You've made it to mid-semester, but your wallet is in dire straits. You thought college would be about "money for nothing and chicks for free," but as you forage for soy crisp crumbs while wearing your ratty sweatpants, you realize that that maxim is only half-true. Your wardrobe is in desperate need of a winter update, but you can't even afford a trip to Wawa. Rather than curb your shopaholic tendencies, it's time to surpass suggested retail prices and pay a visit to Buffalo Exchange, a chain of vintage stores that houses its only East Coast location in Philadelphia -- until a branch opens in Brooklyn's hip Williamsburg region later this year. The store was recently given a facelift when it moved to a prime spot on 18th and Chestnut streets, just a block away from Rittenhouse Square, and close enough to walk to (because face it, you can't afford cab fare).
Peer into the store's window, under the neon "Buy Sell Trade" sign and between the fashionably-clad mannequins, and your eyes will be overwhelmed with racks upon racks of clothes, no two items are the same. Inside, people from all walks of life mill about: college students, Center City professionals and older bargain hunters. As Manager Leslie Weinstein says, what they all have in common is that they're "a little creative with clothes. They like to have fun." Weinstein estimates that 20% of shoppers are regulars, which makes sense given the store's friendly atmosphere and ever-changing stock.
You name it, and Buffalo Exchange sells it, at a bargain price to boot. Pick up a North Face coat for $50, slouchy suede boots for $26.50, or some DKNY pumps for $45. Catering to both men and women, the store carries basics from retail chains like Gap and Express (think $9-12 for a shirt), reasonably-priced designer denim and funky accessories, not to mention more distinctive pieces for those aiming to look unique. Don't forget that you can also sell and trade your own used items, provided that they're stylish and in good condition, so clean out your closet beforehand.
You might not expect it, but Buffalo Exchange is BYOB -- bring your own bag, that is. The store encourages shoppers to save plastic bags through the "Tokens for Bags" program, which raises money for local charities and is just one of many environment-friendly initiatives. Weinstein explained, "What we're doing here, every single day, is promoting recycling." So visit Buffalo Exchange, and you'll save the environment, save a few dollars and find a new outfit all in one fell swoop.
