Plato’s Closet has re-emerged with a fresh new look and tons of fabulous finds

By Patricia Nugent

If you haven’t seen Plato’s Closet lately, you haven’t seen Plato’s Closet.

While most of us spent the quarantine period binge-watching shows and putting on weight, the team at North Olmsted’s fashion-forward resale shop got busy masterminding a fabulous floor-to-ceiling renovation in preparation for its 18th anniversary celebration later this month.

The facelift includes new carpet and paint, new beautifully appointed dressing rooms, new showcase walls to spotlight the latest looks, and a renovated storefront with mannequins decked out in dashing outfits.

“We have many loyal shoppers, and we can tell how much they missed us while we were closed,” says owner Randi Zeid, who mentions they reopened in mid-May and have been extremely busy ever since.

Dressed to Kill or Dressed to Chill?
“Our clientele includes teens and young adults, so we’re focusing on back-to-school fashions now,” says Manager Vicky Alderman. “And that means a lot of ‘athleisure’-wear, including leggings, yoga pants, sneakers and hoodies. I think people got used to being comfortable during the quarantine and would like to stay that way.”

Another item they cannot keep on the racks are graphic T-shirts with throwback ‘80s and ‘90s bands like AC/DC and Motley Crue.

“Heading into fall, jeans are big at the moment—especially high-waisted ‘mom’ styles,” says Vicky. “And handbags, backpacks and shoes are always big sellers for us.”

With the clothing grouped by style, size and color, shopping is a breeze, and the experience is heightened by club jams pumping in the background.

They cater to most sizes too, going from XS to 3X in juniors, and for guys pants waist sizes 28-inch to 42-inch.

The sunglasses department, with every imaginable style, from aviators to frameless, enlarged frames to clear lenses, is not to be missed.

“Another niche item for us is hair scrunchies,” says Vicky. “With lots of styles and priced right, $2 each and three for $5, we sell a ton of them.”

Not surprisingly, she says the ladies who work at Plato’s Closet tend to stay here a long time.

“It’s a super fun atmosphere, we all love it here, and, honestly, we love getting first dibs on all the fashions that come in, as well as an employee discount,” she adds.

New Programs Keep Customers Connected
Forget about Wine with DeWine, the ladies at Plato’s throw a little preview party every Friday at 2 p.m. on Instagram. Vicky narrates and showcases all the newest styles they got in over the week. You can call to put your faves on hold before they hit the sales floor.

And mid-week, they do Win It Wednesday, where you can like their Instagram page and win gift cards.

The merchandise comes into and out of the store so quickly, they literally have people who shop there a few times each week.

The shop is also a dream come true for anyone looking to refresh their trendy, gently used wardrobe by turning it in. No appointment is needed and they give you money on the spot. It’s that easy.

“Over the quarantine, a couple things happened that helped us stock up on clothing. People put on weight and need a new wardrobe, and people also cleaned out their closets,” says Vicky.

Plato’s Closet is at 4608 Great Northern Boulevard in North Olmsted. Hours are seven days a week, Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. Call 440-801-9088 or visit PlatosClosetNorthOlmsted.com.