The owners at Plato’s Closet in Mentor have seen a sharp uptick in shoppers this summer
By Patricia Nugent
So long, sweatpants.
With the pandemic year in our rearview mirror, people are heading back to the office, socializing again and rediscovering fashion.
Clothing retailers across the country are reporting a surge in sales. Locally, the owners at Plato’s Closet in Mentor have seen a sharp uptick in shoppers this summer.
“People seem thrilled to get out again, and want their wardrobes to reflect that excitement,” says Jeff Rose, who has owned the fashion-forward resale store for the past 19 years. “They seem to be looking for outfits that are colorful and cheerful, light-hearted and optimistic. Patterns and prints are bigger, brighter and bolder in a range of vibrant colors. Shoppers seem more adventurous, mixing different looks.”
Back-to-School
“Since our clientele is teens and young adults, late July and early August kick off the back-to-school season,” says Jeff. The staff is throwing three “reveal” parties to usher in the season: On Saturday, July 24, they’re hosting an all-day athletic-wear event; on Saturday, July 31, it’s a massive shoe and boot reveal; and on Saturday, August 7, they will be filling the store with all things denim, from jeans to tops, jackets and skirts.
The shopping experience at Plato’s Closet is a real pleasure. Clothing is grouped by style, size and color, and club jams are always pumping in the background. It’s more fun than the mall, and you get the same stylish clothes but at a fraction of the price.
They cater to most sizes too, going from XS to 3X in girls, and for guys pants size 28-inch to 42-inch.
“For guys, we offer jeans, jackets, and shoes—including Levis, Nike and Adidas—and all types of athletic wear, such as hoodies and vintage graphic T-shirts with throwback bands like AC/DC and Motley Crue,” says Vicky.
What’s Trending Now?
“The girls are buying lots of crop tops and ‘athleisure’-wear, including leggings, yoga pants and sneakers,” she continues. “To complete any look, we also carry accessories, including big sunglasses, zodiac jewelry and claw clips for hair. Another niche item for us is hair scrunchies, which are priced right, $2 each and three for $5.”
Some of their hottest brands include American Eagle, Urban Outfitters, PINK, PacSun, Buckle, H&M, Express, North Face, lululemon and Athleta.
Jeans will forever be in fashion. Heading into fall, he says they are still seeing distressed jeans, in both “mom” and “dad” styles, which are higher waisted with wider, straight legs. Super skinny jeans continue to be best sellers.
Designer handbags are big sellers, too, and Jeff reports brands that fly out of the store include Kate Spade, Michael Kors, Coach, Steve Madden, Lucky and Calvin Klein. Backpacks, wallets and phone caddies are also popular.
“It feels like handbag styles are getting bigger and smaller at the same time,” he adds. “Lots of girls like the lighter feeling of carrying just a tiny phone caddie or cross-body, but bigger satchel styles are also hot.”
The store’s merchandise turns over quickly and it changes day to day. What makes it different than consignment shops is that they pay cash on the spot for anyone who brings in their trendy, gently used and laundered wardrobe. No appointment is necessary. It’s that easy.
Plato’s Closet is at 7600 Mentor Avenue in Mentor. Dressing rooms are open. The store is now hiring sales associates who love fashion and want to work in a fun, upbeat environment and enjoy an employee discount. The store is open seven days a week, Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; and Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. Call 440-602-9790 or visit PlatosClosetMentor.com.