Cache

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In 1975, the company that would eventually become Cache was founded under the name Atours Incorporated. East Coast based initially, Cache would purchase high-end clothing from American and European luxury brands and resell them in a boutique environment. The store specifically positioned itself as an alternative to the impersonal feel of shopping at major department stores. With customer service at its forefront, Atours quickly became successful and went public in 1981. In 1983, the company changed its name to Cache in the hopes of better appealing to high-end customers.

After encountering some financial troubles during the '80s, Cache bounced back in the early 1990s and established itself as a staple in luxury shopping malls. In 1998, Cache acquired the bankrupt fleet of Lillie Rubin stores--creating a niche for itself in several previously untapped markets across the country. It also continued opening new boutiques of its own throughout the '90s and early 2000s. Unfortunately, Cache wasn't able to sustain such rapid growth, and the company stopped being profitable in 2011. In 2015, the chain declared bankruptcy, closed all its stores, and liquidated its inventory. The Cache brand name is now under the ownership of Salus Capital Partners, which claims to be exploring options to revive it eventually, but no progress has been made so far.

Women's Merchandise

Products

Even though Cache no longer sells new clothing, many of the most popular styles from its heyday are still great options to buy via resale. Dresses were the brand's top commodity, and you could find them in a number of different styles. Day dresses like shifts, maxi-dresses, shirtdresses, and jersey dresses are great options for more casual occasions, while cocktail dresses, sheaths, little black dresses, and bodycon dresses can be worn for upscale or business-casual functions. Cache was also well known for its selection of formal gowns--perfect for events like the prom or weddings.

In addition to dresses, you could also find plenty of casual everyday apparel for women. Tops included tees, tanks, tunics, and blouses--often with unique patterns or adornments. Outerwear options ran the gamut from sweaters and shrugs to blazers and leather jackets. In pants, jeans were often designed with embroidery and other embellishments to complement the latest cuts and washes. Shorts and skirts were also popular bottoms and available in many different lengths. In terms of intimates, you could find plenty of bras, panties, and lingerie, as well as sleepwear.

Swap.com's Rating of Cache

For many teens, trips to Cache were a tradition during prom season because it was so well known for its selection of gowns. Even though the brand doesn't have stores anymore, however, you can still find a very wide array of formal dresses available secondhand (most of which have only been worn once). Cache clothing beyond dresses certainly appeals to a very specific niche of shoppers because its designs so frequently feature flashy patterns and embellishments, but if they fit your taste, you can find consignment apparel in almost every major category. On the whole, we give Cache 3.5 stars out of 5.