What’s In Store: Tampa Area Vintage & Secondhand
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After my recent trip back to my hometown of Tampa, Florida, I thought I’d share some of my favorite places to thrift. Despite living in New York which is known for its shopping, I think some of my best finds have been in Tampa —here are some of my secret spots!
Consignment
- Deja Vu Boutique (11125 N Dale Mabry Hwy in Carrollwood) You know that phrase “Lightning never strikes twice in one place?” Well, it’s not true for this store, because I have gotten so many great finds there, including two pairs of Marc Jacobs shoes (on separate occasions), Stuart Weitzmans for my mom, a BR ivory silk skirt, and my favorite striped dress. There’s a whole lot of Chicos-type mom clothes going on, but once you weed through that there are some true gems - and all of mine were around 80% off original retail.
- Triage Consignment (4912 S Lois Ave in South Tampa) I visited this store for the first time on my most recent trip home, and WOW. Triage is the size of a Salvation Army - more of a warehouse proportion - but is still as well organized as a boutique. About 3/4 of the floor space is dedicated to furniture (and if you’re looking to sell yours, they’ll come pick it up). The clothing is great quality and at great prices- I picked up a BR silk blouse for $7.50 and Cole Haan flats for $18.
- Revolve Clothing (1620 E 7th Ave in Ybor) This is a young, funky consignment store in the vein of Buffalo Exchange. Some great vintage items are up for sale, too.
Vintage
- La France (1612 E 7th Ave in Ybor) Prices are high at La France, but any vintage lover would consider this a mecca. The store is brimming with gorgeous evening gowns, krewe costumes from Gasparillas past, and an impressive array of artisan jewelry. Visit if only just to look.
- Sherry’s Yesterdaze (5207 North Florida Avenue in Seminole Heights) This vintage store was only a few blocks from my high school, and my friends and I would spend the time between the closing bell and volleyball practice browsing the racks at Yesterdaze. It’s been far too long since I’ve visited, but a quick glance at their New York Times feature and at their online shop confirms that Sherry’s still got an eye for beautiful vintage things – for both men and women!
- Squaresville Vintage Clothing & Retro Home Décor (508 South Howard Avenue in South Tampa) I’m not actually sure if I’ve been to this store, but I’ve heard great things. Plus, their tag line (“If it’s out of style, it’s in stock”) is pretty hilarious.
Thrift
- Goodwill (4102 W Hillsborough Ave) Like many Goodwill stores, this one has been remodeled to give it more of a boutique feel, which makes for easy shopping. Clothing is well organized, with vintage and “designer” labels (ranging from the Diane von Furstenberg dress I found to Banana Republic) on separate racks, priced slightly higher than the remainder of their stock but still very affordable—we’re only talking $10 for a brand-name dress versus $5.
- Salvation Army (13910 N Nebraska Ave) This store is fantastic for furniture — my parents purchased a gorgeous armoire, overstock from a reputable home furnishings store, at a dangerously low price – and has a back room to highlight their more exclusive offerings like silver tea sets and beaded dresses. My mom mentioned that they’ve also remodeled the store and the selection is more picked over now, but I haven’t visited since and their 50% off everything in the store promotion every Saturday is certainly worth the trip, picked over or not.
- Community Thrift (14244 N Nebraska Ave, practically next door to the Salvation Army) Kind of a run down store, but if you’re willing to look, there can be some great bargains.
- Sunshine Thrift (4304 S. Dale Mabry in South Tampa) Haven’t visited this one since high school either, but I remember it being giant and very clean and organized. Huge pluses for a thrifter.
Hope this helps anyone who lives in or visits Tampa! Feel free to add any I missed in the comments.
RELATED: Headed to DC? Check out my secondhand store recommendations for Washington!
