The difference between a thrift store and antique shops
Thrift stores are popping up everywhere. Knowing the difference between shopping at a thrift store and shopping at an antique store in Southampton can save you a lot of trouble down the road. Thrift stores are mostly established from items donated by people in the community. In other words, it’s mostly someone else’s trash. Antique stores are a treasure trove of pieces from the past that have been carefully selected and put up for sale.
A lot of thrift stores are established as non-profits for churches and other goodwill organizations as a way to earn money from other people’s charity. There are many good treasures to find at a thrift store but unless you know what you are looking for, finding really good, valuable treasures are probably best to be discovered at an antique shop.
Thrift stores are a great place to find household items that you are actually looking to use right now. Antique stores are a great place to find antique and vintage household pieces that will make great décor for your home. At thrift stores, you can find cool retro dinner plates that are actually usable. Antique stores are where you may find that antique eggbeater that will look great on your wall.
Make no mistake, occasionally you will find that rare antique piece in a thrift store that no one actually noticed has value. As stated before, however, you need to have an eye for what you are looking for or know what you are looking at when you see it and snag it. It won’t be there for long. Looking for key antique and vintage pieces would probably be found in an antique shop found by a dealer who actually knew what they were looking at.
There are so many treasures to find whether in a thrift store, flea market or antique store. You are only limited by your imagination. Many people find the thrill of the hunt the exciting part of thrift store shopping. Others still, want to walk into an antique store with something specific in mind. Whatever you are trying to achieve, there is room for everyone in both places.
Antique stores are a dying art form and those still standing are run by top-notch dealers who understand the importance of preserving our past. When you find a well-established antique store, visit it and visit it often for only the successful ones have survived and will continue to thrive through any kind of market. The key to antiques is to understand what is in demand at the moment, what has the potential to become in high demand and what has lost all its magic.
When you are looking for a great antique shop in Southampton, look no further than Antique Allure. We are a large antique shop featuring numerous, qualified dealers who understand the importance of holding onto our past. When you aren’t looking for anything too deep or specific, browse your local thrift store. When you are looking for a certain antique or vintage piece and want to make sure you are getting the real deal, shop antique stores.
