The Second Act

Hands-down the best clothing consignment store in the area. They have lots and lots of gently used, high-quality women's clothes, shoes, and accessories, a small room of men's clothes and shoes, a few racks of children's clothes, and a large room of plus-sized women's clothes....not to mention rack after rack of vintage clothing and costumes. I've been shopping here for 10+ years! I've scored clothes here that would have been $200 new for $15-30, including a gorgeous pair of lace-up leather boots. You'll find all the best brands here, including unique brands you've never even heard of. The staff is friendly and will help you find whatever you're looking for or put an outfit together.

If you're ever shopping at the Riverside Hy-Vee, it is definitely worth swinging by Second Act (tucked on a nearby side street) to see what new stuff they have. Also, at the end of each season, they have really awesome sales. This place is a jewel. I almost don't want to post this review because I want the store all to myself! But seriously, you should go.

I have been consigning at The Second Act since I moved to Iowa City 4 years ago. I love the friendliness of everyone working there and the personal interest shown to me. I did a large closet over haul when pregnant and took a large percentage of my things to be consigned. My clothes were sold at a fair price and I was happy to receive my balance promptly, it is nice to not have to wait until a certain day of the month to get paid out. When I called to check my balance the owner even remembered the last time I had come in and was excited to hear how I was doing and how my son was. We were greeted with excitement when we came into the store later as well. I was happy to find a couple of gently loved pieces to add to my closet as well. Being a new mom and wanting to be a conscious consumer it is nice to always know I can find quality, gently used, name brand clothes at The Second Act.

Long-time fan of Second Act. They have a great selection of items for work and play and the price is right! They rotate their displays sometimes, but they typically have a section with career clothes and I have found many great pieces for work. I like that they have unique pieces and you'll be able to find something no one has, but they also carry a wide variety of respected brand names as well. In ~8 years of shopping there it's always pretty busy, but the staff is friendly and courteous no matter what's going on. Well worth a visit.

I've lived in Iowa City for many years and have been going to the store for nearly 20 years. I keep coming back because I almost always find something I like to buy. It's consistently clean merchandise, and if it's a little more expensive than Goodwill, the selection is a whole lot better.

As for service, I've never had a problem. I generally just dig for myself but whenever I've asked for help finding things, I got the help I needed, usually from the owner.

For almost 9 years I shopped at The Second Act, while I was in Iowa City earning my PhD. I've shopped in Miami, Dallas, DC and NYC and The Second Act is one of my favorite places to find a wide selection of stylish, classic, well-cared for clothes -- in my size, 12. This past month, after three years away, I was back in Iowa for a visit and stopped in to the shop. Kelsey and Melissa greeted me by name (!) and helped me to find an arm-load of great pieces. As I was checking out, they checked to see whether any of the clothes I consigned all those years ago had sold. I'd forgotten all about those clothes! They found my balance and credited it against my purchase. In addition to all of the wonderful things I've always known about the team that runs The Second Act, I can add proof that they are mindful and absolutely honest. What a great store!!!

I have been a customer at Second Act for over a decade. This store provided me with quality clothing, jewelry, shoes, and costumes. The store owner is dedicated and so are the people who work there. My beautiful collection of cashmere sweaters came from this gem of a store. This review is from Sharon.

The Second Act is a great place to find vintage and secondhand treasures. I've found tons of items for everyday wear or Halloween costumes here, at reasonable prices. Melissa is in the family business of thrifting, and she and the other employees run the place with love, care, and great style advice. Visiting the Second Act is a great way to support an established local business in Iowa City AND score your next great find.

I have shopped at The Second Act as far back as I can rember. I have early memories of browsing their kids and Halloween section when they were located by First Avenue HyVee. The selection of apparel, jewlery, shoes, and costumes is excellent! I can always find something I like and the price reflects what the item is worth. I usually find good vintage belts, Free People goods, North Face fleece, and purses when I spend the afternoon shopping there. Although, I generally don't find shoes (I wear size 11), I know others leave with at least two pairs of shoes. The displays are always unique and reflect the staff. It is obvious those who work there, put time and effort into making the place feel fun. The best time to go is during their Fall and Spring Opening. You will find the best merchandise during their bi-yearly openings; snacking on cookies and fruit while browsing their selection.

Nice place with nice people. Prices are fair and inventory is diverse. My only complaint is the lack of room to walk around. It makes it awkward at times when two people can't squeeze through their main entrance. My advice would be to re-organize things a bit.

2nd attic is a treasure hunt store you never know what you may find very well price you would normally spend hundreds of dollars on you can walk out of there from 50 to $75 and be absolutely content with your purchase it's a must check out place but please go through the week because I go on Saturdays and I like to Treasures I find for myself

Really great shop! I’ve been here a few times & I usually find great brand names & it’s so fun looking through everything! Huge fan :)

WE ARE OPEN SUNDAY 1:00PM TO 5:00PM -- I don't know why Google says we're closed. Sunday is a GREAT day to shop at the Second Act!

I stopped in their looking very a specific item. A very pleasant and knowledgable salesperson directed me to it immediately. The price was reasonable and I left happy!

Excellent name brands. Huge variety of clothes. Friendly staff. I love this boutique!

This is by far my favorite place to find great second hand clothes in Iowa City.

Good selection and good experiences consigning (e.g., made good money, their customer service is great).

excellent clothing selection, shoes, purses, jewelry.

Nice prices and they have what I'm looking for.

Love the store great friendly people there

Always find nice things there😉