Dana Nickel/Fourth Estate

A high-end department store with affordable prices

BY DANA NICKEL, ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

Fashion trends are constantly changing. For college students, it can be difficult to keep up with different styles that go in and out of season so quickly, especially on a limited budget. With places close to campus that are easily accessible through Mason’s transportation services like Fair Oaks Mall, Tysons Corner and other high-end shopping centers in the area, avoiding overspending for the latest fall trends can be a challenge. That’s why thrift stores like Unique, located near the Mosaic District in Fairfax, satisfies both our wallets and our aesthetic.

Unique, a warehouse-sized thrift store, sells donated clothing, shoes, furniture, vinyl records and more. To ensure the high quality of products, employees comb through all donations before labeling them ready for redistribution and placing them into the long aisles of overflowing racks that fill the store.

The store sells clothing that is in great condition from well-known brands like Tommy Hilfiger, H&M and Michael Kors.

Unique updates its products from season to season. Now that the weather is getting cooler, shorts and tank tops are being put away. Jackets, scarves, boots and other cold weather necessities have been rolled out to welcome the new season. Several sections of the store are lined almost wall to wall with various styles of jackets. From sleek leather jackets to clean and crisp camel coats, Unique provides many different options to support all kinds of fall styles.

Dana Nickel/Fourth Estate

Additionally, discounted decorations and furniture take up a significant amount of space inside the store. Vintage and modern styled couches are listed for as low as $35.

While spacious, the store has a comfortable atmosphere. Everything is organized neatly into various sections across the store, much like a regular department store like Walmart or Target. It even dedicates a section for seasonal decorations where there are an abundance of unique and affordable Halloween home decorations and costume options.

The store is accessible through the CUE Bus System, which is free for Mason students as long as their Mason IDs are present.  Unique is a good place for stylish Patriots looking for an easy way to find sophisticated styles and gain access to all the latest fall trends at an affordable price.