Created: 2/9/2009 8:58:08 AM 
JACKSONVILLE, FL -- Buying your teenagers the designer clothes they want IS possible in this recession. You just have to know where to shop.
And, I got a great tour the other day of this money saving extravaganza for the fashion-conscious. It's Plato's Closet.
Sean Driscoll owns the two local stores near the Regency and the Orange Park Malls. He says in this recession his business is good. "As the economy softens even more, we are seeing more new customers," explains Driscoll. In fact, he's seeing growth in the 60 percent range.
The reason is because more and more people who still want to look good but just can't afford the department store prices. You see Plato's Closet buys and sells gently-used name brand clothing. It's not like your typical consignment store though. You don't have to make an appointment and they will buy your clothes on the spot. And, Plato's Closet is open 7 days a week.
So, what can you find here? "We have almost every name brand I can think of under one roof," says Driscoll. Name brands like Aeropostle, Abercrombie and Hollister. And, there are accessories like Vera Bradley, Coach purses and designer shoes.
Driscoll says there are plenty of deals, "Typically we can sell items for 60 percent less than you'd find in the department store."
For instance you can find Aeropostle shirts for $7.00... True Religion jeans for $60.00... And, the Vera Bradley bags sell for less than $20 and normally they run about $100.
And, if you are looking to make some money, Driscoll says to bring your gently-worn clothing to the store after they've been freshly laundered. And, if they are in good shape you can get about 30-40 percent of what they can sell the item for in the store.
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