Rag-O-Rama in Atlanta, GA

For young twenty-somethings, finding cool clothes at an affordable price can be a struggle. Luckily, if you live in a major metropolitan area, chances are there's a great thrift store or consignment shop near you. For those of you located in or near Atlanta, this just might be Rag-O-Rama, whose motto is "Recycle your wardrobe."

Rag-O-Rama carries current and vintage styles, as well as "classic" styles (i.e. basics, like long-sleeve t-shirts). The store is suited to both men and women, and sells not only clothes, but also accessories, wigs, handbags, jewelry (including some body jewelry), costumes, and other gems; it all depends on when you visit, and which location.

Like other consignment shops, Rag-O-Rama also gives you the chance to sell or trade in your old wardrobe. According to their site, RagORama.com, they purchase items based on "style, condition, season, color, size, and rack levels." In return, you'll receive store credit or cash; in other words, 45% in trade or 30% cash of the store price. So sift through your closet and dig up those old outfits; you never know who else might get some use out of them!

Where is This Place?

In Atlanta, Rag-O-Rama is located in Little Five Points, an artsy neighborhood reminiscent of New York's East Village. Within walking distance are a number of indie record stores, ice cream shops, coffee houses, and tattoo parlors. Whether you're a Georgia resident, or a visitor who enjoys the bohemian side of life, you'll almost definitely want to drop by.

Rag-O-Rama also has locations in Columbus, OH, on North High St.; in St. Louis, MO, on Delmar Blvd.; and in Indianapolis, IN, on Broad Ripple Ave. Again, their selection varies from location to location, and even from day to day. So what you find on your first visit may differ completely from your next.

If you visit their site, you'll find numerous rave reviews written by customers in St. Louis, Atlanta, Savannah, and even some out-of-towners hailing from Illinois, Arizona, and Florida. Many customers agree that staff are very helpful, and willing to answer any questions you may have. If you are dissatisfied for any reason, the employees are certainly accommodating as well.

Taking Home the Prize

In case you're wondering, they have received honors from the critics too; readers of Alive Magazine, referring to the Columbus location, have voted them "Best Clothing Store" in '03, '04, '07, and '08, as well as "Best Thrift Store" and "Most Hip Clothing Store." The St. Louis location has received honors in the city's River Front Times, including their "Reader's Choice Award" for "Best Place to Buy Used Clothing."

Atlanta's Creative Loafing, too, has bestowed on them the prestigious "Best Clothes for Hipsters on a Budget 2008" award, as well as "Best Hip Clothing Store 2008."

Anybody Need Jobs?

Rag-O-Rama also accepts resumes at any time; however, unlike your major retail stores (e.g. Macy's), there are no online applications. Generally, they say they are looking for "creative" resumes...as to what that means, it's completely open to interpretation. Try printing your resume with a quill pen on a piece of parchment; it's bound to make an impression!

The company says that they are looking for "self-motivated individuals who want to advance within the company as it continues to grow and expand." Does this sound like you? If you live in or near one of the above cities, give it a shot!

Rags to Riches

So, for those of you living in Columbus, St. Louis, Indianapolis, or Atlanta who love mixing and matching your wardrobe, this should be your first stop. It's affordable, friendly, hip, and crazy (in that Jane's Addiction-Ozzy Osbourne kind of way). And while you're at it, stop for a cappuccino and a tattoo.