Page 22 - JOA-July-22

inexpensive. Today, these shops are big business – and more often than $30 but it is priced at $50. If you are willing to take the chance, furni-
not they are for-profit. The owners tend to be a bit more fussy about what ture and other unpurchased goods will go for a much lower cost toward
they are willing to take in on consignment or purchase outright and then the end of the sale. It is a risk, but there can be a reward if you are lucky.
resell in their storefronts. There are plenty of nonprofit thrift stores to Variety: This is where variety is king, although it does tend to be a
visit, as well as home-grown single-owner and franchised shops. thorough selection of things that were popular within a certain era,
Savers, Inc. is one example of an international privately held thrift depending upon the age of the owners of the home. If you find a lot of
store retailers with over 315 locations in the United States, Canada, and LPs from the 1970s and ‘80s, chances are that was “their era” and you
Australia. Savers was founded 68 years ago in San Francisco, and is will find many other categories of things from that time period.
owned by private equity firms Ares Management and Crescent Capital Everything from flatware to dishware, to beds and bedspreads, to cloth-
Group. Savers is also known as Value Village and Village des Valeurs in ing and personal items, to tools and books all encompass a lifetime of
Canada. And although they may partner with local nonprofits, some accumulation now fresh to the market. (If the owners were antiques
stores have been called out for continuing to take donated items after dealers, you may have hit the jackpot!)
breaking with a nonprofit and not sharing that information with the
public, thereby misleading shoppers. They do purchase items outright. Stop #4 – Antique Shops
What to look for: This is the place to find what is on trend if you are Walk into a place designed to delight buyer and seller
visiting a privately held thrift store. At a nonprofit version, look for
unusual household and decorative items that are sometimes overlooked.
Don’t be afraid to pick up something that may look dirty and see if a
little soap or shine will bring it back to life.
Pricing: While pricing tends to be extremely low, at times those
online “asking” prices may have a negative affect on the person doing
the pricing. Don’t be affraid to make an offer.
Variety: Thrift Stores are more popular with vintage finds rather
than antique finds. They also offer a quick turn-over of goods – some-
times on a daily basis. If you are looking for something specific, don’t
be afraid to ask if they may have something that has not yet made it on
to the sales floor yet. Often, they will know one way or the other.

Stop #3 – Estate Sales
A big step up from a tag sale with quality goods typically held in a home Antique Shops are where people go to see, and be seen. Keep your
expectations higher and your eyes peeled for what is “hot,” what is
unique, and what is in your wheelhouse.
It doesn’t hurt to do your homework before shopping at at shop or
show. Talk to friends who have visited in the past and learn about what
types and eras of goods sell there. Is it more vintage or modern or
antique in nature? Is the staff friendly and helpful? Are the prices what
you expect? Google is great, but in person discussion is always
best. Maybe one person did not like the shop because it was too “prim-
itive” or too “Mid-Century Modern.” But, maybe that is just what
you’re looking to purchase.
If you are a frequent buyer, look for new stock that is added to the
inventory, and be aware of what items do not seem to move – is it the
price? the condition? or just out of style? Stay aware of trending items
and the changing pricing that goes along with popularity
Estate Sales have turned into a place to buy that is the next best If you are looking to resell, visit areas of the shop or individual
thing to an Antiques Shop. For so many professionals, Estate Sales are booths that feature sales. You can always ask for the best price and let
where you go to buy higher-value items that can range from leftover them know you are buying to resell. Dealer to dealer negotiations can
detergent to a high-end dining room set with all the fixins’. bring out the best in both interested parties. If you are at a multi-dealer
One thing to be aware of: because Estate Sales are known for higher brick-and-mortar shop, the employees know how to reach the seller and
quality and higher priced goods, some people will hold what they call relay your offer to them.
an Estate Sale that may turn out to be a glorified Garage Sale. In that What to look for: Be on the lookout for great furniture, antiques with
regard, if you are looking for the real thing, you may want to go to one provenance, hand-hewn goods from craftspeople as well as folk art
that is managed by a professional. The benefit is often they have helpers goods from naive artists. If you are looking for something specific and
working who can assist with bringing things out to your car, will hold see other related items, talk with the dealer to see if they have the item
items as you look at other things, and price or get a price for unmarked or if they could keep their eyes out for what you want – an extra set of
items. The manager tends to know their “stuff” and knows how to eyes is always good to have on your side.
negotiate. They tend to promote upcoming sales that may have what Pricing: Expect to pay more for high quality items. While the market
you are looking for so it is worth getting to know them and sign up for prices for antiques and collectibles are always on the move, this is where
their mailing list. you find investment pieces along with not-quite high-end auction pricing.
Estate Sales let you delve into the home and the lifestyle of the Variety: Antique Shop ownersm may choose to center around a
owner, allowing for a deep dive into their era of collections, furniture, particular style or era of vintage or antique. If you are interested in 18th
smalls, soft goods, and maintenance items. Look not only at the featured century furniture, there is probably a shop for that. The same applies if
items, but those tucked away in a corner such as personal things that you enjoy industrial, mechanical, and “useful” goods; if you swoon over
may fit right in with your aesthetic. architectural elements; or if you want to see a great variety of things and
What to look for: Pick a room and dive in to all things dining or explore the sheer quantity of decorative arts and craft.
kitchen, or bedroom-related. Go to the basement and garage for tools Antique Shops can also offer the widest and best selection of
and crafts along with stored items that can be surprising. Look for older ancient, antiques, collectibles, vintage, space-age, and modern goods
books in great condition. Jewelry is almost always near the cashier, you have—and haven’t—seen.
along with other valuables. Bring a loupe! It is all out there waiting for you. Meeting others who share your
Pricing: The price you pay will be more in keeping with the value interests, learning about or teaching others what you know, is always
assigned by the manager or the owner. You may want that side table for wonderful. Shopping in person: priceless.

20 Journal of Antiques and Collectibles