After a weeks-long cyclone of renovations, the Twisted Threads Resale Store has finally opened its doors in West Brattleboro. Located at 1052 Western Ave. - the yellow building where Max's Restaurant used to be - the shop buys and sells "gently used" clothing for children and adults.

I just visited there for the first time to find a clean and shiny, open retail space with a variety of quality, brand-name clothing neatly organized by size. This is unusual for a resale shop. Charity thrift stores, and even some consignment shops, tend to have a wider-ranging inventory, with the trade-off that the sales floor gets easily cluttered, and the quality of the merchandise tends to range very widely as well.

Twisted Threads is choosier, purchasing only what the owners believe they can sell. According to the clothing purchase policy I picked up at the store, "We will sort and evaluate the items and make you an offer usually within three business days." The policy also states that the shop will "not accept ... stained, torn or excessive[ly] worn items."

You might expect these higher standards to result in higher prices. In some cases - particularly with European shoe styles and brand name outdoor children's gear - the prices were about a third of the new retail price, a bit more than a charity thrift shop would typically ask. But most of the clothing - pants, shirts, dresses, sweaters, etc. - is being sold at prices comparable to the prices you'll find at Experienced Goods downtown, or at the consignment shop in Putney.

The selection of children's and women's clothing - including a rack of nice maternity clothes - is lovely. The space itself is also sunny and pleasant and family friendly, and includes a bathroom as well as spacious and comfortable areas for nursing, diaper changing and trying on clothes.

I am trying to find something negative to say about this place, but I really can't. The only thing that concerns me is that the business model - high standards, low prices - might not be fiscally sustainable. I hope it is, though! We need more retail out here in West B., and this is a really nice-looking place. I encourage everyone to contribute to the store's sustainability by checking it out soon!

Twisted Threads is open for business 10-5 on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday; 10-6 on Friday; and 9-5 on Saturday. Clothing is accepted for purchase during regular store hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Parking is available behind the building and across the street at the post office (but don't park in the designated bank spots).