Consignment shops are not thrift stores. They are not run on donations, their prices are not mostly in the single digits and the majority of their inventory is high quality and either new or nearly new. Consignment shops do exactly what “consignment” means: they sell merchandise on behalf of the original owners who get a cut of the proceeds. For shoppers, these retailers make it possible to scoop designer merchandise for a bargain. (Many consignment shops buy out boutiques that are liquidating.) We scoured a few and found they carry fun and funky items not readily available anywhere else.

Designer Exchange
18 Jackson Ave, Syosset
designerexchange.com
Specializing in accessories, this store is a goldmine for people in search of the latest designer bags without designer price tags. From Coach to Chanel, Designer Exchange is our favorite source of high-end arm candy at extremely affordable prices. Not making it in those Louboutin pumps? This is the place to bring them and pick up a coveted vintage Louis Vuitton tote instead.

Kiss Consignment
6166 Jericho Tpk, Commack
kissconsignment.com
Kiss Consignment is an ideal place to treasure hunt. Specializing in stylish clothing and accessories for women and girls, it’s impossible to guess what will be hidden in the racks because inventory changes daily. From shirts to shoes to the perfect party dress, there’s no reason to leave empty-handed.

Lotus Vintage
12 West Carver St, Huntington
lotusvintage.com
Nestled in the streets of Huntington Village, Lotus Vintage is for people who love the classic looks of the past. Featuring items of the highest quality and uniqueness, this shop’s clothing spans the decades from the 30s to the 90s. But their real specialty is in the unfailingly elegant fashions of the 60s and 70s. They do a remarkable job of finding the iconic pieces of that era that are still trendy today. The merchandise is so clean and wellcared-for (no mothball smell here), it was recently pulled for a Tina Fey movie being shot in the village.

Purple Consignment Store
41 Main St, Port Washington
purpleconsignmentstore.com
Purple is a one-of-a-kind resale store that accepts only the finest designer clothing, accessories, shoes and jewelry, as well as select vintage curios and furniture. What really sets Purple apart though, is their mission: To aid the victims of domestic violence. The shop donates clothing and furniture where it is necessary and also sends 2 percent of all its profits to women struggling with domestic violence.

Worth Repeating
83 Birch Hill Rd, Locust Valley
worthrepeatinglv.com
Brimming with brand names such as Tiffany, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Prada, Burberry and Asprey, Worth Repeating is the definition of high-end. Located in the town of Locust Valley, this store specializes in coats, handbags, jewelry and shoes—all in fantastic condition. When browsing, it’s sometimes hard to remember it’s a consignment shop and not a designer boutique.