I feel like clothes encounters is a secret- even for plenty of people who live here. Maybe it's the flashy neon lights across the front of the building. I will admit, that's what has kept me away in the past. I don't think I really knew what was going on inside.. But push past the lights, and venture forth. This is my favorite consignment store for women's clothes in Asheville. Though I'll take a Goodwill or Salvation Army any day of the week, I waste a lot less time at Clothes Encounters- and I have literally never left without at least one item I adore and feel completely fine about the price I've paid for it. Check out the foyer, where jeans and dress pants are buy one for ten dollars, two for fifteen, or three for twenty. Shirts (both short sleeve and long) are one for five, two for eight, or three for ten. I buy almost all my work clothes from her selection in the foyer. They look good, and are cheap enough that if I do ruin a piece somehow- it's no big loss. Inside, other clothing is arranged by size and color, and prices vary. Items are color coded with tags-signs are posted indicating which color tag is currently on sale..up to 30 or maybe 40 percent off. Merchandise is sold on consignment, and must be "in a style no older than two years to present" and in excellent condition. She also has a backroom full of wedding dresses, and rows of shoes and boots. She does a fine job of circulating new stuff through that little store, so much so that I stop in weekly and always find new things. And then twice a year she has huge blowout bag sales, where prices are gradually reduced until it's some flat amount for a paper bag full of whatever you can grab. Ask to be put on her mailing list, and you'll receive notification of the sales. I really can't say enough about this place. It's saved me a bundle of time and money.
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