Tuesday, June 21, 2016

Unique Thrift Store On Sheridan Has Gone Out Of Business



courtesy Google Streetview
They always had treasures tucked away, the best prices on used books, and were a godsend during back-to-school shopping. But very unexpectedly, Unique Thrift Store at Sheridan and Sunnyside has closed, effective today. Thank you to reader PF for sending us the photos of the sign on the door, and of employees packing everything up, leaving empty shelves and clothing racks. We hope that those who worked there are able to be placed at other locations of the store.

It's a large storefront, and we're eager to see what goes in next at the location. The sign on the door gives other locations for Unique Thrift stores, although none are in Uptown.

19 comments:

  1. Was it because of the Ross store that is coming into the neighborhood?

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    1. I did notice that the last few times I went by the store, there were just a few customers. Everyone seemed to flock to it on Mondays, and the rest of the week no one came in.

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  2. Unique remodeled and raised their prices a year or two ago. I think that doomed them. I definitely noticed less traffic. Thrift stores are supposed to be CHEAP.

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    1. I don't know the details, but I think Unique was bought and run by some other company around that time... at any rate, Google Maps identified it by a different name. And clothes were still a third of the price that Salvation Army has been charging recently. It's really a shame; I'll miss that thrift store.

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  3. 34 years I've been alive, 30 of those have been in Uptown. Unique was a fixture of my childhood and this hurts my heart a lot. A lot a lot.

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  4. I happened to stop by to drop off donations and saw the sign. Quite a surprise. I used to shop there often. I've been to the store on Elston. It's not as big and does not have quite the selection.

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  5. I am surprised, they are busy whenever I'm in there! I am disappointed by the news. This is my favorite store to by clothes for work. Whoever donated women's Express pants all the time, thank you!!

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  6. Don't worry Cappy will spin this and say he is doing great things for Uptown. For every new business that opens in Uptown 3 close.

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    1. I'm sure there's plenty of cheap clothing in West Garfield Park or Austin. Enough with the Cappleman-bashing on all of these articles.

      Uptown deserves to be a safe, nice neighborhood considering its history and location.

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    2. Angry

      The way you make things safe is to have business and development in the area. Cappy is doing just the opposite. Again for every 1 new business that comes into Uptown, 3 are leaving.
      His record shows votes yes on everything and never goes against Rahm.

      He pushed through permit parking based on vote for neighborhood group vs getting registered car owners to agree. This is nothing more than generating more revenue for City.

      He keeps saying will deal with the homeless, my guess is he figures allowing them to set up shop across from his office is helping.

      Crime, his thought on fighting crime is doing community art projects and walks. The gangbangers laugh at him and go commit more crimes. How you fix crime is helping enforce tougher laws.


      So you see there are plenty of reasons to bash Cappy, he keeps giving promises, but in the end doesn't accomplish anything.

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  7. There goes another place that the low income could shop for clothes.I agree with you Crazy in Uptown.

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  8. Unique was bought out by Savers--a chain--awhile back. That's when they "remodeled." Before Savers, Unique was not inexpensive, as far as Thrifts go, and it wasn't at all clean, but it was INTERESTING. And the clothes, kitchenware, linens, and jewelry could be amazing. Went in a few months ago, after Savers changed things around. It was cleaner, brighter, more spacious & well organized but...boring. The clothing selection was terrible, Kitchenware sparse. Walked out with almost nothing--unheard of in the past.

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    1. I'm a reseller and always got good quality, low priced items to resale, so I disagree about the pricing.

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  9. Very sad indeed. I can't believe there wasn't enough business. There were always plenty of people shopping there every time i went in. And can we remember one thing? They don't pay for anything!! All those items are free!!! To think they weren't making is an insane idea. It did change a bit a few years ago after the remodel, some for the good, some for the bad. Just hard to believe they just went out of business. Were they renting the store? Maybe the rent increased and decided to leave? This store was one of my favorite places in uptown. It will be missed by many.

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  10. What will I do now, I have helped keep this store open. 95th to 4400 north L train ride. This can not be a money problem. Ms South side

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  11. I have not shopped in there, and frankly am happy this is going away. We have way too many dollar stores and crap shops in Uptown, there is plenty of cheap clothing to be found. Clearly they were making money, maybe they are consolidating like so many other retail establishments are

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  12. Unique was cheating the charities http://m.startribune.com/savers-thrift-store-accused-of-misleading-public-about-donations/283714991/

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  13. As a confirmed "thrifter" I loved this place -- I hit it as soon as I landed from grad school. From the quotidian to the spectacular - al was here and the book prices were unbeatable. Much of the "clean up" came during the Great Recession, when many people looked at ways to save money. I think this may have less to do with aldermanic interventions, than business consolidation. Also, note they closed the one at 35th and Archer on the South Side, and a very busy spot -- next to a Jewel. But, don't abandon the thrifter ship! Village Discount offers some dandy duds! Alas, the book prices are not cheap, but the selection is still good. I love the thrill of the hunt.

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