Metro Retro — Local services in Lansing

i’m a trans man, my partner is cis, we’re both plus size. we don’t live in the area but took a few trips to lansing last year.

we had a good experience at metro retro the first time and found cool stuff to buy, not much masc plus size selection but the fem plus size collection was pretty good and there were cool accessories. we also had nice interactions with staff.

but we came into browse a different time and when we were leaving without having found anything, the person at the counter shouted at us that we should shop at old navy instead.

idk if i misinterpreted but it felt very derogatory, it made me question if they were being fatphobic or classist or even making judgments about me and my partner’s appearance. i don’t think i can go back after those bad vibes - especially since that person seemed to be telling us not to come back - which is a bummer after how cool the place was the first time :/

i do believe the other negative reviews unfortunately and it makes me think someone who works there just gets mad at people for browsing… even though if i browse a thrift store regularly i’m more likely to buy from it...

This place is going to take off and be huge, I can feel it.

I was visiting my hometown from LA, and I was meeting with people to eat at The Creole (also really good!), and I passed by this store. I was showing my bf where I got my first tattoo at Fish Ladder, and we just scooted next door to this happy little place.

I was in heaven. There was genuine vintage mixed with some vintage repro items, and fun little household items...and everything was so inexpensive! Like $20 for a 60s fern patterned womens dress??! YES! That easily would have been $60-$80 anywhere near LA. He had some really cute Betsy Johnson bags in when I was there.

Then I struck up a conversation with the owner who had lived in LA for many years, and we discovered we even lived in the same neighborhood. He said he moved back here to be near his family, and I think it's fantastic that he decided to open a business to support his local economy. Plus, he has great taste! PLUS PLUS he gave me a 10% discount at the end, so my dress was only $19 with tax.

I'll definitely be back the next time I get to...

My young daughter and her friend shopped here on 7/20/2023 because they love thrift stores and hadn’t been to Metro Retro yet. My daughter was looking at some clothing and the owner said, “That’s size 14, can’t you read the sign?” (Doesn’t he realize she could have been shopping for a gift for someone). She then made her way to “her sized” clothing. He then proceeded to say to them, “I only get paid $15 an hour to deal with you btches. I can kick you cnts out of here.” My daughter and her friend were uncomfortable and frightened. My daughter said there was no way either of them would be making any purchases because they weren’t going to be verbally assaulted by him any further. (And they will never be back and he lost their business.) They left the store and my daughters friend asked her if she had her pepper spray with her.

I love Old Town but I am so angry that anyone can walk into a business and be treated so disrespectful and cruel by none other...