Who We Are

At Clothes Mentor, we're all about affordable fashion that celebrates every woman. It's not just about scoring great deals on your favorite brands (although that's a bonus). We're committed to giving women like you the freedom to express your unique style and boost your confidence without breaking the bank! We want every woman to feel beautiful, regardless of size (from 0 to 26). Our handpicked, trendy items are up to 70% off retail prices. Plus, when you sell us your gently loved items in-store, we pay you cash on the spot!

Change Is Crucial: The Power Is in Your Hands

Let's face it—we're a society always chasing the next big thing. In our constant pursuit of the latest trends, we often miss the impact of our choices. We believe change isn't just necessary; it's within our grasp. With every purchase of a pre-loved garment, you breathe new life into clothing, pushing us confidently toward a circular fashion future!

  • Reducing Fashion Waste

    The fashion industry produces over 92 million tons of textile waste annually. Choosing secondhand options contributes directly to waste reduction and helps combat the environmental impact of fashion.

  • Water Conservation in Fashion

    The fashion industry is responsible for producing 20% of global wastewater. Your conscious choice to thrift promotes water conservation and a more sustainable approach to fashion.

  • Carbon Footprint Reduction

    The fashion industry produces ten percent of global carbon emissions—that’s more than the emissions from all international flights and maritime shipping combined! Make a positive impact on the planet with your fashion choices by joining the circular fashion future.

Our Beginning

  • Resale Redefined

    In the early 1980s, when Lynn and Dennis Blum discovered the surplus of gently used clothes their kids rapidly outgrew, the idea for Clothes Mentor was born. Lynn realized the universal need for affordable, next-to-new clothing and launched the first Once Upon A Child resale store in 1985. After rapid expansion, Ronald G. Olson, president of Grow Biz International, acquired the company. The business evolved, and today, Clothes Mentor isn’t just a resale store; it's a game-changer. 

    We believe in making a difference—offering a sustainable lifestyle of recycling and reusing fashion. Though we’re headquartered in Plymouth, Minnesota, you can step into any of our 130+ locations across the United States and find handpicked, fashion-forward items offered at up to 70% off original retail prices. We deliver a stylish journey that's both affordable and eco-conscious.

Woman holding a long sleeve pink shirt

Community Impact

We are not just locally owned; we are locally inspired. Our commitment is to make every woman feel beautiful in an eco-friendly manner that benefits our local communities. When you shop at Clothes Mentor, you aren't just a shopper; you’re part of our mission—to allow every woman to express her unique style on a budget.

Our Values

At Clothes Mentor, our values are more than just words; they're the essence of who we are and the heartbeat of every choice we make:

  • Affordability

    We're on a mission to make fashion a welcoming and affordable space for women and budgets of all shapes and sizes.

  • Quality

    Experience our collection of top-notch, pre-loved fashion that embraces durability and timeless style.

  • Community

    Join our vibrant network of diverse individuals who love fashion and are committed to shared values.

  • Sustainability

    From the fabric of our business to the choices on our shelves, the planet is always top of mind.

Buy & Sell With Confidence

We hope you're as excited about affordable, stylish fashion as we are! We believe there is beauty in diversity. That's why we created our buy/sell platform to embrace women of all sizes, from 0 to 26. Plus, when you choose to sell to us in-store, you can enjoy cash on the spot for your gently loved items—a win is a win! This circular fashion cycle reflects our commitment to affordability and quality. Join us on this stylish journey, where every sale and purchase adds a unique touch to your wardrobe.

Shop With Us Sell to Us

Join the Inclusive Fashion Revolution

Clothes Mentor extends an open invitation for you to be part of a movement redefining fashion—one that celebrates style and stands to provide affordable fashion for all the occasions in your life.