Upper-end consignment

By JOHN EWOLDT, Star Tribune

Last update: July 14, 2008 - 5:08 PM

Squeamish about shopping consignment? Then start at the top. These six resale or consignment shops are king of the hill, top of the heap. The clothes can pass for new and the decor is posh. Only the prices look cheap.

Clothes Mentor (13641 Grove Dr., Maple Grove, 763-494-4584 and 14200 Wayzata Blvd., Minnetonka, 952-303-6673, www.clothesmentor.com). Not as high-end as the others in the list, but these new resale stores sparkle with attentive service, low prices and spotless decor. Upside: cash on the spot. Downside: Sellers get less than consignors.

Fashion Avenue (4936 France Av. S., Edina, 952-929-7919 and 810 E. Lake St., Wayzata, 952-224-7014). The definitive upscale consignment store in the Twin Cities for women and men.

GH2 (318 E. Hennepin Av., Minneapolis, 612-378-0509, www.grethenhouse.com). Half consignment and half clearance from its feeder store Grethen House in Edina. Don't miss the 90 percent off sale Aug. 15-16.

Rags From Riches (848 E. Lake St., Wayzata, 952-473-1435, www.shopragsfromriches.com) Small boutique with impeccable taste.

Rodeo Drive (4110 Minnetonka Blvd., St. Louis Park, 952-920-0188) A fixture in the upscale consignment community for more than 25 years.

Second Debut (4300 W. 36 1/2 St., St. Louis Park, 952-922-9640). Goodwill cherry-picks its best stuff and puts it in this sleek, chic gem (chandelier included). Men's and women's resale.

JOHN EWOLDT

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