My goal is to find every worthwhile antique store in the country (starting with the East Coast). Large or small - if it has reasonably priced true-vintage goodies… I’m interested! My focus is on finding multi-dealer stores primarily filled with “smalls.” I love furniture and store displays as much as the next person, but I’m looking for things that can fit in my car or suitcase. Glassware, china, fabric, ephemera, holiday decor, tins, books, jewelry, craft supplies, perfume bottles, dresses, toleware, novelty items, floral paintings, etc. I have a lot of collections… and I’m sure you do too!

 

Some places are good for resale, some places are good for growing personal collections. I hunt for both. I tend to avoid highfalutin antique stores where the average person (including myself) likely can’t afford the beauties inside. Great for window shopping, but not for purchasing at this stage in life. I like a good deal and typically judge prices by whether or not I can find it cheaper online. During my reporting, I’ll be honest about whether prices are reasonable and I’ll ALWAYS be honest about what I call the “vintage-to-crap ratio.” 

 

What do I define as “crap?” Homemade candles/soaps, reproductions bought at Homegoods, imported beads, MODERN Christmas, and yard sale junk (and I don’t mean vintage yard sale junk - I’m talking broken scarecrows from HobbyLobby and opened packages of toilet paper. I’ve seen it all.) These things might be fun on their own (and it’s great to support small businesses), but maybe they don’t belong in an ~antique~ mall? After all, we’re hunting for true-vintage here! It’s become increasingly hard for sellers to source vintage. Many stores have turned towards selling reproductions and gift shop items. Again, the stuff can be fun. But if you’re looking for lots of VINTAGE, follow along. I’ll be honest about which places aren’t worth wasting the gas on. 

 

And what authority do I have to decide which antique stores are good and which suck? None! One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. I don’t work at Sotheby’s and can’t tell you squat about how to identify Louis XIV antiques. I judge things by whether they’re fun, interesting, and well-priced. I’m 26 years old and have been collecting vintage since I was a little girl. I already have too much stuff (just rented another storage unit. Whoops!). I live for the hunt. 

 

So, if you like fun, affordable “smalls,” follow along on my journey to find all the best places in the USA! I’ll hit flea markets, thrifts, and consignment stores along the way, of course. Have any recommendations? Let me know! I’d take word of mouth over Yelp any day. 

 

Be sure to checkout my Instagram page too - @VintageFindsByEmma. I post videos and stories from every antique place I find, along with breakdowns of my hauls, loot shoots, etc.