Purple Manatee Resale Shop — Local services in Lombard

Used to go here once a week with my mom to shop. It was part of our girls day trip. We have spent hundreds in there because of the funkos and good prices on all the items. We went in for our usual weekly trip and I had on a 10 inch by 8 inch purse back pack. Keep in mind 10 inches. Smaller than most women’s purses. I get stopped before we even walk through and these people have to know us by now, and they ask to hold my “gym bag” at the counter. 1 guy and 1 woman. I thought they were thinking I picked it up to buy it, I’m like my gym bag? Do you know how big my actual gym bag is? It’s not 10 inches. If I wanted to steal I’d probably bring a bigger bag and not come here once a week. We have donated a ton and my mom used to bring empty bags for you guys to use. My mom is 72, I am 42. I think stealing from resale shops is a not a commonality for women our age. Please learn how to speak to people and not single them out loudly who used to love your establishment. I couldn’t get out fast enough, I went and sat in the car and waited while my mom shopped. She ended up feeling mad and left with nothing. Such a horrible experience. Definitely won’t be back. Put a sign up on the door if you’re going to be so concerned on small bags or backpack. Or that you don’t want hard working people who have tattoos in your store. My bag had my wallet, makeup, and important medication in it. 10inches in height, what am I stealing? I could fit 1 Funko in the bag, possibly 2 shoes. Make sure you stop anyone with a 10 inch purse as well. The bag I use is a Wolfpack, it’s used by nurses and paramedics. If I came in with a huge empty bag, fine that makes complete sense, but my small backpack purse? Should I come in with my 30mm Louis Vuitton? Would that make you feel better? That’s a huge bag. Will you ask to hold that as well? Please put a sign up if you don’t want to lose more shoppers. FYI no one will ever let you hold their personal purse/belongings at the counter. Ruined my...

I had my last negative experience at Purple Manatee Resale Shop. I purposely saved better quality items to donate to them because I agreed with their philosophy. (never worn items with original tags, vintage glassware, box of new jewelry etc) The last time I went to donate i was met by a young man dropping plastic bins by my car telling me to empty the contents of a sealed donation box. I told him he was more than welcome to do that or I'll just donate it elsewhere. He grabbed other items out of my car and disappeared. When I walked in another bag a woman snarkily asked, "What is that?" I told her and the self-important owner says, "I'm the owner." Okay, I didn't ask. It was at that moment I realized I had delt with her in the past. Looking at other one star reviews, I noticed "the owner" puts all blame on the patrons of Purple Manatee. I'm sure she will not take any ownership for her behavior and will turn her attention on me. (eventhough she will have zero clue who I am or when I was there) I will no longer support this business and will stop recommending...

This is by far my favorite resale shop I've ever been to. Their prices are better than most other resale and thrift stores. Every time I visit Purple Manatee, I am greeted with kindness and respect. The staff are extremely helpful and will let you know of any discounts going on for the day, and typically, they have it posted on a board up near the entrance as well. New donations come in every day, so there's always something new to find with every visit. Things seem to get changed around alot to accommodate for new stuff being brought in, which is understandable given their limited space. I like to look at it as a sort of exploration adventure. Things are typically put in designated sections though (pets, tools, electronics, books, etc). In my opinion, they do a pretty good job with organization. They also support the community in various ways, which is a plus. I love this store, and they will continue to have me as a customer for as long as they are...