say, I won’t ever go back there, either as a consignor or a customer… I left with my items, along with the Louis Feraud, Hermes, and St. Johns I still had in the car, because I’m sure «Madam» wouldn’t consider them «high end» enough. I would rather sell my things on ebay, and NOT have to split the proceeds, or donate them and take the deduction.
Stay far, far away from this place if you value customer service.

Poor customer service. Stocks of «designer» products look high end class A only and not real… Deceiving. Not to mention the staff couldn’t answer questions about leather. Too good to be true. Looks fakish

Awesome, awesome, awesome! This is a must shop place! I can’t believe the quality of the designer merchandise in this store! Plus, ladies, if you want unique, real jewelry, point your men to this place! Oh, did I mention shoes! Yes, designer shoes! And purses! And sunglasses! But the best thing about this shop, is it’s owner, Faride! She’s very knowledgeable about fashion and is impeccable at customer service! I really like shopping at Encore!

I have been here on several occasions. I always find some jaw-​dropping fancy shirts, purses, skirts, jewelry and more. A ton of the merchendise are high-​end/​well-​known brand names. Some items very gently used, some brand spankin’new even with the tag still in them (maybe Mrs. Fancy Pants who married her millionaire husband or perhaps is her own self-​made millionaire… liked white, tan and brown, but not black… so donated the fourth black pair to Encore for ladies like me!)
Yay for careless shoppers and fancy ladies getting bored with their wardrobe so quickly! Keep dropping more of your boredom off and I will keep coming back for the jewels you thought were dirt!
So far I have gotten a gently used Miu Miu purse, a very sexy Christian Dior ladies blouse, and tons of costume jewelry! I love Encore and the store owner is very helpful, and very sweet!
This is my new go-​to place, whenever I have a special occasion, am planning a night on the town or just passing by to get a facial (Dermasolutions is right next door!)
She ALWAYS has something I could potentially rock! It’s just a matter of how much funny money I have to play with at the time ;) and if I’m willing to sacrifice my food and gas $ for some fanciness.

Ugh!!! The woman who owns the store or works there all the time is so rude.
I asked to see a white bag, she corrected me, it is beige.
I asked to see a pink bag, she corrected me, it’s lavender.
WTF is with her correcting everything that comes out of my mouth?!?
So she can take her old women’s clothing, and over priced used clothing elsewhere. I am not interested. I will make the 25 minute drive to SF and get the real consignment stuff from places like Cris and GoodBuys and Simply Chic.
I can’t believe this store stays I’m business. Too many clothes in a small space you can’t easily see the inventory and the used goods are clearly used.
Thanks, ill pass.

I am not sure about these negative reviews. The owner is absolutely lovely and easy to work with. She’s honest about what she can accept and what she can’t, and that is standard for all consignment — even the cheap stores that don’t carry high end designer goods reject perfectly good items because they are out dated or too worn. You have to carry what you can sell! I’ve always received checks on time, and she’s been able to sell everything. A couple things that didn’t sell went to charity, which is fine by me, especially as she donates to women in need. I’ve also bought a few items — great vintage accessories, an Armani coat and a couple of other good things over the years. A great store and good buys if you’re willing to take your time to look.

The owner is a discerning high-​end designer expert with an extensive background in retail. She exemplifies style – just look at how she and her co-​worker are dressed every day! Friendly and warm service with the desire to make you look your best with the lovely offerings they have in the store. No pressure to buy.

I love this place! I have been going there with my mom since i was little girl! The woman that owns and works there is beyond nice, she makes you feel welcome in your store and gives great advice!
They have a super collection of designers; Chanel, Bottega, Armani, Manolo Blahnik and a ton of others. I am especially into handbags so if you are like me Encore is a place not to be missed.

The workers here sure have an attitude for people working in a used clothing store…
I called about selling some clothes like a mui mui purse, BCBG formal dresses, Betsey Johnson formal dresses, prada flats, giorgio armanii belt, coach purses, marc jacobs tops, etc. The lady who was working asked me what I was selling and I said, some dresses, purses, tops, blah blah, and then I figured she would want to know what kind of clothes they were, like for what age group, so I said, I’m 22, so for younger people. And she actually had to nerve to laugh at me and in most stuck up manner, and respond, oh, we only sell hiiiigh end designer clothing. As if to imply that my age meant there was no way I could have «high end designer clothing» to the standards of their sub-​par second hand clothing store.
I was so taken aback I kind of just said thank you and hung up. I even made this Unilocal account specifically to write this review, I was so outraged. What an attitude, whoever was working at 11 am on Tuesday the 31^st of July, I hope you adjust your attitude, you will certainly lose some customers after I inform friends of your extremely stuck up and condescending attitude.

Not a fan!
Ambiance is small, everything is everywhere! Prices are high too considering the fact that they are used, even they are designers. My all time favorite consignment store is CRIS in sf. She’s super friendly and veyry knowledgeable about the designer things they sell, unlike other places i know…

I have purchased 2 designer bags and one designer shawl here, very good selection of designer goods. Fair terms, knowledable staff and owner is very personable. This store is dangerous if you like authentic designer goods and clothing.

I have popped into Encore many times over the past ten or more years. I always find some great bargain. I have purchased great St. John knits for ¹⁄₃^rd retail, leather coats, jewelry, belts, bags, scarves, sweaters, pants. I have also placed clothing for consignment and received timely checks and a fair price. The store prides itself on merchandise that is clean, hardly-​worn or gently-​worn and in very good condition.
I am a size 8, but can wear some 4s and some 10s, it all depends on the designer. There are some really interesting pieces in this store. I stop in every time I am in Burlingame. My last find was a beautiful purple St. John evening suit with crystal beads. It would have cost about $ 1500 at Nordstrom and I grabbed it up for $ 400. You are not shopping here for cheap junk, but for real designer clothing at real savings.

Warning: If you value your item (s), do not use this establishment or you will be ripped off and blind-​sided. Sell it yourself or find another reputable consignment store.
My negative experience started when I left my designer items to be sold here. Only 2 of the 7 sold and 1 of them for a lower price than what was noted on the list without prior notice or explanation from the owner. To make matters worse, they lost one of my burberry item and when I inquired about it on Oct 2009, i was told they moved spring/​summer items out to an off-​site storage and to check back in February 2010!!! The item was a fall jacket. Why would you send something to storage when it’s there on consignment? Isn’t that the purpose of a consignment store, to sell your items? The owner did not notify me and I would have appreciated it if she gave me the option to choose storage or to get the item back. When I asked for the item to be returned, the owner told me she had lost it or it must have been stolen by a shoplifter. I asked her nicely to compensate me for the item worth $ 150 and she stated that her store wasn’t responsible for lost/​stolen items per contract that I was never given or asked to sign. I was shocked! She then said she would be closing up my account and to pick up the rest of the items. She also said one of other item was still there, when, in fact, it was sold. However, no check was sent to me. She added that I didn’t contact her for 6 months. The statement she gave me which is the same date I dropped off the items for her to sell at her store was dated 6÷30÷09! That was another false statement she made. The owner (Faride) is unprofessional and rude. All calls are now forwarding to her voicemail. I will never use this establishment again and this is not the end of it.

2 stars for limited selection & high prices.
+1 star for peddling vintage designer goods (not cheap new crap like forever 21 and H&M)
My cousin found some cute Jimmy Choo strappy sandals here for $ 80 and was stoked.
It’s fun to check out all of the stuff that is crammed into every corner of this tiny store. If you want to be an 80’s power bitch or fabulously Eurotrash and are a size 0 – 2, this is your place! Yes many of the items have designer labels, but they are USED and should be priced accordingly.
Check it out. You may find a perfect little cocktail dress, or some nice designer jeans, but be ready to drop a few Benjamins.