Thrifting at antique malls and flea markets is an experience unlike any other.
There’s just something about old things. It’s more than having that vintage vibe for your Instagram feed or even securing a one-of-a-kind item. For Generation Z, thrifting is a part of the culture. A recent ThredUp resale report shows that over 40 percent of thrift store customers are from Gen Z. From clothing to furniture, this generation is fighting the single-use norm and finding alternative ways to decorate and accessorize their lives.
“I feel like people are looking for unique items that can’t be found anymore,” says Walter Lynn, owner of Caldwell’s Antique Mall and Flea Market. “[Customers] like the original look over reproduction, and the history behind the items they’re buying. For me, being a collector is the thrill of the hunt. There’s nothing more exciting than finding that special piece that you just fell in love with.”
Caldwell’s Antique Mall and Flea Market has been in Muncie for over 10 years, located on North Wheeling Ave. The homey environment draws a crowd and plenty of compliments from customers. Perhaps it’s Walter’s passion that keeps the people coming. He says his life-long love of antiquing can be attributed to his father.
“It is the history, as well as the timelessness. They just don’t make things like they used to,” Walter says. “I enjoy finding out where things have come from, how old they are, and learning about the people who have owned them if possible.”
The vendors at Caldwell’s bring a variety of options to the table. It’s the uniqueness of each booth that makes antiquing fun for anyone that walks in the doors. In the front corner, you can find modern, flipped items as well as new clothing in Shirley’s booths. In the back corner, there’s Mike’s Record shop with a variety of vinyls for people with all different music tastes. Weaved everywhere in between are booths that display collectibles, furniture, treasures, and gifts from the past. Even the customers become a part of the collection with their own stories to tell as they walk through. It’s an experience you can’t get online, but Walter acknowledges the struggle with the digital age we live in.
“Some of our vendors do put things on Facebook Marketplace, but I think that most people like to be able to look at [pieces] in person because a lot of things you can see when it’s in front of you that you can’t see in a picture,” Walter says. “It’s just the thrill of going to a flea market, going through all the different booths, and finding that hidden treasure.”
For new thrifters, antiquing is full of opportunities. Starting off can be quite easy according to Walter. The rise of “flipping” items has been big because it not only is a good way to make money, but it lights the spark in people to hunt for the hidden gems. A lot of people like to take items that might be tucked far into booths and turn them into the next statement piece to live a second life. If flipping is too much work, or too creative, sometimes finding a good item can be as easy as reselling. You just might have to do some research before your next trip to the mall.
“[Running an antique mall] actually takes a lot more work than you would think,” Walter says. “You spend a lot of time looking for the items that you think would sell best. Your money and time goes into the piece. A lot of time is spent in cleaning it up as best as you can, sometimes you put money into fixing it up or making minor adjustments needed. [But] it’s a lot of fun when you get into it.”
So whether you’re bored on a Tuesday or out of ideas for the perfect holiday gift, antiquing can be the hobby you didn’t know you were looking for. It gives items their next life, supports small business owners, and helps fight single-use production. I mean, who doesn’t love a little history and that good ‘ole vintage charm?
Sources: ThredUp
Images: Katie Catterall
Featured Image: Katie Catterall
