Review on Uptown Cheapskate

Yelp

Outside of the Greensboro, NC location of 
Uptown Cheapskate

The thrift community has been thriving over the past few years, especially after Covid-19 where fast fashion brands such as Shein, skyrocketed. 

Secondhand shopping has become a pivotal part of peoples lives, especially teenagers and college students. This is one of the reasons Uptown Cheapskate exists. This is a store chain all across the United States where one can bring in clothes and sell them for cash or in store credit. They mainly look for teen and college students clothing. I first discovered this store back at my hometown in Maryland. 

Later on, I discovered that there is a location in Greensboro, North Carolina which I was interested in checking out. When you walk inside, you are greeted with all of the big brands of 2025. Lululemon for example, is discounted 70% off alongside all other clothing items in their store: American Eagle, Aeropostale and even H&M. 

Uptown Cheapskate Website

Inside the Greensboro location

When shopping sustainability statistics matter. That is exactly what Uptown does,

“When you shop big box retailers and online companies only 10-40% of every dollar you spend stays in your community. Shopping local business keeps 90% of your money in your local community to benefit your friends and neighbors. It’s like an ecosystem that keeps your community humming and more and more people are jumping on board the Shop Local train.” Uptown Cheapskates website said. 

In order to sell clothes you must prepare them (wash them, fold and place into a reusable bag or bin no trash bags allowed.) Once you bring the clothes in you can shop while they review the clothes. 

After that time period passes and they want to take some items out of your hands, you can choose to receive immediate cash or get in store credit the next time you come into shop (its 25% off for store credit). 

The great thing about Uptown is that they have a wide variety of clothes that they can take like basic tops to dresses to mens wear (kudos if it is something seasonally in style or from a mainstream/popular brand — more likely to sell!) 

Now that I officially did my research and found a location nearby to High Point University, it was time for me to take on the challenge: how many clothes can I sell, how much money can I make, is there a difference in money for the in store credit versus cash and how does this location differ from the one at home? 

"At Uptown Cheapskate Greensboro, we offer a cash for clothes program that allows customers to sell their gently used, name-brand apparel while shopping for stylish thrift finds. Whether you’re looking for designer denim, stylish handbags, or everyday wear, our selection is always fresh and fashionable. 

With plenty of parking available, visiting our store is always stress-free. Stop by today and shop sustainably while saving big!” Uptown Cheapskates website for the Greensboro location, said.  

I went on a weekend, a Saturday to be specific, and I was not sure as to what the crowd was going to be like. It was fairly busy, had a nice parking lot outside of the building. As I entered I was greeted warmly by an employee working at a counter in the center of the store. 

There was a sell and a checkout section, so I walked towards the sell section. I was tasked to fill out a form on an iPad, I had to enter my email, my drivers license ID number, my first and last name and basically just a bunch of personal information. 

After that, I handed the employee the reusable bag of items I had. What I did not know is that if you do bring a trash bag, you have the option of placing the clothes in a bin that they supply. However, the way it was listed on the website and the Instagram you had to bring the clothes in a reusable bag. That was the first interesting note. The employee told me that it would take about 20 minutes to complete my buy. 

Taken by Brooke Mosher

Inside the Ellicott City location

During that time, you must stay in the store and shop around. They had quite a wide selection which was nice, however something that bothered me slightly was the smell of garbage throughout the establishment. 

I feel like I was not able to throughly enjoy my shopping experience because the smell became overwhelming dependent on where you were at the store. 

As I was shopping, my friends buy was ready and she only earned $8 worth of cash. However, mine was shortly done and I was able to successfully score $22. They did offer me $27 of store credit, so there was a price difference there. 

They did end up taking quite a few items that were just simply put, wasting away in my closet and I am happy that they are going to someone who will hopefully use it more than I ever did. 

However, the location could use some upgrades. I feel like the one back at my hometown is definitely very preferred, however with some upgrades on the overall interior of the store would be great. Overall, my experience was quick and efficient. My buy was actually done prior to the twenty minute period they gave me, which was really nice.