The Second Act

Place is absolutely packed with cool stuff. Only downside is that there's not a ton of room to move around, especially for those with mobility issues. But the prices are fair and the staff is friendly.

Nowadays seems to be taking in only the most middle-class consignment. Eileen Fisher is their top of the line. Banana Republic a close second. I went in to see if a coat that my husband saw in the store _TWO YEARS AGO_ and never forgot was still available. It was, but the wool coat had been attacked by moths in the meantime. I was ready to leave, but since my husband had remembered the coat for two whole years, I asked if the price could be discounted. They only wanted to go down in price very slightly. I paid it. But I won't be going back to this shop. A lack of understanding of what an old literally moth-eaten wool coat is worth. It's tricky when a place becomes one of those prickly, cold-hearted consignment stores of overweening, nonsensical snobbery. Theoretically you want to shop there, but in the end it's too much trouble.

The new owners have made this a great place to shop! It’s bright, well organized, and has a fabulous selection of clothing of all kinds! Name brand clothes, skies, boots, Vintage!, costumes, jewelry- so wonderful!! It’s on my Saturday thrift route for sure! Thank you to the new owners!!

Nice selection of items - especially costume pieces. The only issue I’ve ever experienced is customer service. Sometimes you have extremely helpful and kind people, other times you have rude and unpleasant customer service that makes you feel uncomfortable (to the point where you want to leave without making a purchase). I experienced both this last visit. It’s disheartening to have the negative customer experience overshadow so much good, but I know others experience the same. Product is good, customer experience varies.

Recently stumbled upon this store and will be stopping here first for any future second hand clothing needs as the styles were great. Prices were fair and the interaction with the staff were nothing but friendly. Most comfortable I’ve ever felt shopping for clothes.

My favorite thrift store in Iowa City! Very friendly staff, and every time I go I find some great gems and everything is always reasonably priced. They run various deals each week too and the last time I went dresses were 1/2 off and I ended up finding an awesome Banana Republic dress in perfect condition!

New management is excellent. Each time I visit there's something new, including repairs, better organization, and good prices! One of my favorite thrift stores.

This is an absolutely wonderful thrift store. It is under new management as of very shortly before my visit, and the current staff is lovely. It is definitely messy, but the new staff seems to be working very hard to get that under control. Plus, I honestly don't mind digging a little at a thrift store, but that's beside the point. I never went here under the old management, but I would definitely tell people not to take the old negative reviews into account for the new team.

Total crooks. Did not reimburse me for my items and also were extremely rude and unprofessional. I do not recommend this business as it is. The old owners were always kind and professional and honest. It's too bad to see one of the best businesses in IC go to pot.

It is a wonderful place to find simple, basics and clothing treasure. The prices are extremely reasonable, staff is very helpful, and merchandise is arranged in a way that is easy to find.

Overall, it's a good business and a fun place to shop at. In my opinion, they do over charge like crazy for some items and it's annoying when you find something cute and then it has a rental only ticket on it.

The ladies are some b**tches, they didn't let me try on a dress because they thought it was too small on me, ever since I walked in they followed me, n just started being completely rude for no reason. The girl at the counter was being such a b*tch bruh.

Hands-down the best clothing consignment store in the area. They have lots and lots of gently used, high-quality women's clothes, shoes, and accessories, a small room of men's clothes and shoes, a few racks of children's clothes, and a large room of plus-sized women's clothes....not to mention rack after rack of vintage clothing and costumes. I've been shopping here for 10+ years! I've scored clothes here that would have been $200 new for $15-30, including a gorgeous pair of lace-up leather boots. You'll find all the best brands here, including unique brands you've never even heard of. The staff is friendly and will help you find whatever you're looking for or put an outfit together. If you're ever shopping at the Riverside Hy-Vee, it is definitely worth swinging by Second Act (tucked on a nearby side street) to see what new stuff they have. Also, at the end of each season, they have really awesome sales. This place is a jewel. I almost don't want to post this review because I want the store all to myself! But seriously, you should go.

This place has an awful reputation for refusing to sell to anyone who might eventually resell what they buy. I do not support this business.

Shopping is good here, no to consigning. About 4 years ago I took several BIG black bags full of my deceased mother's high quality petite size clothing. I went back to see if any of the clothes were on the racks...nope! There was whispering of the gals when they saw me and I am certain they sold these clean and named brand clothes on ebay! How do I know? I checked back several months later and I was paid 25.65 on my account. I have not been back and will not be back. Consignor be aware. You are giving them clothes to sell and not receiving any money for them. I now take to the Crowded Closest because if I have to give them away, it might well be to a non-profit store, not someone who is not giving you any money for them.

Full of amazing gems! I've been looking for affordable vintage jewelry and they had a huge selection. Can't believe I never went here in college!

I both shop and consign here - it's my absolute favorite "go to" store when I need something. Never disappoints...I've found some major gems here. The prices are pretty low, and they have great sales too. Staff is helpful and friendly, and there are always new items. There's really something for everyone. Great variety of styles and sizes. Can't say enough good things about this place!

Only great if you like encountering old ladies with sticks up their asses. I'm a very patient and easy going person and stopped in on a trip to the area and the woman behind the counter is as rude as can be. Give her some Midol. Would not recommend this place.

I shopped and sold clothes here for about 5 years. I often found good garments and accessories that became favorites. The prices are higher than thrift stores, but selection and brands are superior. The location is hidden, so it isn't picked over. They have an incredible costume selection. I can't say enough good things about this establishment! It will take time to get paid if you are sell your stuff here. Plan ahead as they change seasonally. Don't forget to follow up-- there could be money waiting for you next year.

I can't say enough great things about this place. Melissa and here staff are awesome people. I find great items here all the time. I've also consigned some things and made a nice chunk of change.

Second Act is my favorite place to get gently used clothing, shoes, bags, and jewelry. They have a great selection of plus sized clothing and they don't accept clothes with holes or stains so unlike Goodwill (which is awesome - but different) you don't ever get home to discover that what you thought was a find is actually a dud. The people that work there are very helpful. It can be cramped, but that just means more chances to find a gorgeous sweater or cute skirt. They have a lot of career stuff and even designer. My mom found a gorgeous dress for a wedding there. I've found a few pair of Dansko's there and several lovely winter scarves. Lately it seems like they have a lot more men's clothes and again, several swanky brands. I tell everyone I know about Second Act. I really can't afford these brands new, and they last so much longer that what you find at Target or Old Navy.

Nearly a month ago my husband, daughter and I happened to go to this store on a huge sale day. We bought a lot. 2 garbage bags full. We have 5 children. We paid the exact asking price. Yesterday 9/13/19 my husband and I entered the store. I had 2 items in my hand. After entering one of the back rooms an employee told us that before we continued shopping we needed to check something out. She lead us to the counter. On the counter was a sign that stated "If you are a reseller you are not welcome to purchase here". I was speechless. She had zero idea who I was buying for. I get that any business has the right to refuse service to someone. What I wonder tho is this....how would the consigners feel if they knew this was going on. They take their items there to SELL. Is this a case of fraud? As I'm assuming that if items are left there for maybe 90 days?...that they are "donated" to the owner This place is literally packed. Ceiling to the floors. Many nice things stuffed in dusty boxes and stored under the racks due to lack of room. SHAME on then for assuming about a PAYING customer.

My whole family loves this store. We have been shopping here for years, though have never consigned items. Name brand clothing at reasonable prices and friendly staff. Don't be turned off by the appearance and clutter. You can really find some gems. Not handicap accessible and once tried to bring a stroller in which was not possible. Do be aware that there is not a public restroom available and receipts are not itemized, but are listed as one mass total. Overall, if you're willing to dig, it's a diamond in the rough!

...the only place in the area where, with some luck, you can find some actual retro or vintage style clothing. love the store even if it is quite small and crammed. friendly stuff too is a plus.

I have found many vintage/secondhand gems here! The Second Act is an Iowa City institution and for good reason.

This is the third time I've been in to find either over priced used clothing, rude workers, or them "closing early".

I was asked to leave the store today due to the fact that we re-sell some of the items that we buy on Ebay. This discrimination cannot be overlooked. We pay the same price for these items that any other customer pays, we also shop for our children, and for ourselves. In addition we also have loved shopping there and have been extremely positive and polite to the owner and her family while shopping there over the past 18 months. It is unfortunate that I felt like I was a victim of this discrimination. We have spent thousands of dollars over the this period of time in this establishment. This consignment store re-sells items for others and profits from this practice, we do the same, not to mention that we have helped them rotate inventory and helped their customers profit while doing so. I was ashamed today when asked to leave, even after trying to reason with the owner. I would advise anyone that enjoys shopping with "The Second Act" to reconsider after being treated the way that I was today. I will be filing with the BBB and perhaps an attorney due to this error in judgement. So sorry that this had to happen.