Students got the chance to turn their gently used clothing into cold hard cash when Plato’s Closet, a chain that buys and sells brand-name used clothing, brought their business to Ryerson residence Pitman Hall on March 23.
This was the third event Plato’s Closet has done in co–operation with Ryerson, the first being a booth set up during frosh week last year. Stephanie van Dam, the general manager of the chain’s Eglington location, said she is extremely happy with the relationship so far. “It’s been a really great space for us,” she said.
Plato’s Closet caters to a student budget. “It’s for people who want a great wardrobe, but don’t want to pay a lot of money for it,” van Dam said.
In the Pitman Hall cafeteria, students could sell their garments and accessories for around 30 to 40 per cent of their retail value, which would in turn be sold by Plato’s Closet for 50 to 70 per cent. For example, van Dam said something that costs $20 originally would be sold for $10 in their store, and around $3.50 would be given to the person who sold it to them.
They don’t just take any old garment though — van Dam said it mostly depends on the style. For example, “the high-low dress that was super popular last summer is absolutely not possible (for buying) this year.” However, if the clothing item is of a nice brand, that can also sway their decision to make an offer to the seller.
Jess Jordan has been an employee at the Eglinton location since it opened March 2015. She said their time in Pitman Hall was especially beneficial because they got a lot of tops, whereas at their Eglinton location, they receive a lot of denim bottoms.
Emily is a reporter for the second winter masthead of the Ryersonian.