Clothes Mentor, in the Verizon Shopping Plaza across from Evergreen Walk, specializes in high-end labels — Banana Republic, J.Crew, Nordstrom, Coach, Chico's, Ann Taylor Loft and about 35 others — at bargain prices. The store stocks used, current-style misses, maternity, petite and plus-size name-brand clothing, along with designer bags, shoes, jewelry and accessories.

"The average cost of an item here is $11," says co-owner Johanne Upton, a former insurance claims adjuster who operates the shop with her sister-in-law and business partner, Wendy Upton.

Unlike consignment stores, which pay consignors only when items sell, Clothes Mentor buys new and like-new clothing outright and pays cash on acceptance. South Windsor 860-608-9833.