North Shore Exchange in the City — Local services in Chicago

Long overdue review. Although many gems to be found, take your money elsewhere. So many negative experiences. They profiled my authentic Gucci sweatshirt online for months, only to sell it and then call me and demand I repay them as the customer believed it to be fake (they have a no return policy, and they wouldn’t release my other consigned clothes until I paid them), purchased a gold Tiffany watch to discover it wasn’t working and they didn’t want to take it back and I wasted 4 hrs on the phone with all the levels of management in order to finally get my money back, purchased an $800 pair of diamond earrings that were touted as excellent condition only to discover that they were missing 6 diamonds (the jewelry lady claimed that I should have enlarged the photo and examined closely before purchasing). I trusted their “excellent” assessment. The owner, Wendy, then called me and told me that I was no longer welcome at any of their stores, but she would graciously refund me (how courteous). The last straw came after I purchased a gold corum watch and coin ring at their Wilmette location. Months (at least four) later, my phone rings and Felice, a manager at one of their stores, is on the line. “What is it now?!” was my reply. She continued on to ask about the Corum watch and insinuated that the nice older lady who helped me that day would be let go as the watch was underpriced and “could you please return it for a full refund as we don’t want Barb to lose her job.” She went on to apologize profusely for how they’ve treated me in the past and that they were sorry , but could I please bring it back and “do the right thing?!” Unbelievable. I hung up and promptly blocked everyone’s number. I am only writing this review now, as my experiences still don’t sit right with me. Stay away. (Note - I’ve spent thousands and thousands and thousands at their stores in the last five years)

Edited to note that Gucci sweatshirt was featured on their front page for months! If it was not authentic (which it was), why post on the front page?? Also, went back as I wanted that watch and ring that also were featured on their website for the prices that I paid.

Horrible business practices....

If you're looking to shop somewhere that beautifully blends curated secondhand luxury fashion and furniture with a heart for giving back, look no further than North Shore Exchange. Their mission—to make a difference in the lives of Chicagoland children and families in need—is not just a tagline. It’s something they live out every day.

For those who may not be familiar, North Shore Exchange is a nonprofit organization where you can shop, consign, or donate luxury clothing and home goods. They operate three locations—two in the North Shore suburbs of Glencoe and Wilmette, and one in downtown Chicago. What sets them apart is that 100% of their profits go to carefully selected charities that provide essential human services for low-income children and families. That’s not just remarkable—it’s rare.

And I can personally attest to the authenticity of their generosity. In the winter of 2025, I reached out to North Shore Exchange with a special request. A friend’s daughter, who is disabled, needed a warm coat to get through Chicago’s harsh winter. I asked if they might have something suitable to donate. I expected, at best, a polite “we’ll keep an eye out”—and indeed, that’s what they said initially.

But they didn’t forget.

Weeks later, I received a follow-up. They had found a beautiful blue North Face jacket and wanted to send it our way. The coat arrived shortly thereafter, and I was able to pass it along to my friend’s daughter—who absolutely loves it and has been warm and comfortable through winter and into spring. That small act of kindness meant the world to us.

Organizations like North Shore Exchange remind us of the good that can happen when fashion meets purpose. Their follow-through, care, and generosity left a lasting impression, and I will always be grateful.

So, if you’re looking to consign or donate your luxury items—or if you simply want to shop with purpose—please consider North Shore Exchange. They do exactly what they say they will,...

Ive shopped at this store for about two years, and have purchased the times that I have visited. Hermes, The Row and Jean Paul Gaultier to name a few. I had a very disappointing experience with one of the associates in this store. A woman who works there with a bruised nose/bruising on her face questioned me when I came out of the fitting room because there was an extra hanger in the room after I tried on a few pieces. As I thanked them and was exiting the store she shouted from across the store “Hon there’s an extra hanger in here” and gave me a questionable look. I simply stated I’m not sure why that is, I tried on two tops, one jacket and a pair of trousers. Not only was that accusatory and rude but it was insulting and embarrassing. I understand this organization is charitable which is why I’ve chosen to shop here. Perhaps hire people who are also kind to others, and not just bored and...