10/07/09

What a TERRIBLE place!

by willow2

I made the mistake of making an appointment to sell some great vintage clothing to Via's. I am from NYC and have enjoyed the selection at this store since moving to the twin cities. I know the worth of my stuff since I have had great luck selling on ebay. I understood my items would be worth less at Via's, but decided it was less hassle.

The woman huffed / scoffed at most of my items (hello- who does that??) I have been a fan of vintage clothing for more than 10 years- I would never wear vintage that was not in good condition. Many of the items had name brands that fetch a lot of money online. How very uninformed!!

Really not concerned about whether my items were of use to them or not- it was the way in which the woman conducted herself that I find disgusting!! They may have found my stuff unappealing NOW, but they sure did not 2 years ago as I informed the ugly one- some of the pieces (worn once) were FROM THEIR VERY STORE!!! No, Via's, being rude does not make you hip- at all.

• Pros: large selection of vintage clothes
• Cons: RUDEST STAFF EVER

08/21/09

LOVE THIS STORE!

by Mary21

I went in there once awhile ago. I needed a 50s era outfit for that very same evening. The staff was VERY helpful!! They showed me several pieces in my price range. I was stressed thinking about finding something that would work for the party that night--and the staff couldn't have been better.

I will for sure visit them again, and recommend this store to anyone interested in vintage wear!!!!!

• Pros: they are AWESOME!
• Cons: no free stuff. :(

08/07/09

nice vintage, over priced, more education to staff

by HHjewelry

I would have rated it average if the prices were better but I have several reasons for my ratings. I've tried on 3 separate times of the year visited this store and done a comparison of its items to my other resources for vintage. In light of the economy, this store is way over priced on clothing, purses, and jewelry. Victorian dresses are being asked for $150-200 plus yet these can be found on internet auction for $75-100. Vintage costume jewelry is marked higher than the price you'd pay an estate sale, estate sale bid, auction in Shakopee/Chanhassen, or internet auction. The same jewelry can be found many antique stores in St. Paul (selby & fairview) and Hastings. The store does have nice items but you could find the same vintage dresses at an estate sale for $10-50 or My sisters closet (super friendly staff and great relationship builders in a big city, not so much at Vias though they were cordial) or St. Paul antique store. Lastly, there is no system for their analysis of jewelry accepted other than quick glances. In less than 2 minutes all of my my personal collection of baby bracelet hardstone cameo, sterling silver signed pieces, vintage Americana Sarah Coventry and Coro charm bracelets were not acceptable by Via. But easily consigned at My Sisters Closet and yes...SOLD. Via may want to do more research of actual values of the jewelry and other items they sell. Don't underestimate shoppers, especially younger shoppers who you think don't know anything or you think are bringing in junk jewelry. Recommendations for the staff: Buy, Keep, or Sell by Judith Miller; Sarah Coventry by Jennifer Lindbeck; Antique Trader Jewelry Price Guide by Husfloen & Cohen; Warman's Jewelry 2nd edition by Romero.-Mystery shopper H.

• Pros: genuinely nice vintage
• Cons: overpriced, lack of knowledge on jewelry & actual value