Discover Bradenton’s Vintage and Thrift Shop Crawl is well underway, making now the perfect time to head out in search of some amazing previously-loved treasures! Whether you’re a seasoned thrifter or you’re just dipping your toe into the wonderful world of secondhand goods, having a solid strategy can help you make the most of your shopping adventure.
We recently had a chance to chat with some local thrifting experts who shared a few pro tips. Here’s what they had to say.
1. Take Your Time
Secondhand shopping is truly a marathon, not a sprint, so give yourself enough time to really enjoy it. Spend some time looking through each aisle and rack.
When you see something that catches your eye, try envisioning how you might incorporate it into your space. The more patient and open-minded you can be, the more likely you are to find an incredible treasure.
2. Don’t Be Afraid to Think Outside the Box
Exploring your unique sense of style can be a ton of fun! Ashley Almazan Ciferno, owner of the local thrift and consignment store Segunda Vida offers this advice:
“Find the things you enjoy and be open to all possibilities instead of following design ‘rules’ and trends. The things that make your space perfect for YOU will take time to show up. Be patient, enjoy the process, and appreciate your ever-evolving space.”
3. Get the Inside Scoop
When you find a thrift or vintage store you really love, take the time to get to know the owners and/or managers. Not only are you likely to meet some really special people, but this is also a great way to learn some inside tips, such as which days the store commonly restocks items.
If you’re looking for specific types of items, the owner might even be willing to help you find them or reach out to you if they come across something that might interest you.
4. Look for Opportunities to Upcycle
“Upcycling” is the process of using items in a way that makes them more valuable or of a higher quality than they were originally.
For example, you might discover a beautiful antique dresser that has seen better days – but with a little paint and some TLC, it can become a stunning focal point for your space.
There are plenty of items you can give a second life to with just a bit of creativity.
Tess and Lisa from The Cat’s Meow: A Vintage Marketplace say that some of the most popular items people are buying and upcycling right now include chandeliers, coffee tables, wall mirrors
Antique maps and globes, books, china, and advertising signs.
Not sure how to upcycle your favorite items? Check out Pinterest for inspiration!
5. Bring a Friend
Everything is more fun with a friend, and thrift shopping is no exception! There’s nothing like a second opinion from someone you trust when you’re on the fence about whether an item deserves a space in your home or your wardrobe. It also never hurts to have a second set of eyes that can help you spot an exciting treasure you might have missed.
6. Keep Comfort in Mind
If you really want to enjoy your outing, make sure you dress comfortably.
Leave the stilettos at home and opt for some sneakers or flip-flops instead. And if you tend to get hot or cold, consider dressing in layers.
If you’re planning a long day of shopping (like our shop crawl, for example) you might want to bring some bottles of water and a snack with you – or plan to stop for lunch at one of Bradenton’s excellent local restaurants. Just make sure you pay attention to each store’s hours – you won’t want to arrive too late!
7. Enjoy the Experience
Finally, remember that a great day of thrift and vintage shopping is all about mindset! When you enter each store, try to find your Zen, and really embrace the experience. Carolyn Nees, owner of The Vintage Vine Market, suggests:
“When exploring a vintage store, take the time to appreciate the quality of older items and the uniqueness of the décor and apparel choices. Shopping vintage allows greater expression of your individuality while paying homage to earlier generations.”
Explore Bradenton’s Thrift & Vintage Shops!
It’s ALWAYS a good time to explore our local secondhand stores. If you want to double up on the fun, check out Discover Bradenton’s Thrift & Vintage Shop Crawl, which runs until the end of the day on April 25th.
Just pick up a card at any of the participating vendors, then visit each shop to get your card stamped. Leave your card at the last shop you visit, and you’ll be entered to win a grand prize!
You can find all the details here >> Thrift & Vintage Shop Crawl Details.
