Do you love buying things that are of top quality, unique, and rich in history? If so, antique stores are ideal for you. These kinds of shops allow you to discover something beautiful and valuable. Buying at these stores is also an eco-friendly choice. To learn more about antique stores, where you can find the best stores, and how you can find great deals within the stores, check out our article below.
What Are Antique Stores?
As the name suggests, an antique store refers to a retail store that focuses on selling antique items. Examples include antique furniture, jewelry, musical instruments, home decor, photographs, paintings, books, toys, and more. You can find these stores locally or online, thanks to the advancement of technology and the internet.
Antique stores are also often located at markets with sellers having their own stall or booth to display a wide range of unique items for sale. These antique shops may also be willing to purchase antique items from individuals.
Compared to thrift stores, antique stores usually cost more. However, you can find incredible deals. While prices in thrift stores are often fixed, antique shops allow more bargaining. Hence, it’s best to always negotiate the price and get unique items at a lower cost.
What’s amazing about antique stores is that sellers often know lots about the item. For example, you might get to learn the personal and family history behind a simple but sturdy and unique coffee table. You’ll appreciate a certain painting even more when you learn about the hard work and the story behind it.
Where To Find the Best Antique Stores
Excited to go antique shopping but don’t know where to start? We have you covered with our list of towns and cities with impressive antique stores.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Known for its rich cultural heritage, New Orleans is one of the best places to find antique stores in the U.S. For example, Royal Street is perfect for shoppers who want antique furniture, jewelry, artwork, clothing, and more. Moreover, Magazine Street is home to over 40 antique stores, where you can find a wide range of Victorian decor, vintage linens, and 18th-century furniture.
There’s always something for you that will make you want to collect more meaningful pieces.
Galena, Illinois
With its beautiful scenery and various historical sites, there’s no wonder why Galena has long been considered one of the coolest towns to visit in the U.S. It was also once the home of the country’s 18th president, Ulysses Grant. Moreover, Galena lands in the top antiquing places in Illinois and in the country. The Galena Antique District is ideal for those who want to take a break from the hustle and bustle in Chicago.
On Main Street, called the “Helluva Half Mile,” you can find interesting items at multiple shops. These include vinyls, old toys, books, collectibles, furniture, jewelry, and more. Some of the top shops to visit are Peace of the Past, Tin Pan Alley, and Red’s Iron Yard & Wholesale Barn. Peace of the Past offers record albums, vintage advertising, books, and several other unique items. At Tin Pan Alley, you can find a huge collection of French, Victorian, and Mid-Century Modern pieces. Meanwhile, Red’s Iron Yard & Wholesale Barn offers wooden wagons, iron wheels, vintage sleighs, and other rustic furniture.
Hazel, Kentucky
Hazel, Kentucky, is proof that you don’t need to be a big city to give antiquers the best experience. Hazel only has a population of around 400, but it’s considered the antique capital of Kentucky. It’s home to 14 antique stores, including Mantique Antiques, Horses’ Mouth, and Blue Moon Mantiques. At Mantique, you can find a great collection of gas pumps and advertising signs. Various lamps, furnishings, glassware, and much more are available at the Horse’s Mouth. Furthermore, Blue Moon Mantiques lets you choose different kitchen items and antique furniture.
Wiscasset, Maine
Are you looking for some antique weaponry, Americana, books, paintings, or early folk art? You can find them all in one of Maine’s gems, Wiscasset. This captivating hamlet used to be a Native American settlement. At the Wiscasset Antiques Center, you can find militaria, antique guns, and American Revolution antiques. What’s even more impressive is that some of these antique items are now displayed in popular museums throughout the country.
Palm Beach, Florida
Palm Beach is not just known for its lovely beaches, iconic resorts, and various outdoor activities. It’s also an ideal place for antiquers. Antique Row West Palm Beach, for instance, is home to over 40 antique shops with items from between the 17th and 20th centuries. The New York Times and Architectural Digest included Antique Row West Palm Beach in their list of top antique shopping places in the country.
Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City, Kansas, and Kansas City, Missouri also belong to the best antiquing places in the country. At 45th and State Line Road between Kansas and Missouri, different stores offer collectibles, artworks, vintage items, and curios. In West Bottoms, Missouri, First Fridays Festival allows vendors to sell different antique items on particular weekends from converted warehouses.
Clinton, Tennessee
Clinton has been recognized as the town with the most antique stores in the South. It’s also named one of the 10 best antiquing towns in the country. At Clinton Antique District, you can explore over 20 antique stores. While they’re primarily known for displaying Americana, you can also find European pieces in the stores. Whether you’re looking for clocks, home decor, furnishings, or china, these stores will satisfy your needs and preferences. Burrville Antiques, which is the oldest antique store there, offers home furnishings and primitives.
Adamstown, Pennsylvania
Adamstown, Pennsylvania is home to over 300 shops with various collectibles and antiques. Antiques Capital USA alone has over 5000 dealers. Curious shoppers will flock to these antique stores and malls and flea markets year-round. Antique Extravaganza makes Adamstown a must-visit too. During this time, you can expect longer shopping hours and more interesting antique finds from an even greater number of vendors.
How To Find Good Deals Within Antique Stores
One great thing about shopping at antique stores is that you won’t only find useful and meaningful items but you can also find incredible deals. With the right skills and approach, you can find the perfect pieces at the best prices possible.
Negotiate Courteously
If you’re still new to haggling in antique stores, make sure to be courteous when trying to negotiate the prices. You can start by asking, “Is this your best price?” and “Is it possible to go a little lower?” Moreover, make sure your counteroffer is reasonable. Around 10% to 20% of the original price would be ideal.
You can also raise the items’ imperfections, so these are considered in the final price. For example, the item may have some signs of wear or is slightly damaged. Stay polite by saying something like “Have you noticed this mark or scratch?” and “Could you adjust the final price to reflect the scratch?” Also, ask the seller if the piece has undergone restoration. This will have an impact on the antique’s value. Meanwhile, if the vendor is not open to negotiating, you can respond politely with “Sorry, it’s not in my budget.”
Bring Cash
Another tip for finding great deals at antique stores is to bring cash with you. Some antique malls and stores only accept cash and personal checks. You can also take advantage of any discounts given to those who pay with cash.
Watch Out for Exclusive Sale Days
Antique malls usually run special sales, and dealers may also participate in these sale days. Sometimes, the front desk may be willing to negotiate on behalf of the dealers. These dealers will leave instructions on the lowest price they’re willing to give. You can also ask the antique mall about clearance sales and then visit them during those days to score deals.
Be an Early Bird
Starting your day early helps increase your productivity, develop a healthy lifestyle, and experience greater success. When it comes to antique shopping, being an early bird also helps increase your chances of finding the best deals. Try to visit at least 30 minutes before the stores officially open. Areas around the market are usually accessible, although unofficially. Hence, you can use this time to discover hidden gems.
Do Your Research
Finding antiques is a more enjoyable experience if you do your own research. You can appreciate the items more, you’ll know exactly what you’re looking for, and you’ll learn how to haggle properly and effectively. For example, take the time to learn how much specific pieces cost. You can take a photo of the item, learn its history from the vendor, and then search for its value online.
Various sites will help you figure out the average value of a particular antique. For instance, you can check out eBay, and you might just find the exact piece. Kovels and Antique Price Guides can also help you see the pricing of different collectibles and antiques.
Ask To Include Related Items When Negotiating
Another smart antique shopping technique is to ask for related or matching pieces and get a lower price. Try to negotiate a discounted price for one item, and then show a hint of hesitation by telling the seller that you’ll be willing to accept the price if they include one more item. This gives you more opportunities to get a better price for your desired items.
Inspect the Items Thoroughly
Don’t worry too much if it’s your first time shopping for antique items. You can still find great deals by learning a few tips and tricks. For example, if it’s a porcelain item, you can tell that it’s authentic if after holding a flashlight up or simply using your phone, the light shines through. Moreover, you can differentiate sterling silver from plated through markings like “S/S,” “Sterling 925,” and “9.25.”
Consider how you’ll use the items you’re buying, too. For instance, if you love a certain artwork with a cracked frame on the back, you might still want to get it because it won’t be seen once you display it at home.
Create a List
When shopping for antique pieces, it’s best to prepare a list so you won’t forget about the things you need. Think about what your home lacks, like a vase, rug, or piece of art for your empty wall. Even though you have a list, you might also find items that you never thought you needed. However, think how or why you need these pieces to make sure you’re making the right choice.
Take Note of Your Favorite Sellers
Found an antique store or booth with impressive pieces that match your style and needs? Remember their booth number, and make sure to check out these booths first when you go antique shopping. Chances are you’ll find more beautiful items from these stores!
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for antique furniture, artwork, home decor, old toys, or other collectibles, antique stores have you covered. Places like New Orleans, Louisiana, and Galena, Illinois, also give you an incredible antique shopping experience. Apply the tips we’ve shared above to score even better deals on your next antique hunt.