When asking yourself about something to do near me in Cambridge with a group of friends or family, consider
2nd STREET Harvard Square
Why 2nd STREET Harvard Square is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
2nd STREET Harvard Square is a vibrant resale store located at 1 Brattle Square, Suite 102A, in the heart of Cambridge, Massachusetts. As a part of the 2nd STREET chain, this store offers an exceptional environment for friends and fashion enthusiasts to meet up and explore a diverse collection of secondhand goods. The store is open daily from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM, providing ample time to browse through a curated selection of items ranging from clothing and accessories to unique vintage pieces. One of the highlights of this location is its role in promoting sustainable fashion by providing a platform where people can both buy and sell gently used items, encouraging recycling and reducing waste. During special pre-opening events, customers had the opportunity to sell their items and receive 20% more cash, exemplifying the store's commitment to customer engagement and rewarding loyal patrons. The spacious and well-organized layout makes it easy for groups of friends to shop together comfortably while discovering quality secondhand treasures. Overall, 2nd STREET Harvard Square combines the excitement of thrifting with a community-focused atmosphere, making it an excellent destination to meet friends, hunt for unique fashion, and engage in eco-conscious shopping.
Here's what people think of 2nd STREET Harvard Square
As of recent, 2nd STREET Harvard Square holds a 3.9-star rating based on 7 reviews.
Based on an aggregate rating of 3.9 from 7 reviews, 2nd STREET Harvard Square has garnered mixed but generally positive feedback from its visitors. Many users appreciate the store's convenient location in the bustling Harvard Square area, as well as the variety of items available, particularly emphasizing the quality and uniqueness of the resale clothing and accessories. Positive reviews often highlight the friendly and helpful staff, the clean and inviting store ambiance, and the attractive pricing which makes it an appealing option for budget-conscious shoppers who also want to stay trendy and sustainable. Additionally, customers have pointed out the advantage of buyback promotions like the pre-opening event where sellers received extra cash, reinforcing the store's reputation for customer-friendly policies. On the other hand, some negative feedback tends to focus on limited stock variety at times and occasional inconsistencies in inventory, which can lead to a less-than-optimal shopping experience for those seeking very specific items. A few reviewers mentioned that some prices could be perceived as slightly high compared to typical thrift stores, which may detract from the appeal for some customers seeking the deepest discounts. In conclusion, while 2nd STREET Harvard Square impresses with its commitment to quality resale and sustainability, there are minor areas for improvement primarily related to inventory breadth and pricing strategy. Overall, it remains a favored spot for those interested in fashionable secondhand shopping within a welcoming community setting.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
esther j
Came in just to browse but found some great stuff. Gabe was super helpful and found some nice shirts for me. Will come back again.
Sofia Lopez
Found a great piece for $12, the team was very welcoming and helpful.
Mary Leona Bennett
Brought in my nine west heels...offered me $ 4 for 2 pair..asked questions regarding others..said defect..absolutely not ..a pair of ones they did choose..I wore more than others.. My hee'ls soles, heels tip and shoe leather all in tack. Except one of chosen to buy need a polish..I keep my heels in cloth.. They hand old navy..other no brand name clothing and shoes ..sneakers for 35.00 when I can actually go to Marshall and buy a new out of season pair.. Good luck to 2nd street store..
Libby Walter
nice stuff but wow the employees are so rude.
Oliver
Used to be cool but it's lame now
How to reach 2nd STREET Harvard Square
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Why 2nd STREET Harvard Square may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at 2nd STREET Harvard Square with your friends?
Gathering your friends for a meetup at 2nd STREET Harvard Square promises a unique blend of socializing, treasure hunting, and conscious shopping that few other places offer. Located in the vibrant heart of Cambridge’s iconic Harvard Square, this store doubles as a destination where style meets sustainability. You and your friends can bond over browsing an ever-changing collection of high-quality second-hand designer and vintage clothing and accessories. It’s not just a shopping trip—it’s an experience that encourages conversation about fashion, environmental impact, and personal style. Supporting 2nd STREET’s mission of reducing clothing waste makes your outing meaningful, adding a feel-good element to the fun of discovering hidden gems. The friendly atmosphere and contemporary layout also make it ideal for a leisurely group outing, where you can explore rare fashion finds, compare styles, and help each other unearth your next favorite pieces. The store’s very location in Harvard Square means after exploring the racks, you can seamlessly continue your meetup with nearby cafes, restaurants, and cultural hotspots, turning a simple visit into a full day of shared memories and interaction.
What kind of activities can you enjoy at 2nd STREET Harvard Square?
At 2nd STREET Harvard Square, the centerpiece activity is undoubtedly the thrill of buying and selling second-hand fashion. Whether you're hunting for unique vintage pieces, high-end designer goods, or on-trend casual wear, the store offers a diverse selection sourced continuously from both the US and Japan to ensure fresh and eclectic inventory. Beyond shopping, the store hosts opportunities for visitors to sell their own clothes and accessories; during certain periods, like their pre-opening phase, sellers even receive special incentives such as 20% extra cash. This buying and selling process turns the store visit into an interactive, dynamic activity where you can discuss style tips, bargains, and sustainable fashion with your friends. Furthermore, the shopping experience here can be educational — conversations naturally arise about reducing textile waste and supporting eco-friendly consumption. Groups can make a social event out of it by trying on outfits, scouting for gift ideas, or planning thematic clothing swaps afterward. The store’s environment supports leisurely browsing with ample time and space to explore, making it more than just a transactional visit.
Why is 2nd STREET Harvard Square perfect for group meetups?
2nd STREET Harvard Square’s appeal as a group meetup spot rests on its social, spatial, and experiential qualities. First, the store’s layout and ambiance foster relaxed exploration where friends can easily share opinions and try on clothes together. Unlike crowded department stores or impersonal online shopping, the boutique scale here encourages interaction and communal discovery. Beyond shopping, the central Harvard Square location embeds 2nd STREET into a bustling neighborhood filled with cafés, eateries, and entertainment venues, enabling groups to extend their meetup before or after the store visit. The store’s staff are also known for being approachable and knowledgeable, often enhancing the group experience with personalized styling advice or insights about the items’ origins. Because the inventory is frequently refreshed with unique pieces, the experience never feels stale; every visit offers new surprises that spark lively discussions and friendly debates over style. Lastly, for groups interested in sustainable living or fashion, meeting here can become part of a shared lifestyle belief, strengthening camaraderie over meaningful themes beyond mere retail.
What makes the shopping experience at 2nd STREET Harvard Square unique?
Shopping at 2nd STREET Harvard Square is unlike typical retail thanks to its strong focus on high-quality, pre-loved items and the incorporation of a global sourcing strategy that brings a distinctive cross-cultural flavor to the merchandise. The stock includes carefully curated designer and vintage clothing, accessories, and trendy apparel that cannot be found easily elsewhere, particularly items imported from Japan alongside locally sourced US goods. This fusion results in a boutique filled with rare finds for every fashion sensibility—from classic vintage lovers to trend-focused shoppers. The store's pricing strategy encourages sustainable consumerism by offering great value while promoting reuse and waste reduction in the fashion industry. Moreover, the inventory is regularly updated, so no two visits are the same, turning each shopping trip into a fresh adventure. Customers appreciate how the store pairs environmental consciousness with style, making it possible to dress fashionably while minimizing ecological footprint. This unique experience is further elevated during special events such as pre-opening buying incentives or community gatherings, designed to foster a social environment around conscious consumption.
How does 2nd STREET Harvard Square contribute to sustainability and why is that important for groups?
2nd STREET Harvard Square stands out as a socially responsible shopping destination because it actively promotes sustainable fashion practices by facilitating the resale and reuse of clothing. In the United States alone, more than 15 million tons of clothing end up in landfills annually—a significant environmental challenge. By encouraging customers to bring in garments for resale and offering an attractive cash incentive during events like their pre-opening, 2nd STREET Harvard Square helps divert clothing from waste streams. This sustainability mission offers a compelling narrative for groups who want their meetup to be not just fun but meaningful. By choosing to shop or sell here together, friends or families support the reduction of textile waste and the lowering of resource consumption associated with producing new garments. Engaging in this cycle of reuse nurtures an awareness of environmental impact, inspiring group members to think critically about their fashion consumption patterns. It’s a powerful way to contribute collectively to positive change while enjoying an engaging retail experience. This dual benefit of style and sustainability makes the store an ideal rallying point for groups with eco-conscious values.
What nearby activities can complement your visit to 2nd STREET Harvard Square?
The location of 2nd STREET Harvard Square in the lively, culturally rich Harvard Square neighborhood offers abundant opportunities for extending your group outing beyond the store itself. After exploring the store’s offerings, groups can indulge in a diverse culinary scene featuring cafes, bistros, and casual dining spots catering to many tastes—from artisanal coffee shops to international cuisine. Harvard Square is also known for its frequent cultural events, including outdoor festivals, film screenings, and live performances, offering options to continue your gathering with entertainment and shared experiences. Art lovers in the group can visit nearby galleries or public art installations, providing enriching conversation starters. The walkability of Harvard Square means you can comfortably explore historic landmarks, quaint bookstores, and scenic spots along the Charles River or surrounding neighborhoods, perfect for social photos and extended leisure. This vibrant environment creates a holistic meetup experience where shopping synergy at 2nd STREET can naturally flow into stimulating food, culture, and recreation activities that bind any group closer together.