McShane’s Exchange

I’d consider myself fairly seasoned at the thrift/​consignment game, and this place is the real deal. Every trip is an adventure, and I can honestly say hands down that the scores here are unlike any other. If you’re on a budget and have an appreciation for high end, high quality garments, in addition to unique pieces, this is the place for you. I see some reviewers have had issue with the staff — its retail, I consider it par for the course. McShane’s Exchange should absolutely be on your list of frequent stops if you are a savvy shopper.

Treasure everywhere. I try to visit whenever I’m in town. Owner is eager to make customers happy. Prices are great and sales are even better.

In over 11 years, it hasn’t changed. Unfortunately.
Given it’s near my delightful chiropractor, thought I’d give it one last try. Alas. Same old jumble of Goodwill-​like junk with an occasional lovely piece, size 0.
Will stick to my favored charity shops in UK.

Not a love affair, that’s for sure. Got slight, and only slight but that’s too much, attitude from the associate at the front of the store. I admit I was wearing old clothes and a Northface jacket, but hey, customers are customers. Everyone deserves full respect. I found Second Time Around just down the block to be a far friendlier option.

This place has gone through it’s ups and downs over the years. Right now it seems to be on a upswing. There is more variety, and better sizes, especially for larger girls. If you are really petite, it’s a bit harder not a lot of 0’s at this store. The one thing that I need to report, and the owner’s will hate this — but they really should be aware. The last few times that I came in you to your store. You berated your (exceptional) staff in front of me (and others). That doesn’t make me want to spend a dime in your store. I wish you treated your staff as well as you treat your customers. Otherwise, this place has great clothes and some good deals. It is deserving of a look around especially if you haven’t gone in while. I always enjoy shopping here when the owners aren’t around – because the staff is relaxed and personable.

If I could give no stars I would. McShane’s more like McSnootys. I walked in there and it was very claustrophobic. Not ideal, to say the least. I was greeted by a less than jovial older gentleman who proceeded to tell me that they could not sell on consignment unless I had at least EIGHT, that’s right 8 items! (no where does it state this policy on their site) What does it matter if I have one premium item or 12? He wouldn’t even look at what I brought in which included BCBG runway, Coach (sans the C logo complete with box, dust bag and original tags) a prada clutch with tags, and more. He proceeded to tell me that they only took high end items — and only if I had 8 to sell. If you ask me this either the worst business model I have ever heard of, or the snootiest of snooty in LP. I will never step foot in that «store» again. You say you don’t want causal items from Forever, and H&M, I didn’t bring any of that in, it felt as though you were judging me based on my appearance only. NOT professional in the slightest — STA has my business from here on out.

I’m not sure if this counts as a review or an account of being treated like a shoplifter at a favorite store. If I’d written this yesterday, I would give McShane’s Exchange five stars (and I still do… everything except the unwarranted shoplifting part). I’ve raved about ME and referred friends for 4 years. It’s like a thrift store where the rarest finds are already in front of you. Though they focus on designer apparel, they also carry mass-​retailers for quality, high-​end pieces along with basics from GAP, J. Crew, H&M, etc. A house-​version of the ideal closet. And the house is part of its charm. With two floors, virtually every surface — including unused bathrooms — is covered in inventory. The unconventional layout and massive selection means deciphering their sizes/​styles/​price arrangements is a little maze-​like. Lower-​end items are sometimes priced odd ($ 14 for a J. Crew turtleneck), though they make up for it with a clearance floor, gorgeous pieces, and dramatic markdowns. $ 20 Ann Demeulmeester ankle boots. Need I say more?
Like every season, I made my special trek to ME earlier today. The staff is usually fun and chatty — this time, two associates were being lectured by an older woman (I don’t know her name/​position, but I’ll call her «blonde bob”/BB). Before entering the fitting room, I asked if I needed an item count and an associate waved me in, no problem. First score: a Calvin Klein dress and adorable Jil Sander pants. As usual, an associate held the two pieces behind the counter as I went to try on more.
Then, things got weird. When mulling through picked-​over boots, I noticed Blonde Bob nearby and asked about their busy weekend. As Ambrosia R. noted, she instantly turned icy. Out of nowhere, she told me she found a tag in the fitting room. In my nativity, I figured she wanted my help and asked her to describe it and where it was found, as I was in the fitting room at the same time as another woman. She had me retun to the fitting room (?!), and showed me a tag — not in a room — but intentionally placed on a table by the return rack. I told her I couldn’t really help.
As I shopped, BB continued lecturing the associates. Suddenly, she said, «Can I have your bag?» Her manner was so odd, I thought she needed my purse to demonstrate something! And, when she didn’t return it, I figured it made carrying clothes easier! I returned to the dressing room and BB stopped me to count the hangers. I asked if I should only take a few items at a time (typical thief), she snapped, «I know how many things you’ve got.»
Then, things got weirder. An employee mentioned they’d be closing soon as I re-​entered the dressing room and I promised I’d be quick. Ten minutes later, BB hussled me out, «We’re closing! Take whatever you want and head to the counter!» I grabbed *half* of what I wanted and, on my way out, saw my Calvin Klein dress had been removed from behind the counter and added to the «return rack.» I took my dress and asked BB about the Jil Sander pants I’d also placed on hold. Her response, «You put them back.» I had no idea what she meant until, much later, I remembered the stupid tag. A tag that probably fell off and was placed on a table. As if that weren’t enough, BB’s scolding of her adept employees — in front of customers — was rude and demeaning. The staff’s professionalism topped BB’s; when needing assistance during her many «lessons», an associate — not BB — noticed me. Her presence seemed to add problems to a ship already sailing smoothly.
BB tallied up my 7 items and a polite associate rang me up. Before I could make it out the door, BB yanked it back open. «You left your bill!» I asked, «didn’t I give you my credit card?» I had — they’d forgotten my signature.
I walked to the train baffled. I looked at the clock. 4:51. I guess letting shoplifters stay in your store until closing time turns them into vampires.

This place is awful if you want to sell items. First they are snobby when you take your things in, then they lie to you and tell you your items did not sell. Of course they pocket your money. If you want the items back they claim did not sell you have to root around and find them yourself. It is a huge ripoff. I would stay away from this place in droves. I would rather give my things away or throw them in the trash before I enrich these people any more.

I’ve been here a couple of times. Once, I was looking for something very specific (a pair of punk-​y boots to match my new coat); there were several that would have gone but none that fit. Oh well, that’s how it goes — my feet are an odd shape and hard to fit. The second time, I showed up looking for a dress for a Christmas party. There were a few that would’ve fit five pounds ago (Chicago restaurants… sigh) but none that quite worked. Still, I found a cute top and some adorable evening shoes that were comfortable to walk in and fit my feet. Score!
Normally I’d give this a four-​star review, pretty easily, but I had a weird experience with the shop owner, Denise. When I came in looking for a dress, she was very friendly — a little intense, but you kind of have to be to want to run a small business. That said, I showed up again a half-​hour or so later, excited because I’d found a beautiful designer silk skirt next door and wanted to find a top that would go with it. When I mentioned this (not in a bragging tone, but in an «I’m excited and won’t you help me find something to go with it» tone), she acted offended — «Don’t tell me about my competition!», followed up with «How much did you pay for it? Wait, no, I don’t want to know.» When I pointed out that I had come back *there* to look for something to match it, she sort of huffed and went back to work. She wasn’t rude, exactly, but compared to before she was kind of short and snippy with me the rest of the time I was there. I did find a top that matched the skirt, so the trip was an overall positive, but I was completely taken aback by the change in her demeanor. Not sure I’ll be going in again.

I have been shopping here for a very long time. Over the years I have found some awesome deals here. I have never consigned here but I shop here whenever I am in the area. Stopped by last night and the owner Denise was in there. I like the fact that they don’t hound you or follow you around. The pricing is reasonable and I love the two shirts I bought that were originally from a boutique on North Wells that I would never be able to afford to shop at. Don’t forget to go upstairs you just might find something nice really marked down.

We drive here from Green Bay. The store is well organized and has great label and fabulous shoes. There are also wonderful purses at reasonable prices. This is a treasure and the staff is always extremely helpful. I have been going here for 5years and always hand out the cards to my friends who also love it bit is about the hunt and some days are better than others.

DO NOT CO-​SIGN WITH MCSHANES! I have been taking my designer clothing here for years, and will now go somewhere else. The employees can not tell the difference between what is a real designer item and what is a copy. I argued with a young employee after she told me the Gucci wallet I brought in was a copy. I bought the item myself at the Gucci store in downtown Chicago, they have no idea what they are talking about. They also have a terrible inventory system. Yes ladies and gentlemen, they still use a notebook ‘system’ to keep track of what is yours and what has sold. Which equates to them losing your items in the store and not keeping track of how much they owe you. Bottom line, go somewhere else, to co-​sign your clothes.

There are many clothes with a wide range of prices. It’s unpretentious and the staff give you space to shop without breathing down your neck. My advice is to check the sales rack and shop at the end of season.

When I was younger I visited the store many times with my mom but never truly appreciated the clothes that were there. Well, today, after not being in the store for a few years I know understand why my mom always dragged me along with her. While it is true about some reviews that the prices aren’t that appealing they do have an entire second floor that has adorable clearance prices. The first floor is full of neat finds but of course you have to find them, although it is really organized and I had no problem walking through the store-​I didn’t knock one thing off a rack.
I found a Ralph Lauren black label brown beaten slim fit leather jacket for 50 dollars! Many people complain about the prices because it’s not the 5 dollar knock off but, come on, $ 50! Currently in love with the store the woman who assisted me, unfortunately I didn’t get her name but she was adorable. The store contains all women clothing, handbags, shoes, and accessories. I know I will be back before the season is over :)

I head right upstairs to the bargain floor. I almost always find something there. Today I found a really cute, never worn, tags still on it, dressy Ann Taylor tank top for $ 7.
I’m really grateful to the woman about my size who buys lots of Ann Taylor clothes and recycles them quickly. I feel like I’m following her around, benefitting from what she discards.
Every time I go there, I remind myself I need to go more often.

Great selection. Nice owners. Cute neighborhood.

This store has successfully acquired all of the most unflattering and ugly old women’s designer clothes in town. Some of the garments down right smell.
The dressing rooms are awful — only one has a mirror and they don’t have hooks to hang clothes as you try them on.
Staff was neither helpful or friendly. Not a pleasant shopping experience.

This is a cute, small, and incredibly well organized shop. Everything is organized by size/​color, the window displays are always cute and eye catching and the lady in the shop was super nice, even when I asked to try on the jacket the mannequin was wearing*. The main focus is on clothing, but they do have a few accessories like shoes, jewelry, and purses.
Prices totally range. I got a super cute Express blouse for $ 4 while there was a super pretty Burberry coat hanging for upwards of $ 200. Check the cards that are hanging up for more discounts. My yellow tagged shirt was 40% off the written price.
*PSA: if you’re a size 4, there is an über cute pink tapestry print blazer/​jacket waiting for you for only $ 4 as of May 19^th.

There’s a lot going on here… but at the same time… not really a lot going on here. Racks and racks of clothes, but precious few I’d want to try on.
One reason for my lack of desire to try things on were the prices. Um, this stuff is second-​hand, no? Second-​hand AND — from the looks of it — past its peak in terms of trendiness. Hmmm.
I came in looking for a cocktail dress. There were some in the front, but mostly high-​end names (Oscar de la Renta) and thus a little more than I’m willing to pay to play dress-​up for a party. I asked the staff if there were more elsewhere, and was told there were some «in the back». Yeah, there weren’t. Oh well.
The purse selection, however, saved this trip from being a total waste. I got a nice new wallet (still had the tags on!) for a price more befitting a second-​hand store.

I’m not a digger, a rooter, or a seeker so this place definitely tries my patience. If I find a label that fits me well I prefer the clothes come to me (read: buy online), rather than me to them. However, I’ve scored some great finds at both McShane’s locations and consequently attempt to deal.
There are two McShane’s only a few blocks from each other, but I prefer this one, at least for non-​clearance items. Both remind me a little bit of a hoarder’s paradise; funky, odd-​shaped spaces with clothes, shoes, and accessories crammed in every available crevice. Just when you think you’ve seen it all, you realize there’s a stairwell or basket or shelf you completely overlooked.
Despite the smaller overall space and smaller clearance section I prefer the Webster location, not just because it’s closer to my house and I’m a lazy git, but because it is better organized. Most items are in the right area, on Armitage I feel like pulling an XXS from the Medium rack is just as likely as pulling a Medium. It makes searching for that great score that much harder.
Service is hands off, both stores get a good amount of foot traffic so they more or less let your browse, or come to them if you need something. They color code the tags so pay attention, the price on the tag may be the price before discount.
McShane’s isn’t the cheapest, but you will find a lot of higher-​end, higher quality items and they don’t smell like old ladies and mothballs either. I’ve got the pants, shoes, shirts and sweaters to prove it. Of course it can be hit or miss, but what store isn’t.
TIP: I noticed a sign about layaway options last time I was in, it could allow you to get that perfect something you otherwise couldn’t swing.
TIP: If you’re looking to consign items they have a 24-​hour information line that explains the entire process, including tips on where to park. (773−525−0283)