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