Philadelphia Vintage & Consignment Shoppe

Gift shopping a week before Christmas, I specifically went to this store to find something for a fashionista friend. I rang the bell and waited a few minutes in confusion. Finally, a head appeared in a door crack and when I say he gave me the up down I am not exaggerating. I guess I didn’t meet the criteria because the head told me they were closed for the day. At 5pm. On a Thursday. A week before Christmas. When the hours on the door said they were open until 6. This is why online shopping is killing small businesses. Thank goodness for Etsy.

I walked in and they were totally rude!!! I felt that they were OLD SCHOOL Prejudice. … where do they still do that at. Whatever… my rich friends from Rittenhouse told me to go there today. The sign on the door clearly said open on Tuesday… I guess my Harvard Law degree, Nordstrom jacket, Fyre shoes didnt make the cut. My father who is the partner at Nabisco said no worries darling visit 5^th Ave. In NYC This weekend. That will work… later for them. Was totally applaud.

As a lover of vintage dresses, I make sure to visit the best vintage stores in every city I visit. While in Philly, I decided to try my luck and drop by this store, prepared to turned away or receive poor customer service based on some of the reviews I read. Instead, Johnny was warm and welcoming me from the moment I walked in, was there with advice and inputs when I needed it, and gave me space and time to browse what can be an overwhelming collection.
The store itself has a large collection of everything from vintage shoes and earrings to high end designer clothes all packed into the same space as vibrant mannequins and knickknacks. The sheer size of the collection alone is surprising, given that most vintage establishments carry a small, boutique selection. Also, the items are pricey, but well-​maintained.
With nothing else to do on a Saturday afternoon, I casually browsed the collection and fell in love with 2 dresses– a linen dress with a classic silhouette and haute silk dress with flowers– and a 1940s brooch. To my surprise, the best thing about this store is that they can personalize you shopping experience– tailoring items in store, dry cleaning delicate fabric, and mailing you items personally selected for you. Needless to say, I will be back.

Philadelphia Vintage is a strange place. I visited once, a year or so ago. They had many beautiful vintage items, but nothing had a price tag – I had to ask what each item cost. While many of the pieces are very expensive, not all of them are, so it’s bizarre how they’d choose to alienate all but the «money is no object» type of customer by doing that. It was so awkward asking, «How much is this? And this?»
I tried to visit two times since then, and both times the store was closed, even though I went during their open hours. They have a note on the door saying that they might be closed due private appointment.
It’s really strange, because I follow them on facebook and they do seem to promote the place as a regular store. In my opinion, they need to decide what they want to be – a private, appointment-​only store with no price tags, or a normal store that’s actually open to the public during its posted open hours, with prices listed. This weird hodge-​podge of the two isn’t working.
In sum: I definitely wouldn’t make a trip to this store without calling first.

I should start by saying that I started a Unilocal account to write a review of the WORST restaurant I have ever visited. In my life. My whole life. I am 31. So, the worst restaurant I have eaten at in 31 years.
That said, I logged on tonight to write a review for Philadelphia Vintage & Consignment because I had one of the most delightful shopping experiences I have ever had in Philadelphia there today. I guess I’m into hyperbole.
Johnny (or Gianni?) and Sarah were incredible, as were the two ladies hanging out in the shop when I visited today, only half looking for a piece to wear to an upcoming event. I felt very welcome — from Johnny’s suggestions about where to start browsing in the total wonderland of the shop to Sarah’s careful attention, suggestions and feedback on pieces I tried.
The collection is unreal — browsing the racks was easily as much fun as trying on pieces that actually fit me. I found a handful of pieces that I would love to own and pared it down to just a few that I’m sure I will treasure for years. From the bangarang collection to the terrific personalities and service it’s already clear from one visit that, as long as I live in Philly, this will be one of my go-to’s for fashion.

All I can say is wow! I have never been treated so rude ever. In my 18 years in the fashion industry NO ONE has ever refused me entry to their shop… I went to this place on the recommendation of Stacy at Anestcias Antiques after spending a chunk with her. I rushed over to this place… ring the bell and was asked what I was looking for… OKAY…beading on women’s clothing… quite specific and to the point.“in a private appointment” …fine what time shall I come back??? ACTUALLY DONT…
Point taken
…I will take my design accounts elsewhere… their loss… sure not mine! My clients are happy to spend with other establishments!

This place is the jam. It’s usually closed and only by appointment. But if you are lucky to get inside it’s all vintage and couture. Serious stuff. For example a Chanel quilted handbag or Givenchy coat. 60’s mod Moschino. Prada belts. Gucci watch. How bout some Lacroix sunglasses? Names, names, names! If you want a rare fashion piece that no one else has, this is the place in Philly. Rumor has it they loan out their garments for historical cinema and television. Fancy!