ACT II Village Shop

Love this place, I have yet to leave here empty handed. I always find something cute and in style, as well as in great condition. The staff are always super friendly and helpful!

I recently entered ACT II after an absence of about 18 years. I had once, as a novice, come in to sell a pink, beaded formal dress and a few other items. The main buyer offered me $ 20 and indicated she was sorry they could not offer more. I took the offer, at which point her assistant busted out with a snicker. I’ll admit that I’d felt intimidated and just went with it. I visited the store several days later and the dress was tagged $ 200. With a grudge I didn’t come back for years. More due to the snicker than the price. BUT, come on… that was a long time ago and those women probably don’t even work there anymore.
So, I went back and spent some time in the shop. They really do have some amazing deals and great variety. But I heard one of the sales women behaving a bit snotty to one of the customers within obvious ear-​shot of me, another customer. I know people can sometimes be difficult, but it did leave me feeling not-​so-​good about the establishment again. I recently had a good experience with a women’s resale shop called Looks Better on Me, next to DZ Akin’s. I think I’ll go back there next time.

Spent the afternoon shopping at Act ll with my daughter and as always we found great designer clothes, at great deals. Another advantage is the amazing staff, they are friendly, and act as your personal shopper. We have been going here for a few years, and will continue to shop here!

I first shopped here in 2011, and I have been coming off and on ever since, as both a buyer and a seller. If I am not mistaken, three generations of women run this place, and I get a kick out of that.
* (It’s very interesting to read the variety of reviews for this store. More on that in a bit.)
The first time I went, I was dragged in by two girlfriends. I lived in another city, was going through a divorce, had lost a lot of weight and didn’t have two nickels to rub together. But boy, did I need clothes. An older woman (I assume she was the owner) scoffed at me when I told her I was too old to be trying on a pair of True Religion jeans. She said, «You’re only in your 40s! I wear ‘em, and I am a lot older than you!» I think they ran around $ 30, so I bought them and never regretted it. And I also picked up two adorable Coach bags, which I still have. Fast forward five years. I am happily remarried (with 20 lbs of «happy weight» to prove it!) AND I now live in the Village, which means I can pop into Act II whenever it’s convenient.
Here are two points to take into consideration before you shop for or sell items at ANY thrift or consignment store: 1) prices are going to be much lower than what you or someone else paid for the original item; and 2) you should let this enhance your shopping/​selling experience.
Cars, homes, clothing… I make it a rule to buy quality things which are deeply discounted, or at the very least are on sale. I doubt I have ever paid full price for anything. And as far as clothing goes, I typically give away to charity the items I no longer wear. I figure I have gotten use of certain clothing for a set amount of time, so it has done what it was supposed to do for me, and now it is time for someone else to get some use out of the same clothing if they wish. I don’t necessarily need to make a buck off it.
That being said, I will admit that the first time I took items to sell to Act II, the ladies did not want them. I was a little taken aback by their cut-​and-​dried approach, but later I realized the clothing WAS dated and tired. I did not take it as a personal affront, and instead donated the items to charity. Since then, I have made several trips to Act II to sell things, and I have become much more judicious with my offerings. As a result, I have sold quite a few items.
This is a business. The store rules are very specific about what will be purchased (e.g. trendy and vintage items may not make the cut). The owners are precise in their assessments, and you are not kept waiting when your items are appraised. When there are items the store wants, I have been given the choice of cash, or a higher amount in store credit (I have always chosen the latter). I personally appreciate the quick and proper procedure. Yesterday (a Wednesday) was yet another example of their system working well: I called, made an appointment to bring in several items, was on time, and was out the door with store credit within half an hour.
* Now, as to the reviews: I’m amused by the people who are outraged because they did not make money for items they are selling to A THRIFT SHOP compared to what they can make on eBay for the same items. No one is forcing you to go to Act II. If you want money, and you can sell your $ 400 designer bag online, by all means, DO IT. If you just want to recycle clothes (meaning you walk out with super-​inexpensive, cool, newer items as well as leaving your old ones), DO THAT.
Also, if you attempt to make an appointment on a Saturday, understand that you will likely have to wait. It is an extremely busy day. Parking will be scarce and the store crowded. I understand not everyone has a Wednesday or Friday morning free, but if you can ONLY show up on Saturday, don’t blame the Village or the store for being swamped.
Lastly, YOU are the all-​powerful consumer. If you are treated shabbily at ANY place of business, you should let the store know and follow up (meaning give the place a second chance and see if it deserves your loyalty). Your word-​of-​mouth will have an effect, good or bad. I can say I have never encountered rudeness at Act II, only helpfulness and expedience. To that end, I highly recommend it to friends and strangers. If you are looking to be coddled, go to a high-​end department store. I certainly do, when I want that experience.
Bottom line: do not criticize this establishment because of what it isn’t. Appreciate this store for what it is: a well-​run consignment shop where you can make a bit of cash and find some great buys.

Saw a really cute dress out front, so went in, tried it on, it looked great, bought it.
Asked the woman helping me if I could quickly use the restroom before picking out some other clothes and shoes to try on.
«Oh no!» she exclaimed. «We don’t have a public bathroom!»
I had to explain that I was not in fact at that moment a member of the public, but actually a customer and about to become an even better one, as I found myself liking their buying choices clothes-​wise.
«We are not allowed legally to let you use the bathroom» the clerk repeated.
«Are you legally allowed to sell me this dress?» I asked. «Because in every classy dress shop I have been to around the world, a good customer is certainly permitted to go to the store bathroom. Newsflash: some stores even have nice bathrooms for their customers!
Tried again to be nice to aforementioned cletk by asking her if they had any shoes in my size, a whopping 11.
«Well, we have these three» she said, pointing out three ugly pairs of shoes.
«Actually, I was thinking more like all the sexy shoes in the back»
«Afraid not. All I have in your size are these three. Your friends must have come in and bought them all» she said, smirking.
I suggested that she let the owner know that it might be a good idea (from a merchant point of view) to offer both a customer bathroom and a lot more variety of size 11 shoes.
As far as the clerk was concerned, our conversation was finished and I was ushered out of the store.
Too bad… neither me nor my wallet are going back.

Terrible service and they were rude! Won’t be back!

Super friendly staff & extremely helpful! Great clothes — I’ll be back for sure! :)

I’ve not bought anything here, but I tried to sell quite a few items and they accepted nothing. Not only that but were snobby and rude about it. I had some very nice items including cashmere sweaters; also trendy items that were still not taken, I suspect because some were not top designer names. They seemed to have a very elitist attitude which was off-​putting. Barely looked at most of my items, saying they wouldn’t sell. Yet I turned right around and sold many of them right after on eBay. Didn’t even thank me for coming in, just general RUDE dismissive attitudes. Won’t be back, that’s for sure. Plenty of other places I can buy second-​hand clothes.

My husband and I brought some of my clothes in today for resale. I don’t know why there have been so many negative comments on Unilocal about the customer service. We were treated very courteously by all three of the women working at this store, especially the two women who evaluated my clothes in the back and gave me a fair price. We enjoyed speaking with them and visiting with their two small dogs. It was a very pleasant experience. The clothes they didn’t purchase get donated to helping women in Mexico. I’m a big fan of this store and it’s mission. The customer service was great and respectful. With customer service this good, we will return. Please don’t base your decisions off of other people’s negative reviews as you don’t always know the full story, try it for yourself first.

The customer service here is very horrible! «The buyer» of the place was very argumentative with me and demonstrated the worst customer service that I’ve ever dealt with in my life. I understand if you don’t take walk-​ins but at the same time if it’s completely empty, wouldn’t you make an exception to your rule? Hence, good customer service! Word to the wise maybe it’s a good idea to go back and get a degree in business or customer service skills, thanks. I will definitely not ever be coming back nor will I ever recommend your business to anyone else.

All I can say is rude. I have tried 3 times in a row calling at their call time and have never been able to get an appointment, which would be fine if they were nice about it, but every time I have been cut off before I can even finish speaking with an attitude no less! They act as if they are doing everyone a favor by existing. No thank you, I will sell my clothes on ebay and not have to abide by strict rules to call in and plead for an appointment from people who don’t seem to want anyone’s business.

There are two of these shops on the same street and I whenever I go to one, I go to the other as well! My mom and I have been customers for as long as I can remember and I always walk away with something great! The owner is amazing and all the employees are great at helping me find exactly what I wanted. I’ve also sold here and no wonder the clothes are amazing, she’s a picky woman when it comes to buying clothes! She only took about a third of my clothes but gave me some good money for them! I say keep it up ladies! I’ll be back many more times.

Amazing family run used clothing shop. Friendly, welcoming staff and great prices for beautiful selection of clothes and jewelry! The owner even discounted a dress ($ 40) down to $ 15 for my daughter which made her day! We will definitely come back !! GREAT shop!

if I could give zero stars I would. They completely devalue your clothes just so they can mark them up way higher in the store. Also it is impossible to get an appointment. for selling this is 100% not the place to go they offer little to nothing for purchasing price. I sold a few prom dresses miss me jeans and some other items and was told that everything together was only worth $ 65 dollars, not being educated in the market I figured it was better to take what I could get. When I went back in the nest week one of my dresses was marked up to $ 250! the dress itself was only $ 400 originally! total rip off DO NOT sell to them. you have been warned.

Great prices! Friendly staff! Constant turn over of new merchandize! Fun scores ranging from joes to jimmy choose!

Very very rude. I came in with my grandmother to sell some of her old suits and the first woman called us the «people who were really late» even though we came on time for our appointment. The next woman at least helped my grandma and I with the suits; as we had at least 20 in our arms. The last woman who owned the store barely looked at one of the suits and said they were «too old to sell in the store» and walked away. How terrible! I understand that she can’t sell them at her store, but show some respect to your customers! I will never recommend this store to anyone. I wish I could give a negative rating.

This is my favorite place to shop in San Diego. The customer service is outstanding and they only buy the best things! It’s thrift shopping with only good buys! I get workout clothes, shoes, work dresses, designer jeans and more. They are truly the epitome of a small business that strives to please their customers! I would recommend this to anyone who loves quality without breaking the bank!

I’ve made a few good purchases here — a cute pair of pumps for $ 10, a sweater or two… nothing to write home about. If you have the time to sort through the stuff in not so great condition you can find stuff that’s in good condition. Though some of it is overpriced — $ 35 for a used coat from Target? Really? $ 18 for a low end, used Calvin Klein dress that someone bought new at Ross for probably the same price?
Like others have posted, selling your clothes is a weird experience. I didn’t expect them to buy everything, but thought for sure they’d buy stuff like the silver peep toe pumps from Chinese Laundry that I’d never worn, and the velvet blue blazer given it’s the holidays. Nope. She said my stuff was «too vintage.» Meanwhile their shoe racks are littered with peep toe pumps that are in much worse shape than mine and I actually saw a blazer that looked similar to what I was selling but in much worse condition.
It was odd. I certainly don’t understand her reasoning — maybe she had too many peep toe pumps on the shelves so had to pass on mine???
The accept credit cards but you basically have to pay their credit fee (they give you 5% off if you pay cash).

If you’re looking for a good deal, step inside. Or just stay outside for a while and sidewalk shop with all the affordable items on the tables. Inside there is quite an assortment of clothing and jewelry. It’s definitely not like a thrift store. This quaint shop is clean and very organized. For the size of the place, there is a surprisingly large selection of styles and sizes as well. Many items aren’t even 2^nd hand, they’re unused! And the overall prices are low with lots of great buys! Can’t forget to mention, if you even need a hat or purse, they have these items, too. Atypical, fun finds. Vintage and current trends are on the shelves and racks.
Jessica was very cordial and helpful when I purchased the cool jacket I scored. Not sure what the other reviewers were referring to about stalking staffers while you’re shopping. I did not experience this at all. There are also bi-​weekly specials and even monthly drawings worth $ 50. Overall, I think Act II has plenty to offer for anyone searching for good bargains.

I originally came to La Mesa for Goodwill, as well as looking for shops that did trades for some gently used clothes. I was fortunate to drop by this place out of convenience since I managed to nail princess parking right in front of their shop.
If there’s one thing I gotta love about La Mesa Village, it’s the different shops they’ve got. I managed to get a full interview outfit here for $ 13.50! Pretty sweet, AND it fit me perfectly. To be honest, toooo perfect actually!
I’m really impressed with their collection of stuff here. Their accessories are one of a kind, but very fashionable! Although all their clothing is gently used, the owner/​shopper who picks and chooses what they’ll consign, definitely has a good eye! I can’t wait to come back here. It’s such a treat! There’s a few other things in the store that I’d LOVE to pick up.
Also, they have a good wall of shoes to look at too.