| Antique malls are one of the best sources for | | | | for something specific |
| finding retro kitsch and vintage treasures. They | | | | They may know where to guide you. If they |
| are great places to shop for the wealth of great | | | | don't know or are unsure, however, go ahead and |
| items offered in one concentrated location. As | | | | look around anyway. There are many hidden |
| these venues can be very overwhelming, | | | | treasures in an antique mall that sometimes go |
| however, it is best to arrive prepared! Here are | | | | unnoticed. |
| some tips and helpful information for making your | | | | Don't be afraid to explore and dig |
| trip fun and successful: | | | | Many dealers fill every last inch of their space, so |
| What it Is: The term "antique mall" refers to one | | | | go ahead and dig through bins, shelves, and racks |
| large store that typically houses an array of | | | | to reveal unseen treasures. |
| booths, or sections, whereby each one is rented | | | | Set a budget |
| by the owner, or dealer, of the goods. Booth | | | | Know what you are willing to pay for the items |
| spaces vary in size, depending on the amount of | | | | you are searching for. If you have no particular |
| items being featured. Any given booth may have | | | | items in mind, and you are just searching for |
| a focused collection of an item, such as old books, | | | | random treasures that appeal to you, then give |
| vintage clothing, record albums, etc., or you may | | | | yourself a total amount you wish to spend in that |
| see a hodgepodge of various items. | | | | mall (if monetary issues apply to you!). |
| Pricing: The dealer of the booth will price their own | | | | Bring someone with you |
| items, often with the term "firm" listed | | | | It is always good to have a second opinion when |
| underneath the price. This means that there is no | | | | shopping in an antique mall; it is also helpful to |
| negotiating on the price for that particular item | | | | have another person searching for the items on |
| (this is often seen on one-of-a-kind type finds or | | | | your list in case you miss something yourself. Plus, |
| rare and valuable items). For items without "firm" | | | | it's often more fun to share the experience! |
| listed, it is possible to inquire with the staff of the | | | | Give yourself plenty of time |
| antique mall about contacting the owner of the | | | | To get the full value of your shopping trip, you |
| booth for price negotiation. This can take time, | | | | need to not be rushed. The more time you have |
| however, and should only be done for items you | | | | for strolling, searching, and digging, the better your |
| are certain you wish to purchase for a | | | | chances of uncovering a treasure! |
| determined price. | | | | Bring a camera and take pictures |
| How to Shop an Antique Mall: | | | | Especially for higher-priced and larger items, it is |
| Make a list of specific items you're looking for | | | | good to photograph the item so that you can see |
| before you go | | | | if it will work in your home. Sales are usually final |
| Antique malls are full of so many eclectic wares | | | | at antique malls, so you don't want to impulse buy |
| that you can become easily overwhelmed and | | | | unless you are completely certain that the item is |
| distracted. Having one or more items on your | | | | right for you. |
| agenda helps keep youfocused on your particular | | | | Make frequent visits |
| search. | | | | If you like a particular antique mall, do go back |
| Educate yourself as much as possible about the | | | | often as dealers are always adding items to their |
| item(s) you are looking for | | | | booths. Also, the staff will begin to recognize you, |
| Does the piece have any identifiable | | | | and you can ask them to inform you if any of |
| characteristics? Is there a specific year or time | | | | your desired items become available. |
| frame for authentic items? What is the price | | | | Overall, an antique mall is a great arena to find a |
| range the item typically sells for or is worth? | | | | plethora of eclectic items for your retro home |
| Some dealers have no idea what they actually | | | | and personal style. By following the above |
| have, so they may think something is more or | | | | guidelines and tips, the antique mall shopping |
| less valuable than it actually is. | | | | experience can be one of the most fruitful and |
| Don't hesitate to ask the staff if you are looking | | | | fun in your quest for retro and vintage treasures. |