Students in Gainesville are reaping the benefits of cutting their wardrobes as a number of consignment businesses in Gainesville are offering students an opportunity to dump off their old clothes, collect some cash and shop all at the same time.
For local owners of such stores, the summer months have seen a spike in business.
"The summer season is the busiest time of year for us," said Alicia Bonamie, store manager for Plato's Closet. "We've been swamped for like a month."
Cendra Gire, owner of Cecile's, a local consignment shop, said the economy might be to blame for the influx of garments.
"With the economy in the position it's in, we see a lot more people selling clothes than in the past," Gire said. "Some need the money for books, electric bills, and some just want to get rid of their stuff."
Students bring in their freshly laundered apparel. The store clerk checks the clothing for holes. If it passes inspection, the student walks away with cash.
On average, for one or two garbage bags of clothes, a student can walk out with anything from $25 to $75.
"We hear the stories, and a lot of them are going out and just want something new," she said.
Ryan Ramezani, 23-year-old biology student, said he didn't spend any money in the store, but walked away with padded pockets.
"I went in, let them look through it and walked away with 75 bucks," Ramezani said. "That was the easiest 75 dollars I ever made."
The influx of students coming in to trade their old gear for monetary gain has prompted the store to expand.
The new Plato's Closet will be located on 34th Street and University Ave. and will open before Fall semester.
