Buffalo Exchange — Local services in Brookline

The only thing decent about this place is where it’s located ( thats what the 1 star is for). The out of touch staff that I have observed to have no fashion awareness but to the Sub culture of their own make discriminating calls on whats re-sellable is very puzzling. I watched folks buy back every piece of clothing from individuals whom they seemed to have life in common with, while offering genuine conversation and a reasonable monetary exchange for each item (pertaining to store rules & practices). Contrastingly, I noticed other individuals getting offered unreasonable monetary exchange for hot button items and current trend, at times nothing at all. Often times the items are the same brand and style the store just accepted from a previous customer. As I noticed a similar item on the shelf, i overheard the girl at the register tell someone “these are simply not in”. The exchange with customer was cold, rigid and dismissive as if just to quickly move them along. The store clerk had a very oh well attitude when such observations were brought to her attention. I simply thought the store buying back items was about fashion only and not about how the buyers in the store feel about individuals personally. I have had noticed this for several years and always relinquished these observations as being partial to my experience, until i heard staffers of a competing thrift store in an entirely different town speaking overwhelmingly poorly about this Boston buffalo exchange. The staffers spoke about how the buffalo exchange staff in the store behaved, how they inconsistently appraise items, it was exactly how i have seen and experienced. I almost chimed in and interjected with my own poor experiences with them. Not sure if i was excited because i knew i wasnt crazy or that i wasnt alone in receiving in equable treatment. The arbitrary way in which they accept or deny buying back items should be done away with, a reliable system should be put in place. You never know who is watching with a close eye and what practices have created a reputation that is...

Unfortunately, my experience at this thrift store was marred by a deeply unsettling encounter with racist employees, leaving me utterly disappointed and disturbed.

Upon entering the store, I immediately noticed the lack of diversity among the staff, but I chose to give them the benefit of the doubt. However, as I began browsing through the racks, one of the employees approached me with an air of hostility and disdain that I could not comprehend. They made offensive remarks about my ethnicity, making it abundantly clear that they held prejudiced views. I was shocked and appalled by their blatant racism.

In addition to the racist comments, I observed other customers of diverse backgrounds receiving similar treatment. It became painfully evident that this was not an isolated incident but rather a systemic problem within the store's culture. The toxic atmosphere created by the employees made it impossible for me to feel comfortable or welcome as a customer.

A place of business should be inclusive and respectful, providing a safe environment for all individuals, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or background. Sadly, this thrift store failed to meet even the most basic standards of decency. Racist behavior is completely unacceptable, and it is disheartening to witness such prejudice in any establishment.

I strongly urge the management of this thrift store to address this issue immediately and take the necessary steps to ensure that their employees undergo diversity and inclusion training. It is essential for them to recognize the gravity of the situation and actively work towards creating a genuinely inclusive and welcoming space for all customers.

As a consumer, I refuse to support any business that promotes or tolerates racism. I will not be returning to this thrift store, and I encourage others to consider whether they want to associate themselves with an establishment that allows such...

Update as of August 2025: I went in the other day and noticed new sweater sections were put out, and I was super excited as fall is coming and its my favorite season! At checkout I was attempting to make friendly conversation with the cashier, and in return she was condescending and the attitude was entirely uncalled for! Literally for what??? All I said was “I love all the sweaters that are out are these the fall seasonal items?” And I was met with a blank stare and the employee stating “we buy clothes every day so we put out new stuff all the time.” And I said “oh thats awesome!” And she literally glared at me like HELLO??? It’s so obvious how judgmental the employees here are and it did not used to be this way. Buffalo Exchange used to be inviting, all inclusive, and FRIENDLY. What happened?!

Original review: Besides the fact that the store is filled with shein and warehouse overflow, the staff has gotten straight up mean… Example: I overheard a customer ask if there was any other places to sell clothes (because they didnt take any of her stuff), and the people behind the counter looked at her like she just asked for their firstborn. With a grimace, the employee said “um no but theres a goodwill”… mind you there is a 2nd street literally across the street, and another Buffalo Exchange in Somerville. On her way out I tapped her and tried to tell her this, and the people behind the counter, LOUDLY, said “DO NOT SELL YOUR CLOTHES THERE TODAY” which I understand that can be the case, but there are a million nicer, customer centric ways to say that. Theres no need to make a seller/customer feel small. I used to be a big fan of this place - the retail team has always been super nice and there used to be a ton of stylish and affordable inventory! But lately both the selection quality and politeness of the employees have diminished significantly, making it an unpleasant...