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New concept for teenage shoppers

By Erin O'Connor

Staff Writer



WEST SPRINGFIELD A new concept has been exploding in the western Massachusetts area maybe not a completely new concept: it involves the recycling of previously worn fashions.

A company known as WinMark had bought the idea of Plato's Closet recycling and selling used clothing from the Blum Family about seven years ago. WinMark, also the owners of other stores such as Play it Again Sport, purchased the concept from the Blum's who also owned the idea of "Once Upon a Child".

"The company was looking for something that would go beyond used clothing for children and into an idea of a teenage version of 'Once Upon a Child,' said Julia Plourde co-owner of West Springfield's Plato Closet with husband Peter.

"While one of the son's in the Blum Family was doing a book report on Plato the philosopher, the idea of the name for the store occurred," she said. "Plato was one of the first people to start recycling," said Julia.

"This store is a franchise operation," said Peter, "The original store is based out of Ohio."

Peter also stated that the West Springfield Store has been opened since October 2004 and he currently owns a second franchise for Plato's Closet in Amherst.

The Plato's Closet onCooley Street in Springfield, though the same name, is through the same franchise but is under different ownership. "Cash is paid on the spot for clothing items that are brought in," said Peter, "We have everything from teen fashion items, sneakers and shoes. You can use the cash for trade in value towards clothes or you can just take the money," he said.

The customer base has increased upwards from 20% since last year for the Plourdes and there are currently 175 Plato's Closets in operation in the United States.

"The clothes cater to the under 21 crowd," said Jennifer Sawyer of Springfield. "It's name brand clothing, it's trendy things," she said, revealing that she is a regular customer at the Cooley Street Store.

"Growing up, my mom has had four children, we got what we needed but would spend our $40... Now it is easier to keep up with the current fashions. It is cheaper... don't have to go to the mall and spend money- can spend the money in one place and instead of giving away clothes down the street you can sell the old clothes and do a trade-off," said Miranda Ronghi, from West Springfield, who started working at the store in April.

In comments from the Salvation Army Captain Kapshull in charge of donations said, "Stores like this do not effect the Salvation Army at all."

"The owners are very involved in the store, they work almost everyday," said Monica Ronghi, sister of Miranda and manager at the Riverdale Shops' Store.

"In order to be someone who buys clothing from customers you must be buyer certified," she said, "There is extensive training involved with a written test at the end."

They are looking for gently used clothing with no rips or tears, it has to be current fashion, from within the last year and a half she said.

"We get a book every season that tells the current labels and trends, there are also some of us that hit the mall," she said.

She also explained that much of the employee hiring is customers who have come into the store buying or bringing in clothing.

"I come here about twice a week," said a customer by the name of Tanya who was in the process of receiving some funds for clothing that she brought in but was also told that other items would not be accepted due to failure in passing acceptable requirements, "I saw them on tv and a lot of my friends come in here it helps me to get rid of old clothes and to come up with extra money," she said.