Buffalo Exchange — Attraction in Somerville

Oh, my goodness, I don’t think that I could possibly love this store more than I already do. I have no complaints, at all. My only regret is that I don’t live closer. This store is everything that a well - curated fashion boutique should be. The fact that it wasn’t filled with shoppers was criminal; more people need to know about this treasure trove!

First of all, the staff there was so kind; not just nice, but kind with the patience of saints, I would have cracked a long time ago. Whomever was in charge of hiring, great job.

Second of all, hats off to the management! They and their sales team seemed to have a very firm grip on fashion - not just fashion trends, but quality in materials and designs, along with brand histories. For example, do you have something that isn’t necessarily trendy, but very iconic or with an artistic bend? They’ll take it because they understand that it’s something special, and people will want it. Not only that, but it adds an artistic credibility to their store. The Somerville location felt more like the wardrobe at Vogue or a boutique of curated, high - quality goods, rather than an overstuffed Forever 21 (Brookline location, I’m looking at you. I love you and your staff, but please train them to be more discerning where it matters).

Anyhow, I brought my designer clothes and purses here (all from iconic brands with history and credibility), and pretty much sold all of them. The only few items that were turned down, were because they weren’t in season, which was fair. I’m very happy with my experience, not only because I made decent money, but also because they were truly high - quality and in - style designs that will make their new owners very happy. And, to be honest, knowing that people will get to buy my designer goods at affordable prices, makes me feel good inside because we all deserve a nice treat every once in awhile.

I was helped by a very kind employee, and I wish I had gotten their name in order to give a shoutout! They had shoulder - length blond - ish hair, and were wearing a snug - fitting, slightly cropped tank top that said “Trophy Wife” on it with a silver cross necklace. Such a friendly and helpful person, I’m sorry that I wasn’t more chatty; I was just exhausted from...

I was very disappointed in how the “customer service” staff treated not only myself, but everyone else. They have a “better than you” attitude, especially the manager, and it was just sad how they treated people who ultimately their business relies on. Even if you have items this store wants to purchase (they only want grungy trend items, nothing of actual value, then they price gouge them to make more than even those items are worth), I would recommend finding another place who treats human beings as human beings if you like the thrill of thrift shop trends. I wasn’t upset they didn’t want my perfect condition lululemon pants, my Coach, Kate Spade, or Louis Vuitton bags I was willing to part with (I got over $1000 after online) - but it was the way they looked at my items with a snark and the manager said “all set” and pushed the bag back to me with a snarly face - never once even glancing up to look at me. Just because you don’t “feel like” an item works for you, doesn’t mean that the person in front of you is meaningless. That’s what you convey - and I have to believe you aren’t intentionally trying to make people feel meaningless. I’m writing this review if you are human and want to be treated as one. I love and respect people in customer service- but this staff has an air about them that goes against being good humans. I pray they see this and instead of being angry for being called out, they look inside themselves and realize they have an impact on people - and right now it’s a very negative one. Parent company, the values and experience you have on your website are absolutely not being practiced here. Your bottom line won’t increase until people are treated well, since you depend on them. I have many trendy items after realizing what that store looks to purchase, and I’d never consider coming back after watching how people were treated. I’d rather give them away for free! If it were my company (and I’ve been a tech founder) - I’d revamp this location or shut it down and eat my losses if you truly value what you say on your site. Even the energy in there felt just heavy and negative. Best...

I have so many problems with the Buffalo Exchange stores that I could write an essay about it. For the sake of brevity I'll keep it to bullet points.

-They only buy, and in turn sell, old and worn items for only a couple of dollars. I've taken in very nice items with the tags still on them that were still in style only to have them say no. Meanwhile I watched them buy what looked like rags from a woman standing next to me. These stores are truly meant for hipsters who don't care what they look like.

-The staff are rude and pretentious. I've been in a few of the stores in different parts of the country and found the majority of the staff to be incredibly full of themselves. They have this vibe that says they're simply too important to bothered to help you. I worked retail for years when I was college and for a while post graduation so I know it's a crappy gig, but there's no reason to be a snotty brat.

-This is my primary beef with this company. They won't buy nor will they sell plus size items. That's not their official policy, but it's certainly their practice. When I've inquired in different stores about plus sizes I was met with responses that did everything, but come right out and say that I'm too disgusting for them to clothe. I'm used to the frustrating and time consuming process of shopping as a larger woman, but there's no excuse for treating someone poorly simply for having a different body from one's self.

There you have it. The many reasons why Buffalo Exchange is not worth selling to or shopping at. I suggest hitting up any one of the many wonderful consignment shops around the Boston area. In fact, Found is directly across the street and the staff is wonderful and the last time I was in there they had a lot of really...