Century 21

The original Century 21 in NYC is the only Century 21 store worthy of 5 stars. All the other locations, even the newer locations in NYC, are like this one in Philly. You won’t find the very high end designer goods that are in the original NYC location. But once you get past that disappointment you can come to appreciate what they do have, a large selection of mid-​tier designer goods at steep discounts.
I can only speak on the men’s section. With the Lacoste store in Center City now closed, this is the spot to grab Lacoste shirts discounted cheaper than at Macys. They also have a large selection of Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, and Izod, and Perry Ellis shirts. The shoe section has some Nike sneakers and a nice selection of both dress and casual shoes. The store is large, so that’s only a sample of what they have. You can always find something good in your size, which you can’t say about other Outlet department stores, and puts it a step above the others.

I was a huge C21 lover when I lived in Manhattan, so I was thrilled to see an outpost in Philly.
Snagged a Calvin Klein Dress for $ 70 (Marked down from $ 134).
We’ll be back!

Bright, clean décor and frequently good prices can’t make up for horribly slow service. Every time I’ve shopped here it’s taken at least 20 minutes to pay, even though lines weren’t that long. 3 registers open for entire floor? And 2 or 3 extra staff behind register counters standing around doing nothing? Really? Every transaction seems to have a problem, clerks struggle to get registers to work, and inevitably at least one register only accepts cards or takes debit cards only, so be flexible. Spare yourself the hassle.

One of my favorite places to shop in Philly, even though other reviewers commented that its Philly location doesn’t quick stack up to the ones in NYC. It’s nicer than Marshalls, even though they serve the same market segment, and I’d gladly shop here over Macy’s any day.
The store carries a wide selection of trendy clothing and household wares from major brands & designers, at a substantial discount. There are Theory suits, Cole Haan loafers, Lorenzo Uomo socks, Fossil shoulder bags, and Calphalon cookware. The women’s section is pretty swanky (there’s a whole room dedicated to women’s shoes, and ¹⁄₃ of the 2^nd floor is dresses), and they even carry children’s toys.
The store itself is sleek, stylish, and well-​organized, and you can tell the buyers put a lot of thought into the items they carry — it’s just nicer and trendier than what you’d find on your own. It’s on par w nicer shops on Walnut St, and quite a bit better than old-​school dept stores. The store staff is friendly and attentive, and there’s an in-​house tailor.

I am beyond pissed I haven’t been coming here all this time. A Free People dress I bought at Macy’s was full price at $ 88…at Century21 it was $ 44 (why even go to Macy’s anymore? The coupons never work anyway!). Needless to say, this is my new favorite.
Unlike Nordstrom Rack (which I also love), this place seems way bigger, wide open and cleaner. Rather than stuffing all the dresses in one area, shirts in another, etc., Century21 organizes it by brand. You still have to dig here since everything is so mixed in, but it’s a lot less packed in on the racks and for some reason, my hatred of shopping melted away here as I found the organization a lot easier and the sheer variety of clothing to be a hell of a lot better than most places I’ve been in recent past.
Last summer I was on the hunt for rompers and no one but H&M and Forever21 seemed to be carrying them (which I can’t step foot in anymore since the crowds are so irritating). This place had rompers on rompers on rompers! And onesies! And maxi dresses! And a giant selection of jeans! Literally, everything. In all different colors and styles.
Unfortunately, I came here after a long day at work and was hungry for dinner, so I felt a little overwhelmed and rushed and just sort of grabbed a ton of stuff and tried it on. I took off a star for the fitting rooms because Nordstrom Rack doesn’t have an item minimum and this place has an 8 item minimum. It’s not a huge deal and I know it’s generally the standard, but when you’ve got nearly 20 items in your cart cause you were just so excited, having to take some out, count them, try them on, re-​put your regular clothes back on, come back out, grab more items, and repeat the process becomes a major pain in the ass. Also, the fitting rooms aren’t doors but giant curtains and mine didn’t close all the way so I’m pretty sure everyone got a show.
I love that this place has carts to wheel around your finds. Also, the men’s section is very expansive and organized beautifully, so props to that since a lot of stores tend to throw the men in a tiny corner to get their stuff.
When all was said and done, I’d say for the price it was worth it. I got a Calvin Klein dress more than half off the original price and they carry a gigantic selection of great brands like Acne and Free People and a ton of other ones I never heard of but sounded fancy. I can’t comment on shoes since I ran out of time and steam, but I will absolutely be back here.

I have been to Century 21 in New York, and I was beyond thrilled when this one opened up in Philly.
I noticed that some reviewers are comparing it to the store in New York, but I actually love this one (although I haven’t been to Century 21 NYC in ten years).
I was expecting Century 21 to be a disheveled mess (as most department stores in the city end up to be…) but I was pleasantly surprised that it was the opposite. Everything was organized, including the dressing rooms. You did not have to root through a plethora of mismatched clothing to find the right size. Everything was organized by brand, color, size, etc…
$ 400 later, I opted to walk home rather than take a cab. I don’t know whether to consider this place a blessing or a curse for my wallet, but either way I’m stoked that it’s a part of our city :)

As I walked in here, I felt aa if I died and went to heaven! I used to live in NYC and loved Century 21 and when in came to Philly after I moved here I felt so excited! But I mainly want to discuss my customer service experience here at the Philly location.
Every time I have come in to browse the customer service has been exceptional. I thought to myself that I was maybe just lucky because unfortunately I have too often experienced with rude sales associates in my lifetime, A few stores in Philly were so bad that I considered never walking in again. But each time at C21 has been great. But I get it, I worked in retail. It’s not easy if you are a hard worker, you’re on your feet all day and can also deal with rude customers, lazy fellow sales associate or a manager who is a mess. But at C21 they are on point! Each and every time an associate will stop what they are doing and make an honest effort to help me find what I’m looking for, what I rare experience! Yesterday they spent almost 1 hr to help me find the perfect winter hat and they did help me find one with beautiful fox fur that was cruelty free! I tried on like 100’s but they gave honest feedback on every single one I tried and stuff at C21 can get expensive but they didn’t even try to push the full price or crazy expensive ones, they just simply tried to help me find what I was looking for… I was speechless. I also got a personal invite to their trunk show.
Now I realize that I may have just lucked out with the great customer service, but listen people, this advice is for any store you may shop at, any. If a sales associate looks crazy busy or have that «I don’t care look» on their face then walk past& keep looking for one that has a pleasant look on their face. Come on, it’s common sense. And if you can’t find anyone or got a rude one, then ask to speak to the manager. A good manager wants to know if employees are ruining customer morale. Trust me.

This Century 21 very well may not favorably compare to its NYC counterparts. It, nonetheless, materially enhances the shopping options east of Broad Street. For far too long, Market East has been a haven for extremely low-​end merchandise and stores for whom the consumer market was non-​obvious (we often suspected that some were fronts for unsavory activities).
At this Century 21, I spied many «better» labels, including Tory Burch, Vineyard Vines, Kate Spade and Rebecca Taylor. Interspersed were even higher end goods (many from fashion houses not otherwise represented in the Philadelphia retail market) and some middling merchandise.
What caught and riveted my eye was the vintage designer section, which had some exquisite handbags. The vintage section will compel a return visit.
On the whole, the store is well-​organized, tidy and well lighted. Numerous sales associates greeted me (tres European) as I wandered around the store but none inquired whether I needed assistance. I was fine without guidance inasmuch as I was not searching for anything in particular.
Notably, the shoe department was disappointing in terms of selection and quality. Perhaps that state of affairs will improve over time.

Wow, this place really needs new employees. The service was just awful. I’ll never come here again.

Terrible !!! Don’t buy here!!! Got my «famous designer» desk shipped, and is broken. See the picture I posted.
When I placed the order, an item was sold out and they never notified me. I had to call and ask why I was not getting the item, for them to tell me that they canceled the order!!!

I never see any clothes that totally wow me in the women’s section. They carry tons of different brands like Seven for all Mankind, True Religion, Tory Burch, and Michael Kors. The men’s section has better stuff and I had no problem purchasing for a gift for my boyfriend. Their women’s workout section is pretty good along with the dress section. One plus is that they sell ELF makeup. Totally a hit or miss while you are here.

I love this store being from NY century21 was one of my favorite department store, when I saw that they were putting a store in Philadelphia i was super exited granted the store is not as big as NY but hey im satisfied, always great deal and top brand names.

If you have been to the Century 21 that’s in New York City, you will be disappointed by coming to this one. The selection here is so much smaller. It’s like going to a Nordstrom Rack & a bad one.
Century 21 in NYC is a place to find the best designer items at an amazing price. If you’re lucky you can find Versace, Pucci, Tom Ford, Hugo Boss & so many other amazing names at 50−70% off the regular price. It’s such a thrill!
Well, I was looking for an evening gown for an event. Walking in, the store looks really well kept. Much better than the zoo in NYC actually. The employees are all very nice & quite helpful. That’s honestly why I’m not giving this store 1 or 2 stars because the selections deserves it.
Their selection of «evening gowns» consisted of Calvin Klein & a few other made in China specials that you can find at your local Ross for the same price. Seriously nothing special. It was extremely disappointing.
I did find a couple high end designers but nothing for the evening wear & that selection was also very small. Guess the NY Cent21 has truly spoiled me.

I likes this century 21. They have high end designer handbags; LV, Gucci, etc. I enjoy shopping when people are helpful, BUT I felt like the people were a little worried about me taking a handbag! #uncomfortable. Customer service issue. I’ve worked in retail for over ten years I know how it goes.
Good luck!
I didn’t buy anything because of that. Overall the store was clean. The women in fragrance was nice. The designer handbag area employees were nice and I told them I’m obviously looking so no need to use their spill on me.

After hearing about the New York City Century 21 for years, I was finally able to see what it’s all about. In my own city!
I was very impressed by Century 21. The store was bright, clean and well organized. Designer goods at discounts? Yes, please!
I wasn’t overly impressed by the sneaker selection in my size, but the women’s shoe department was fairly sizeable. The handbag section was fantastic and it’s amazing I didn’t buy anything.
The women’s clothing section is located on the second floor and has some great special occasion outfits. I know I’ll be back to restock my wardrobe before bachelorette party season. There was a great variety and selection of women’s jeans as well.
I also found the restroom to be very clean. I was almost surprised considering Century 21 is located in the Gallery.
As a whole, I think I do like Nordstrom Rack a little better. While Century 21 has a nicer setup, I found the deals to be a little better in Nordstrom Rack. What a first world problem; having two fantastic discount designer stores in Philly.

Cashiers pay NO attention to customers… they converse with each other.
Returns are impossible.
Levels of middle management, acting like robots.
Marshalls is such a better store.

Love how brightly lit Century 21 is! Really made you energized to browse!
Love the variety available: from super-​pricey to completely affordable, from overly-​trendy to basics, I found everything I was looking for (colored tights, gym socks, clothes for work, shower-​appropriate dresses) and things I wasn’t really on the hunt for (an awesome winter coat to take me through the rest of this winter and into next)!
The staff was very friendly and helpful and the racks were organized and neat. Will definitely return.

I do NOT understand the hubbub surrounding this store. It’s like a TJ Maxx or a Kohl’s, a bunch of cheap crap more than likely made in a sweatshop meant only to last a season. Not my type of place.
Nevertheless, even a girl like me sometimes needs a shop like this for things like washcloths & tights, which I don’t want to buy secondhand. So washcloths & tights in hand, I head through this crazy maze of a store to find the checkout. As I do in any retail store, I refuse their plastic bag because I always bring my own bag. NOPE. It’s Century 21’s POLICY to REQUIRE we take their environmentally unconscious landfill clogging plastic bags… so I left without my items.
I don’t know why I’m surprised. The shitstorm that IS «fast fashion» clearly has no conscience. Well eff that noise, Century 21, I’ll take my business elsewhere.

Though I only browsed the store, it was a very good experience. Sales reps smiled at me but never hassled me. They could tell I was just browsing.
The store itself was very clean and not overly crowded. This may be because it was a Monday, but I didn’t bump into anyone as I perused through the men’s section. And at a quick glance, I did find my size pretty easily, so don’t expect just XXXS or XXXL.
The music playing throughout the store is upbeat and actually put me in a good mood.
I need more time to go through the store. I’m sure Century 21 focuses more on women’s clothing, as most department stores do. But the men’s section of this store was huge; there wasn’t enough time to browse it all! So if the men’s section was that big, imagine what the women’s section must be like…

I’m so happy they finally opened a Century 21 in Philadelphia! I used to travel to the one in New York City, but now I don’t have to travel that far. This is a discount department store, not to be confused with the realtor company. They have sections for men, women, shoes and accessories. If you like Nordstrom Rack, you’ll love this store.