Back-to-school shopping just got a whole lot smarter.
Whether your teens are looking for the latest mall-brand styles or you’re hoping to score a few sustainable wins for your wallet and the planet, Plato’s Closet Westminster might just be your new favorite shopping spot. We sat down with the store’s owner, Charlotte Magee, to learn more about what makes this location unique, how they’re making secondhand shopping cool, and why sustainability is always in style.
About the Store & Community
Tell us a little about your local Plato’s Closet. What makes it special?
Plato’s Closet Westminster is individually owned and operated, and that’s something we’re really proud of. We’re not a big box chain. We’re your neighbors, your community members, and we care deeply about the young people and families we serve every day. The store is located right off 88th & Wadsworth, and we serve customers from across the northwest metro area.
We specialize in buying and selling gently used clothing, shoes, and accessories for teens and young adults, though we see everything from middle schoolers to whole families shopping and selling here. Our customers love that they can sell what they’re not wearing anymore and turn right around to shop. Not to mention, Plato's Closet sells clothes & shoes for up to 70% off mall prices! Put it all together and it makes it a win-win all around!
We focus on affordable, in-demand mall brands like Lululemon, American Eagle, Pacsun, Nike, Hollister, and Carhartt, along with trending styles from Edikted, White Fox, Garage, and Skims.
What makes the shopping experience at Plato’s Closet Westminster different?
We’ve created an upscale thrifting experience that feels more curated and easy to navigate than your typical secondhand store. Everything is color-coordinated, organized by category, and displayed to highlight what’s trending now. Whether you’re into bold streetwear or minimal neutrals, you’ll find your look without digging through bins or guessing what fits.
Behind the scenes, our team works hard every day to keep the store clean, organized, and on-trend. Leading the way is our incredible store manager, Samantha Nickell, whose energy, creativity, and care set the tone. She’s supported by the amazing Dawn Tavenner, Sarah Starbuck, and a dedicated team of young employees who help make Plato’s Closet Westminster a fresh, stylish, and welcoming place for everyone who walks through our doors.
Sustainability & Shopping Smart
Plato’s Closet has a strong focus on sustainability. Can you explain how shopping and selling with you supports the environment?
We like to say that you can’t stop fast fashion, but you can make more sustainable choices one small action at a time. The fashion industry is the second most polluting industry in the world, and studies show that 3 out of 5 garments end up in landfills or incinerated within a year. That’s a huge impact.
At Plato’s Closet Westminster, we’re proud to be part of the solution by supporting a circular fashion economy where clothes get a second (and third!) life instead of being thrown out. In the last year alone, we bought over 100,000 items and paid out more than $400,000 to our local community for gently used styles.
What does a “circular fashion economy” mean, and how are you part of it?
It means keeping clothes in circulation for as long as possible. It means reducing waste, cutting down on production demand, and creating a smarter way to shop. Every time you buy or sell something here, you’re helping extend the life of that item and keeping it out of the landfill.
What advice do you have for teens or young adults who want to be more eco-conscious with their wardrobe?
The first stop is your own closet. See what you no longer wear, what you can sell, and what you might want to trade in for something new-to-you. When you come into the store, you’ll find everything in one place... Clean, curated, and affordable. It’s a shopping experience you can actually feel good about.
Why is Plato’s Closet Westminster a smart stop for back-to-school shopping?
Between school supplies, sports fees, and everything else, back-to-school season can get chaotic. At Plato’s Closet Westminster, parents can press the easy button:
- Kids can make cash by selling their gently used clothes
- You can find on-trend brands for less and you can find it all in one spot
- It doesn’t break the bank, and everyone walks away happy
And yes, we buy and sell guys’ clothes and shoes too, not just women’s! Our selection is stocked daily (often multiple times a day), so there’s always something new to discover.
Wrap-Up & Final Thoughts
What do you love most about running Plato’s Closet Westminster?
I came into this business with a background in sustainability and wanted to do something that made a real impact. What I didn’t expect? How much fun it would be. Working with teens and young adults, building a positive, welcoming space, and knowing we’re doing the right thing for both the community and the environment... It’s incredibly rewarding.
What would you say to someone who’s never stepped into Plato’s Closet before?
You’ll probably be surprised! If you’ve ever thought of thrifting but didn’t love the idea of digging through bins, this is your curated, organized alternative. You’ll see all the brands you love in one place, and you might even make some money selling your own items.
Stay Connected
Want the inside scoop on events, trends, and new arrivals?
Follow Plato’s Closet Westminster here:
🔗 Website
📸 Instagram
🎥 TikTok
👍 Facebook
Upcoming Events at the Store
Denim Drop: August 8–10
Tons of fresh jeans just in time for school!
Patagonia & North Face Outerwear Event: August 16
Score premium outdoor brands for less. Perfect for Colorado fall.
Save up to 70% off regular mall prices!
Want to be the first to know? Follow on socials to stay in the loop!
Whether you're cleaning out your closet, updating your wardrobe, or just looking for a more sustainable way to shop, Plato’s Closet Westminster offers a curated, community-driven experience that makes it easy to look good, feel good, and do good. With trending brands, unbeatable prices, and a team that truly cares, it's more than a store. It's a local gem that helps fashion come full circle. Stop by, say hi, and see what secondhand style is all about!
