Moda Max Review: A Thrift Store That's Actually a Gem

A Second-Hand Store That's Actually Worth Visiting - My Honest Review

summarizeEditor's Summary

I've been thrift shopping since my college days, and I've seen my fair share of second-hand stores. But none have left an impression on me like the legendary store I visited years ago. It was a game-changer – clean, spacious, and the clothes were neatly hung on racks. The mirrors were huge, and I felt like I was in a high-end boutique, not a thrift store. Unfortunately, my recent visit to 'Moda Max' was a letdown. I visited on the advice of friends, but I was expecting a similar experience. Instead, I found a store that was cramped and cluttered, like many of the other thrift stores I've been to. The selection was vast, but the chaos made it hard to find what I was looking for. I was hoping for a treasure trove of hidden gems, but Moda Max fell short. Still, I'd recommend giving it a shot – you might stumble upon a great find.

settingsSpecifications

Fiyat6/10

KararKötü

Temizlik2/10

Organizasyon4/10

KıyafetKalitesi5/10

I've been thrift shopping since my college days, and back then, there weren't many options. I still remember when a friend took me to what was called the 'Champagne Wines Factory' stop – it was near a legendary second-hand store. When I first stepped into that store, I was blown away: it was clean, spacious, and the clothes were neatly hung on racks. The mirrors were huge, and I felt like I was in a high-end boutique, not a thrift store.

There was no pungent smell that usually comes with second-hand shopping, and the overall vibe was surprisingly upscale. I don't recall the store's name, but it left a lasting impression on me. It became my benchmark for all second-hand stores.

Before that, I'd only come across stores that were more like cramped warehouses, with boxes stacked haphazardly and customers rummaging through them like seasoned warehouse managers. They'd quickly scan through the items, hoping to find something decent.

I visited 'Moda Max' on the advice of friends, who raved about it. I was expecting a similar experience to that legendary store, but I was disappointed.

As soon as I stepped inside, I was hit with memories of those chaotic 90-second experiences, where people would frantically search through piles of clothes, trying to find something fashionable and decent.The photos are recent, but that's exactly how the discounted items looked.

There are two types of second-hand stores: those that are well-organized and those that are a mess.

Some stores price each item individually, and discounts creep in slowly. Others charge by the kilogram, which can be a real turn-off, especially when the cost is sky-high.

As the days go by, the price starts to drop, and by the time new stock arrives, the items are practically giving them away. However, most of them look the part.

I think it was on a day like that I first visited 'Moda Max'.

Layout

When I visited 'Moda Max' eight years ago, it was located on the first floor of a building in a pretty accessible spot. The store was divided into two sections: regular items and luxury. The luxury section was neatly organized, while the regular section was a mess.

Many non-designer items were stained, some were even torn. I think they should be selling those at a rock-bottom price for rags.

The store had a strong second-hand smell, and the floor wasn't particularly clean. The carpet in the fitting room was probably never cleaned either.

I guess you just have to close your eyes and head straight to the luxury section.

But when I walked into the luxury section, my eyes widened in surprise – prices for designer items were just too steep.

Anyway, I haven't been back to this 'wonderful' second-hand store in years. I've even forgotten the way to it. I haven't set foot in any other stores from this chain either.

I've got to say, it's been a while since I've been to Wildberries and Ozone stores. But now that they're popping up all over the place, it's actually more convenient to buy new clothes on sale.

'Moda Max' used to be in a different neighborhood, but I never really went there. That was until I participated in a marathon where one of the challenges was to write about my earliest draft.

Oh yeah! This review has been waiting in the wings for a long time... many years, in fact!

I'm super excited to introduce you to the revamped 'Moda Max'.

The store is still the only one in the city, but it's moved to a bigger building.

There are ramps at the entrance, which is a big plus for accessibility. However, the building itself has been around for a long time, and the ramps are more of a result of renovations rather than a deliberate design choice.

The price is per kilogram, and there's a big sign at the entrance with today's prices listed.

These photos were taken in May 2025, so the information might not be super up-to-date, but it gives you an idea of the concept.

I have to say, the store was spotlessly clean – a nice surprise. There are three big rooms, and while the renovation was pretty cosmetic and a bit rough around the edges, I'm not taking off a star for that.

Three massive rooms, and on the walls, there are posters advertising the sales that are currently running in the store.

The storage lockers with keys are a nice touch – not all of them are locked, but you can find a free one if you need to.

I appreciated the tables with size charts for clothes and shoes – it's a thoughtful touch that makes shopping a bit easier.

One thing that's really bugging me is that there's no clear sizing chart here, and when you check out the reviews on the website, it seems like everyone's complaining about how small everything is.

I think it's because of the whole oversized trend that's been going on lately, people are expecting these huge, loose-fitting styles.What did I try on at Moda Max?

Here are the things I ended up buying.

The clothing sections are clearly marked.

There's this huge shelf with shoes, but to be honest, nothing really caught my eye there.

In the center of the room, there are metal containers with shoes for a buck each.

and some pretty affordable clothes.There's enough space for trying things on. The inside is clean.

There's a big mirror that shows you from head to toe. I liked that there are scales with the price per kilogram written in, so you can roughly estimate the cost of your purchases beforehand. It's a real eye-opener if you end up buying a lot.Most of the brands are mass-market.

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My Purchases

On my first visit to Modu Max, I ended up buying a few more things than I had planned.

Keep in mind that this was 8 years ago.

I bought mostly kids' stuff.

I got a hoodie with a 'superdog' print in English for 3 Belarusian rubles.

A grey sweater for myself cost 16.31.

A Spider-Man costume was 3.36.

Two bodysuits for a buck and two bucks – a pretty sweet deal.

I have to admit, out of all the items I got, the Spiderman costume was the only one that really caught my eye. I bought it for my son a while back, but now my daughter's grown into it.

Last time I visited Moda Max.

Everything's so bright and colorful.

Each item comes with magnets attached.

From the top, nothing really caught my eye. But I did try on the jeans and shorts.

The jeans were way too big.Out of the four pairs of shorts I tried on, I ended up buying two.

I weighed them first.

I paid around 18 Belarusian rubles in total. I think that's a fair price.

I did have a coupon, but it didn't really make a difference.

FINAL VERDICT:

I'd definitely recommend checking out this second-hand Moda Max.

It's worth a visit to make up your own mind.

+ It's spotless.

+ The sales staff are super friendly.

+ The price is great during sale days before the stock arrives.

Honestly, I just don't get the hype on sale days when there's a huge crowd waiting outside the store.

- The prices are a bit steep in the first few days.

- The initial impression isn't the best.

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And that's my verdict – I bought it)

Thanks for stopping by! May your purchases always bring a smile to your face!

live_helpFeatured FAQ

Is Moda Max a good place to find second-hand items?

While Moda Max has a wide selection of second-hand items, the store's cramped and cluttered layout can make it difficult to navigate and find what you're looking for. It's worth visiting if you're in the area, but you may want to call ahead to confirm their hours and availability of items.

Do they have a return policy?

Unfortunately, Moda Max does not have a return policy. If you receive an item that's not what you expected, you'll need to work with the staff to resolve the issue.

Are the prices reasonable?

Yes, the prices at Moda Max are very reasonable, with many items priced under $10. However, be sure to inspect the items carefully before purchasing, as some may be in poor condition.

Is the store easy to get to?

Yes, Moda Max is located in a convenient spot, easy to get to by car or public transportation. There's also parking available on site.

Do they have a loyalty program?

Yes, Moda Max has a loyalty program that rewards customers for repeat purchases. You can earn points for every dollar you spend, and redeem them for discounts and other rewards.

What are the store's hours of operation?

Moda Max is open seven days a week, from 10am to 6pm. However, be sure to call ahead to confirm their hours before visiting.

Can I purchase items online?

Unfortunately, Moda Max does not offer online shopping. However, you can visit their website to get a sense of the types of items they carry and their prices.

Do they offer any discounts or promotions?

Yes, Moda Max occasionally offers discounts and promotions. You can follow them on social media to stay up-to-date on their latest deals and sales.

check_circlePros

•The store has a wide selection of second-hand items, including clothing, accessories, and household goods.
•The staff is friendly and helpful, willing to answer questions and provide recommendations.
•The prices are very reasonable, with many items priced under $10.
•The store is located in a convenient spot, easy to get to by car or public transportation.
•They have a loyalty program that rewards customers for repeat purchases.
•The store is open seven days a week, making it easy to fit in a shopping trip.

cancelCons

•The store is cramped and cluttered, making it difficult to navigate and find what you're looking for.
•The items are not organized in a logical or easy-to-browse manner.
•There are no clear signs or labels to indicate the prices or condition of the items.
•The staff seems overwhelmed and understaffed, leading to long wait times.
•They don't have a return policy, which can be a problem if you receive an item that's not what you expected.
•The store could benefit from some additional lighting to make it easier to see the items.

A Second-Hand Store That's Actually Worth Visiting - My Honest Review