Antiques and vintage goods can connect us to the past, and they’re a great way to practice sustainable shopping. By purchasing previously-loved goods rather than supporting the creation of new products and materials, you’re embracing a more environmentally friendly way of living.
Our local vintage vendors could really use some love right now, especially as some of them consider re-opening their doors to the public. As businesses prepare to open their doors, please be patient and remember that it is anything but business as usual. Be prepared to wait in lines to get inside, be safe, and shop with purpose so that others can also enjoy the experience. Most businesses are still providing online shopping and curb-side pickup as well, so you can continue to shop safely in whatever way is best for you.
Donating your Dollars
If the thrills of sustainable shopping and connecting to the past aren’t enough to convince you to make a purchase at one of Edmonton’s amazing stores for antique goods, consider purchasing a gift card for someone you know. Gift cards don’t expire, and they give local business owners much needed operating cash upfront.
Giving your Time
Consider volunteering with the Edmonton & District Historical Society. They’re a volunteer-run organization dedicated to preserving the history of our city, and have an excellent repertoire of historical information about Edmonton’s past. They’re currently moving their annual Historic Festival to an online format and are looking for virtual submissions, so be sure to explore those works, and more at their website, here.
Now might also be a great time to sort through your attic or garage and see if you have any vintage goods kicking around. If you have valuable items, you could consider donating them to one of the antique malls in the city, or use some of the other donation ideas we came up with during our Spring Cleaning article earlier this month.
Lending Your Voice
Leave your favourite vintage vendor a review online. Online reviews go a long way and can mean a lot to small business owners, and can make you a familiar face in their customer community.
Many local antique malls are also posting pictures and videos of their goods on social media right now. Consider sharing these posts on your own social feeds so that others in your network can see what is available and make purchases of their own.
Where to Get Your Next Vintage Find, Right Here in YEG
Ibon Antiques
You can shop on their website or check out the Ibon Antiques Etsy Store. They’re offering free delivery with a $35 purchase and also have gift cards available on their website.
My Grandma’s Attic
They are currently only offering curbside pickup of their items as their storefront is currently not open to the public. Follow them on Facebook for daily updates on available items.
Curiosity Inc
Curiosity is planning their reopening for June 1. They frequently produce reality-tv style content on their youtube channel. Give it a follow for the latest goings-on.
Old Strathcona Antique Mall
Starting May 16, the Old Strathcona Antique Mall is reopening with shorter hours a few days per week. They are putting all of the appropriate protocols in place for a safe shopping experience. If you’re not comfortable coming into the store, they will be posting videos of available products on social media. You can find them on Facebook and Instagram for some fun online shopping experiences!
Blue Jar Antique Mall
The Blue Jar Antique Mall has reopened with social distancing measures in place. Curbside pickup will continue to be available. Blue Jar is regularly posting available products to their Facebook feed for those who wish to shop online instead of in-store
Classic European Antiques
Run by a husband and wife duo, you can window shop through their large antique warehouse with their online gallery of products.
Junque Cellar
They might just have the funkiest basement on Whyte Avenue. Follow Junque Cellar on Facebook or Instagram for available products. They are offering curbside pickup service.
One Man’s Treasure
Operating in the heart of Stony Plain, this vintage emporium is temporarily closed but still offering curbside pickup for interested buyers. Follow them on Facebook or Instagram to see what’s available.