When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
Crossroads Trading
Why Crossroads Trading is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Crossroads Trading is a renowned retail chain specializing in the buy-sell-trade model of fashionable, gently used clothing and accessories. Founded in 1991 and headquartered in Berkeley, California, the brand has established itself as a leader in the circular fashion movement by providing customers a sustainable way to refresh their wardrobes. Its stores offer a diverse selection of contemporary and designer-label apparel at affordable prices, with new arrivals daily, ensuring a dynamic and unique shopping experience. Crossroads promotes eco-friendly practices by upcycling clothing and keeping apparel out of landfills, reflecting its commitment to sustainability. The company also facilitates selling with various flexible options including in-store purchases, consignment for high-end items, and an innovative mail-in service — making it convenient for customers nationwide to participate in circular fashion regardless of location. The stores foster a vibrant atmosphere as they reflect the local styles of their individual neighborhoods, creating a community-oriented and personalized shopping experience. These aspects combine to make Crossroads Trading an inviting place for friends to meet, shop, and engage in conscious consumerism together.
Here's what people think of Crossroads Trading
As of recent, Crossroads Trading holds a 3.6-star rating based on 226 reviews.
Customer reviews of Crossroads Trading reveal a mixed but generally positive reception with an average rating of 3.6 out of 5 across 226 reviews. Positive reviews consistently highlight the affordability of quality, stylish clothing and the variety of curated, on-trend pieces available, especially appreciating the daily new arrivals. Many customers admire the sustainability aspect and the convenience of selling items for cash or trade-in credit, praising the friendly and knowledgeable staff at many locations. The store’s unique model appeals to environmentally conscious shoppers eager to participate in circular fashion. However, the negative reviews often point to inconsistencies between different store locations, including concerns about pricing fairness, customer service, and inventory accuracy. Some customers report frustrations with payout percentages or delays in the consignment and selling process. At times, the product selection may vary significantly, leading to an uneven shopping experience according to some reviewers. Overall, the feedback shows that while Crossroads Trading effectively caters to sustainable fashion enthusiasts and bargain hunters, there is room for improvement in uniformity of service and transparency in transactions. Despite some criticisms, the brand is recognized for its valuable role in promoting eco-friendly fashion and remains a favored spot for many shoppers seeking style with a conscience.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Amber Forbes
Not the greatest experience here. The employees seem nice but I'm not happy I had to wait a whole hour for my things to be looked at, just for nothing to be taken. Also, all of my items were not from forever 21. I had some items from other stores too like boutiques and she just assumed the entire bag was from forever 21. Also, when I was waiting I noticed a guy that came in after me was seen before me. Maybe he was on the wait-list but I just thought that was weird. Like it was a few trendy summer pieces. I just wish someone said something before I sat there for a whole hour.
Bianca Roy
Do NOT Waste Your Time Here Steer clear of this place unless you enjoy being insulted and having your intelligence questioned. I hauled in a full bag of quality, on-trend pieces from brands like Anthropologie and Free People plus some amazing vintage finds. I'm talking 20 items, all perfectly curated. The "buyer," an utterly condescending woman named Olivia, clearly couldn't be bothered. After a theatrical sigh that I'm sure could be heard in the next store, she offered me a pitiful 75 dollars for 15 of my pieces. SEVENTY-FIVE DOLLARS. The audacity. When I had the nerve to question her insultingly low offer, she dismissed me with a flippant "store policy" excuse. It was transparently a lie, just an excuse to get rid of me. The so called "new policy" is apparently just a cover for terrible customer service and outright lowballing. Do yourself a favor and take your clothes and your business somewhere else. This place is an absolute joke.
Britney
It's a bit pricier than some other resale shops in the area but I found lots of good stuff from Madewell, Reformation, Citizens of Humanity, Aritzia, etc. If a shop is going to sell more upscale brands like this, I wish they'd offer a better shopping experience - this store is very cramped, was difficult to browse, seemed a little understaffed. For these prices I wish it was a cleaner, more enjoyable experience. But I did find some gems, and appreciated that things were sorted by size. Haven't tried to sell here so can't speak to that experience.
Stephanie Becerra
Used their app to sign in so I wouldn’t wait too long and it worked pretty well. I got a text to be there within 15min of the text to check in. Looked around while they looked at my things and it was decent what I got in cash, since I didn’t find anything I wanted for store credit. Overall a decent experience and I left happy with cash :) i knew I wouldn’t get back what I paid for some of the things(some new with tags) but it’s okay
Cristian Alonso (Cris)
If you plan to make a profit for selling your other, DO NOT go here. If you do plan to trade in clothes, try to bring in raggedy, old, worn clothing. Do not dare try to trade in North Faces, Adidas, Nike, etc. or they will low ball you. Today I came in trying to clear my inventory, brought a ton of clothes and 2 jackets. One $100 North Face (it was a Small and im a medium) and a Brown jacket i bought a while ago from a different thrift store. At the time, they were only accepting Heavy/Winter jackets. I had this North Face jacket given to me by a relative with a $100 price tag, only to be offered $17 for that jacket along with a $35 Adidas shirt. Now the rules specify they will give either 50% store credit or 30% cash. The math doesn't add up. $135 x 30% = $40.50... yet I was given back $17? Fishy. If anybody expects to sell their good clothing for a decent price, don't come here, go to DePop or eBay. For those who don't care for price but are just trying to clear storage space, by all means, this place is perfect.
How to reach Crossroads Trading
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Website: None
Why Crossroads Trading may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Crossroads Trading with your friends?
Crossroads Trading offers a unique and engaging experience that makes it an excellent place to gather with friends. Unlike typical retail shops, Crossroads provides a vibrant atmosphere where you can buy, sell, and trade trendy clothing and accessories, turning a routine shopping trip into a fun, interactive event. Rallying at Crossroads with your friends means you can all explore an ever-changing selection of fashionable, high-quality secondhand pieces while enjoying each other’s company. It’s not just about shopping; it’s about creating memories as you hunt for hidden gems or turn your own clothes into cash or trade credit together. The thrill of discovery, coupled with the chance to refresh your wardrobe sustainably, makes Crossroads Trading an ideal group meetup destination. Plus, with many locations situated in lively neighborhoods, you can extend your outing by grabbing a coffee or meal nearby, making the day out with friends even more complete. This social and eco-conscious shopping model fosters a fun, relaxed vibe suitable for lively conversations and shared style inspirations among friends.
What are the main activities to do at Crossroads Trading?
At Crossroads Trading, the core activities revolve around buying, selling, and trading clothing and accessories. The store specializes in on-trend, gently used items, so you and your friends can browse an eclectic selection of apparel in excellent condition, from designer pieces to everyday fashions. You can sell your own quality clothes on the spot after appraisal, receiving either cash immediately or trade credit that you can use for future purchases. This “sell and shop” cycle encourages frequent returns and social interactions as friends compare finds and share style tips. Additionally, Crossroads offers consignment for higher-end designer items, enabling you to potentially earn more money—up to 70% of the sale—if you prefer consigning over outright selling. If someone in your group doesn’t have a store nearby, the mail-in service expands accessibility, so no one misses out on the fun. This triad of buying, selling, and trading not only refreshes your wardrobe sustainably but also turns the experience into a rewarding group outing with plenty of conversation starters and shared discoveries.
Why is Crossroads Trading perfect for group meetups?
Crossroads Trading excels as a group meetup location because it goes beyond a standard shopping venue. The store’s format encourages interaction and collaboration among friends as you explore styles together and discuss fashion trends. The immediate feedback loop of selling items for cash or credit adds an exciting, game-like element, making group visits feel dynamic and productive. Since the inventory is continuously updated based on seasonal trends and customer contributions, each visit offers something new to explore, appealing to diverse tastes within a group. The welcoming vibe and helpful staff amplify this social experience by creating a space that feels personal yet vibrant. Also important for groups is the store’s location strategy: they often situate stores in bustling, walkable neighborhoods where friends can continue their day with communal meals or coffee. This combination of a rich shopping experience, frequent inventory turnover, social interaction, and convenient locations makes Crossroads Trading a great choice for meaningful gatherings with friends or family.
What should you expect when buying at Crossroads Trading?
When you step into Crossroads Trading to buy, you’ll find a curated selection of current, on-trend clothing and accessories that emphasize quality and style. The shop specializes in items in excellent condition—clean, unstained, and free of damage—with a keen focus on satisfying fashion-conscious customers who want both style and value. Because inventory is customer-supplied, the selection varies widely, providing an exciting treasure hunt for shoppers looking for unique or affordable pieces. Prices are competitive given the high standards applied to condition and trendiness, letting you score great deals on quality items. If you’re shopping with friends, you can easily compare finds, share fashion advice, and help each other pick out standout pieces. The staff are available on-site to answer questions and share insights on the latest trends or product conditions, ensuring you make informed and satisfying purchases for your wardrobe refresh.
How does selling and trading work at Crossroads Trading?
Selling and trading clothes at Crossroads Trading is designed to be quick, transparent, and rewarding. Bring your gently used, on-trend clothing and accessories to the store, where trained staff will evaluate each item’s condition and style relevance on the spot. If the items meet the company’s standards—cleanliness, no missing buttons, no tears or damage, and current fashion appeal—you’ll receive an offer based on the expected resale price. You can choose to get paid immediately in cash, typically receiving around 30% of the sale price, or opt for trade credit valued higher, often about 45-50%, which incentivizes customers to shop after selling. For higher-end designer pieces, you can opt for consignment, which offers up to 70% payout. The option to use trade credit lets groups plan coordinated shopping trips: friends can sell items and then pool their credits for future purchases, turning multiple visits into an interactive cycle of decluttering and style renewal together. This system promotes sustainability and keeps your group’s wardrobe fresh while rewarding everyone for participation.
What makes Crossroads Trading’s shopping experience sustainable and rewarding?
Crossroads Trading champions sustainable fashion by extending the lifecycle of garments with its buy-sell-trade model. Instead of discarding clothes, customers bring their gently used pieces to resell, diverting them from landfills and reducing demand for new textile production. This eco-friendly cycle is especially attractive to groups seeking mindful and socially responsible activities, making the store a meaningful meetup spot. The immediate cash or trade credit payout system motivates customers to participate actively in circular fashion, turning wardrobe updates into smart, sustainable choices. Additionally, the dynamic inventory ensures frequently refreshed collections, which keeps the shopping experience engaging for repeat visits. The store also supports a local vibe through its neighborhood locations, often encouraging customers to combine shopping trips with dining or coffee outings, strengthening community ties through shared sustainable commerce.
How is the atmosphere and customer service at Crossroads Trading?
Customers and employees describe Crossroads Trading as having a friendly and vibrant atmosphere that contributes strongly to its appeal as a group destination. The staff are known to be helpful and knowledgeable about current fashion trends and selling criteria, which enhances the shopping and selling processes. Many reviews note the sense of community among employees, who often bring positive energy to the store experience. While some reports mention management challenges in certain locations, the overall vibe remains pleasant, bustling, and engaging. This creates an inviting setting for groups to spend extended time exploring the inventory, trying on items, and sharing opinions. The store’s layout, with clear sections for men’s and women’s apparel and accessories, facilitates group browsing without feeling crowded. Thus, it works well for meetups where friends can move about freely yet stay connected in their shared shopping adventure.
What additional benefits can groups enjoy at Crossroads Trading?
Aside from the core buy, sell, and trade functions, Crossroads Trading offers several benefits for group gatherings. The sense of discovery during your visit encourages lively conversations and makes the shopping trip interactive rather than passive. The store’s policy of immediate payment and trade credit rewards ensures that the experience is tangibly satisfying for everyone involved. Its presence in dynamic neighborhoods means meetups can extend to nearby cafes, restaurants, or parks, turning a shopping trip into a full-day social outing. The mix of classic and trendy pieces appeals to varied tastes in any group, ensuring there is something for everyone. Moreover, participating in sustainable fashion practices together can deepen group bonds by aligning shared values, making Crossroads Trading more than just a store—it’s a social and ethical experience.
Crossroads Trading’s unique blend of fun, style, sustainability, and social interaction makes it an excellent place to rally with your friends for a day of memorable and rewarding activity.