Via's Vintage Wear

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

02/21/09

Horrible Customer Service

by Traez

I will agree that Via's Vintage has fantastic vintage clothing and other vintage items, but the owners and workers are incredibly rude. I wouldn't suggest going unless you enjoy being treated with open disrespect, even when you buy something. We were nothing but polite to the staff, yet we were treated very rudely the entire visit and we were simply met with "keep going out" as we left, even after buying one of their (pricey) items. We would have returned the purchase, but there was a no return policy.

• Pros: Good selection
• Cons: Horrible customer service, Very pricey

01/03/08

Mostly Formalwear- Upscale and Pricey but Perfect for A Unique Dress

by iheartdaisy

When I went to Vias, I found it was mostly formal wear which was not what I was looking for. If that is what you want, Vias is great for unique dresses for attending a wedding or a prom. Things are pricey and the staff seemed a little snobby and didn't greet me or say goodbye or thank you. Overall, only a good store if you are looking for a dress that will stand out in a crowd at a formal event.

• Pros: good selection for formal wear, good quality
• Cons: high prices, snobby staff

Uptown vintage shop is more than just a thrift shop; it's a collection of the best moments in clothing history.

by Contributor

In Short
The "Breakfast at Tiffany's" mural sends the message: this is a house of style for Audrey Hepburn's loyal disciples. Via's collection includes top styles in matching condition and prices tend to reflect that. Skinny cocktail dresses, posh cashmere sweaters and sleek suits fashioned by classic designers wait patiently to be taken somewhere fabulous. Twinkly art-deco jewelry and slinky beaded purses spruce up what's already in shoppers' closets.

05/03/06

Found what I was looking for..

by texantulip

I also love that the dresses are by waist size. I was able to find a dress for a formal occasion and it fit like it was made for me. (I had someone stop me at the event and say I looked like Aubrey Hepburn!) The dress I picked out was full length and all raw silk for under $100. This is less than alterations on other dressses. A great place if you are hard to fit or like colors and styles out of the ordinary. Oh, and the service was incredible, I was there when someone was picking out her wedding dress. We both got attention even though there was only one person there. LOVE THIS PLACE!

• Pros: service , selection, condition of items
• Cons: need more casual item

11/14/05

Always a great selection!!!!

by noodlebite

Via's selection is HUGE and with the change in management, the prices have gone down. The store is clean and easy to shop. You can almost always park out in front too.

• Pros: big variety, cool mens, good music

11/12/05

Via's Selection and Customer Service Great

by ilikevangogh

Via's is great.

Rate's are low and rating it is impossible.

Women's clothes conveniently sorted by waist size (yeah!).

Lots of men's selections - a rarity for this type of shop.

Customer Service exceeds good... It is awesome!!!

Kind regards, John Vick

• Pros: Great Guy's Selection, Huge Women's Selctns, Inexpensive
• Cons: Parking

12/14/02

catch 22

by mndearhunter

I have been in their store probbly 20 or more times over the past several years. I have always been treated well and have looked through certain racks of vintage wear and have always been treated good. I have purchased from them although their prices on some items seem to be quite high. their store is clean and items displayed very nice.... Jon in Duluth

• Pros: variety, nice clean store, pleasant staff
• Cons: prices somewhat high, poor parking