BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT:Clothes quarters

For those who want to be clothed from head to toe in designer duds but don’t want to spend a fortune, Galaxy Exchange should be on the radar.

The Costa Mesa shop was one of the pioneers of the high-end buy-sell-trade concept in Orange County, owner Cameron Saliari said.

Big-name brands and designers line the walls and racks, including Marc Jacobs, Diesel, Hurley, Volcom, Rvca and others.

Saliari worked in the film and vintage clothing industries before peeking behind the Orange Curtain and finding the void eight years ago.

Since his opening, similar stores have popped up around town, which Saliari welcomes as friendly competition and a way to get the word out about his type of store.

But, Saliari said, his store is unlike others because of his and other employees’ discerning eyes when it comes to buying clothes from customers.

“We pretty much concentrate on having the best quality clothes,” Saliari said. “It’s what the customers want.”

Customers also want the local brands, many of which are headquartered in Costa Mesa. The store’s biggest sellers seem to be entirely local.

“This area is a big part of the fashion industry, especially in action sports apparel,” Saliari said. “You have Vestal, Volcom, Paul Frank, Hurley — they’re all internationally known companies.”

And you can get all the brands for a fraction of the price. A T-shirt that could cost anywhere from $20 to $50 may only set you back $15 at Galaxy Exchange.

But the major savings seems to be in their jackets, coats and designer jeans. Many of the jeans, which unlike many thrift stores aren’t shredded to pieces, may cost $80, but the ticket price at the department store would be significantly higher, sometimes double.

“They have great jackets — I’ve found a couple really great coats there,” Galaxy Exchange customer Chad Coltman said.

And don’t worry about getting second-hand clothes from this shop. Everyday, Saliari sends out clothes he’s purchased or traded from customers for dry cleaning or to be laundered. When they return, they’re processed, priced and checked again before being put on the rack. If someone tries a garment on, they are meticulously checked again and steam cleaned before they can return to the rack, Saliari said.

“I always say we’re like the post office,” Saliari joked.

The store is also staunch on the rules, which were set up to protect other businesses from theft. In order to sell or trade with the Galaxy Exchange, the seller must have a valid photo identification. The information gets recorded each time.

The clothes also have to be in good condition so the store’s commitment to quality remains in tact.

Coltman, who is a fairly regular customer, said he appreciates the store’s fastidiousness. Although he said not everything he brings in to sell is accepted, he likes the high-end feel and selection at Galaxy Exchange.

“Galaxy Exchange especially has really great clothes,” Coltman said. “Other thrift stores take whatever they can get, but Galaxy Exchange are a little more selective so there’s better stuff in the store and they have great prices.”

During his Saturday visit, he sold a pair of shoes back to the store and bought an $18 shirt he’s sure he would have paid top dollar for at another retailer.

“You just can’t find clothes that cheap at the mall,” Coltman said.

Customers like Coltman keep Galaxy Exchange busy, and Saliari said they are extremely busy. Aside from some local advertising, which he said he doesn’t do anymore, the store runs off word of mouth and customer referrals.

Coltman said he has referred his friends to the store.

To check it out, go to 1914 Harbor Blvd., near the Pasta Connection. For more information, call (949) 764-9412.