Resale store specializes in labels for teens

A resale store specializing in brand-name clothing for teenagers is opening at Franklin Park Mall.

Plato’s Closet, which carries labels that include Abercrombie & Fitch, American Eagle Outfitters, GAP, Old Navy, Nike and more, is in the process of buying apparel to resell.

Valerie Rhoads, who operates the franchise with her husband, Dan Rhoads, expects to open the store at the end of March or by mid-April.

“Customers can come in here and find brand-name clothes for just a fraction of what they’d pay for them new,” she said.

Plato’s Closet is a chain of about 200 stores in North America, including three in western Washington. The stores belong to a group of 800 franchises offered by parent company Winmark Corp. that includes Play it Again Sports and Once Upon a Child.

Although the focus of the store is brand name clothing, Rhoads said they will also buy and sell accessories of varying brands. Items must be in “excellent” condition, she said.

Rhoads said she is currently buying clothing as initial stock for the 3,200-square-foot store. Plato’s Closet pays clothing suppliers 30 to 40 percent of the resale value of the merchandise, she said.

After the initial opening, the store will continue to buy items to resell.

Plato’s Closet is located at 5628 N. Division, between Burlington Coat Factory and Guitar Center.