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Wasteland
Category: Shopping Fashion Used, Vintage & Consignment Used, Vintage & Consignment [Edit]
7428 Melrose AveLos Angeles, CA 90046
Neighborhoods: Mid-City West, West Hollywood
(323) 653-3028
- Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sat 11 am - 8 pm
Fri 11 am - 9 pm
Sun 12 pm - 7 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
173 reviews for Wasteland
Review Highlights
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"a bunch of awesome new and used clothing." In 46 reviews -
"Amazing designer and vintage pieces at its best." In 44 reviews -
"You are bound to find something you like." In 14 reviews
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173 reviews in English
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Review from William H.
Los Angeles, CA
4/3/2012
My friend introduced me to this place last weekend...and this place is honestly the shit! It's a really great place to go to on a lazy Sunday or something if you like casually browsing through rack after rack after rack after...you get the point, hahaha. This place has everything! Things vintage, edgy, trendy, casual, etc. Brands like La Coste, Stussy, Club Monaco, Obey, 10 Deep, J Crew, LRG, etc. Definitely hipster heaven, but, then again, hipsters don't like being called hipsters.
Some of their things are brand new, but Wasteland might not be for you if you don't like the idea of buying used clothes - this place is like a high-end Goodwill Store with a few new things. That said, I think that Wasteland, though pricier (not jaw-droppingly so), is SOOO much better than Goodwill in that it has much better, higher-quality selections...you're definitely more likely to walk out of Wasteland with something than at Goodwill. Wasteland has a LOT of great name brands and fresh/snazzy looking obscure brands.
And this place gets a big +++ for being a block or two away from Blue Jam Cafe (= -
Review from Madeline C.
New York, NY
4/25/2012
I'm not as familiar with this location as far as buying/shopping as I am the Santa Monica one, so this rating is mostly for selling.
When I sell here, the first thing buyers do to each garment is look at the label. I almost feel like I could cut out the label from a Miu Miu dress and stick it on something from Target and it would be bought.
Maybe this is just because some customers are automatically wowed by name brands, but just because something is "designer", does mean it's super stylish and fabulous. I don't care if it's Prada or a more contemporary brand like Alice + Olivia -- it could still be many years old and unattractive. That being said, just because it is a brand like H&M or F21 doesn't mean it should be automatically dismissed either. These brands are highly influenced (ahem, knock off in many cases) by runways and are still buying-worthy, depending of course on the style and other factors. Plus, some of their "designer" are not even very good designers. Free People? It's not even that high end. And Betsey Johnson? Meh. Not impressed by these "designers".
I understand that the buyers buy what their customers want. Maybe shoppers of Wasteland (and in general) need to stop being such label-whores. I understand the appeal of a designer label, I'm attracted to them too. But the most important thing should be the style of the garment and they way it fits. You can be in F21 and still look great, as if you're wearing something much more expensive than it is. A fancy label does not give you instant style.
So that being said, these hipster buyers with heavily-contrived styles of their own should not be so snobby in their buying. Most look like they just rolled out of bed, but in that purposeful way. You know, like how Coachella people dress: they try to come off as if their hipster style is effortless, but instead make it so obvious they put a ton of work into it. I've worked in fashion and the brands and styles carried here are not THAT great. So quit being such a snot to sellers, you yourself do not have the best taste (as evidenced by your own work uniform). Stop turning your nose up to fast-fashion pieces and buying outdated, forgettable "designer" items.
(I understand I also sound like a snot in this review, and I only am in response to their snottiness!) -
Review from Jane S.
San Diego, CA
3/29/2012 1 Check-in Here
Spotted: DVF, Pucci, Marc Jacobs, D&G, Versace couture, and more.
If you're a label whore, you'll love this HUGE location of Wasteland. I prefer the one in SF but it's more my style. This place has awesome selection and I was thoroughly impressed by their sunglasses collection. I'm sure you'll find at least one thing you love, and it's not absurdly expensive (don't be fooled though, this isn't a thrift store...) -
Review from Barb J.
Palm Desert, CA
5/24/2012
worn out discarded crap for lots of $$$$. Wverpriced. What other reviewer said: If you're going to sell used clothing, it should not be priced only 20% lower than what I could buy it for new. Attitude, irresponsible sales people comprise this aweful store.
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Review from Kimberly K.
Los Angeles, CA
1/22/2012
I picked up a jacket here ($30) not too shabby but who am I kidding the Wasteland is a funny name for a place that wants $350 for one jacket and $30 for another. Aside from very bipolar pricing and a very high end selection of clothes somewhat reminiscent of American Apparel or Betsey Johnson if you want to enjoy yourself here just be prepared...because it is not a vintage store and by no means a thrift.
The overall feel is artistic and unconventional and beautiful but this is a shopping extravaganza for limousine liberals & fashionistas... not so much for the Recessionista. -
Review from Alexandra B.
Los Angeles, CA
3/30/2012 1 Check-in Here
This place is way too overpriced. If you're going to sell used clothing, it should not be priced only 20% lower than what I could buy it for new. I refuse to buy a pair of worn-ass out Jeffrey Campbells in just decent condition for $80 when I can buy a new pair for $100. Really? It's way too hard to find cute stuff in here by the way all the junk is organized anyway. Nah.
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Review from Stella T.
San Jose, CA
2/21/2012
1. Always the best finds when I'm in town, especially when I'm looking to splurge and not looking to get down and dirty and fighting off people in the Garment district
2. A little taste of home when I'm out of town, via http://www.shopwastela...
3. I always have a good customer experience, and the kiddies here make me laugh.
If you happen to have a bad experience with customer service, well... it's a high-end thrift store in Los Angeles. Were you expecting chocolates and roses? -
Review from Katy B.
Manhattan Beach, CA
1/7/2012 2 Check-ins Here
I am new to the LA area and was recommended to check this place out by a friend in the neighborhood. I found some great buys and walked away very happy. Items range from expensive to super great steals. I also like the way it was laid out.
After I read some reviews I was apprehensive about the staff and it seems the reviewers were right on! The female staff was unfriendly and standoffish... just stood at the register until I had to ask if I could pay. All the male staff seemed friendly though.
I will definitely hit it up in the future because of their selection. -
Review from p k.
Los Angeles, CA
2/15/2012
If you are a fan of designer 2nd hand clothes, take some time out of your schedule to sift through the mass of sometimes smelly clothes to find some gems. Recently I picked up a Lanvin silk skirt, new with a Barneys tag still attached to it for 90 dollars. I found it on-line for 1 grand.
I'm not kidding, 1 grand for a skirt. A piece of cloth. How many kids can we feed in skid row with one grand?
Crazy.
It's a great place to find some designer threads and where you feel less guilty because you are reusing clothing. -
Review from jamie t.
Glendale, CA
4/4/2012
Bought a Tom Ford Gucci bag and like new pigallel Christian Louboutins 150 each and flipped that shit for $400 each on eBay=awesomeness
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Review from Renee O.
Yucaipa, CA
12/1/2011
Yeah sure this location might have some sweet finds (only reason for the 2 stars), but SERIOUSLY what is up with the people working here?!?
The guy at the fitting room was talking on the phone and didn't even stop his conversation to hand me a number. Then at the registers I had to stand there and watch two employees finish up a conversation until one of them dilly dallied on over to me then proceeded to be stuck-up and walk away before I could even grab the plastic bag from his hand.
UMMM you stuck up kids work at a CHAIN vintage store. why do you think you're so cool? -
Review from Moni H.
Los Angeles, CA
11/24/2011
I absolutely LOVE this store. If you like unique, atristic, designer, chic clothing then I would reccommned this store.
Yes, the clothes are gently used but I dont mind. I clean them and I am good to go. I get constant compliments and is asked "where in the world can I get that" I smile and say wasteland!!
I dont like going to a party or walking down the street to see four different girls in the same outfilt. Since I have been shopping here it has yet to happen, -
Review from Carlos C.
12/1/2011
Wasteland on Melrose has been my shopping haunt since I was a teenager, and funny thing is to see your 90's clothes suddenly becoming a HUGE fashion trend now today. Honestly. I should've kept all my Doc Martens in a freezer bag, and then resold them here for a ton of money.
REGARDLESS, I do love my Wasteland whenever I am shopping. I am a terrible shopper, get that straight. I hate going to stores and trying stuff on, but here I won't mind because usually I can find some really cool finds and usually they're pretty moderately priced.
Sometimes the staff can come off a little harsh but cmon, you would be too if you were stuck working there and dealing with tourists and totally weirdo people too.Listed in: favorites!
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Review from Dyeanna V.
North Hollywood, CA
9/30/2011
I really think they should spray the shit out of this place with some kind of air freshener because the in scents are just not doing it. They're just making my eyes bleed.
Anyway, this particular spot is better than the one in Burbank which is closer to me but lately I've been coming across some random ass clothing. Like clothing that you pick out and know for a FACT that no one in their right mind would purchase.
Example: A lace XXXXS green top with a fucking XXXL daisy plastered on the side of the sleeve for $27.00.
Like, really ? Would you pay $27.00 to walk around and look like an idiot ?
I won't lie, there are some items that are at a decent price and in a very good condition. Not so many selections to choose from if you want to buy a cute little pair of jean shorts. I suggest you go to American Vintage on Ventura for that*.
Btw, I recently got some cute boots for $16.00. Score! -
Review from Christina M.
Oakland, CA
10/15/2011
Yes, sometimes they sell three-year-old H&M pieces for nearly retail, but that's the beauty of selling to these zombies, you see? Case in point: I bought a vintage dress from them for $24. I had it for a year, gave it a fair amount of wear, and decided to sell it back, along with a bunch of other stuff. The girl behind the counter wearing some sort of Stevie Nicks cosplay outfit priced it for $45.
If you're discerning and patient, there are some great clothes at decent prices to be found. But it's always worth the gamble to sell - their overwrought "fashion-forward" imaginations tend to find value in the most random crap that I know I couldn't sell anywhere else. -
Review from Vicki C.
10/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've walked by this place a MILLION times whenever I'm on Melrose, but never thought of going in until my friend suggested it today.
The shop itself is a little dingy and dark. You can kinda tell you've walked into a consignment shop (not necessarily a good thing, see other reviews on the smell).
But I was pleasantly surprised, once I started browsing. A mixture of consignment and new pieces. My friends and I scored a new Rebecca Taylor shirt for less than $50, a Bebe jacket for $40, a Zara skirt for $16, and a Philip Lim dress for $100!
All in all, definitely worth a look if you are in the area, but be ready to do some digging. -
Review from Ritu K.
2/13/2012 1 Check-in Here
I think the notion of calling Wasteland a "thrift" store is a bit ill conceived. Some nice designer threads were prominent amongst the racks, but thrifty it ain't. Honestly I lose patience in these stores. Many of the styles seemed outdated and I just didn't have the will power to shift through the racks. I'm sure there were many hidden treasures, but I just didn't have the desire to go searching for them.
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Review from Tiffany N.
Westminster, CA
10/26/2011
The store is a bit dim. Shopping bags and oversized purses are not allowed in here. They will take it and give you a key as a trade, until you're done shopping.
You have to give yourself a lot of time because there's plenty of things in here to look at. A lot of cute things, designer items, and a few new things. A bit overpriced, but I really like this store!! -
Review from Emilia R.
Los Angeles, CA
2/29/2012
Lots of cool finds!
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Review from Kjfyg L.
Baldwin Park, CA
Updated - 9/15/2011
Sell only on Sunday or Monday's only
He's so very rude avoid manager dude!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/13/2011
It's a cool place to sell your high end gear
But seller b wear don't sell clothes tue - sat unless u… Read more »
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Review from Anna L.
Northridge, CA
8/22/2011
Wasteland is great if you have the time to fish. I love coming here when I'm vintage shopping. They often have 24 & 25 waist used jeans in stock which I love! This is a great location for skinny shoppers :-)
You can also find funky clothing and dresses. The great thing about Wasteland is that you can come regularly and see different things every time!
Tip: gather what you don't wear anymore but that is nice enough to sell and you can swap! It's fantastic fun!Listed in: Personal favorites
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Review from Erica L.
8/28/2011 7 Check-ins Here
Wasteland excites me. After a long hiatus away from shopping, mentally unplugging myself from obsessing about latest fashion trends, and focusing on life's other priorities while utilizing a select, timeless core capsule wardrobe of clothes, I felt the urge to branch out again.
Clothes are meant to be worn, wardrobes updated, and fashion experimented with, and there's no better playground to experiment with designer findings than Wasteland. Rather than spunk a bunch of money for full retail price, why not come here, look through the racks, and pull out second-hand items for a fraction of their original price? Sure is a lot easier on the wallet, in my opinion. And besides, I'm recycling!
I usually visit Wasteland once a quarter, and walk away with at least 4-5 hot items. Some great finds that fleshed out my wardrobe were:
- cute Betsey Johnson sweetheart dress.
- body-hugging yet comfortable slashed cotton dress, below-the-knee (easily dressed up or down).
- lavender purple lambskin leather jacket, studded, with zippers
- silk square-neck tank top.
- fashion diagonal-cut tank top.
- short tank dress, perfect for heels.
- Citizens of Humanity black leggings, brand-new, durable, and which make my butt look phenomenal.
- black silk Vince pants -- super comfortable!
- grey wool designer shorts -- perfect for LA winters, paired with stockings.
- Vivienne Westwood sailor shorts, with big fun buttons.
For all the above, I spent less than $675 total. Each time I wear my Wasteland clothes, I get compliments.
I heart Wasteland!
p.s. not sure what other 1-star Yelpers are on about with the customer service...I've only received really nice customer service from staff. Go figure. -
Review from Gaby G.
Hermosa Beach, CA
11/24/2011
Unlike most vintage stores, Wasteland has a sufficient amount of racks to handle their merchandise (thank god!). I personally hate when the clothes are packed so tightly that you can't even see what's there.
There are many different styles in the store-- from hollywood grunge to contemporary. The "Wasteland Designer" pieces are a bit overpriced for what they are, though some are pretty unique.
I was surprised to find the same "Jack" brand pleathor jacket that I had purchased NEW at Crossroads last year for $30 at Wasteland USED for $45. Granted, $15 isn't all that much money and this may be an isolated incident, but it still makes me question their pricing. I don't know about you, but when I go into a vintage store I expect to be SAVING money.
Overall, the selection is vast and the layout of the store makes it easier than most places to find those gems we're all searching for. -
Review from Robin S.
Nashville, TN
8/30/2011
I'm in town for work for a few weeks, and have had some time to kill. An LA friend suggested I check out Wasteland for some inexpensive designer options.
At first when I walked in, I thought I wouldn't find a thing--it's one of those places where you have to be in the mood to look through all the racks. Clothes are arranged by style (i.e. designer dresses, tops, sweaters, etc.) and not by size. I found a TON of great stuff though!
My friend told me that it's basically the clothes the stars wear once and can't wear again, so this is where they end up. I got a Tracy Reese sweater (tags still on it!) for $25 and a Helmut Lang dress for $35. Some various other tops for less than $20 each.
I can't wait to go back and see what's new. I just need to give myself at least an hour or more! I was in a rush last time.
I won't ever be here to sell clothes to the store, but the process looked pretty simple and painless. -
Review from Sonny D.
Los Angeles, CA
1/11/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Way overpriced and I have found better looking clothes at Goodwill. This place is way too hipster for me, as they style in here makes me roll my eyes. Give me Goodwill and Crossroads any day.
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Review from Jena O.
Los Angeles, CA
11/14/2011
Great HUGE vintage store if you have time to dig & have some money. I prefer to clean out my closet and trade if I see something I have to buy. I always love the jewelry they have. Some of the clothing is expensive which is disappointing but there are some good finds here. The employees here are very easy going and have great style. Parking is okay in residential. Oh..I have seen a few well known actors in here too.
My favorite store to buy/sell/trade. -
Review from Agnes K.
Torrance, CA
5/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
$25 for a pair of old denim Levi shorts??? Uhhhh, I could find a pair at Goodwill for $2.
I was bummed when I came here yesterday. The prices have gone up, and it's ridiculous, considering these are SECOND HAND. I understand the designer clothes being on the more expensive side, but raggedy looking shirts being $20+ is a rip off. -
Review from Casey T.
Los Angeles, CA
5/10/2011
I have never been in a vintage store that sells designer jeans - all for under $60!! (The Hudsons I tried on were $26!) Everything here is great quality and the prices are unbeatable. I came on a saturday and it was packed so I may try to come back during the week when they are less crowded for a less intense shopping experience. Everyone that works here was super friendly and helpful. A +! Best vintage store I've ever been to.
I walked out with three dresses and a huge chunky necklace - all for under $100! If thats not amazing, I don't know what is. -
Review from Lauren L.
3/27/2011
You're a second-hand consignment store.
....i'm not going to pay $28 for a blue knit sweater.
Wasteland is a place where you will most definitely waste your money. Case in point: I saw a dress on the rack that was from H&M and I actually have this same EXACT dress that I bought about a year and a half ago. I paid $38 for the dress at the time. When I looked at the price tag on the dress at Wasteland, guess how much it was? $28. Uhmmm, this is a complete rip-off. Yeah, I know they need to make a profit too, but seriously...they're starting to stretch this concept a bit too much.
For the record, i've been coming here since it opened, and i've noticed that it's becoming increasingly more and more expensive. I'm not even kidding and/or exaggerating when I say this. I went here the other day, and ratty, old T-shirts were around $16-$24 bucks -- and I keep thinking to myself "is this a consignment store or what?!" Dresses were minimum $24 bucks...and that's a minimum. I saw some for $34 bucks, $38, and more. I'm trying to snap myself out of this shopping dream, but it's real. And expensive. I'm willing to pay money for clothing, but again, this is a consignment second-hand store. Come on folks. -
Review from Sunny K.
Los Angeles, CA
1/27/2011
Roberto Cavali Black Peep Toe Pumps (barely worn) $125.00
Balenciaga Turquoise Pointy Toe Pumps (barely worn) $35.00
Charles Jourdan Classic Gray Pumps (barely worn) $45.00
Unknown beautifully tailored jacket with gorgeous button details (needs some slight repair) $45.00
For years I have found some unbelievable treasures at Wasteland.
I'd like to thank all of you Lindsey Lohans and Nicole Riches of LA.
Is Sunny happy? Yes... Sunny is VERY happy. -
Review from Vanessa G.
Pomona, CA
3/21/2012
First time I sold, I was 14 years old, that was almost 20 years ago! They bought so much stuff from me, even stuff I hand made. I really love this store. I haven't been in a long time, but from what I remember, the guys that work there are totally stuck up and no one is friendly, but whatever. They have a great selection, new to vintage, Dior to Diesel, Chanel to Fred Perry. Love it, love it, love the variety. Such cool and classy pieces at the same time. I think I will lug over some of my stuff soon.
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Review from Bree M.
Los Angeles, CA
2/24/2011
I've never been able to walk out of here without SOMETHING.
They have great clothes and a great layout and even though I usually pick out the $250 dresses on sight (and have to back put them back) I always find something unique and fitting. I get compliments on everything I get from this place.
The dressing room line can get a bit long AND not tons of accessories if you're looking for that--the only downfalls -
Review from Amanda D.
Los Angeles, CA
11/21/2010
Pretty expensive for a thrift shop... and they will NEVER take your stuff to buy. As if your stuff is NEVER good enough for them. Well, I don't attempt to sell my master piece of wardrobe anyways just to prove that I am cool.
I only try to find shoes here: found a pair of Adidas SLVR wedges sneakers that was rad.
People watching. The sales associates are well dressed...as well as many people that shops here. You know, good looking people watching worth the inflation of price. You feel like so in when you are buying used designer cloth -
Review from Heather C.
New York, NY
12/11/2010
Great finds here. I bought many of my outfits from here at first...
They have great hats and shoe selections if your looking for frye boots. -
Review from Michelle S.
Tempe, AZ
3/27/2011
On the hunt for something that will say, "I'm not a skank, I'm not a trend-whore, I'm not rich"....maybe something with an interesting cut or fabric or color.
My boyfriend took me here (very cool, extra points for him) but I was really underwhelmed by the selection. The prices were to be expected for Melrose, and I would gladly pay double or triple for something that looked UNIQUE.
I will be trying again soon - because you can never be sure, maybe I just went on a bad day. -
Review from sal c.
Los Angeles, CA
9/6/2011
I am a regular seller and shopper at this location and I love it! These buyers really know what they are doing. People get irritated that they dont buy a lot, but that is the beauty of this place...they only have the best of the best.
I got my boyfriend a Rag and Bone shirt and RRL jacket for like 100 bucks. Steal if you ask me. I think the people that complain don't really understand the concept of this store. Its fashion based! If it looks cool, they can jack up weather it be name brand or not!
My advice, bring a few awesome pieces if you want to sell, leave your mall crap at home. And go there with a lot of time. You have to look through every rack :) -
Review from Soh Riel I.
Los Angeles, CA
2/2/2011
Some people understand that there is a difference between clothing and fashion. Clothing is just a shirt that you drape over your back, commonly and casually dress yourself in, etc. Fashion tends to be a clothing item that holds some artistic and aesthetic value and must be appreciated.
So what do you do when you have some designer fashion items that you don't just want to throw away because you feel they still need to be appreciated? I would suggest Wasteland as a good place to sell or trade them. I shopped here a lot more before I became "financially challenged", but the trade-ins helped to bring in some extra dollars.
Example: I acquired a vintage Moschino shirt that was absolutely beautiful, but I knew that I would not wear it anyplace special. It seemed to be better suited for someone with a longer torso, and it also happened to be white. I'm much too cavalier to wear white. So, I took it (and a few other things) to Wasteland and they were happy to take them. I also felt better knowing that someone would appreciate such great items that were much too nice to just throw away or collect dust.
I know some of the customers complain about the pricing, but since I have some experience in this realm, I understand there is a whole strategy behind how things are priced and what they determine to be saleable. It runs the gamut between customer satisfaction, customer traffic, trends, and so forth. I did like a lot of what they had to offer and I don't think most items were too overpriced. I especially like their selection of shoes and t-shirts. The fashion accessories are mostly flea market quality sunglasses and stuff. They do carry some designer items, but that all depends on what the sellers bring in and whether they can pay a fair price and still make money off of it.
Yes, the staff at the Melrose Wasteland is particularly haughty. However, a couple of them seemed to be from the pages of a magazine ( men find haughtiness of this caliber to be entertaining and "exciting"), so I was not bothered by it too much. I also think it has something to do with the local culture. Who does not know that Los Angeles/Hollywood is shallow & arrogant? And that only speaks for those who are not on drugs! Yes, it does help to be a bit glamorous if your going to be haughty, it doesn't really go well with average looks.
By comparison the Santa Monica store is more of a laid-back, hipster atmosphere, and they tend to be friendlier. Each store seems to have its own preferences so it is a good idea to know what they look for if you're going to trade. They may not buy some common/ordinary stuff, but they did buy my vintage Lacoste, and some Calvin Klein shirts. -
Review from BOO a.
Los Angeles, CA
Updated - 11/16/2011
i found these Dior Homme boots for $120, i was sooo excited when i spotted them. Gorgeous leather blk boots.
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Review from Cynthia P.
Beverly Hills, CA
7/15/2010
BOUNCED CHECK FROM CORPORATE OFFICE -- NO RESPONSE FROM STORE - BE VERY CAREFUL!!!!
Went in last weekend and sold some stuff -- had tons of clothes, shoes, etc. I was excited to receive a check, but was warned that Wasteland's corporate account had been hacked and that the check would be good on Monday for deposit. I didn't worry and deposited the check on Monday afternoon -- the checked bounced and I have been calling the office for two days straight and not one person has returned my call. I will be going to the store immediately after work - to get my money. Last time I deal with them!!Comment from Cheryl C. of Wasteland 7/31/2010
Wasteland had a fraudulent check written on our account.… More » -
Review from Anthony Y.
Orange, CA
8/16/2011
Wasteland is probably one of my favorite store on Melrose. This is a second hand / vintage store. They sell both second hand designer brand clothing and also no name vintage clothing. If you look carefully for there second hand designer clothing, there's a good chance you will find some bargain deals. They have brands such as APC, Band Of Outsiders, Opening Ceremony, etc. The thing with these second hand clothing store is that before you buy it, you have to check carefully for the condition since there may be a rip, missing button, etc. The vintage section is a rip-off though, they sell ragged looking no brand t-shirt for $20... This is one stop that i will continue to make while i'm around the Melrose area.
