The Alley Vintage and Costume

I love shopping here! Kit, the owner, is so helpful and knowledgeable that I learn something every time I walk in the door (and I know a LOT about vintage clothes). Everything is clean and in good shape, organized by type and size, and finding things is SO easy. I can't walk out of here for less than $100 and more impressive, I'm HAPPY about that because you get so much for your money. This is one of the few vintage stores in Columbus that stocks pieces too old to be wearable, and her prices are extremely reasonable given the good condition of the items and their age. She also takes pieces on consignment and from local artisans doing reproduction pieces, and she really does have something for everyone. This is hands down my favorite vintage store in Columbus!

I adore The Alley. It is unlike any other vintage/consume store you will go into, because the staff is very helpful and kind. It is like a 'boutique' in the sense that you are helped to find the items you're looking for and those that suit you best. I think it's sweet how the staff will hype you up when you try something on, or let you know if it isn't working. Some might find this to be 'too much,' but to that I say: politely tell them you are just looking to browse today. That's all! The selection is curated and seems to change every time I'm in there, and it seems to be The Spot for events such as Ren Fair and LARP sessions. Really, it's great. And I have found spectacular pieces there for very fair prices. The curator of the vintage/Victorian-era clothing seems to care deeply about these pieces. If you're in the area, I highly recommend. I have a necklace from there that I wear every single day, haha.

LEAVE PEOPLE ALONE UNLESS THEY ASK FOR YOUR HELP.The worst customer service I've experienced in awhile.To save yourself the headache just shop online. You'll get new and better quality items for CHEAPER and without the headache of the staff. You could go to the Renaissance Faire and get better prices and customer service.Just because you have a "unique" store for the area doesn't mean it'll be successful.Listen to your customer base and fix your pricing and STFU and leave us alone so we can shop.You literally drove numerous customers away to include my Wife.This could be a great store but I foresee it closing in the future. The way it's being ran, they seem desperate not to go out of business already.

If you want blast from the past you need to come in enjoy your history and other memories of life.

I considered giving this a one star but settled on two just because the employees (not owner) are kind in assisting you. The owner is kind as long as you're willing to open your wallet for a sizable payment for her. They have a decent selection, my only large gripe on this is they verbally told me that the majority of their products are vintage or handmade and the piece I purchased was handmade. I'm not kidding when I say I found the exact product they claimed to be handmade off of SHEIN. I paid nearly $60 for this piece at the store and could have paid $17 for it off of SHEIN. I'm highly disappointed they lie to their customer base considering they are a small shop. I'm a strong supporter in small businesses but buying and reselling from large corporations and lying about it doesn't do it for me. Don't bother to go here for costumes (especially renaissance costumes) or authentic wear. You can find a lot of their exact products online at a cheaper price or spend the same amount to purchase actual authentic handmade items elsewhere. Do better The Alley.

Such a fun store. Love the new location! If your a Renfest fan there is always new garb to look at and try on. A great selection of vintage clothing and the best prices for a full tux.

PLEASE READ THE ROOM!!!! LEAVE THE CUSTOMERS ALONE IF THEY ARE NOT INTERACTING WITH YOU!!! it's an absolute shame how pushy the environment is because the selection of clothes is very unique and affordable. The owners GUILT TRIP YOU about being a small business to try and get you to spend more money and become VISIBLY AND VERBALLY UPSET if you decline a purchase. They will FOLLOW you around the store and talk your ear off to the point that all you want to do is leave. Not to mention the staff BAD MOUTHS OTHER COMPANIES!?!? Not a professional whatsoever. And I'd you try clothes on, make sure you have someone with you because the staff will stand RIGHT OUTSIDE the THIN CURTAIN dressing room waiting for you to come out so they can convince you to buy it. THEY REALLYYYY WANNA HELP YOU ZIP UP!?! Especially young people...Also don't be fooled by the "one time 10% off discount" THEY GIVE IT TO EVERYONE!! So sad.

I read the reviews prior to visiting this store but wanted to give them the benefit of the doubt. We are avid Renaissance Faire fans and decided to see what they had. The women immediately greeted us at the door and would barely let us speak. The shop is smaller and she went to "give us a tour" even though I insisted we were just looking. I even stayed where I was instead of following her around, which she responded to with a glare and rude remark about "don't you want to see the rest?" The main owner is abrasive. We were afraid to even look at items because they walk up and give you information you didn't ask for. I'm confused how there's so many reviews remarking on their over eager attitudes and rude remarks, and yet they still address their customers the same. The environment makes it uneasy to shop and unpleasant to be there. We will not be returning to this store. It's a pity... they have a good selection of items.

Staff is very nice and helpful and has great quality products and a big diversity of clothing styles and costumes

I stopped in with my 10 year old autistic daughter. She had just watched Cruella and spent hours drawing fashion designs. A family member suggested we visit the shop because they had cool vintage dresses and costumes. We spent an hour looking through the store. Their collection was amazing but the thing that stood out was that they spent time looking through my daughter's drawings and complimented her. We were pressed for time today but we'll be back to spend someMoney in the near future.