Serendipity Resale

I was so excited to visit Serendipity Resale in downtown Naperville, I had read about it and really looked forward to the visit. And in addition took my 2 nieces with me, ages 9 and 7 who are well behaved, and looking forward to the excitement of the hunt.
We entered and were a bit surprised by how small the space is, but that did not deter us, it is downtown Naperville and in a primo spot, and the store does use every bit of room as well as they can.
What was very disappointing was to see very high prices on items that were not worthy of the amount they were asking. Some well known name brands, some high end but with an issue or two, and just not the level clothing one would pay at a 2d hand shop. The store seemed to want to put off a vibe more of a high level consignment shop, which they are not.
My nieces found over priced headbands and a very worn poncho, and sweatshirt, and we all found a holiday mug in the back room that is 90 percent devoted to used Christmas items during the holiday season. There were some vintage type items priced like we were winners at an high end auction, so that turned me off, especially since all of them were more than the expected usual vintage wear and tear and or were not especially special.
The MINIMUM AMOUNT you must spend is $ 10 if you wish to use a debit or credit card.
I understand the proceeds go to a good Charity, however, I am probably not going to visit again. The better way to make a donation to their cause is to just write a check to the organization.
I really wanted this shop to be special, and it was not. It was o.k. and again way overpriced. The sales people working are all volunteers and were nice to both of my nieces explaining where the money went from their purchases. In that manner we all felt good about giving back to the community. But, as for a resale shop I cannot recommend a trip based again on the high prices for items that (and if they are looking up things on line they are way way off) do not demand the amount they are charging. if you want to give to this charity, again I recommend sending a check to the foundation.

Serendipity is definitely a hit or miss resale shop. It’s in downtown Naperville, so they are getting tons of foot traffic and the opportunity to turn over inventory quickly. And the shop itself is very small. That being said, I still left this place with a tunic sweater from the Gap for only $ 6.
It wasn’t until I got excited about my purchase that I saw the «MINIMUM CHARGE $ 10 ON VISA/​MASTERCARD» sign at the register. I asked the employee if this was still the case, and she said it was. She asked if I had any cash, and it’s worth noting that she was very pleasant with me. I never carry cash on me, I like tracking my purchases on my debit card. My eyes darted around the store, thinking, there wasn’t anything else I wanted. I thought about telling her to just charge me the $ 10 for the sweater (it’s really cute…)
Then, to my complete surprise, she shoved the sweater in the bag and said, «Here. Take it. It’s on me.» Hours later I am still blown away by this extremely kind act. Part of me felt very poor at that moment, but more than anything I was so appreciative and moved that people, retailers especially, DO NICE THINGS!
I have a small bag of new jewelry (I used to be a home party consultant on the side), and at my next opportunity, I’m donating it to Serendipity.
They also sell jewelry, shoes, and the back room was full of random housewares and Beanie Babies. And there was a huge rack of dresses for homecoming or prom that were in pristine condition.
Five stars for the incredibly kind treatment I received today.

If you like otters, Serendipity has got an impressive (and very unexpected) selection of otter items.
i walk in and I’m greeted my the cutest otter figurine ever. I wanted to buy it but at $ 35, I decided to try and hold off… though it’s worth mentioning that it was marked down from $ 995. With the laugh I got from that alone was worth the trip in.
There was also another large, framed otter poster in the back room and a stuffed animal as well… for those interested in acquiring the whole otter inventory here at Serendipity.
The clothing selection wasn’t huge, as the space doesn’t really allow for it, but they had a large selection of antique and collector’s dinnerware. The prices seemed pretty steep for most things, but I heard the woman working the store mention that they have someone on staff who researches the items and prices them accordingly. So, perhaps better if you’re looking for something collectible for your curio/​China cabinet, not so much for your personal closet or modern day living situation.
On my visit, I wouldn’t say the staff was overly friendly. At one point I was walking down an aisle that the staff member had walked into to hang something up or whatever, and she clearly saw me there, nearing the point at which she was standing, but chose to not acknowledge me in any way, not even move in a bit so I could get by. It felt a lot like she was knowingly (and rather ignorantly) giving me the cold shoulder and not allowing me to pass.
Oh.Hell. No.
You ain’t Gandalf. Imma shove my way through just to prove a point now.

This is a cute little resale shop in downtown Naperville. They have lots of clothes, toys, etc. There are many racks of clothing, if you pick around you can find something good. In the back room they have cute little things like beanie babies and stuffed animals ranging from 25 cents to a dollar, which is very good if you have a small child to entertain. The other day I was here and I found a cute pair of unicorns for $ 12, score! This all benefits Little Friends, which I personally love because it provides care for people with autism. Overall great store, you should check it out!

Every time I go here I find something. Staff is always friendly and kind. I always get great items for myself, my wife and my 16 year old son. A great store in downtown Naperville.

Just like any resale shop, it’s hit or miss. Sometimes you’ll get some great finds, like a retro silverware sorter that fit perfectly in my kitchen drawer, or my George Foreman grill. Other times, it’s just not what you’re looking for. But it’s good prices for a great cause!
(And the woman behind the counter doesn’t yell at children if they’re behaving).

There is always new and different merchandise in this clean, little, well run resale store that benefits Little Friends.
This store needs donations, which I make, it also needs customers which I am.
Every trip to downtown Naperville, we make a stop in this store if its open, there is always something your kids can buy here for a couple of dollars and sometimes something you may not have thought of for yourself.
My elderly Mother picked off a «like new» Columbia windbreaker when she visited since she needed one that day. It hangs in my closet waiting for her next visit.
This is one of the few remaining stores in Naperville that wasn’t up-​scaled or homogenized over the last few years.
Train store gone, florist gone, gas grill and chimney repair gone, lamp sales and repair gone, movie theater gone, bowling alley gone, grocery store gone, independent pharmacy gone, antique furniture gone, Vet gone, bakery gone etc etc etc…

Hunting for treasure is always fun! Like many other reviewers, I’m in agreement that this store does not seem to fit the rest of the downtown Naperville area – but I think that’s what makes it great. The day that I visited they happened to have a buy one get one free for all clothing (except for blue tags – probably newer items?) Got 2 pretty dresses for my girls for $ 2.50 total — really can’t go wrong with that.
Just like with any other resale shop there was definitely a lot of random items that were kitchy and/​or old – but with some time a great place to rifle through stuff.
I was surprised by how organized the store was and can’t wait to return to see what new interesting items they might have.

For my 300^th review (yay!), I’ve decided to write about one small, somewhat inviting, but out of place shop in downtown Naperville. This is a good thing. Amidst the fancy restaurants, gellato shop, jewelry stores and clothing boutiques is Serendipity Resale. Definitely a place to check out once in a great while. Not a frequent venture, for sure. The selection is mostly clothes from the 1980’s, ceramic baby shower gifts and some house ware items. There is a back section that was full of old puzzles and toys. It reminded me of the toys that weren’t called back after casting «Toy Story 3». Sad. But alas, Serendipity does benefit Little Friends, so it’s worth shopping here if you find something nifty.

I love thrift shopping. Serendipity is a favorite of my Mother in Law and so we went to have a look. It is fantastic!!! The store is well organized and items are well displayed. Not to mention the fact that the items are great! This store must be a local favorite for donations — they have fantastic stuff at good prices. I bought a magnificent formal dress and Charlotte bought a set of dishes with plates for 18!!! Not to mention some amazing vintage cookbooks.

I think Serendipity is a fantastic resale shop, and I love that it benefits Little Friends so that you can shop with purpose. I stopped in today and had a great experience, the two women who were working were so friendly and they proudly informed me that all Christmas décor is 80% off! 80%! I picked up a cookie jar, candle, and candy dish for my grandma for a whole $ 1.88. I couldn’t believe it! Definitely stop by soon.
I’m grossed out by previously worn clothes– so I’m not one to judge on that but they have good crafting supplies and home décor for the holidays. It’s a great place to support and stop in frequently– they get items in all the time!

Watch the little old ladies behind the counter, there is one with a big attitude and constantly yells at children.
Some of the prices are ridiculous in here, but I find the best athletic tops here, and you can not beat 25 cent toys to entertain kids.
Lots of crafting things too, no furniture — they won’t take it.

THIS PLACE ROCKS~~
OK so it maybe small, but it has a little bit of everything. I found my childhood scooter there and immediately bought for my daughter.
I found a couple of Disney VHS I picked up for a $ 1 a piece.
Not to much on the clothes and still run by volunteers. Definitely worth the visit.
Oh and I forgot to mention all proceeds to the Autistic school– Little Friends for Autism.
For more information see

This store is run largely by volunteers and the profits benefit handicap people. The stuff they sell is is pretty good shape. They have clothing and household goods, but not enough room for furniture.