Location: 1413 Wisconsin Ave. NW

Readers’ pick: Prime Thrift

Thrifting is an increasingly popular form of shopping for college students, both for its affordability and eco-benefits.

But massive suburban stores like Goodwill are often filled with cheaply made, yet expensive materials from websites like Shein due to quickly rotating “microtrends” and the mass purchasing of clothing. For students looking to have a higher quality, enjoyable second-hand shopping experience, the ideal consignment store is located right here in the DMV.

Located in the bustle of downtown Georgetown, Reddz Trading stands out among the quaint shops and cafes nearby with its bright red exterior and bold black lettering. Reddz is starkly different from a typical thrift store with mass inventory and by-the-pound discount bins, housing pieces from high-end brands while maintaining relatively affordable pricing.

The store’s product offerings vary — they sell a knit cream Ralph Lauren sweater with brown buttons, along with black leather Chanel kitten heels. According to their website, their qualifications when purchasing their inventory are fairly strict, and they will not accept products from fast fashion companies like H&M and Forever 21. This standard makes Reddz ideal for people interested in finding quality, sustainable pieces of clothing for their wardrobes.

Upon entering the store, wooden floors and cream-colored walls along with pops of red create an inviting, yet simple atmosphere — lines of lights hang from the ceiling, and the front windows let in natural brightness.

The closest thing to decor is the store’s inventory. Clothing racks line the walls of the interior, and are also located in the center of the store. The displays are spaced out and not overly abundant, keeping the space from feeling too cramped or overwhelming.

What makes Reddz stand out from competitors is its organization — the headache of mislabeled racks and messy, overcrowded shelves that often comes with shopping at second-hand stores is not a concern here. Items are rarely out of place, and racks are dedicated to specific sizes and articles of clothing, making for a hassle-free perusing experience. I entered the store looking for a dress and found a rack near the front of the store with plenty for me to browse through. 

Reddz Trading is a welcome diversion from companies that focus on cheap, unsustainable fashion and Georgetown’s excess of high-end stores. As a secondhand store, they have a much more climate-friendly approach and also provide customers with novel pieces that are not currently in production.

The front of the store contains a beautiful collection of shoes, most of which are from luxury brands like Marc Jacobs. Black suede sandals and red patent leather pumps are among the impressive selection, along with many colorful and patterned purses from brands like Coach. Throughout the store, mannequins display some of their finest dresses, shirts and pants — a standout being a midlength, black mesh dress with small silver rhinestones placed throughout its length. 

If you’re in the mood for conscientious shopping only a half-hour walk or a short bus ride away from campus, be sure to stop by Reddz Trading — a bright red, instantly eye-catching, not-so-hidden DMV gem.