Tokyo Second-hand Store Guide

Hi, I’ve been getting a lot of requests on second hand store recommendations in Tokyo, so I thought I would compile a list in this thread. Any other store recommendations and tips are welcome!How it works: You bring in your clothes to the store, and the staff assesses the damage or the quality of each item using an academic A to F range. Once they finish assessing the item or authenticating the product, they give cash to you on the spot (usually very low) in exchange for the item. After this transaction, it is up to the store to sell those items at a price they consider appropriate, looking at the popularity of the brand to the damage of each piece. The seller of these items does not have any control in the selling price of the items, and the seller does not get a cut on the final sale price of the item. Most of these stores also accept donations. It’s a second hand store, not quite a thrift store but not a pawn shop or a consignment store.Popular stores:Ragtag: A second hand store brand that operates mostly around Tokyo, selling a wide range of items from brands such as Supreme, Rick Owens, Y-3, Y’s, CDG, A.P.C., Engineered Garments, Saint Laurent, etc. Most of the items that they sell are 60~80% off of their retail price, obviously prices may change depending on the quality of the piece that they sell.2nd Street: Second hand store operating in almost every prefecture of Japan, selling items similar to that of Ragtag. Most of the items they sell are 60~80% off depending on the quality of the piece, but personally I feel that 2nd Street tends to price their items lower than those of Ragtag. They’re literally everywhere in Tokyo, so I don’t think you’ll miss it when you visit Japan.Kindal: 2nd hand store brand that emphasize on selling and buying designer and luxury brands and hyped pieces. Most of the Kindal stores are a lot smaller than those of Ragtag and 2nd Street, but in turn they have a lot to offer considering the brands that they stock.Brand Collect: As you can tell from the name they’re a second hand store that stocks a crap ton of designer, luxury, and high fashion brands as well as hyped items. Honestly they price items a lot higher than most second hand stores in Tokyo, and I wouldn’t recommend this brand as the best place to buy if you’re looking for affordable items.Trefac (Treasure Factory): Pretty much the exact same type of second hand store as Ragtag and 2nd Street. IMO most buyers and sellers flock to Ragtag and 2nd Street because they offer better deals when it comes to selling and buying, but it’s still a nice store to check out.Chicago: Second hand store in Harajyuku and Shimokitazawa. This might be the closest store to a thrift stores that you see in the states. Price point is from $5~$100 (they're not expensive at all), and they do not stock luxury brands and high fashion brands. They put a lot of emphasis on cheap and affordable used clothing, and that’s what they're good at. No online store available.Mode Off: Sub brand of the famous Japanese brand Book Off that stock used books. It’s not really a big thing here as they’re slowly expanding throughout Japan. I would prefer Ragtag or 2nd Street if you plan on going here.New York Joe: Similar to Chicago in terms of what they stock. Price point is not high at all, and IMO they stock the most unique pieces here. They do not stock a lot of designer and luxury brands, but I think it’s the most interesting second hand store that you’ll find in Japan. No online store.Bazz Store: Second hand store identical to Ragtag and 2nd Street.Flamingo: If you love old, antique pieces from rings and accessories to clothing, this is a second hand store that you need to visit. It’s such an unique second hand store, and you can’t miss this store if you love thrifting. No online store.Cities to go: (In order of priority)Shimokitazawa: It’s about 3 minutes by train from Shibuya, and the city is famous for having a lot of second hand stores. You can find every second hand store that I’ve mentioned in this thread in a 1km radius from the Shimokitazawa station. You can spend the entire day here and not be bored at all, in every corner that you turn you can find at least 2 second hand stores it’s almost crazy. It’s not so far away from Shibuya so you’ve got that easy access too.Harajyuku (Omotesando): It’s also 3 minutes by train from Shibuya, and you can find almost all the second hand stores that I’ve mentioned here. What’s really interesting about this city is the mixture of high fashion brands and second hand stores. Definitely visit this place.Shibuya: Shibuya is one huge city and because of that a lot of the second hand stores are scattered, so it’s not the most ideal place to go shopping for used clothes. You’ll find Ragtag, 2nd Street, and all those brands there but Harajyuku or Shimokitazawa will be your best option.Items I’ve boughtY-3 Qasa Low II: Found on KindalUndercover Dri-Fit Tee: Found on KindalNike ACG FW17 ACG Cargo Pants: Found on RagtagY-3 Sport 3/4 Cargo Pants: Found on RagtagThanks for reading, and if you’ve noticed that I’ve made some mistakes please feel free to correct me. Also, extra tip. You'll notice that the major "fashion forward" areas in Tokyo are centered around Shibuya: Shibuya, Harajyuku, Omotesando, Daikanyama, Aoyama, and Shimokitazawa. If you plan on going to Tokyo to shop I suggest you start at Shibuya, then go around the respective areas starting from there. You might not finish in one day since most stores start at 11AM or noon, but it's the most efficient method.Instagram Promotion via /r/streetwear http://ift.tt/2vJGhbC