US # 1

Something seriously tragic and horrific must have happened in that rotten, smug, Scrooge of an old man’s past to make him the way he is.
My friends and I now stand with the others who have been verbally assaulted by this monster. He must be filthy rich because I can’t see any other way he stays in business with that behavior.
My story goes much like the others. Two of my friends and I accidentally (I mistook this place for somewhere else) strolled in here yesterday afternoon, only to be kicked out less than two minutes upon entry. My friend touched one of this man’s precious garments ever so gingerly and was immediately chewed out by the pseudo– hipster, dusty little fart in the corner. I came to my friend’s defense, asking what the problem was since he was VERY RESPECTFULLY pulling out this piece of clothing to see what it looked like. This only enraged the old fuck even more and he told us to leave and never come back.
We walked away from the store, jaws still dropped to the pavement, expecting someone to approach us saying we were on some hidden camera show. I have never experienced such horrific customer service (if you can even call it that).
My vengeance is telling me to go back and burn the place down, but I know one day that crusty prune is going to piss off the wrong person. What a sorry excuse for a human being. His poor dog!

Honestly I’m surprised by the plethora of low ratings here on Unilocal.I’ve come in a few times, touched the clothes, tried things on, took photos inside the store, and the «cranky old man» (as described by so many reviews) has never said anything upsetting.
The previous times I’ve browsed he has mostly kept to himself, but today he was more lively and walked around the store, verbally slashing prices and giving advice to shoppers. I told him I was looking for red snakeskin ankle boots and he checked the entire store, including the back room, to see if anything fit my description and size.
I eventually introduced myself to him, struck up a conversation, and he was willing to share some interesting details about his life and his love for the 60’s and 70’s and Southern California. I even saw him later taking Kohl (the huge pup) for a walk and he waved at me.
Nice store with a large selection and high yet negotiable prices. Not quite my aesthetic, but I’m sure to come back and say hello.

Wow! All of this happened with in 60 seconds…
I walked in for the first time and reached up to touch a women’s shearling jacket hanging up. Next thing I know the owner (old man with frown face and white hair) yelled at me in a very rude and aggressive tone to tuck it back in…
He told me that if there was anything I needed to see to ask for assistance… I said there’s nothing I’d like. He told me great, leave and never come back.
You are a vintage resale store… Since when is it a crime to touch garments… I would never be treated at Barneys for touching a 15,000 dollar jacket but here I’m scorned at.
I suggest you maybe post a sign sir… Stating simply to ask for assistance. I also suggest you do something to make yourself happy because you are one grumpy old man.

I wish I could give less than 1 star. The old man that sits at the front desk is extremely rude. I was on a conference call when passing by this store so I waved and smiled at the man at the front desk when I walked in. He barely looked up from his book, didn’t bother to speak, let alone crack a smile. My conference call lasted for about 30 minutes so I looked around the store while handling my business call. Most of what I wanted was out of reach on top shelves or behind glass. When I finished up my call, I spoke to the man at the front desk again and said «Hi! I’d like to see some of your Gucci and Fendi bags behind the glass» His immediate response: «If it doesn’t have a price I can’t sell it to.» To which I said, «That’s fine I’d still like to see the bag for quality and maybe what I want does have a price.» He then said he didn’t have a key, he repeated that if it didn’t have a price he couldn’t sell it, only the owner knows the prices and he wouldn’t be in until Friday. At this point my better judgment should have told me that this man was not trying to sell any merchandise (at least not to me) and I should have left, but instead I asked him if I could see two handbags on one of the higher shelves. To my surprise he begrudgingly got at ladder to get two bags off the shelf for me (of course only after repeating that if it didn’t have a price he couldn’t sell it) The first Gucci bag he took down reeked of cigarette spoke. The 2^nd bag was rather nice so I walked over to the mirror with it. The mirror was near the 1^st glass case I had seen some shoulder bags in earlier, so the old man followed me and asked which bags did you want to see in here? My reply, «O?! you mean the case you just told me you didn’t have a key for?» He blatantly lied to my face and said «No! I didn’t say I didn’t have a key; I told you that if it didn’t have a price I couldn’t sell it to you.» I countered that lie and his response was «well you were on the phone for 2 hours anyway.» I could only laugh at this. It was not only a gross exaggeration but it had nothing to do with anything. I was on a professional phone call and there was no one else in the store so I didn’t think there was any harm in conducting my phone call while shopping around. We went back and forth over his poor customer service skills before he asked me to leave the store. Through reading other people’s reviews I’m comforted to know that it’s not just me and that this old man and the owner are asses to pretty much everyone. I will be spending my hard earned coins elsewhere and encourage NO ONE to spend their money here.

I found this awesome 1960 fringe leather vest… the owner gave me a really good deal… he was really cool. I would agree with other shoppers that the owner didn’t want to part with something’s. However, I asked him why and he said so things were not worth selling. I asked why? He said, he acquired lots of items at estate sells and he would sell those items to collectors. Because the items were not in the best of condition. I appreciate his honesty… my piece was like brand new. Thanks, Dominique & Kohl

We went into the store looking for fur coats for costuming use. The second my girlfriend reaches to touch a coat to see if it was genuine fur, the store owner snaps, saying not to touch anything or we will be asked to leave. After apologizing, she asked if it was genuine fur. He ignored us. He also tried to sell a high end, but obviously preowned, purse for several thousand dollars. The owner is rude, nasty, and doesn’t seem to understand the concept of customer service or, indeed, not being an ass. I’d give him 0 stars if I could. Nice dog, though.

Absolutely great store! Remember folks, this is vintage, not resale — so the prices are going to be a bit higher. But the owner is willing to negotiate price (bonus)! My husband and I just bought an awesome leather jacket (marked at $ 325) and sturdy black Frye boots for me (marked at $ 300). The walk out price was $ 290 and he included inserts for the boots! This is a great shop! Be sure to adore his massively statuesque dog Kohl! SHOP HERE!

Believe it or not, there is a breed of vintage sellers out there who — deep down — don’t want to part with their hard earned finds (true story: I once had to beg the owner of a vintage shop to sell me a pair 40s platforms for the original price she was asking for. She never thought she’d see them go!) I believe the owner of this place belongs to that breed. No doubt he has an outstanding collection of vintage. It’s essentially a rock star’s enormous closet: a super cool collection of western shirts, boots, purses, leather motorcycle jackets, and amazing vtg fur coats (including Kate Moss monkey fur ones tucked in the back right). Prices are very similar to Manhattan vintage stores, i.e. exorbitant. But not all of these items are gems and this most certainly isn’t Manhattan (perhaps he targets the fashionable bands that make pit stops at Wicker Park’s music venues?).
All of his Coach purses — which are really no more than 15 – 20 years old — go for over $ 100, but I frequently find genuine ones (do your research!) from various thrift stores for $ 10-​$ 25. Dooney & Burke bags can be found at Goodwills across the country for cheap. Other items I’ve found elsewhere for far, far cheaper are vtg Justin roper boots, vtg mexican cowboy boots, fringed suede hippie vests, etc., etc, etc. The owner is somehow on the pulse of what’s of-​the-​moment, but couldn’t be further out of touch with price points. It also peeves me that half of his vintage is practically on the ceiling and there’s no way to peruse it — I can’t ask him to take down every single t-​shirt just so I can see it (particularly because he’s notoriously grumpy). I once overheard him badmouth a customer for trying to negotiate a price (thankfully, after the customer left), but it was so rude and unnecessary; besides, negotiation is extremely commonplace in the vintage community. I say all of this as a vintage seller myself. If he’s able to sell a lot at these prices than more power to him, but the super slow turnover rate indicates to me that he should lower the prices a little bit.
Bottom line: excellent pieces; exorbitant prices; truly appalling customer service.

Here’s my second «review» but it’s just a reminder: this man owns so much property in wicker park that he doesn’t need your money. When asked why a pair of boots were marked $ 350, we were told «because they’re leather». Oh? You don’t say? Also, those roper/​Justin boots he sells for $ 150, you can get on Etsy for $ 60. He has warehouses full of this shit and still doesn’t give a decent price.
He’s a scammer and a prick. Don’t shop here.

Wowzers, I am surprised to see the low star count bc I had a great experience here. I went into US #1 while vintage window shopping in Wicker Park not too long ago. The owner was really nice to me! Maybe it’s because I’m a little more knowledgeable than the average bear and could talk about product but he was happy to climb on the ladders and pull things down for me to investigate. He has loads of LV, Gucci and even a couple Chanels (I was afraid to ask for prices on those). There were also a ton of classic 1970s/​1980s leather cross body Coach and Dooney & Burke bags for ridiculously amazing prices hanging on the wall. A lot of his stuff is seriously vintage (50+ years old) which I think is awesome but bear in mind that the «tells» for authenticity today are a little different when dealing with a bag that is older than your mom so be sure to do your homework. I thought the prices were reasonable although I decided to sleep on pulling the trigger. I will definitely be back to buy though!

This is one of the few stores (I know of) in Wicker Park that sell quality vintage boots and with a large enough selection. I was looking for it but most second shops are thrift items, which wasn’t exact what I was looking for. I liked the idea of buying quality vintage as I feel it’s more ‘earth-​friendly’ (or whatever the politically correct term is now), and I like the artistic details on these vintage shoes, but I also wanted ones in excellent condition. The items here are not cheap — but you get what you paid for. The owner can be a bit picky about you taking stuff down, and you have to tell him to facilitate the process. However, they have a good selection, the guy knows his stuff, and I can’t think of another store that offer the same stuff around. Bottom line: come if you are serious about buying high quality vintage boots. Owner a little protective of his stock but I didn’t experience what other reviewers were talking about.
This is my first time getting cowboy boots and so far they’ve gotten nothing but complements.

All these people below giving bad reviews need to realize what there getting into before the decide to shop here. Also people need to stop being so hypersensitive!!!
The owner has a vast knowledge of what he sells and has been in the game for a very long time. I spent over 3 hours in his shop just shooting the shit…
Very likeable as well as very knowledgeable!
If you are a tofu weenie, and or can’t handle a blunt outspoken demeanor, then your gonna leave a bad review and you should prolly continue shopping at «The Gap» where there all fake smiles!!!
And by the way, looking good is never «cheap»!!!

I am in utter shock at what complete jerk the owner of this store is… he is a complete and utter a – hole. I can completely believe and empathize with all the other reviews about this guy’s behavior. It is completely unprovoked. I am shocked that a business owner, let alone a human being, would act in this way towards his customers.
Beware, watch out, stay FAR FAR away from this store. I don’t know what ever happened to this guy that has turned in into such a monster, but I feel sorry for him, and I feel sorry for that poor old dog that has had to put up with him. What a sad sad miserable mess of a man.

Quick! Someone grab a camera!
I found the «Amy’s Baking Company» of clothing stores.

I actually had a good experience here. I came home with a great pair of nude colored boots with a wooden heel. They were in almost perfect condition. There were at least 3 other pairs I was really liking.
The employee working that day pulled almost everything in my size out onto the floor and let me just have a field day. I tried on some really insane over-​the-​knee Frye boots. I was the only customer in the store, so he was really attentive. I think this is one of those places where it’s always «50% off» so you feel like you’ve gotten a deal. Fair enough. I would recommend this to ladies who love quality boots. Can’t speak for other items in stock.

I wanted to give this shop zero stars but apparently, that’s not possible. ZERO STARS. Here’s why…
I am appalled at what an utter asshole the man who owns this shop is.
I was headed to Store B Vintage on the hunt for a specific type of item and since it was closed, I decided to try this place instead.
First of all, though they appear to have a decent selection, you can’t see most of the clothes as they are hung high up above normal eye level.
When I lightly grazed one of the items with my hand to see what it looked like, the man yells at me, «DON’T pull at the clothes!»
I didn’t want to argue so I merely apologized and said, «I’m wondering if you have.» and before I could even finish my sentence he retorts, «We don’t have anything!»
Needless to say, I walked right out. I don’t care if you sell vintage Chanel, no one should shop at a store where the shopkeeper treats his customers as such.
I live in LA where there are plenty of unpleasant salespeople but never in a million years would I have expected this type of disregard for customer service in my hometown.
SAVE YOURSELF THE TROUBLE.

This is not a thrift store. It’s a nicely curated little shop.
I find the prices to be too rich for my blood. And the old man that owns it isnt the friendliest, but not the worst. That dog is as old as him lol and he doesnt care where the dog happens to be laying down, inside the shop or on the sidewalk. i just dont advise to get too excited and want to pet it. its not going to bite, its too mellow — the owner is just protective of it.
I am pretty sure he owns the store across the street too. though i find that one to be better priced.

Vintage, not thrift store.
I had a great time looking for boots in the labyrinth that is this store, conveniently right next to Wormhole. There’s also a random collection of clothes, coats, and handbags. But the big draw is the massive collection of boots.
This time around the old man who’s been working there for 35 years was slowly and carefully sewing up some coats at the table by the entrance, and his faithful dog. There’s definitely a sign that says something like «do not disturb the dog». So, yknow, follow the sign. Not every dog is there for petting, and not every old man wants to smile and offer lip service to every customer. But this old man was friendly enough to me and found a boot that fit me after I said the pair I was trying on was too tight on my toes. This pair was a little too big for me lengthwise, but he tossed in some insoles for free.
Right now (and for the past month and a half, as far as I can tell) all boots are 50% off. And then I guess I smiled or something, since I got my $ 175 boots for $ 80. Sweeeeet!

Call me selfish, but if I lived in Chicago, I would probably not write this review in fear that everyone would come here and clear out the inventory before I could come and snag some for myself. But, because I don’t…this place is sure a gem in Wicker Park.
The store is filled with TONS of vintage boots, clothes and purses galore. My best friend and I spent 1 hour drooling over every single Gucci purse (there were tons)…and ended up walking out with 3 :) The purses range from okay condition to very good… with the prices sort of on the higher side. The salesman is very friendly but is also quite the hustler. He kept telling us that every purse was really beautiful. But it’s okay… bc most of them are! 1 star off bc everything is pretty pricey. I feel like the tags are actually marked higher than what they expect to sell things for… just so that he could say «I’ll bring the price down for you».
Just a note: There’s a HUGE and cute dog that hangs out… I believe his name is Kohl? I’m not a dog lover and I’m scared of them… but this dog is completely lovable.

Dudes, I don’t know what’s up. Maybe it just depends on when you go, but I found this place to be pretty awesome. From my perspective, I went into a vintage (which isn’t the same as thrift, folks) store stocked with tons of goodies, with a 40% off sale going on.
There was an adorable dog inside, a super friendly sales person who told us to try on anything we liked. The prices varied, but the shoes we liked were killer cheap. Silver Stuart Weitzman heels for $ 15 before discount? Those things cost an easy $ 100 + new and had zero obvious wear. Opalescent spool heeled shoes for $ 9? Um. Yes.
The fitting room was totally comfortable, with two separate seating areas, and my girlfriend found a great pair of shoes for our upcoming civil union. Despite being marked as $ 9 before sale, the owner knocked them down to $ 5 (they should have been $ 5.40), and then when I told him I could either pay by credit or give him $ 5 even in cash, he knocked them down again so that the cost included tax (I offered not to bargain further, but because I know credit/​debit charges cost the business owner and didn’t know which option would be better for him).
In the end, a pair of shoes that should probably sell for close to $ 80, with only a little bit of damage to the rubber on the heel, which I can get fixed for next to nothing, was the cost of my cash in hand. For vintage shoes, this is totally the place to be, especially if you have tiny feet (oh, how many size 6s we had to pass up).