Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2009

Boutique Peek: It's new to you:

Plato's Closet of Myrtle Beach

Jack Wilson

Plato's Closet, 1399 S. Commons Drive, Myrtle Beach, in the South Commons Plaza

These days, money for many is tighter than a skinny mini, size 0. And if you're on vacation - after budgeting for the hotel, dining and happy hour expenses - cash flow may be limited for shopping.

Plato's Closet, fairly new to south-end Myrtle Beach near Surfside Beach in the South Commons Plaza, caters to financially-challenged fashionistas - from teens through those who are stylishly young at heart. It's a brilliant recycling program. The franchise resells trendy, designer brand clothes up to 70 percent off mall retail prices. The inventory is kept stocked by customers who bring in gently-used, freshly-laundered clothes (ideally 1-year old) to sell for cash. A Plato's sales associates will usually dole out 30 to 40 percent of what Plato's will price the clothes at to each customer. (In September, you get 20 percent off at Plato's for every $50 worth of clothes sold.)

Plato's is especially keeping an eye out this season for men's and women's denim and hoodies, guys' tees, dresses and sundresses, plus accessories such as purses and shoes (including boots, clogs, flip-flops, mules and wedges). Sizes run from a 00 to 15/16 for juniors and women and 28-40 in the men's department. Brands you'll see on the racks at Plato's (lines that are on their "Most Wanted" list) include Abercrombie & Fitch, American Eagle, Banana Republic, Billabong, Gap, Guess, Hollister, J. Crew, Old Navy, Skechers and Steve Madden.

Plato's Closet is at 1399 S. Commons Drive, Myrtle Beach, in the South Commons Plaza (behind Zaxby's on S.C. 544). For additional info, call 650-5003 or visit www.platosclosetmyrtlebeach.com.